Influential Voices of Authority

It has been said many times that people do business with those they know, like and trust. Having common values helps you build that rapport.

RELATIONSHIPS

I like to think of know, like and trust as relationships. When you build relationships with your audience, your impact grows in amazing ways.

Your potential clients want to get to know you, because they want to understand if you believe what they believe. Do you have similar values?

Your values build the foundation of who you are.

To become a magnetic host who attracts listeners and clients to you rather than chasing them, you need to be someone others want to be around. Not only be around, but they seek you out.

INFLUENCE THROUGH VALUES

This happens when you get clear on the characteristics of an influential authority.

First, you need a powerful origin story. How did you develop your superpower? How were your values instilled in you?

Next, you need to define your values and beliefs. What makes you you? Write out your foundational principles.

Now describe that pivotal moment when you discovered this was your mission. When did that transformational moment happen that gave you your superpower?

Then you need to develop the stories of your journey that demonstrate your values, beliefs, and principles. What insider language is incorporated into those stories that is used by your tribe?

Finally, you need a tribe to spread your message and be your testimonials.

BEGIN WITH VALUES

This entire process starts with defining your values. You can't develop your origin story, foundational principles, transformational moment, stories to share, or a tribe to spread it without first knowing your values.

Be brave and stand for those values you believe in. It will be scary. Do it anyway.

If you try to please everyone, you please no one. You become safe and middle of the road. When you're in the middle of the road, you become roadkill.

Make people pick a side. When you make people care, you will attract the right people and repel the wrong people.

If everyone rates you a 3 on a one-to-five scale, they really don't care. Three means, "I could take it or leave it. I really don't have a feeling either way." That's a bad place to be.

When you pick a side, some people love you and others hate you. That's ok. At least they care.

You'll attract more people who love you and the people who hate you won't come back anyway. They weren't going to buy in the first place.

You will be ok. Stand for what you value.

VALUES WITH ROBERT MACPHEE

I want to share an interview I recently did on the Podcast Profits Summit on values with Robert MacPhee. This will help you get started.

Robert MacPhee is the creator of the "Excellent Decisions" values-based leadership program and the author of "Living a Values Based Life".

He is the former Director of Training for the Canfield Training Group, having worked closely for many years with Jack Canfield, the co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Book series and the author of The Success Principles.

Robert is an expert in experiential learning, peak performance, values clarification and leadership. He is also the host of the Value Based Life Podcast.

You can find Robert's free gift at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/values. It is the Values Advantage free video mini-course to begin the process of discovering what YOUR highest values are.

Enjoy the gift from Robert.

If you don't have a mentor who can take your hand and walk you every step of the way, go to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply, click the button and apply to have a chat with me. We will develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals.

WHY AN OFFER DOESN'T CONVERT

Dumping time and energy into a podcast that does nothing to grow your business does not make good, financial sense. The offer you present on your podcast needs to inspire people to take action. If people are't taking action, it's not your offer. It's who you're being while you're making the offer.

The solution is about your authority, not your podcast.

[Podcast Launch Workshop Details HERE.]

MY JOURNEY INTO PODCASTING

I came to podcasting from radio. My radio career started in 1988. I began coaching on-air talent and programming radio stations in 1995.

In 2009, I discovered podcasting and began helping podcasters in 2012.

I love podcasting. But it isn't about podcasting. It's about authority and relationships.

The selling process is 40% rapport and relationships. If you want to get your audience to take action, you are selling.

OFFER WITH ORIGIN

Consider Gary Vaynerchuk or Russell Brunson or Brendon Burchard.

Do they have podcasts? Yes. But they also have YouTube channels, websites, email lists, and a variety of other content platforms.

It isn't about the platform.

This is about creating relationships.

If you follow them, you know a lot about each of these guys.

Gary is from Belarus. He collected baseball cards growing up, hated school, and worked in his father's liquor store.

Gary originally started Wine Library TV and eventually wrote "Crush It". He's all about the hustle.

Russell was a wrestler and lives in Boise. It all started with his potato gun.

Brendon grew up in Montana. Went through a bad breakup before getting in his car wreck.

You know their origin stories, and it builds rapport. Can you see how your podcast can help you build relationships with your audience?

It isn't about the offer. They each have a variety of offers. This is about know, like and trust. Relationships.

YOUR OFFER WITH AUTHORITY

Attract your clients with your personality rather than chasing them with your ads. When you speak people listen because you're an authority and you have influence.

Your offer isn't the secret to your success. This is about positioning you as the "go to" expert in your niche.

Do you ever feel like you have an incredible message to share, but no one is listening? You haven't established authority yet.

When you become the authority, you are well-known and sought-after. People seek you out. Would you rather chase your leads or have them come to you?

As an authority, you build a loyal fan base full of paying customers. Not only do people pay you often, they refer you to others. Leads creating more leads.

Don't be a product looking for a buyer. It's not the offer Be a leader helping clients achieve their goals.

YOUR OFFER WITH PERSONALITY

Become an influential authority by infusing you and your story into every episode.

Many podcasters tell me they don't have a big personality. And, that's ok. You don't need a big personality. You just need an authentic personality.

