Connections, Coffee & Confidence

Podcasts can be an amazing way to get your message and your business out into the world. What better way to attract clients then let them hear how witty and intelligent and, frankly, how awesome you are to spend time with?

But if podcasts are going to play a big part of your publicity or marketing campaign, do you know how to maximize the potential returns for your efforts? Do you know how to be the kind of guest who a host enthusiastically invites back for more?

Well, now you do.

• Request the rules & check your audio (3:05)
• Check the language policy (4:57)
• Can you get a do over? (5:35)
• Listen before you guest (6:52)
• Be concise but chat! (7:50)
• Recognize a podcast is a tool (8:30)
• Be effective - know your messaging (9:10)
• Prepare! (9:42)
• Ask for the theme or topic (10:44)
• Know how people can contact you (12:49)
• Promote. Again. And some more. (13:41)

• 10 Places to get Publicity, Even with Zero Budget (https://www.janicefogarty.com/discover-10-places-to-get-free-publicity-even-though-you-have-zero-budget)
• E19, an interview with Stacey Tompkins, photographer (https://shows.acast.com/connections-coffee-confidence/episodes/headshots-philosophy-and-a-mic-drop-moment)
• Don't Waste Your Breath guide on messaging (https://janicefogarty.podia.com/dont-waste-your-breath-get-your-best-message-across)
• How to be an Amazing Podcast Guest checklist (https://www.janicefogarty.com/how-to-be-an-amazing-podcast-guest)

I love Apothekary products because I appreciate a natural approach to my well-being. I use Seal the Deal every day in my morning smoothie and Chill The F* Out when I need it! (Better Than Botox and You Dew You have been known to hit my smoothies, as well.) By using my referral link, you can get $30US off of your first order --> http://apothekary.refr.cc/janicefogarty

Transcript:

Well hello and welcome to the fiftieth episode of Connections Coffee and Confidence with me, Janice Fogarty. And if this is your fiftieth or your first episode, I’m thrilled to bits and pieces to have you here with me. 

I went down a bit of a rabbit hole trying to research and find some new stats, I do have a fondness for data and there are new numbers from 2020, but all I could find is the old stat that most podcasts never make it past episode fourteen and many don’t make it past one. And that apparently my average download numbers are not considered good.

So, let me say again how much I appreciate you being here and if you could recommend me to a friend that would be brilliant! Thank you.

This week’s episode follows the podcast theme but, true to form, I’m coming at it from a strategic and business minded standpoint. Let’s talk about being a good podcast guest.

INTRO

There are over two million podcasts and roughly 48 million episodes currently floating out there, according to Apple as of April 2021. And I always recommend podcasts as an undervalued opportunity for publicity for your business. (It’s in my freebie about 10 free ways to get publicity, which I’ll link to in the shownotes.) So if I recommend you use a podcast as a way to grow your business, obviously you then need to be a guest. But what do I mean by being a good guest?

It breaks down into two different aspects, one I view as being an actual guest. The person who is going to guest on an episode and provide interesting and informative content to my audience, or any audience but for the sake of simplicity, I’ll speak as if it’s for my show. Trust me, what I am about to talk about are not just my opinions, they have been echoed by a multitude of other podcasters in the various places we hang out. 

So as a person who is about to go on a show, you should know there are probably some minimum expectations on you. You should ask if the podcaster has a form with technical requirements, for example. And if they don’t, please ensure that your sound is good. I can almost guarantee that your laptop mic is not going to work in your favour. You no doubt have amazing things to say but you might as well save yourself the effort because no one will be able to hear you. It’s frustrating for the podcaster, it’s frustrating for you when you hear the episode and realize no one can hear you, and it can cause a lot of extra work and sometimes money for the podcaster to equalize the sound; this is an audio form of entertainment, if the sound isn’t great, there really isn’t much else going for it.

Many of us record over Zoom. You have the link, get your audio testing out of the way before the host shows up. Sometimes life happens and you race in to the meeting by the skin of your teeth, I get that, but it’s nice when you have the chance to have the fiddling about finished up. Like I say, it doesn’t always work out that way but it’s better to be calm and not flustered from your tech goofing up.

Oh yeah, be prepared for the tech to goof up. Episode 19 with photographer Stacey Tompkins was a disaster, tech wise. My laptop overheated two or three times, shutting down completely often mid sentence. Stacey was brilliantly patient and kind while I sorted my issues out and that kind of grace puts someone high on the recommendation list when podcasters are talking about guests.

If you know you tend to have a potty mouth, ask what the language policy is. Then stick to it. I swear in real life, sometimes quite creatively. But not on my podcast. Swearing means we need to label our episodes differently before getting them uploaded for distribution and this can sometimes impact the amount of listeners the podcast will be shared with due to algorithms. 

You can also ask about the re-do policy. I tell people up front that if they need to rephrase something or need to take a second to think, then to go for it. Lift a hand, be silent for a moment to make the editing easier, and try again. I don’t have a problem because I want my podcast to always be a positive experience for people, and because I do my own editing. However, I’m a bit of a rarity apparently, most people outsource their editing and that means the more editing that needs doing, the more money it costs the podcast to get a finished product. And if you feel like you shouldn’t have said something, a bit of speakers remorse, contact the host ASAP. Do not wait. Unless there is a legal implication of what you said, you will be at the mercy of the host’s good graces. I have a waiver that states I have final say in the edit; my guests all agree to that before they get on my show. It’s pretty standard and a podcast is a time-consuming process so to go back once the podcast is in the editing phase or later, it needs to be a major issue.

