Creating The Greatest Show

Our special guest today is Mike Montague, a professional podcaster, speaker, writer, & game show host at Playful Humans and VP of Community Engagement at Sandler. Mike shares his insights on podcasting, emphasizing the importance of 'tent poles' - knowing the beginning, middle, and end of the show. These tent poles allow for flexibility and improvisation while ensuring the podcast is structured and engaging. Mike also discusses the importance of listening in interviews, preparation, and making content audience-centric. He details his experiences hosting the How to Succeed Podcast and his passion project, the Playful Humans Podcast.

Takeaways:

• Although a certain level of spontaneity is necessary, make sure that you are prepared with a clear agenda and direction for your podcast; this includes doing preliminary research on your guest if applicable.
• Having a clear structure, and implementing 'tent poles' or clear markers for the beginning, middle, and end of your podcast helps you stay organized while also allowing for flexibility and spontaneity.
• Be responsive and adaptive to the conversation flow. It's okay to deviate from your script and follow the flow of the conversation, as it can yield more authentic and engaging discussions.
• Incorporate entertainment and education: A successful podcast often educates its listeners while simultaneously keeping them entertained. 
• While both host and guests are important, prioritizing the value you provide for your audience should be paramount.

Quote of the Show:

• “I'm kind of an improv guy. I like to do it live. I like to see what happens. Mistakes are okay, I'm not trying to create this polished interview that is perfect. I want it to be a little messy.” - Mike Montague

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedmontague 
• Personal website: https://mikemontague.com 
• Playful Humans website: https://playfulhumans.com 
• Sandler Training website: https://www.sandler.com 
• The Playful Humans Podcast: https://podcast.playfulhumans.com 
• The How to Succeed Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-succeed-podcast/id1097591566 

Ways to Tune In:

• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/12f108ea-018f-44a6-8bb0-9444e9cbf3cc 
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-the-greatest-show/id1638399900
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1B7OnWCGoxBRzH2rbkEFIf 
• Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2NyZWF0aW5ndGhlZ3JlYXRlc3RzaG93L2ZlZWQueG1s
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/creating-the-greatest-show-4823789 
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/oOrnMG8Ar7k

Creating The Greatest Show is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

Our special guest today is Lindsay McGuire, the Associate Director of Content & Campaigns at Goldcast and host of the event series Donuts & Demand. Join Lindsay and our host Casey Cheshire as they delve into strategies such as polls and giveaways to increase audience engagement and the importance of creating content that caters to the audience's interests. Lindsay highlights her love for the 'surprise and delight' elements of live events, noting that these are key in retaining audience attention. She also cautions on the importance of carrying out 'tech-checks' before the event and shares several horror stories from past live event mishaps. Lindsay talks about embracing unpredictability and being transparent with the audience as key to successful live event hosting. They also discuss the content strategy after event participation, specifically for marketing purposes.

Takeaways:

• Make Use of Polls: Utilize polls to not only engage your audience but also to get valuable feedback, which you can use to improve your content or serve your audience better.
• Regular Tech Checks: Perform regular tech checks before going live to avoid disruptions. The purpose of the tech check is not only to test equipment but also to ensure everyone's familiar with the platform being used.
• Be Interactive & Strategic: Plan to make your live event or show exciting and interactive. This includes thinking about how to engage your audience, planning surprises, and considering how to phase key moments.
• Practice Makes Perfect: The more live events you do, the more comfortable and professional you will become. Expect things to go wrong and when they do, stay positive and maintain an authentic and relatable persona.
• Importance of Engagement: Quality of engagement is more important than quantity. Even if the audience is small, if they are highly engaged then you're on the right track. It opens the door for relationship-building with the audience.
• Plan Your Content: Be strategic in your planning. Consider your audience and aim to provide what they want to see or hear rather than pushing content you assume they'll like.
• Be Real and Authentic: Show authenticity and realness in your shows. This helps to create a deeper connection with your audience and makes you relatable which in turn increases engagement.

