Podcasting is a really good way to grow your speaking career. Both having your own show and being a guest on other people's shows can help you stand out from the crowd, hone your message and make the connections you need to enhance your speaking career. How do we know? Well - a good number of our clients ARE speakers. And their podcast helps them grow their businesses. Let's talk about how.

One: Perfecting your Delivery

Because podcasting is such a consistent, regular event in your life it's the perfect testing ground for practicing your stories, experimenting with new techniques, and getting a feel for how audiences respond to different ways of communicating. It's your sandbox to connect with people who will care about your message, and test out what you want to say, so that when it comes time to present your keynote - you're more than ready.

Two: The Proof is in the Podcast

When you make pitches or submit applications, you need a robust library of content to point at. It should show you being interesting, authoritative, thought-provoking - whatever it is you're going for - and your podcast can be your proof. If you're not up for your own - then being a guest on other people's shows is a great place to begin. Check out our free guide on how to be a great podcast guest, or get a copy of How to Pitch Yourself as a Podcast Guest eBook and audiobook.

Three: It's Really All Who You Know

Who you know makes a big difference in the opportunities that are going to come your way, so making yourself known to the movers and shakers in your industry is a great way to make sure you're top of mind when it's time to make recommendations and review submissions. 

Four: Cultivate Your Audience

A podcast or podcast appearance is a wonderful way to give the people what they want: more of you! If you were making the decision on who to invite to speak at an industry-leading conference, would you pick the relative unknown or the popular thought leader with thousands and thousands of passionate fans? It's not a hard decision to make. Five:

Diversify your Income

Podcasting isn't typically revenue generating right out of the gate, growing an audience and growing credibility can take time. If you're a speaker with a business behind them, however, then your podcast becomes another channel for leads, and through which to promote your appearances, sell your products and even support the causes you believe in. It's never wise to have all of your eggs in one basket and diversifying the methods you use to make an income means that you'll be less dependent on each one. Access to your OWN audience through your OWN platform is priceless. Are you convinced yet? I hope so! Today’s action step is for current speakers or those who WANT to be speakers. Look at some popular speakers you admire, maybe they do Ted talks, maybe they keynote, maybe they have really great YouTube numbers - and see if they podcast either as a host or a guest. If they do, listen to a few episodes to hear how they convey their message, engage with their audience, and promote their speaking careers. Then, spend a little time considering whether or not a podcast, or being a guest on podcasts, might help you advance your career.

Free Resources

Check out our free guide on how to be a great podcast guest, or get a copy of How to Pitch Yourself as a Podcast Guest eBook and audiobook.