I can’t recommend this enough but listen to the podcast before you go on. Check it out. All podcasts have some sort of social media or internet presence. Check out who is listening, what the reviews say, and listen to an episode or two. Or three. If the podcast is a mix of interviews and solo episodes, make sure you listen to at least one interview. There are so many benefits to this tip such as learning the interview style, potential questions and episode flow. These are all tips that will help you prepare to show up as a top notch guest because you’ll be ready for those surprise questions, or if the host always drills questions without chit chat or whatever. And when you see who is listening, what they are saying, you’ll have an idea of what kind of stories or value you should be prepared to bring in order to make yours a well reviewed episode.

And hey, talk. This is not the time for brevity. Be concise, don’t waffle on about nothing relevant or interesting, but chat. Be yourself. If you enjoy telling stories, tell stories that usually get a good laugh or that demonstrate a point you’re trying to make. Use the host’s name, reference the title, those are two things that will score you bonus points with the host and might get you invited back on because you’re showing recognition of the importance of their branding. You’re being generous and generosity always plays well.

The other way I mean being a good guest has to do with using the podcast effectively as a tool. Effectively, not obnoxiously. There is some skill to this and I’m very happy to work with you should you be interested in honing your messaging and delivery before you begin guesting. My contact details are in the shownotes, pop me an email. Alternatively you can download my Don’t Waste Your Breath messaging guide. It walks you through creating your messaging that you can then use for going on a podcast, writing your emails or website copy, or creating social media copy.

Because being effective means having your messaging prepared. You may not be guesting to discuss your business but if you have a business, you could potentially get clients or customers out of your episode. So you want to present yourself as collected and competent. This is the same as any other piece of strategic communications, know your goal going into it. That goal will help you with your messaging, define the stories you tell, and guide how you answer questions you weren’t prepared for.

Going back to my advice about listening to a few episodes before going on, this gives you the chance to get used to the host’s style. You always want to fit their flow as best as you can, it’s their show. But there is a way to do it so you can show yourself off in your best light; this requires preparation especially if the podcaster’s style is different to yours. You need to be able to easily slide your answers into the relevant questions. Really good politicians are masters at this; no matter the question thrown at them, they have their answer. It;s their messaging and they just reuse it to answer everything and get their point across. If something is edited beyond recognition, whatever clip is used will ultimately get their message out for them. It’s a beautiful thing to watch when you know how hard it is to do it! Try and see how you can work on that skill.

Now this tip is a bit controversial, see how it sits with you and use it if it feels right. You can always ask for questions or at least a theme or topic before the interview. If you have pitched yourself to the podcast, you have likely provided a sample of the topic you want to talk about. If you have been invited on, you will probably be told what the topic is. But sometimes the information just isn’t forthcoming. And it’s okay to ask. The controversial part is asking for the questions or suggesting questions of your own. Some podcasters are fussy about questions. Some don’t use them. Some are very protective of the integrity of their podcast and don’t want to feel like they are being influenced as to the topic covered. I always have questions and provide them to my guest when I send them the waiver; they are in the same document. Because I approach each episode with my PR hat on, I want to enable and encourage my guests to promote their business, usually while I pry into how they got started and their communications practises. It’s a mutual relationship, from my perspective; I let you the listener hear how someone else is running their business and they can promote themselves. But I am not the typical host. Most aren’t going to design their questions to elicit specific information to help their guests promote themselves, that onus is mostly on you the guest to do so.  If you have something specific that you want to discuss, respectfully request to do so. Explain why it’s of interest to the audience, or how it brings value to the discussion. And if they say no, don’t try and bring it in through the back door during the interview. You can be edited or the episode may never be heard. Just because you are interviewed does not mean the episode will be aired. It’s the podcaster’s show, their decision to upload an episode or not.

My second last tip seems basic but it’s worth repeating. Know how people can get in touch with you. Some people have a linktree or something that provides all of the relevant information and it’s easy enough to say that out but if that’s not you, that’s ok. Know your Twitter or Instagram, Facebook, website, whatever. Decide ahead of time how you want people to contact you and provide that information. It’ll probably go in the shownotes but lots of people never think to go to them so say the important ones out loud for those listening on their phone so they can jump on Google and check you out. If appropriate, offer a freebie or a discount code or something to entice the audience into your world. But be ready to do it when the time arises.

And finally, promote. Promote it on your personal spaces, your business spaces. Promote it when you are interviewed. Promote it when it goes live. Promote it a month later and a few months later. Then feel free to promote it again. When you as a guest promotes your episode, the ripple effect of the benefits are wonderful both for you in terms of added credibility, the opportunity to give potential clients a taste of working with you, the free content for your feeds, and the appreciation of the host who is more likely to invite you back or recommend you to other podcast hosts, but also for the host who benefits from additional exposure and potential new audience members as well as potential new guests. Basically, it’s a good thing to promote your episode more heavily than you think is appropriate.

So there you go. How to be an amazing podcast guest, both as a guest but also as a business person. A podcast is an opportunity to grow your business and your communications skills, skills that are essential for the longevity of your business and transferable to whatever you do in your life. Take advantage of the opportunity! Test out these tips and tag me on Instagram, @janiceefogarty let me know what you’ve tried and how they work for you. Thanks for spending my fiftieth episode with me and I’ll chat with you next week.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/connections-coffee-confidence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is it so hard to communicate like ourself? Things are changing around us which means we, too, are changing. Sometimes out of choice, sometimes out of necessity; sometimes it's conscious and often it's happening without our realizing. But we are changing and when that realization hits, how to do we communicate authentically? Especially when you don't exactly know who you are being authentic to?