Quote of the Show:

• “You can be less polished and perfect and a little more relatable. We want those authentic and personal moments.” - Lindsay McGuire

Links:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/McGuireWrites 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayladeroute 
• Website: https://www.goldcast.io 

Ways to Tune In:

• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/12f108ea-018f-44a6-8bb0-9444e9cbf3cc 
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-the-greatest-show/id1638399900
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1B7OnWCGoxBRzH2rbkEFIf 
• Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2NyZWF0aW5ndGhlZ3JlYXRlc3RzaG93L2ZlZWQueG1s
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/creating-the-greatest-show-4823789 
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/URahHYi2HE4 

Creating The Greatest Show is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

Our special guest today is Travis Lachner, CEO and Creative Director of Beast Node and host of The B2Beast Podcast. Join Travis and our host Casey Cheshire as they delve into the art of podcasting, emphasizing the importance of making shows entertaining as well as informative. Travis shares insights about preparing guests for interviews, creating engaging segments, and utilizing podcast episodes as effective B2B sales tools. He also discusses memorable strategies he has used to make his podcasts enjoyable and engaging, such as integrating games and unboxing sessions into the shows, whilst still keeping a professional front and maintaining a business-focused conversation. Travis encourages organic conversations over heavily scripted ones and highlights the importance of deeply researching guests for successful interactions.

Takeaways:

• Prepare your podcast script meticulously, including aspects like speaker names, sectors, and contents. The script acts as a roadmap that gives the conversations and dialogues a clear sense of direction.
• For each podcast, have clearly outlined segments such as an intro, main interview, and a fun closing element. This provides a solid structure for your conversations and helps keep your audience engaged throughout the episode. 
• When interviewing guests for your podcast, put the spotlight on the guest. Devote more time to extracting and showcasing their expertise and experiences rather than dominating the conversation yourself.
• When it comes to prepping your guests, stick to offering a summary of the segments that will be covered during the interview. Avoid providing them with a list of specific questions as it can lead to rehearsed answers and an unengaging conversation.
• Consider integrating segment-based strategies in your podcast. For example, a closing game segment can add an element of excitement and fun, improving audience retention.
• Master the art of conducting a post-show conversation or "green room" chat. This casual chit-chat after the main interview can open doors for further conversations and establish deeper relationships with your guests.
• If the objective of your podcast show is to generate leads or make sales, use the opportunity to gently introduce your services or products during the post-show chat. Rather than making it sound like a sales pitch, express it in a way that illustrates how your services/products could offer value to the guest.

Quote of the Show:

• “The best shows that are succeeding, sustaining, and generating positive ROI have at least some element of entertainment attached to it.” - Travis Lachner

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travislachner 
• Website: https://thebeastnode.com 

Ways to Tune In:

• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/12f108ea-018f-44a6-8bb0-9444e9cbf3cc 
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-the-greatest-show/id1638399900
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1B7OnWCGoxBRzH2rbkEFIf 
• Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2NyZWF0aW5ndGhlZ3JlYXRlc3RzaG93L2ZlZWQueG1s
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/creating-the-greatest-show-4823789 
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/xCBZoCfRnkY

Creating The Greatest Show is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

In this episode, Casey chats with Lindsay Tjepkema, CEO and Co-Founder of Casted, a podcast and video marketing platform built for B2B marketers. They discuss the importance of human connection in podcasting, the influence of AI, and the relevance of high-quality metrics in knowing your audience. Lindsay emphasizes the importance of an authentic and audience-focused approach in podcasting, rather than focusing on the host or guest. She also shares some of the challenges and opportunities for creating quality content, and her views on promotions, seasons, and sponsorships in podcasts.

Takeaways:

• Look for ways to educate your audience. Use your podcast as a medium to enlighten your audience about relevant and interesting topics.
• Remember that human connection is a basic business need. Even though technology and automation might streamline processes, the need for human interaction is fundamental and should not be overlooked.
• Keep your audience as the top priority. Use your role as the host not to serve your own interests, but to provide value and serve your listeners.
• Constantly evaluate your podcast's performance. Always ask yourself: what does a successful podcast look like to you? Use this vision to shape your podcast's current strategies and future growth.
• Taking product discussions into the podcast should be done strategically. Ensure that it adds value to your listeners rather than sounding like an overt promotional activity.
• Be passionate about authentic brand building. Strive to convey the true essence of your brand in every podcast episode you create.
• Strive to connect on a human level with your guests. This not only improves the quality of conversation but also makes your audience feel more engaged.