Everyone has a personality and can be a storyteller.

This is a process I have refined since 1988. I've been successfully teaching people how to do it since 1995.

Over the years I have built and activated huge audiences. I build influencers.

When you know your "why", your what becomes more impactful. This is how you develop an effective offer.

You struggle to get clients, because you're spending your time chasing clients with your offer rather than attracting them with your personality.

IT ISN'T YOUR FUNNEL

Your problem isn't your offer funnel. It's you. Put in the time to build relationships. Once the well starts producing water, it will continue to flow with ease.

Attract people with who you are.

You will attract clients with your personality by building relationships. People do business with those they know, like and trust. That's the definition of rapport.

Stories build relationships.

The podcast is just the vehicle. It is secondary to your story.

The key to your success is your authority and influence. The name of the game for an offer that converts is authority.

Do you want to keep chasing clients or are you ready to stand out as the well-known authority who attracts clients into your world?

You can be a personality. Just understand it's a journey, not 6 steps to success.

YOUR SECRET WEAPON

I'm not your only solution. But, I am your secret weapon.

You can learn podcasting from a million different YouTube videos. But none of them have the experience I do.

It's not just my years of experience. It is my track record. I'm best in class.

Here are a few examples:

Name: TaVona Denise

Podcast:Conversations With TaVona Denise

Result:I recently used an episode to promote a summit I hosted. I believe the reason the summit was such a big success, was because I used the podcast to promote it.

Testimonial: What I love most about working with Erik is how organized he is. This wasn't a haphazard, thrown-together coaching program. He showed me things in a step-by-step format. He gave me things to do before each call. He also helped me when I had my freak out moments.

Name: Scott & Holly Stoner

Podcast: Wellness Compass Podcast

Result: We hired Erik before we launched our podcast because we knew he could steer us toward success from the first episode, which is exactly what he did for us.

Testimonial: He coached us through the first six months of launching our podcast, and we will be forever grateful for his expertise and how accessible and actionable he makes his expertise. He's also just a really good guy and a lot of fun to work with.

Name: Rick Sizemore

Podcast: The VR Workforce Podcast

Result: We've been able to achieve goals we never imagined possible, with top ratings in our categories in iTunes, downloads beyond our wildest dreams. And an award from a leading organization.

Testimonial:You can figure it out, but you're going to have a lot more headaches, it's gonna take a lot longer, and in the end probably cost more. If you want to take your podcast to the next level, call Erik K. Johnson

IMPROVE YOUR OFFER

You can continue to spend hours and hours hunting and guessing if it will work. Watching YouTube videos and downloading free .pdfs. How has that been working for you?

You've been trying to figure out how to make your podcast generate clients and revenue. I understand your challenges.

You can't dump time and energy into a podcast that does nothing to grow your business. Stop chasing the solution. Just model what works.

The first step is to have a coaching call with me to see exactly where the gaps exist in your strategy. One call and you will have a plan.

Then, you can decide which path is right for you.

Spend an hour talking with me, or spend another year struggling, experimenting and spinning your wheels only to be exactly where you are today a year from now.

If you don't have a mentor who can take your hand and walk you every step of the way, go to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply, click the button and apply to have a chat with me. We will develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals.

Many podcasters tell me they don't think they have a personality. We all have a personality. It just depends how we want to use it.

People come for your content. They come back for you. Become magnetic by developing and embracing your personality.

LINKS:

Audience Explosion Workshop - http://www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/workshop

Podcast Strategy Call - http://www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply

WHAT IS PERSONALITY

A personality is the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character.

I want you to be a magnetic character who attracts people to you. But I don't want you to create some character that isn't true to who you really are.

Defining your personality and character is an exercise in self-evaluation. You need to dig deep to find the qualities that make you unique.

PODFADE

Many podcasts fade away after about 7 episodes.

I thought this stat was an old wives' tale until I did the research.

While on a call with a client, we were looking for podcasts where she could be a guest. As we looked through the podcasts in her niche, we realized many of them only had published a few episodes and had faded away years ago.

There are around 4 million podcasts today. However, only half of those podcasts are actively publishing new content.

Podcasts fade away for 3 reasons.

Podcasting is more work than they thought it would be.

The show doesn't grow as fast as they thought you would. You can join us for the Audience Explosion Workshop - http://www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/workshop.

And, the show doesn't make money as soon as they thought it would.

These can all be solved with your personality.

PERSONALITY SOLUTIONS

People will come to your show for your content. They continue to come back for you.

Creating a podcast every week becomes difficult when you are trying to teach something new every week.

The show doesn't need to be new information every week. It needs to be new context every week.

Teach the same principles through different context. Add stories, case studies, your personality, and a fresh perspective.

Dave Ramsey hosts the Ramsey Show. It is a 3-hour daily radio show and podcast that began in 1992.

On his show, Dave answers listeners questions about personal finance. Nearly every question is answered through the filter of Dave's eight baby steps to get out of debt and build wealth.

Nearly every answer for decades has been one of the 8 same answers.

Dave's show is one of the top five most-listened-to radio shows in the country. People aren't coming back every day for the answer. They come back for the stories. It's all about the context.