Recommended Reading:

• I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn't): Making the Journey from "What Will People Think?" to "I Am Enough" by Brene Brown (https://amzn.to/3nZgzwL)
• Gifts of Imperfection, The: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown (https://amzn.to/3uKDrCs)
• Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell (really, anything by Malcolm Gladwell - in this book he looks at how some people do amazing things by following their intuition, what their gut tells them to do before they can blink. It helped me think about just trusting and going with my gut reaction and is just a great read for entertainment, too!) (https://amzn.to/3vTQKkg) <- this link is to the Kindle edition for my American readers/listeners/shoppers

*Please note that these are my Amazon affiliate links and if you use one to purchase the products I recommend or anything else, your price won't change but I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

I love Apothekary products because I appreciate a natural approach to my well-being. I use Seal the Deal every day in my morning smoothie and Chill The F* Out when I need it! (Better Than Botox and You Dew You have been known to hit my smoothies, as well.) By using my referral link, you can get $30US off of your first order

--> http://apothekary.refr.cc/janicefogarty

Don't waste your breath and get my new guide to walk you through clarifying your messaging and delivery so that you make the right impression, no matter the medium you’re using!

https://janicefogarty.podia.com/dont-waste-your-breath-get-your-best-message-across

✔You're invited! Connections Coffee Confidence Community on Facebook

✔Join me on Pinterest 😀

✔Let's connect on LinkedIn

✔And Instagram!

Transcript:

Hello and welcome to Connections, Coffee & Confidence. I’m Janice and if you’re a regular listener or if this is your first time, I’m so happy to have you here! But!

This week’s episode is a wee bit different in terms of it’s not an actionable PR or strategic communications talk, it’s more behind the scenes.

Because something that comes up as an avoidance reason when it comes to communicating is that word authenticity. And the feeling that you need to be confident. And I want to dig a little deeper into that today.

INTRO

When I first started thinking about why it is so hard to communicate sometimes, I could hear people’s voices in my head, echoes of meeting with clients, speaking to people in my group, and my own reflections. And it comes back to authenticity. You know, how you’re supposed to feel authentic and yourself in your communications; that’s how you attract people, you draw them in by being your amazing self.

And that’s true. I do believe that and I do practise that as much as I can.

But why is that so hard?

I think that when we’ve been through so much, there will always be an impact on our identity. Our lives never stand still in the regular scheme of things; we are always evolving, learning, changing and adapting. We meet new people, go somewhere different. Read a new book or listen to a different podcast. All of these things, and more, affect the way we think and interact with our world. They can affect the way we think about ourselves and can cause huge changes or a minor deviation from our norm.

And that was before Covid. Maybe you’ve had the rug pulled out from under you and you’ve had to pivot. Maybe you or a loved one has been sick, and I’m truly sorry if that's the case. Everyone’s anxiety has increased and that can make us worry or wonder about things that we’ve never considered before. There’s a lot of new and different in the world, all of it exciting but not always in the positive sense. On the flip side, though, this has spurred many of us to try new things, to take the leap we’ve been thinking about, to consciously change into a different person in an effort to attain more happiness or sense of fulfilment or make a living.

Even when the choice to change has been ours, it still brings with it a change in identity and all that comes with it. And how do you sound authentic when you have no idea who you’re being true to?

I’m a mom of three boys. Twins and singleton. At one point I had three under two and a half and I spent a number of years changing diapers, scheduling feedings, washing clothes and bottles, and not sleeping. I was also living in a different country at that time. I was married. I had been working under a work permit system and so had to take jobs that would allow me to work, they were not all what a university graduate was accustomed to. I went from having a secretary to getting the tea and coffee for the media training clients. It was a lot to deal with, throw in a swift and extreme economic downturn and well, things were tough.

It was a lot of change, external and internal. And I was so busy that it was difficult to take some time and realize what was happening. It was life and I was living it, not thinking about it but vaguely aware that something was missing, something was changing and I wasn’t who I thought I was anymore. And it was unsettling.

So yeah, there were a lot of identity shifts, changes and losses in a short few years and I don’t think I’m alone in having a period like that. There’s no way you have gotten to where you are now, to who you are now, without evolution and some of those evolutions had to have been big.

And here we are, with a business or growing a business or thinking about starting one, and we’re faced with the task of communicating authentically and frequently, consistently. We’re faced with creating a cohesive messaging strategy that will market our business and ourselves and holy old smokes all of that is it intimidating.

Because what you map out for yourself to say doesn’t always flow, it doesn’t always feel right, it doesn’t always feel natural. Because although sometimes we might know what needs to be said, we just haven’t had a chance to wiggle our bums around in our seats and find our comfy spot.

A lot of gurus will tell you to take a stand and put your beliefs out there. You know, attract your similarly minded people. But it is hard to take a stand for what you believe in when you aren’t sure what that is. Or when you have an idea but that’s all it is right now, an idea. Maybe it’s so big that there is a lot of complexity to it, or maybe it’s so different to you that you’re still sorting out your feelings around it. Either way, those are not the paths to clear and consistent communications.

Those are the paths to frustration and when you couple that with feelings of pressure around what you should be doing, how often you should be posting, what you need to look like in your pictures, those are the paths to doubt. Those paths lead you to not enjoy working your business any longer. They lead to pumping things out at a mad rate, but none of it really feels right, or the well drying up because you overthink everything - which often happens when we aren’t clear on things anyway.

And honestly, where I often find myself these days is fixating on the question of energy and desire. As in, do I really have the energy to get involved with this? Do I have the desire, do I feel strong enough to boldly proclaim that I do not believe anyone should ‘celebrate’ world autism day? (For the record, I live in an autism centric home. It’s life. We should celebrate life. We need to generate more awareness, more acceptance, more love for those who operate differently to us but isn’t that true of every single person under the sun? Mark it, but I feel celebrate is an odd choice of word. I celebrate my kids every day. Sometimes not until they have gone to bed and I celebrate that we survived another day but in that respect am I really different to other parents of three boys?) Ok, and this is what I mean. And I don’t have the energy to devote to clarifying my position publicly because I don’t have the time to devote to clarifying my own position to myself. So I tend to stay away, I don’t take a lot of stands.