Quote of the Show:

• “The brands that get it right and have the most loyal following are the ones that prioritize getting creative about human connection.” - Lindsay Tjepkema

Links:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LindsayTjepkema 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaytjepkema 
• Website: https://www.casted.us 
• The Casted Podcast: https://podcast.casted.us 

Ways to Tune In:

• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/12f108ea-018f-44a6-8bb0-9444e9cbf3cc 
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-the-greatest-show/id1638399900
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1B7OnWCGoxBRzH2rbkEFIf 
• Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2NyZWF0aW5ndGhlZ3JlYXRlc3RzaG93L2ZlZWQueG1s
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/creating-the-greatest-show-4823789 
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/vn1XWhOuys0

Creating The Greatest Show is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

Our special guest today is Dr. mOe Anderson (Monica "mOe" (Frazier) Anderson, DDS, DBA, FICD), the host of The Perpetual mOetion Podcast. In this episode, she shares her experiences as a podcaster and a passionate public speaker. She highlights the importance of having quality, open-minded podcast guests who provide value and empower people. Dr. Anderson stresses that her objective is to educate listeners and give them tangible takeaways for personal transformation. A notable strategy she uses is to prepare questions that explore the journey of her guests, leading to revelations about their experiences and thought processes. Dr. Anderson also discusses the challenges she faces, such as time management and the growing numbers of people trying to profit from podcasters, and shares her goals for the future of her show.

Takeaways:

• Diversify your guest list: Regularly invite individuals from different backgrounds, industries, and perspectives to be guests on your show. This enriches the conversations and makes your show more interesting to a broader audience.
• Prepare thoroughly for each guest: Before you speak with your guests, thoroughly vet them and prepare for the interview. This helps to create a more engaging conversation and allows you to ask deeper and more insightful questions.
• Consider adding visual components to your podcast: With the increasing popularity of video content, consider integrating video components into your podcasts. This can expand your audience and increase engagement. 
• Look for authenticity in your guests: Prioritize guests who are open, genuine, and willing to share meaningful information, not just promote their products or services. This contributes to the overall value of your podcast. 
• Embrace humility in your podcasting journey: Remember that even as the host, there's always something new to learn from your guests. Set aside any ego and approach each conversation with curiosity and a desire to learn.
• Be selective in accepting guest pitches: Avoid guests who offer basic, cookie-cutter advice and those who are primarily focused on self-promotion. Instead, prioritize individuals who have unique insights and fresh perspectives to offer your audience.
• Leverage your podcasting network: Make the most of your relationships with past guests by seeking their recommendations for future interviewees. This can help maintain the quality and diversity of your guest pipeline.

Quote of the Show:

“I want to educate people. I want them to have some transformation, something to take away. So I look for quality guests who are really about empowering people.” - Monica Anderson

Links:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmoeanderson 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmoeanderson 
• Personal Website: https://drmoeanderson.com 
• Perpetual mOetion With Dr mOe Anderson: https://podfollow.com/perpetual-moetion-with-dr-moe-anderson 
• Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Monica-F-Anderson/e/B000APL3J2?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1702664159&sr=8-1 

Ways to Tune In:

• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/12f108ea-018f-44a6-8bb0-9444e9cbf3cc 
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-the-greatest-show/id1638399900
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1B7OnWCGoxBRzH2rbkEFIf 
• Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2NyZWF0aW5ndGhlZ3JlYXRlc3RzaG93L2ZlZWQueG1s
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/creating-the-greatest-show-4823789 
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/po3pY5u9PzM

Creating The Greatest Show is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

Today, we have a special guest—a business leader, serial entrepreneur, and passionate storyteller. Meet Anna Ratala, the Founder & CEO of Zvook, a cutting-edge podcast advertising platform designed for the modern marketer. Zvook, inspired by storytellers and driven by AI, enables brands to effortlessly discover relevant podcasts and book host-read ads with a few clicks—no sales calls or budget minimums required. Additionally, Anna hosts the Found(H)er Mind Podcast, offering an audio journal insight into the journey of a startup founder and the behind-the-scenes of building a venture-backed business.