STOP TEACHING

As you are creating your episode, stop teaching. Make it less about the how and more about the why.

Information isn't engaging. Entertainment attracts listeners.

When I was getting my architecture degree, I had a professor who taught architectural history. Every morning he would turn off the light, turn on his projector, and read his historical notes of every building he showed.

I could barely stay awake in that class.

In high school, I took U.S. History with Mr. Johnston. When he taught topics, he would tell stories that would bring the characters to life. I'm not a history fan, but loved that class.

Both classes where teaching history. But the engaging class was about the story, not the information.

I'M NOT A PERSONALITY

Many people don't think they are entertaining. They don't feel they have a great personality.

You don't need to be over-the-top to be a great personality. Stand apart from the rest by being yourself.

It doesn't require that you be funny or boisterous. You don't need to be Howard Stern or Gary Vaynerchuk or Dave Ramsey. Get noticed by being authentic.

Consider Barbara Corcoran from Shark Tank. She is a big personality without being larger than life. You just love her for who she is.

How about Mel Robbins from the Mel Robbins show? She is a former on-air commentator for CNN and contributing editor for Success Magazine.

Mel is an amazing personality because she is authentic. She shares her wins and losses on every episode. Her personality isn't over-the-top. She is just herself.

You can be yourself. It just takes a little bravery to embrace who you really are.

CRAFTING YOUR PERSONALITY

So how do you craft your personality and begin to show it to everyone?

Becoming a well-known personality who can transform into the "go to" influential authority in your niche requires five elements.

Using these five elements will make you interesting.

First, you need an Origin Story. How did you get your superpower? It's the thing that make you who you are.

Next, you need foundational principles. What do you stand for and what do you stand against? Pick a side.

Then you need stories. These are examples that support your principles.

Next, you need a transformational moment. This is the point in time when you realized the thing that changed your life.

Finally, you need tribe lingo. These are the words and phrases that you use frequently that make people feel like they are part of the club.

Your personality will come to life when you tell stories of your transformation that are infused with your principles and tribe lingo.

WINNING WITH YOUR PERSONALITY

When you embrace your personality, you will begin to develop relationships with your audience.

People will be attracted to you, because they feel like you are their friend. The more you share about yourself, the more people will get to know you and decide if they like you.

One of the biggest complements comes when someone meets you for the first time and they tell you they feel like they know you because they've been listening to your show for a long time.

That's the power of podcasting and personality.

Stop teaching information and start sharing your stories and personality. You'll become the well-known, influential authority in your niche before you know it.

If you don't have a mentor who can take your hand and walk you every step of the way, go to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply, click the button and apply to have a chat with me. We will develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals.

AN EFFECTIVE INTERVIEW REQUIRES STRATEGY

Interviews can be a powerful tool for your podcast. But creating an effective interview requires a strategy and plan.

In this episode, I want to show you how to use strategic questions to craft an effective interview that helps you reach your goals.

I'll also share a recent interview I conducted with popular music artist Teddy Swims. We'll dissect it to see what makes it an effective interview.

Get details on your Podcast Strategy Coaching Call with me here:

https://podcasttalentcoach.com/strategy-call/

WHY DO YOU INTERVIEW?

You first need to ask yourself why you are conducting interviews in the first place? What are interviews doing for you?

Solo episodes build your credibility. Interview episodes build your network.

When you create a solo episode, you have the entire episode to demonstrate your expertise, share your story, and connect with your listeners.

The episode is all you. But, a solo episode also requires you to do the heavy lifting and create all the content yourself.

Doing a show by yourself doesn't require coordinating calendars to schedule the recording, which is a big benefit to me. I like to record when it's convenient for me. That may not be as convenient for a guest.

You will also be the only person promoting a solo episode.

When you create an effective interview episode, you don't have nearly as much room to demonstrate your expertise. The spotlight needs to be on your guest.

However, I'll show you how to get creative to interject yourself into the episode.

On the other side of the coin, there are many benefit to interviews.

When you interview guests, it is easier to create content. To build an effective interview, you simply need to create a few great questions with a story arc. Then, have a great conversation by being a good listener.

It is also possible that your guest will promote. This usually happens when you make a clear ask before the interview and make it incredibly easy for your guest to share.

When your guest shares the episode, it helps you build your network by getting in front of your guest's tribe.

On top of the exposure to a new tribe, you can also build a relationship with your guest. Over the long haul, this can help you get even more exposure.

EFFECTIVE INTERVIEWS ARE ABOUT MOMENTUM

So, how long should your effective interview be? I get this question often.

When it comes to your content, there is no such thing as too long, only too boring.

I have listened to episodes that are an hour long, and I wish it was longer. Then there have been 15-minutes episodes that seemed to drag on forever.

An effective interview is all about momentum.

Just like your solo shows, effective interviews cannot be information alone. When you infuse story and emotion into your interviews, you keep your listener engaged.

People have learned from story as long as people have been around.

TEDDY SWIMS INTERVIEW

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure to interview singer-songwriter and popular music artist Teddy Swims.