So what the heck are we supposed to do about this?

I feel like the answer is pretty short and simple. Who are you right now?  Be true to that person. What made you smile today? Appreciate that and if you’re stuck on something to throw up on Insta or Facebook, then that’s your story for today. Not everything has to be mind blowingly deep, or hilarious, or a smashing sale post. Take that pressure off of yourself right now.

Nor does it need to be perfect. I mean, have you seen my Instagram? @janiceefogarty go on, follow me for the laugh. Or join my group Connections Coffee Confidence Community on Facebook. I sometimes go live in there and show you how you don’t need to be perfect to show up. 

Consistency that counts a lot but that doesn't mean three times a day every day. Unless you have a team and a killer content plan in which case have at ‘er. But I don’t. So I don’t. And that’s ok. 

And yeah, consistency of messaging is important but so is being human. We do evolve. If you post about coffee today and tea tomorrow, well, big deal. If you know why you started your business and that has evolved, well that’s ok too. Don’t feel badly about shifting your messaging, it happens all the time. Especially when the world is changing so quickly and you’re a small business; it’s great to be small enough to shift and adapt to what is more meaningful or impactful or possible for you. 

When you’re in a state of flux, that’s who you are in that moment. You’re changing and don’t overthink it, it makes everything worse. Complete overthinker here, by the way. I speak from experience. If you haven’t heard the expression ‘sit in the suck’ then welcome, you have now. Because those feelings of discomfort when you’re changing are real. They often suck. But by sitting in that suck and allowing it to work itself out, by taking some time to allow the shifts to happen and to recognize those shifts, to accept them and figure out what they mean to you, you’re actually being true to yourself. So showing up as authentically you means that things change. How you show up, when you show up, maybe even where you show up, will change.

I feel like the confidence we’re sometimes looking for will come when we accept this state of change. When we acknowledge that, right now, we are figuring things out and we are not alone in this stage. And nor will it be the last time we go through it. When you accept all of that, you’ll be showing up authentically and confidently and that is something to celebrate. 

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/connections-coffee-confidence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This interview is with Carol Foy, Clinical Aromatherapist - and yoga instructor. Carol's business has evolved to offer products but her heart is always in providing a service that helps create wellness for her self and her family, her community and - through the ripple effect - the world.

• Help to Create Wellness: Clinical Aromatherapy (2:32)
• 8 Years in a Yoga Studio (6:48)
• Now I don't Know What to Do: Moving On (10:04)
• Bumming Around & Surfing: Plans and a change of direction (12:15)
• Being Open Minded: A holistic way of living with environmentally friendly products (13:39)
• The Chance to Make a Difference: A positive impact on my community (16:55)
• Misinformation and Stigma: Making Aromatherapy Accessible (18:11)
• Safety Advice: Essential Oils and beyond (20:11)
• Bergamot: Carol's Favorite Today (25:17)
• Smell as a Sensory Experiece (28:26)
• There's Always Been a Desire to Make Things Better (31:10)
• Top Questions for an Aromatherapist: Safety, Essential Oils and Kids (33:35)
• Not All People Are Your People (36:34)

• www.theforestandfield.ca
• Instagram: @forestandfieldaromatherapy
• FB: forest-field-aromatherapy
• Carol's top recommendation: The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless (**https://amzn.to/3xGvW1v This is my Amazon Affiliate link and if you choose to purchase this book or anything else through it then I will receive a small commission but your price will not change. Thank you for your support!)

I love Apothekary products because I appreciate a natural approach to my well-being. I use Seal the Deal every day in my morning smoothie and Chill The F* Out when I need it! (Better Than Botox and You Dew You have been known to hit my smoothies, as well.) By using my referral link, you can get $30US off of your first order

--> http://apothekary.refr.cc/janicefogarty

Don't waste your breath and get my new guide to walk you through clarifying your messaging and delivery so that you make the right impression, no matter the medium you’re using!

https://janicefogarty.podia.com/dont-waste-your-breath-get-your-best-message-across

✔You're invited! Connections Coffee Confidence Community on Facebook

✔Join me on Pinterest 😀

✔Let's connect on LinkedIn

✔And Instagram!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/connections-coffee-confidence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is a webinar for every topic - and fifteen emails to go with each one.- available every day. There are probably fifty experts or influencers for every niche. There is more information coming at us every day than we ever dreamed was possible. And we need to be able to accept that we are responsible for taking the information we have already gleaned and putting it into action.

But how?

That's what this week's episode addresses with my five ways around and through that information overload!

• Take a Break (2:55)
• Find Clarity by Focusing on Your Goals (4:13)
• Narrow Your Sphere of Influence (5:27)
• Emulate: Find a Template (7:36)
• Speak it Out (9:11)
• Set a Reminder: Brendon Burchard's Phone Alarm Trick (11:23)

• Brendon Burchard - High Performance Planner (https://amzn.to/3dQ93ko)*
• Brendon Burchard, my favorite book of his - High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way (https://amzn.to/3niLgwq)*
• Get on the waitlist for my Cut The Waffle course and learn the shifts necessary to create your own strategic communications plan: https://www.janicefogarty.com/cut-the-waffle-create-your-strategic-communications-plan

*Please note that this is my Amazon affiliate link and if you use it to purchase the products I recommend or anything else, your price won't change but I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

I love Apothekary products because I appreciate a natural approach to my well-being. I use Seal the Deal every day in my morning smoothie and Chill The F* Out when I need it! (Better Than Botox and You Dew You have been known to hit my smoothies, as well.) By using my referral link, you can get $30US off of your first order

--> http://apothekary.refr.cc/janicefogarty

Don't waste your breath and get my new guide to walk you through clarifying your messaging and delivery so that you make the right impression, no matter the medium you’re using!

https://janicefogarty.podia.com/dont-waste-your-breath-get-your-best-message-across

✔You're invited! Connections Coffee Confidence Community on Facebook

✔Join me on Pinterest 😀

✔Let's connect on LinkedIn

✔And Instagram!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/connections-coffee-confidence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No stress, just being clear on what you want and asking for it.