Takeaways:

• Be authentic and passionate about your journey or topic. Don't overly tailor content to the audience; let them gather around your genuine passion. Keep the podcast conversational, making listeners feel like they're part of an engaging discussion.
• Choose guests wisely, especially in the beginning. Opt for those comfortable with podcasts to ease into a conversational flow. Prioritize a relaxed atmosphere; practice with friends if needed. When recording, forget about the "record" button—be genuine to yourself, overcoming the initial fear of being on air.
• In podcasts, authenticity matters more than scripted perfection; let your genuine voice and personality come through for a more engaging and relatable experience.
• Create a safe space for yourself and your guests to be genuine, fostering a truly engaging and authentic atmosphere. Your authenticity sets the tone for your guests to feel comfortable and be themselves.
• People dislike bad and poorly targeted ads, not ads in general. Focus on creating authentic, well-targeted ads that tell compelling stories about products and services. In modern advertising, authenticity matters—shift from hard selling to creating emotional connections and experiences that resonate with your audience.
• Harness the power of influence and word of mouth. People trust recommendations, whether from friends or familiar influencers like podcast hosts. Building a genuine connection fosters a sense of familiarity, making your brand more relatable and appealing.
• Boost your podcast's reach by advertising on similar podcasts. This approach is effective as you're not pushing sales; instead, you're leveraging the existing podcast-listening habit. Listeners are more likely to check out a recommended podcast within the same genre, creating a seamless and successful promotional strategy.

Quote of the Show:

• “People don't hate ads, they hate bad and poorly targeted ads.” - Anna Ratala

Links:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaRatala 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaratala 
• Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zvook-co 
• The Found(H)er Mind Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/found-h-er-mind/id1657616833 

Ways to Tune In:

• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/12f108ea-018f-44a6-8bb0-9444e9cbf3cc 
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-the-greatest-show/id1638399900
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1B7OnWCGoxBRzH2rbkEFIf 
• Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2NyZWF0aW5ndGhlZ3JlYXRlc3RzaG93L2ZlZWQueG1s
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/creating-the-greatest-show-4823789 
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/h5CEp6Q6C-M

Creating The Greatest Show is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

Our esteemed guest today is Vinay Koshy, a podcasting veteran with over 400 episodes on his show, Predictable B2B Success. He's also the founder of Sproutworth, helping B2B companies boost revenue growth by converting customer interviews into compelling case stories. In today's episode, we'll delve into essential topics like listening skills, navigating disagreements, and the revealing power of storytelling.

Takeaways:

• Practice deep listening by paying attention to yourself, the content, context, and underlying meaning in conversations; it's a valuable skill often overlooked.
• Embrace disagreement as it brings passion and emotion to discussions. When questioning, focus on unpacking both the logic and emotions involved for a more thorough understanding.
• Everyone has stories and emotions. To uncover these narratives, actively listen and help individuals unpack their experiences. It's through storytelling that emotions, regardless of one's wiring, become apparent.
• When discussing products, go beyond features and benefits. Connect with the audience by focusing on how the product solves real problems, understanding use cases, and making the information applicable for a more engaging and useful conversation.
• Prioritize reliability over features when choosing podcasting tools. A bad tech experience can ruin a great conversation.
• A successful interview involves guests who share experiences, knowledge, and personal stories. The power of storytelling makes episodes memorable and resonate with the audience.
• For a more targeted approach, explore both sides of the client-service relationship, examining how guests serve clients and their perspectives as clients. This storytelling approach adds depth to discussions about success and journeys with products or services.

Quote of the Show:

• “There's great value in actually being able to really listen to what's being said” - Vinay Koshy

Links:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/vpkoshy 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinaykoshy 
• Website: https://www.sproutworth.com 
• The Predictable B2B Success Podcast: https://www.sproutworth.com/predictable-b2b-success-podcast 
• Oscar Trimboli - Deep Listening (Podcast): https://www.oscartrimboli.com/podcasts 

Ways to Tune In:

• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/12f108ea-018f-44a6-8bb0-9444e9cbf3cc 
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-the-greatest-show/id1638399900
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1B7OnWCGoxBRzH2rbkEFIf 
• Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2NyZWF0aW5ndGhlZ3JlYXRlc3RzaG93L2ZlZWQueG1s
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/creating-the-greatest-show-4823789 
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/3uZnhEXotss

Creating The Greatest Show is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

Our featured guest for today is a seasoned entrepreneur, a proficient marketer, and a successful investor with a track record of launching and managing thriving startups. Please welcome Adam Robinson, the Founder and CEO of Retention.com and the host of the ​​10 Years in the Making Podcast.