When I attend concerts, I typically go backstage to the artist's meet and greet. This is where a group gathers in a room. The artist comes in to shake hands and take photos.

My wife and I had been looking forward to the Teddy Swims show for quite some time. He has an amazing soul and sound.

Two weeks before the show, my contact told me Teddy isn't doing any meet and greets. He then said Teddy would be willing to do an interview if I was interested.

I jumped at the chance.

Creating effective interviews with pop stars can sometimes be challenging. They are often asked the same questions, provide standard answers, and can be a little standoff-ish.

Teddy has blown up quickly, and I was a bit nervous.

The music of Teddy Swims is hard to define. He blends R&B, soul, country and pop into a mix that is quite unique.

He started publishing cover tunes on YouTube back in 2019. People started taking notice by his unique voice and style.

Teddy released some original songs digitally. But he really rose to fame with his 2023 song "Lose Control". Zero to stardom in 3 years is incredibly fast.

So, getting a chance to interview a guy who achieved fame quickly and probably isn't a seasoned interviewee is a risk.

EFFECTIVE INTERVIEW PREP

As I prepared for the interview, I didn't do a ton of prep. It was maybe 15 minutes. Many people spend hours trying to know everything about their guest.

When I prep for an interview, I find a few select pieces of information that will help me craft an interesting conversation.

I don't need to know everything about my guest. It is my goal to create a conversation that will make the audience interested in my guest.

My interviews are not designed to show you how much I know about my guest. I want to ask questions you would ask my guest.

To create an effective interview, I also want to get my guest to tell stories and be engaging.

So now I'm walking into an interview with a guy who is fairly new to this game, and I need to make it as easy and comfortable for him as I can.

To make it worse, Teddy did two interviews right before I walked into the room. How can I ask questions that are different enough from those past two interviews to keep him engaged and excited?

I walk into the room and it is much different than my usual experience with an artist. Teddy is the only one in the room. There is no security or road manager. There is no handler. It's just Teddy.

Many artists are uncomfortable being alone with anyone. Now to be fair, my contact was with us. But that was it.

Teddy and I had met once before. He remembered that, and it was an easy way to open the conversation.

He couldn't have been more gracious. As we sat down, I quickly realized Teddy Swims is much more seasoned than his few years in the business would lead you to believe.

THE INTERVIEW

First, I'll play the interview for you. Then I'll dissect the interview and explain why I asked each question.

Remember, my goal is to get you engaged by getting Teddy Swims to tell stories. I also want to make you more interested in him than you were before you listened to the interview.

Enjoy my interview with Teddy Swims.

THE PARTS OF AN EFFECTIVE INTERVIEW

Before we start to dissect the interview, I want you to either close your eyes, or if that's not possible, focus on something.

Now without looking at your podcast player, I want you to guess how long that interview was.

The interview was 7:48. Did it feel that long? It's my hope that the stories gave the interview great pace and momentum.

So let's look at each question and why I asked it.

MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS

Question 1 was, "Who was the coolest person you ran into at the MTV Video Music Awards?"

This question was designed to open the conversation with a story. I wanted to make Teddy comfortable so he didn't have to think much. The event was fresh in his mind.

I did not want to wander into the interview. There was no "tell us about yourself", "how are you", or "what's been going on". We hit the ground running.

INFLUENCE

Question 2 was, "What artists have influenced you most?"

This questions was built to be similar to a question like "how did you get started" or "tell us about yourself". However, I want to question to provide inspiration to listeners and really connect you to the diversity that makes up Teddy Swims.

MUSICAL THEATER

Question 3 was, "What was your 'go to' audition song?"

This question was built in a way to provide some background on Teddy Swims without going into his entire biography.

The question also creates an "oh wow" moment. Teddy has tattoos everywhere. Well, at least everywhere I can see, including his face, kneecaps, and head.

He wears jeweled nail polish, crazy sunglasses, and big earrings. His attire consists of a jeweled snap, long sleeved cowboy shirt, cutoff jeans, white socks and sandals.

Teddy is not like anyone you've encountered. Being in music theater is probably not something you would guess looking at him.

This "go to" audition song question is also designed to be a question he has probably never been asked before. Which you could tell by his unsure answer. But like a pro, he pivoted into his favorite musical. That was pro level on his part.

COVER SONGS

Question 4 was, "What is your favorite cover song that you've done?"

This was part of my prep. I knew about Teddy covering the Shania song. This question was designed to tee him up to talk about that song.

When I asked this question, I was confident he would either talk about the Bonnie Raitt song or the Shania Twain song. Either way, I was getting a great answer that would lead me into talking about Shania's comments.

SHANIA TWAIN IS THE KEY OF THE EFFECTIVE INTERVIEW

Question 5 was, "What did Shania's response mean to you?"

This question was designed to stir emotion while telling a story. My whole interview was designed to get to this question.

Here is a guy covered with tattoos singing incredibly soulful songs being influenced and inspired by country artist Shania Twain. This was my "oh wow" moment of the interview. I knew it meant a lot to him.

LIVE SHOWS

Question 6 was, "What's your favorite part of performing live"

We are now wrapping up the interview. The story arc of the interview started with artists that inspired him. We moved into how he got started on YouTube doing covers. He talked about a pivotal moment in his growth.