Sounds simple, eh?

This episode walks you through how easy it can actually be.

**********

Mentioned in this episode:

• Heather McGregor, Soul Life Laser Coach, www.naturallypresent.com/
• Heather's FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/naturallypresentnetwork

**********

I love Apothekary products because I appreciate a natural approach to my well-being. I use Seal the Deal every day in my morning smoothie and Chill The F* Out when I need it! (Better Than Botox and You Dew You have been known to hit my smoothies, as well.) By using my referral link, you can get $30US off of your first order --> http://apothekary.refr.cc/janicefogarty

Don't waste your breath! Get my new guide to walk you through clarifying your messaging and delivery so that you leave the right impression. Use it to help you speak to groups, on podcasts or even to focus your social copy!

https://janicefogarty.podia.com/dont-waste-your-breath-get-your-best-message-across

✔You're invited! Connections Coffee Confidence Community on Facebook

✔Join me on Pinterest 😀

✔Let's connect on LinkedIn

✔And Instagram!

Transcript:

Clarity of messaging is so important. And that sounds kind of formal, a bit intimidating maybe, but honestly I don’t mean it to be. When you boil it down, it’s about knowing what you want or need and being able to simply say it. 

So while I normally get all PR-ish and strategic when I talk about messaging and the like, today I want to reframe it and have a look at knowing what you want and need, and asking for it. Clearly and simply.

INTRO

Now, in addition to me usually being very clinical - straightforward and I have had someone comment on my use of statistics, I like evidence based stuff, what can I say? This episode is coming from the gut, I promise not to throw numbers at you or reference any studies. Are you feeling relieved?

I feel like oftentimes we are kind of free floating through life, you know? Like, you know you have to make sales to get money to pay your bills and buy a coffee Saturday morning when you go out for a walk. You know you need to post on social media and have something for sale, and talk about it, entice people in. You probably know you have to forge some partnerships, make some connections, collaborate in order to grow but it kinda just stays there in your mind. You know these things are good things but knowing and doing don’t always meet up. And without the doing, you don’t receive.

So how do you fix that?

The starting point for me is the purpose or intention, the need or the want. You can’t go off doing things without a reason, otherwise you’re wasting time and energy. I hate to nail myself down to something like I need to make $500 from this product by the end of the week, that creates pressure and stress; it comes from a place of lack which is never a great place to be, but it’s important to be clear in your mind on what you want so try: I’m paying that bill before it’s due or I’m getting a new client this week. Or it could be as simple as I’m starting a business that helps these particular people with this particular challenge.

That doesn’t feel too scary, does it? Not a ton of pressure on yourself in any of those intentions, right? And note the language is all present tense, it is happening. That also feels nicer because it’s like a foregone conclusion. 

So what is it that you intend to accomplish? It might not even be an action, it might be a feeling or desire that you want to imprint on others, but there is an intention there that will guide your actions. You have to be clear on that piece, the intention. If you don't know what you want, how will you know when you’ve got it?

Once you have that intention, and I am trying so hard not to say goal here, the urge to be strategic complete with jargon is huge. But I’ll stick with intention or purpose. Once you have that, it clears up where you’ll look for the opportunities or resources you’ll need. If you want to get really woo, that clarity of intention will allow the universe to come in and fulfill it with you. I say with you because you always have to put some effort in, you need to show that you’re invested and willing to work. So where will you look?

Most people I find are resorting to Facebook, I mean there are a million groups out there - including the Connections Coffee & Confidence Community which you are welcome to join. But you’re more than likely to find a group, a company, an event, a something that suits your purpose on Facebook or it’s sister platform Instagram. Or any other social media. But let’s not forget other options. It could be through volunteering, through the local newspaper, the radio, YouTube or even a podcast. Google what you’re looking for and just see what comes up? There could be a book or a documentary that gives you an idea that sends you down a new path. Like maybe you’re meant to write a book or create a documentary? I don’t know but you are merely looking at the opportunities right now, not ruling anything in or out. 

And don’t forget people. I am the one they used to giggle at in my last office because I was known for connecting people with articles, programs, resources, whatever. If I knew you were interested in or needed or were working on something, and I saw a related article for example, I’d email it to you. And there are others like me - you might be one or know one yourself? A connector. People can be a valuable source of opportunities. But I know that sometimes it’s hard to connect in person and that leads me to the next step.

Asking. Ugh. This might actually be the hardest part of the whole process. Asking for what you want. Or even just saying, out loud or in writing, what you are seeking. Does that feel gross for you? Even just the thought of asking for the sale, asking for the referral, asking for the raise if you’re still working for someone else. Saying you want an opportunity, that you want to try, that you are the right person for the job?

I get that, right in my heart. In my gut. To me this is often the hardest and the piece I’ve been working the most on. And there are probably a few reasons this piece is hard but I find that when you strip away the layers, emotions and attachment are revealed at the core.

What if they say no. How would that feel? And chances are that the ickiness of that feeling, even the anticipation of that feeling, is enough to add hesitancy into our ask.