Takeaways:

• Start your podcasting journey by asking meaningful questions. Aim for insights that either provoke thought or offer actionable advice. Consider adapting content for short-form videos to broaden distribution. The key is to make your interviews versatile and valuable to maximize impact.
• Transform your podcast for better results by being intentional about your audience. Consider adapting your content to match what your audience truly wants, making your research process more efficient and the podcast more engaging.
• Enhance your podcast by coaching guests for impactful soundbites. Encourage them to repeat key points in a condensed form, ensuring clarity and avoiding rambling. This technique helps distill valuable information for your audience.
• While podcast agencies can excel in production, having an in-house team allows for deeper and more tailored content creation. Consider the flexibility and alignment with company goals that an internal team can provide, offering a personalized approach beyond the structured services of an agency.
• When building an in-house podcast team, prioritize a content manager mindset. Look beyond podcast production and identify topics that can fuel various content formats like LinkedIn posts and short-form videos. Encourage team members to contribute to the larger content strategy, aligning the podcast with broader marketing goals rather than treating it in isolation.
• Embrace the learning curve in content creation. Acknowledge that it's okay not to have all the answers from the start. Focus on understanding your purpose, goals, and what success means for your content. Instead of rushing into it, take the time to learn and refine your approach gradually.
• Transform your podcast into a lead generation tool by considering paid distribution on platforms like LinkedIn. If spending on reaching a wider and more qualified audience brings substantial returns, it's a strategic investment. Aim for a product that aligns with your target audience and competes favorably with leading shows. Success lies in creating a podcast that not only meets your criteria but also serves as an effective lead-generation mechanism.

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retentionadam 
• Website: https://retention.com 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RetentionAdam 
• 10 Years in the Making Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfqBS6a5IzYAHUrmo-8a_Yv7ir2Dg0ki_ 
• PodPost Media: https://podpostmedia.com 

Ways to Tune In:

• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/12f108ea-018f-44a6-8bb0-9444e9cbf3cc 
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-the-greatest-show/id1638399900
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1B7OnWCGoxBRzH2rbkEFIf 
• Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2NyZWF0aW5ndGhlZ3JlYXRlc3RzaG93L2ZlZWQueG1s
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/creating-the-greatest-show-4823789 
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/UDciG8_Cf5E

Creating The Greatest Show is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

Our esteemed guest today is Susan Diaz. As a highly accomplished entrepreneur, she is the Founder & CEO of C+P Digital, an innovative full-service AI agency with a primary focus on strategic marketing solutions. Susan is not only a successful business leader but also a published author, having written the insightful book titled "UNboring: Take your Content Marketing from Blah to Brilliant."

In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Susan wears the hat of a seasoned podcaster. She is the co-host of The 4 AM Report Podcast and the ABCDEI Podcast, where her expertise and engaging discussions shine through. Join us as we delve into the multifaceted world of Susan Diaz's experiences and insights.

Takeaways:

• Build a business pipeline through valuable conversations for scale and recognition, ensuring it serves its purpose as the primary engagement point.
• By prioritizing ideal clients as guests, your podcast can delve into their challenges, providing valuable insights and creating engaging content.
• Unlike structured speaking engagements with predetermined questions, the appeal of a conversational podcast lies in its enjoyable and engaging nature. The freedom for follow-up discussions fosters a more dynamic and immersive experience for both guests and listeners.
• For your guests, consider embracing asynchronous preparation over prep calls. This allows your guests to dive into episodes and gather information independently for a more thorough and comfortable readiness, especially if you lean towards introversion.
• Avoiding prep calls can prevent the risk of forgetting crucial points during the actual conversation, especially with anxious guests. Embracing a more spontaneous approach allows for natural discussions, and even if some details are missed, the overall quality of the conversation remains strong.
• Embracing various approaches, such as skipping prep calls, highlights the importance of adapting to guests' preferences. It underscores the idea that there's no one-size-fits-all method in podcasting, emphasizing the value of listening to and understanding each guest individually.
• Building business relationships through podcasting involves a circular process of reciprocity. It begins with establishing trust by delivering on promises and showcasing your expertise. The co-created content becomes a shared asset, fostering pride and trust. Staying in touch, not through traditional marketing but with meaningful interactions, eventually leads to referrals and mutual support.