Now we are talking about where he is today. We've come full circle to his attendance of the MTV Video Music Awards the night before.

This question is also designed to provide some inspiration and interest to listeners.

COLLABORATION

Question 7 was, "Who is the one collaboration at that top of your wishlist?"

This question was designed to finish on a "what's next". It also gave Teddy an opportunity to share another story.

I had no idea of the Stevie Wonder answer. That was a gift. I was expecting a safe answer like, "Oh, there are so many to choose from."

The Stevie Wonder answer was a fun way to end the interview.

EFFECTIVE INTERVIEWS WITH STORIES

During this 8-minute interview, I asked 7 questions. Of those seven, four questions got Teddy to tell some great stories.

The stories created momentum and engagement.

I didn't need to demonstrate my expertise or my knowledge of Teddy Swims. To create an effective interview, I simply needed to ask some great questions that allowed Teddy to be in his moment and tell some great stories.

DEMONSTRATE YOUR EXPERTISE

So if you're asking great questions and your guest is telling great stories, how to people fall in love with you and what you do?

When you conduct interviews on your show, it gets challenging to display your authority and expertise. So, you need to construct your interview a bit differently.

To highlight your knowledge, create a segment before the interview. Use this time to share yourself with your audience.

This will give you time to show your audience your authority in the space without taking the spotlight away from your guest.

The segment only needs to be five or ten minutes. It doesn't need to be long an in depth. You simply need to take time to connect with your listeners.

When you use this strategy, you can focus your interview on your guest, and make them look great. You'll benefit by association.

When you make your guest look great, you look great in return.

GET STARTED

Start creating effective interviews this week by asking great questions.

Carve out a little time before the interview to demonstrate your expertise.

Be a great listener during the interview, and ask great follow-up questions.

Finally, make it easy for your guest to share.

When you know why you're conducting interviews and how to make them engaging, you'll be creating effective interviews before you know it.

This is what I help clients do. I help you transform your information into entertainment, so you can build relationships with your listeners.

The process isn't rocket science. You simply don't know what you don't know, and that's ok.

Anyone can teach you how to launch a podcast. There isn't anyone like me teaching you to be the influential expert you are while building powerful relationships with your audience and guests.

I've been doing this with radio broadcasters since 1995. Podcasters have been coming to me for help since 2012.

If you are like most, and you've launched a podcast that isn't helping you grow your business, let's talk. I'll help you build your strategy.

If you don't have a mentor who can take your hand and walk you every step of the way, go to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply, click the button and apply to have a chat with me. We will develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals.

HOW TO SURVIVE THE ENTREPRENEUR ROLLER COASTER

Have you ever been on the entrepreneur roller coaster? It is all about the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Next chance to launch is coming up. See the launch workshop details at www.podcasttalentcoach.com/podcastfast.

If you have a podcast and you're ready to grow now, here's your chance. See my next workshop at www.podcasttalentcoach.com/workshop.

THE BOOK

As I've created this podcast, I've experienced the entrepreneur roller coaster time and time again.

One day it is the best thing going. You get a client to enroll and you're on cloud nine.

The next day you get the email that a client is not renewing and they are moving on. You're bummed for the next three days.

This all comes to life everyday for most of us as entrepreneurs. It is also described in an amazing way in the book The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster by Darren Hardy.

Darren currently owns and runs DarrenHardy.com where he and his team help people be exceptional. He is an author, speaker, and advisor. Darren is also the former publisher of Success Magazine.

In addition to The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster, Darren Hardy also wrote Living Your Best Year Ever and The Compound Effect.

It will prepare you for the wild ride of entrepreneurship. It will warn you of the forthcoming fears, doubts, and the self-defeating conditioning of your upbringing and past. It will inoculate you from the naysayers, dream-stealers, and pains of rejection and failure. And it will guide you safely past the landmines that blow up and cause the failure of 66 percent of all new businesses.

MY ENTREPRENEUR ROLLER COASTER

2024 is a perfect example of my own roller coaster.

This year started with two of my coaching clients and one of my editing clients not renewing for another year. I loved each of them.

It was painful and felt like a breakup.

I knew they had amazing potential. Each of them had achieved so much to this point. The progress was fantastic.

Over the year, I had a few amazing calls with coaches who didn't sign up for the coaching I felt would help them in such a big way.

Each of them had their own reasons. We continue to stay in touch. I believe the time will eventually be right for them.

THE FUN PART OF THE RIDE

Then there were call like my most recent client who couldn't enroll fast enough. He has been in my world for a few years, and we finally got on a coaching call together.

On that call, he signed up and has been knocking it out of the park. It feels so great.

Each time I get on a call with my other clients, they tell me of all the great progress they are making and the lives they are changing.

I just wrapped up a coaching program helping Neil and Taylere launch their "The Leadership Pause" podcast.

They sent me an email that said, "Thank you for everything, Erik! We appreciate all your guidance. This course was terrific."

It has happened in my business year after year. A few years ago it was really getting to me to the point I was going to throw in the towel.