Some of this can be alleviated by remaining in the moment and revising the way we set out our purpose; like I said earlier, not putting the stress of a very finite and absolute expectation on ourselves. Because then there is a very clear idea as to what constitutes failure. 

Side note, it’s not a failure. I guarantee it’s not, I don’t even know the circumstances and I can tell you it’s not. It’s a learning experience and as much as you may want to roll your eyes and snort at that sentence, it actually is. And sometimes we need to have a few of those experiences before we can even realize that we’ve survived - and that realization on its own is a massive shift.

But if we are able to detach ourselves from the ask, then the ask is easier to do. I attended a masterclass with Heather McGregor who is an empowerment coach, she works with people around their money mindset but does it from the standpoint of energetic flow. I’ll leave a link to her in the shownotes and if you ever get a chance to do one of her meditations, do it. She’s wonderful. But anyway, she speaks a lot about detaching from your money story, and a lot of your other stories that honestly we all hold on to. Be it that it’s not nice to ask; or well, I told them what I do they can ask me if they need me; or who am I to ask them. Stories. 

This is where I like to have my story straight, so to speak. When I was younger, earlier in my career, I would actually write down what I wanted to say or what I needed the other person to think by the time we got off the phone and I would have it in front of me. Talk about clarity of intention and being present in that moment. I didn’t want to waste people’s time by floating through a phone call, I wanted to make sure that when the time in the conversation came for me to fulfill my intention for picking up the phone, I was ready. 

And when you’re clear on that intention and have separated your feelings from the ask, the ask is easier.

But what about the answer?

Again, this is where all the other pieces to this flow continue to have a knock on impact. If you haven’t tied yourself to a narrow outcome, if you’ve been open eyed while looking at your opportunities, separated yourself from the question and just asked clearly and simply, well, the answer is what it is. Because you weren’t tied to an outcome, remember. That was one ask and you don’t know what’s coming down the road. You may have planted a seed, you may have asked a connector who won’t say anything to you but might know someone who really would fit your offer. You might be at a dead end with that particular ask and then it’s a learning situation. Whatever it is, it’s ok. 

I’m bumping up against a lot of people who are having trouble asking and, on the opposite side of spectrum, those who ask beautifully. Where you truly feel they are just putting it out there and are happy with whatever answer they get, they are comfortable that their intentions will be met. Their purpose fulfilled. I’m working my way down that continuum. And make no mistake, it’s work. But I have seen some really amazing things happen for those people who simply ask and I want that for you.

So the next time you need to ask for something, try being clear on the big picture of what you intend as a result, don’t tie yourself down. Look for the opportunities and when they present themselves, detach the emotion and ask. Then, hit me on Instagram at janiceefogarty and let me know how it went. I’m always in the mood to celebrate people seeing their chance and taking it. Until next week.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/connections-coffee-confidence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Auditing is not just for taxes! It's for communications, too and this episode walks you through the simple steps to audit yourself and explains why you would ever want to do it in the first place.

Key Points:

• Why on Earth do a Communications Audit? (1:59)
• When is the Right Time to Audit? (2:59)
• What's Your Strategy, Your Why? (4:04)
• Gather Your Materials (5:08)
• Why is Strategic Communications & Public Relations Important to Your Business? (6:19)
• Evaluate Your Activities (7:53)
• Analyze the Results (8:39)
• List and Prioritize Your Changes (9:26)

Also Mentioned:

• Get on the waitlist for Cut the Waffle and learn how to talk to your customers to make an impact and be known for your work: https://janicefogarty.podia.com/cut-the-waffle-create-your-strategic-communications-plan

I love Apothekary products because I appreciate a natural approach to my well-being. I use Seal the Deal every day in my morning smoothie and Chill The F* Out when I need it! (Better Than Botox and You Dew You have been known to hit my smoothies, as well.) By using my referral link, you can get $30US off of your first order --> http://apothekary.refr.cc/janicefogarty

Don't waste your breath and get my new guide to walk you through clarifying your messaging and delivery so that you leave the right impression, no matter the medium you’re using!

https://janicefogarty.podia.com/dont-waste-your-breath-get-your-best-message-across

✔You're invited! Connections Coffee Confidence Community on Facebook

✔Join me on Pinterest 😀

✔Let's connect on LinkedIn

✔And Instagram!

Today I’m talking about a different type of audit. A communications audit. If you’ve never heard of this, it’s honestly exactly what it sounds like where you audit all of your communications. But why would you do this? And do people really do this? Well because and yes. And for more complete answers, stay tuned…

INTRO

Well an audit just doesn’t sound like it would be fun, does it? But a communications audit, when you are opening yourself up to seeing the awesome things you’ve been doing and shall we say the areas for opportunity, that’s fun! Maybe that’s just me but if there’s a little piece of you that’s cringing inside, guess what? Tell yourself it’s fun, tell yourself you love this stuff to bits, channel your inner me and take an afternoon to do one. It’s easy.

But why, I hear you ask. Why would I sit down and do that when I have five million other things to do? And I understand your potential reluctance but here’s the thing. It’s precisely because you have five million other things that you need to stop for an afternoon and do this. When you take the time to review what is and isn’t working, and analyze why, it’s going to help you improve or even streamline your activities. It’ll make you not only more efficient but also more impactful. And if you don’t think you have enough communications pieces to look at, I beg to differ. You do. I don’t even know you but I know you do. If you have sent an email, tweeted, posted on any of the socials, hit LinkedIn, you have communications to review.