Quote of the Show:

• “Even if I do the same thing as everyone else, I've got to believe that I serve the world in a different way.” - Susan Diaz

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susandiaz 
• Website: https://cp.digital 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatpodcastgal 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatpodcastgal 
• UNboring: Take your content marketing from blah to brilliant (Book Link): https://a.co/d/d2Eh5A9 
• The 4 am Report (Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-4-am-report/id1468404169 
• ABCDEI (Podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/abcdei/id1558274599 

Ways to Tune In:

• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/12f108ea-018f-44a6-8bb0-9444e9cbf3cc 
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-the-greatest-show/id1638399900
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1B7OnWCGoxBRzH2rbkEFIf 
• Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2NyZWF0aW5ndGhlZ3JlYXRlc3RzaG93L2ZlZWQueG1s
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/creating-the-greatest-show-4823789 
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/dnfX4iI8VNs

Creating The Greatest Show is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/ 

Today, we're joined by an accomplished serial entrepreneur, a prominent figure in the podcasting realm, and a recognized thought leader. In recent years, she has earned accolades such as two Top 30 Under 30 awards, the Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award, and the Women in Content Marketing Award. Let's extend a warm welcome to Fatima Zaidi, the Founder & CEO at Quill Inc. and CoHost. Notable Life has honored her as Young Professional of the Year, and Flare Magazine has included her among their Top 100 Women. Additionally, Fatima imparts her knowledge as a professor at the University of Toronto, specializing in the field of podcasting.

Takeaways:

• Successful podcasting requires strategic marketing efforts beyond just creating content. Invest time and resources into audience growth, distinguish between awareness and conversion strategies, and understand that podcasting is a marathon, best suited for those seeking to connect intimately with a niche audience rather than aiming for instant mass appeal.
• Focus on reaching your qualified audiences. With millions of podcasts available, connecting with your ideal listeners through strategic promotion and brand building is crucial for relevance and interaction, regardless of audience size.
• Effective podcast marketing is essential for audience growth. Analogous to blog and video content, podcast promotion requires strategic ad spend. Targeting on platforms like Spotify Ad Studio ensures precision, while platforms like PlayerFM and CastBox offer quick conversions, though less qualified.
• Banner ads in industry publications and organic tactics like awards, Apple's new and noteworthy, SEO-optimized blogs, and cross-promo ads further enhance visibility and audience engagement. A blend of paid and organic strategies is key for a successful podcast marketing campaign.
• Distinguishing between podcasts and branded podcasts can be challenging due to industry ambiguity. Branded shows are associated with a specific brand or influencer. Branded podcasts often align with thought leadership, frequently adopting interview formats to educate and establish expertise. The key distinction lies in the presence of a brand or organizational association, marking a departure from independent content creation.
• Balancing corporate objectives with engaging content for a podcast audience is a challenge. While client satisfaction is crucial, the ultimate success lies in resonating with listeners. Metrics like loyal listeners, repeat engagement and identifying drop-offs matter more than sheer downloads. Telling a compelling story enhances brand value, emphasizing that a good podcast naturally attracts engaged listeners without overt sales pitches.
• Focusing solely on download numbers overlooks critical engagement metrics. A high download count doesn't guarantee audience engagement. The real value lies in constantly improving content to provide genuine value and keep the audience engaged. By understanding listener behavior and feedback, podcasters can create content that resonates, fostering long-lasting growth and sustainability for their show.

Quote of the Show:

• “The whole reason that people should launch content is that they're trying to add value or entertain in some format” - Fatima Zaidi
• “Podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint. If you're looking for instant gratification, this is not the right tactic for you” - Fatima Zaidi

Links:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/zaidiafatima 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-zaidi-6a6b844b 
• CoHost website: https://www.cohostpodcasting.com 
• Quill website: https://www.quillpodcasting.com 
• Serial hosted by Sarah Koenig (Podcast): https://serialpodcast.org 

Ways to Tune In:

• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/12f108ea-018f-44a6-8bb0-9444e9cbf3cc 
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-the-greatest-show/id1638399900
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1B7OnWCGoxBRzH2rbkEFIf 
• Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2NyZWF0aW5ndGhlZ3JlYXRlc3RzaG93L2ZlZWQueG1s
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/creating-the-greatest-show-4823789 
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/xfnLk4Gr1Mk

Creating The Greatest Show is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through B2B podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/