THE DATA

Then one day I looked at the data. I noticed a trend in my business.

Listening to my podcast tends to dip in the summer. My workshops are less attended in the summer. Fewer clients sign up in the summer.

When August arrives, my downloads increase. I have more speaking opportunities. My workshops have great crowds. And more clients enroll.

It's nothing I'm doing. The entrepreneur roller coaster is just the nature of my business.

That's when I realized I didn't need to be scared of that first roller coaster drop. It always happens. Then comes the fun of the turns and loops.

Once I started understanding the entrepreneur roller coaster is natural, podcasting and business became much more fun.

WE ARE ALL ON THE ENTREPRENEUR ROLLER COASTER

I was on a summit this week. During a roundtable discussion with the other experts who were speaking, I discovered we all have our own entrepreneur roller coasters.

We all have our own journey. Don't compare yourself to others. Enjoy your path.

The entrepreneur roller coaster is normal. We are all on it. You need to learn to enjoy the ride.

Step back and examine your roller coaster, so you can anticipate the drops. Anticipate the dips, turns and thrills, so you can enjoy the journey.

Stop looking at your downloads this week compared to last week. Look at this month compared to the same month last year and the year before.

Do you see seasonality in your podcast? Is the roller coaster natural in your business?

Start planning the next year with the entrepreneur roller coaster in mind. When you see the dip in the history, plan things to embrace and counter the dip.

Create content on your podcast people will consume during the dip. Help them with the challenges that happen in their lives at that time.

YOUR NEXT STEPS

Next chance to launch is coming up. See the launch workshop details at www.podcasttalentcoach.com/podcastfast.

If you have a podcast and you're ready to grow now, here's your chance. See my next workshop at www.podcasttalentcoach.com/workshop.

If you don't have a mentor who can take your hand and walk you every step of the way, go to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply, click the button and apply to have a chat with me. We will develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals.

CLAIM YOUR TIME

As you produce your podcast each week, how do you get your time back?

I've invited Kathi Burns on this episode to help you with your productivity and organization. She is a board certified professional organizer.

Your time is something you can never get back. It's important that you use it as wisely as possible.

I want to see you spending your time building your business and working with your clients. When you spend more of your time than necessary producing your podcast, you business suffers.

SPENDING YOUR TIME EDITING?

You may think you can save money producing your podcast yourself. Let's take a look at what that costs you.

There are a variety of things you need to do to publish an episode. As an example, we'll say you need to edit your audio, export it as an .mp3, edit your video, export it to file, create your show notes, create your podcast artwork, create your YouTube thumbnail, create a couple audiograms to promote the episode, upload the episode and artwork to your podcast host, and upload your video and thumbnail to YouTube.

How long will that take you? I'm guessing 90 minutes to two hours. Let's go with 90 minutes.

If you spent 90 minutes of your time hosting a webinar, how many sales could you make? What if you spent 90 minutes on sales calls. What is one coaching client worth to you in lifetime value?

In our example, let's say you sell a $2,000 coaching package. Wouldn't it make more sense to spend $200 to have the production done for you so you could spend your time on sales calls instead of editing?

Even if you only close one out of every four sales calls, you're spending $800 to free your time for four sales calls to generate $2,000 in revenue.

This is how you leverage your time.

This is possible. You can see my basic editing package as an example. See your editing options at www.podcasttalentcoach.com/editing.

ORGANIZE FOR EFFICIENCY

Now if you're going to spend those 90 minutes watching television instead of pursuing business, keep editing your own show.

But if you're going to leverage your time, make it count.

The best way to do this is being organized. Plan your week. Plan your day. Batch your tasks.

Get focused on what you want to accomplish, so you know where to spend your time.

When I create this podcast, I take many of my summit interviews and use them as episodes of the podcast. I record 24 interviews in 3 days. That's nearly half a year of episodes.

As I create my daily emails, I write the entire week on the same day. I get my mind in my connection and relationship mode to write great content and connect with my tribe.

What tasks are you doing every day or every week that you can group together to save more of your time?

KATHI BURNS

These are just a few examples. My guest has many more ideas for your time.

Kathi Burns, CPO® is a Board Certified Professional Organizer, Image Consultant, author and speaker.

As the founder of OrganizedandEnergized.com, her mission for almost two decades has been to end overwhelm, energize, and transform lives by creating systems clients can stick to.

Kathi is nationally recognized for her simple organizing and style solutions. She has also been featured on Good Morning America as a successful woman-owned business. She hosts Organized and Energized! The Podcast.

Kathi is here to help you spend your time more efficiently.

Enjoy my conversation with Kathi Burns.

Big thanks to Kathi Burns for taking some of her time to join us today.

You can get Kathi's checklist at www.podcasttalentcoach.com/organize.

To attend her Get Gone masterclass on October 8th, you can get registered at www.podcasttalentcoach.com/gone.

If you don't have a mentor who can take your hand and walk you every step of the way, go to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply, click the button and apply to have a chat with me. We will develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals.

MONETIZE A PODCAST WITH FOCUS

Focus is the key to monetize a podcast.