A communications audit is something that should ideally be done on a regular basis. Just like you review your business processes or your spending and earnings, you should review your comms. Sometimes there are natural times in your business when auditing makes sense, such as planning a new launch or looking back at one you’re just wrapping up. Sometimes you need to do one because something isn’t working right, you aren’t seeing the results you think you should or getting the engagement or reactions that you feel you should. Sometimes an audit is built in as part of your communications plan, complete with targets and review date, and that’s just when you previously decided to assess your plan. An audit can help you figure out which tactics and tools are working best for your different audiences and you can then use that information to guide your strategy. And, if you want some help with your communications planning, get on the wait list for my Cut the Waffle program and make wondering what you’re going to say to reach your goals a thing of the past!

Okay, so I know you agree an audit sounds like a smart thing but how does this happen? What do you need to do?

First off, you need to think about your strategy behind the audit. What information are you looking for or what is prompting this? You can do a mini audit, look at the last three months or you can review a campaign, or review everything for the last six to twelve months before you create your new communications plan. If you just need to know why you aren’t getting the take up on a recent sale campaign or offer, there may not be much point to you looking at everything you’ve done in the last eighteen months unless you want to compare against a similar campaign. And, depending on the business you’re in, you may not even be looking at your communications with customers. You may be looking at how you communicate with suppliers or collaborators, employees or members, shareholders or partners. So define your focus for this activity, we’re being efficient not wasting more time!

Second, step is to gather your materials. Make a nice list of all the different ways you communicated about x to y in the agreed upon time frame. Think about this one, because sometimes there’s a different method that you tried twice and forgot about; include it because it might tell you something when you compare it to other methods you’ve been more consistent with. Start a spreadsheet. (Decidedly less fun in my world but a necessary evil.) Log a column of the communications. If you are prolific, like post on IG six times a day, first of all, why? Do you have sales directly from instagram that back up that effort? (An audit would show the data on that, by the way.) Secondly, take a reasonably representative sample. You don’t have the time or energy to go through and evaluate 600 Insta posts, take a sample. What you are looking for here is a way to keep track of what you’ve done so you can analyse it in an orderly fashion.

I know, people talk about communications and PR like it’s so soft and fluffy. This perception makes it seem like it’s not actually that important. It’s nice to have, it’s not a must have. No. Strategic communications and public relations are vital to your business. You do them every day without even realizing it, with no training. Alvin Adams once said that public relations are a key component of any operation in this day of instant communications and rightly inquisitive citizens. He was basically the father of express shipping and he said that in the mid 1800’s. Imagine how true that is today. Because it is strategic, there needs to be numbers and data involved in execution. Sure, sometimes the data is based on the soft fuzzies like feelings, but it’s data nonetheless and useful for planning your future moves.

Ok, side rant over. Get a spreadsheet going.

When you have a list of your relevant communications, take a moment and congratulate yourself on all of that work you had done. So many people fall at the first hurdle, they never promote themselves or their product and go out of business. But not you, you tried and kept at it. So take a minute.

Third thing you want to do is nail down what you’re evaluating and get to work. Did you have goals set up and did these communications activities meet them? Or at least support them? For example: Did you want to increase your email list by 25 per cent? Then how many posts pointed back to your email list? Did you always do it on LinkedIn but never in Facebook? Why? Were those posts where you pointed back to your email list strong calls to action? Clear? Or did you only allude to the fact that you have an email list? Maybe you didn’t care to set up an email list but look back at your goals and see if your communications efforts over the past while helped you reach them.

Fourth is to have a think about what you’re going to do going forward. Some things will have gone brilliantly but it’s a given that nothing was perfect. So how can you change? What can you do differently? Maybe it’s not you, maybe it’s the fact that there is an obstacle in your way that was not in your control. I heard of someone who launched her product on the day of the American presidential swearing in. That’s an obstacle. It had nothing to do with her, her messaging, her offer, but everything to do with something that was happening in the world. And it’s a great lesson for the future.

And the fifth thing you want to do is make a list of the opportunities you’ve just created. The ideas for ways to improve certain things or phase out others. And prioritize it. Get your quick wins in there. Change your call to action on your Instagram posts, you know? Do what is free, what is quick and high five yourself for making such a killer move for your business. You may need some more time to work on other items, you may save spending money on tactics for later, but the awareness of what worked is key. That awareness will continue to subtly shape your communications until you are in a place where you can make bigger moves and that’s a win in itself.

I had a brief conversation with someone in a similar field to me regarding our methods at attracting our clients. We were bumping up against the same issues and she just beat me to the punch, saying that she had had a look at where her customers were coming from, who they are and where they hang out, and realized that her customers weren’t even where she had been spending time posting and trying to attract them. She was able to make a decision, based off the data, and changed her strategy to be more efficient and impactful. I love that, having the knowledge that enables you as the business owner to make a good decision for the benefit of your business. That’s proper management.

No matter what people may tell you or what their instagram and pretty websites might imply, running a business isn’t easy. There are loads of things that you need to be aware of, if only to make a conscious decision to ignore them or pay someone else to do for you. I hope that this episode - heck this podcast - helps you with at least one aspect of it. And if you know someone else who would benefit from this information, I’d be really honored if you shared it with them. Thank you so much and until next week, my friends.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/connections-coffee-confidence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s episode is an interview one with a twist. It’s actually a recording of a talk that I gave to the Captivate Share Your Story Facebook Group run by Emanuela Hall.

I was completely in my zone, talking all things PR - messaging, pitching, hooks. stories...and how you can change your approach to thinking about your own business and how you interact with the media so you have a better chance of success.

Podchaser will donate 25 cents to Meals on Wheels America’s Go Further Fund for EVERY podcast and episode review left on Podchaser in April 2021! They’ll also DOUBLE the donation amount anytime a podcaster replies to a review! I promise to reply if you promise to leave a review! You can check out this page or

1. Visit any podcast or episode page on Podchaser.
2. Hit the “Rate” or “Review” button.
3. Type your review and hit “Save”!

Tag me on IG @janiceefogarty - I'd love to see you and say thank you personally!

Emanuela is a speaking and presence coach who provides you with tips, tricks, and strategies that will help you feel more comfortable and confident on stage, on camera, and IRL!  If you're ready to own your stage and screen presence, Emanuela is your woman. Find her on:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emanuela_speaks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/captivateshareyourstory
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbif91iQRw1d13h9qwwYxJA/featured

• Get on the waitlist for Cut the Waffle and discover how to create your own strategic communications plan so you can grow, be recognized as an authority and attract awesome clients without stressing over wasting your time and energy. https://janicefogarty.podia.com/cut-the-waffle-create-your-strategic-communications-plan

• I love Apothekary products because I appreciate a natural approach to my well-being. I use Seal the Deal every day in my morning smoothie and Chill The F* Out when I need it! (Better Than Botox and You Dew You have been known to hit my smoothies, as well.) By using my referral link, you can get $30US off of your first order --> http://apothekary.refr.cc/janicefogarty

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/connections-coffee-confidence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is about a question your next client might just be asking themselves: Why should I hire you? And as your price point goes up, your certainty that they are asking this goes up, too. So, what's your answer?

This episode will guide you through a number of different ways you can answer this question before it even gets asked.

Key Points:

• Get Comfortable with Yourself (3:36)
• Messaging & Brand Alignment (6:43)
• Publicity: One to many (9:15)
• Collaboration (9:45)
• Influencers (11:02)

Also Mentioned:

• E38 Shopping by Community: An Interview with Abbey Schoenberg of Fancy.com
• Get on the waitlist for Cut the Waffle and learn how to talk to your customers to make an impact and be known for your work: https://janicefogarty.podia.com/cut-the-waffle-create-your-strategic-communications-plan

I love Apothekary products because I appreciate a natural approach to my well-being. I use Seal the Deal every day in my morning smoothie and Chill The F* Out when I need it! (Better Than Botox and You Dew You have been known to hit my smoothies, as well.) By using my referral link, you can get $30US off of your first order --> http://apothekary.refr.cc/janicefogarty

Don't waste your breath! Get my new guide to walk you through clarifying your messaging and delivery so that you leave the right impression, no matter the medium you’re using!

https://janicefogarty.podia.com/dont-waste-your-breath-get-your-best-message-across

✔You're invited! Connections Coffee Confidence Community on Facebook

✔Join me on Pinterest 😀

✔Let's connect on LinkedIn

✔And Instagram!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/connections-coffee-confidence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I bet you use the social media platform that you personally prefer as your business platform of choice. But have you wondered if it's the best choice? This episode talks about all the main platforms and who's on them, why they are there, and will get you thinking about your next steps.

Key Points:

• Facebook: Who knew the 25-34year olds were there?! (2:57)
• Instagram: 1B users but 88% are outside of the US (4: )
• TikTok: Home of the engaged audience (8:28)
• LinkedIn: Home of Shelf Stable info (11:34)
• Twitter: If You're Looking for a Male Audience....(13:13)
• Clubhouse: Profile Building and Connection Making (14:27)
• YouTube: A Lot of People Use YouTube! (15:56)
• SnapChat: The American Teen's Platform of Choice (16:50)
• SO What Do You Do with All This Data?! (18:29)

Also Mentioned:

• E39, Living Pintentionally with Ally Davis
• E26, The Info That Changed my Pinterest Strategy
• If you'd like to work together: [email protected]
• Get on the waitlist for Cut the Waffle and learn how to talk to your customers to make an impact and be known for your work: https://janicefogarty.podia.com/cut-the-waffle-create-your-strategic-communications-plan

I love Apothekary products because I appreciate a natural approach to my well-being. I use Seal the Deal every day in my morning smoothie and Chill The F* Out when I need it! (Better Than Botox and You Dew You have been known to hit my smoothies, as well.) By using my referral link, you can get $30US off of your first order --> http://apothekary.refr.cc/janicefogarty

https://janicefogarty.podia.com/dont-waste-your-breath-get-your-best-message-across

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/connections-coffee-confidence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Confidence is something we think everybody - other than us - has. The reality is we all question ourselves, our capabilities, how we got to where we are and do we actually deserve to be there. This episode talks about how a lack of confidence shows up and four strategies to deal with it.

• 5:47 How does a lack of confidence show up in your life?
• 8:50 What would a man do?
• 11:05 Noting as a way to deal with lack of confidence
• 13:28 Act as if: what would future you do?
• 15:34 A Strategic Communications Plan: Know what you're saying, to who, why and how
• 18:08 Suck it up, buttercup, and do it anyway

Also mentioned in this episode:

• E32, A Vision Check, for gaining clarity
• E28, Create a Communications Plan for Your Business
• Get on the waitlist for Cut the Waffle and learn how to talk to your customers to make an impact and be known for your work: https://janicefogarty.podia.com/cut-the-waffle-create-your-strategic-communications-plan

I love Apothekary products because I appreciate a natural approach to my well-being. I use Seal the Deal every day in my morning smoothie and Chill The F* Out when I need it! (Better Than Botox and You Dew You have been known to hit my smoothies, as well.) By using my referral link, you can get $30US off of your first order

--> http://apothekary.refr.cc/janicefogarty

https://janicefogarty.podia.com/dont-waste-your-breath-get-your-best-message-across

✔You're invited! Connections Coffee Confidence Community on Facebook

✔Join me on Pinterest 😀

✔Let's connect on LinkedIn

✔And Instagram!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/connections-coffee-confidence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.