[Get info on ThriveCart through my affiliate link - CLICK HERE]

When I started, I struggled until I focused on one offer to one avatar.

As I launched Podcast Talent Coach, I wanted to do everything.

I started with one-on-one coaching. I wrote a book that was to be part of a comprehensive course. There were plans for a membership. I was helping people launch their podcast.

It was everything I could think of to create multiple streams of income to monetize my podcast. But, nothing was working. There was no traction.

Then one day I met my mentor. He taught me the power of creating a signature course.

Through his process, I created my signature course through market research with a single avatar. I focused on coaches trying to grow their business.

He then showed my how to focus all my efforts on that one offer.

My business quickly took off and created my best year yet.

DON'T MONETIZE A PODCAST WITH SPONSORS

Create one stream of income.

Focus is powerful. It is tough to avoid getting distracted.

I know multiple streams of income sounds appealing. But you can't create multiple streams until you create your first. And you can't create your first without focus.

Many podcasters want to start with sponsorships. It's difficult without a real focus. Trying to monetize a podcast with sponsors is a challenge.

Rick was able to get a sponsor in a much different way.

Rick Sizemore is the host of the VR Workforce Studio podcast. It is a podcast focused on Individuals with disabilities and stories of employment including training and education, vocational rehabilitation.

On the show, Rick celebrates the champions of employment who hire people with disabilities as well as vocational rehabilitation professionals and the work they do to create hope and a path forward to employment for people with disabilities so they can work and lead better lives.

The audience for Rick's podcast is very focused and niche. He is totally focused on those in and around vocational rehabilitation.

He connected with an organization who wanted to reach that specific group. Rick showed that group how effective his podcast was in sharing a message with the rehab community.

The group paid Rick a nice sum to be the sponsor of his show. He was able to land the sponsor, because the show was focused on one specific avatar.

NOT ALL LISTENERS ARE THE SAME

Unfortunately, most sponsors don't understand the power of the podcast audience. Most podcasters, sponsors and ad agencies treat ads on podcasts like they are ads on traditional media.

On traditional media, commercials are sold at a rate per thousand listeners. If the rate is $25 per thousand listeners, and you have 2,000 listeners, an ad on your show is worth $50.

But podcast listeners aren't equal to traditional media listeners.

If QuickBooks advertised on a football game, only a fraction of those listeners or viewers would be interested in QuickBooks. Therefore, paying $25 for a thousand listeners doesn't really get them a thousand listeners. It's just a fraction.

On the other hand, if QuickBooks advertised on a small business podcast, nearly every listener needs accounting software. Paying for a thousand listeners will get you nearly a thousand listeners interested in their product.

Podcast listeners are immensely more valuable than traditional listeners. Unfortunately, traditional advertisers treat them the same. You become a commodity with ads and sponsors unless you find that special unicorn of an advertiser that understands the power.

Finding that unicorn takes a lot of time and effort. Time away from your business. Monetize a podcast by focusing on your core offer.

Ads and sponsorships also cap the revenue potential. How many ads can you possibly put on your podcast?

Finally, your listeners don't want ads and sponsors. They are fleeing traditional media to escape ads. How irritated do you get when an ad pops up in the middle of a YouTube video you're watching?

MONETIZE A PODCAST WITH YOUR OFFER

Instead of ads, monetize your podcast by marketing your own stuff. Focus on one offer.

You might think it is easiest to sell a low ticket offer. Something like a $19 book or a $47 course.

The opposite is true.

Price conveys value. If you are offering a $47 course, people think it's worth $47. Few people are clamoring to buy $47 anything.

If it's a $2,000 program, people feel it should be packed full of value greater than $2,000. People save up to buy a $2,000 product.

It isn't uncommon to buy a $47 course and never even start it. When people invest $2,000 in a program, it is much more likely they will consume it.

People value what they invest in.

LOW TICKET TAKES MORE TIME AND EFFORT

It also takes just as much time to sell a $47 product as it does to sell a $2,000 product. A sale is a sale.

Low ticket products also create more headaches. People who purchase low ticket items tend to complain and want refunds.

When I was selling my $497 course, I had multiple people want payment options.

It's a 4-week course for $497. How can I possibly break that into payments.

When I started selling my $20,000 coaching program, coaches would ask how to pay in one lump sum or just simply as how to pay. There were very few issues.

Those who can afford to invest in high-end programs tend to have their business dialed in. They aren't worried how to make a $200 payment. It's more about the results than the price.

I recently stopped offering my free strategy call. It was a struggle to get people to take advantage of the opportunity. People value what they pay for. Then, they would often book and not show up.

Instead of free strategy calls, I began offering an hour of my coaching for $150. You can see it at www.podcasttalentcoach.com/apply.

On the first day I changed from free to the $150 call, I had someone sign up.

People value what they pay for.

MONETIZE A PODCAST WITH PARTNERS

We now have your avatar and offer dialed in. You have offered it and sold it. More importantly, you want to keep selling it.

It is time to market your offer to monetize a podcast.

Instead of buying ads, get partners to promote it.

Joint venture partnerships are a powerful way to market your stuff to your ideal clients. Find partners who are already speaking to your avatar.

When a partner promotes your offer, they are typically paid a commission on those sales. If the offer is digital or a physical product, commission is typically around 50%. When the offer involves your time such as coaching, commission is 10% or 20%.

These sales are tracked through affiliate links. When you have affiliate tracking software, it will create a link specific for each of your partners.

Your JV partners then promote your offer through that link. When their tribe clicks the link to make the purchase, your affiliate software tracks it.

THRIVECART OPPORTUNITY

I currently use ThriveCart. It is a great way to track affiliates and pay commissions. I have been using it for a few years now.

Here is the best thing about ThriveCart. You can currently purchase ThriveCart for a one-time payment rather than a monthly fee like most software.

You can see ThriveCart at www.podcasttalentcoach.com/ThriveCart. That is my affiliate link. When you purchase ThriveCart through that link, I'll make a small commission from your purchase. It doesn't cost you any more. This is just a way ThriveCart markets their software.

Now, I can't tell you how long it will be a flat fee purchase and when they will move to a monthly fee. I can only tell you that as of this recording, it is a flat fee and you own it.

Check it out at www.podcasttalentcoach.com/ThriveCart.

MONETIZE A PODCAST WITH ONE STREAM

Now you have an offer for an avatar and you have partners promoting you. The next step is to do more of the same.

To monetize a podcast, really get your process working. You'll be tempted to focus on other products and additional streams of income. Stay the course.

Get this offer really refined. Make it generate more cash with less work.

It may sound boring, but it's worth it. Avoid the headaches that come with juggling multiple offers. Once your offer is generating over $100k in annual revenue, you can then begin working on offer number two.

Until then, keep refining your primary offer. Sell more to more people.

There are two ways to make more money. First, sell to more customers. Next, make more from each customer by increasing prices or selling more.

Business is a simple process when you focus. To monetize a podcast, focus on your offer.

If you don't have a mentor who can take your hand and walk you every step of the way, go to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply, click the button and apply to have a chat with me. We will develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals.

PEOPLE STAY WHEN YOU CREATE A COMMUNITY

One powerful way to grow your audience is by leveraging communities of other influencers. You can also leverage that attention to create a community.

When another expert will put you in front of their tribe, they are endorsing you. That expert is telling his audience that you are someone the tribe should pay attention to.

As you demonstrate your expertise to that audience, you build your authority and influence. You can then invite them to your podcast.

CREATE A COMMUNITY FOR RELATIONSHIPS

As you create a community that is powerful, you need to build a relationship with your audience. Spend time showing them why what you do is so important in their lives.

Once you've built enough relationship with your why, you can then invite them to get more in your community.

THE COACHING JUNGLE

On this episode, I've invited Marc Mawhinney to join us to talk about his amazing community. Marc had been on the show in the past, and he is amazing.

Marc Mawhinney is a lifelong entrepreneur who has been helping coaches get more clients (without paid ads) since 2014!

He's the host of the "Natural Born Coaches" podcast, which has almost 900 episodes to date, and the Tarzan of "The Coaching Jungle" Facebook group which has over 25,000 coaches in the community.

In this conversation with Marc, we delve into the art of creating and nurturing a thriving online community.

With a focus on Marc's successful venture, "The Coaching Jungle," Marc gives you deep insights into the strategies and principles that have guided the group to grow to a robust membership of over 25,000 coaches.

Discover the pivotal role that a strong foundation, distinctive branding, and the implementation of theme days can play in establishing a community that fosters engagement and growth.

JUNGLE VIP

One of the noteworthy discussions in this episode is the launch of The Jungle VIP membership, a transformative development aimed at generating recurring revenue and offering an accessible option for members not ready for larger packages.

Priced at $97 per month or $997 per year, this membership includes privileges such as promotional posting rights, expert badge status, access to a private VIP group, and monthly networking meetings. Marc shares candidly about the initial concerns among community members, ultimately highlighting the positive reception and benefits of the VIP program.

Marc Mawhinney brings invaluable advice on simplifying access to your community by utilizing a custom domain, making it more convenient for potential members to find your group.

He also stresses the importance of laying a strong foundation before launching a group—picking a clear and relevant group name, distinctive branding, and consistent theme days, such as Promotion Friday or Book Sunday, to ensure a variety of content.

As Marc underscores, providing consistent value to members while simultaneously monetizing the community is essential for its long-term success.

GROWING YOUR COMMUNITY

We also get into the intricacies of growing an online group, pinpointing the critical tipping point for the Coaching Jungle's growth at around 1,000 members. Marc attributes this surge to increased organic requests to join and emphasizes the necessity of promoting the community through multiple channels, including email lists and a dedicated domain name.

Additionally, we discuss our early journeys into the coaching industry, highlighting similar pricing models and the importance of coaching in generating quick revenue streams compared to creating courses.

We also touch a bit on the value of joint venture partnerships, where Marc shares his successful collaborations with industry peers like Terri Levine and Rob Goyette. These partnerships not only resulted in business growth but also provided rich learning experiences and enduring friendships.

Marc's journey offers practical and actionable insights for anyone looking to build and sustain a vibrant online community.

You can find information on the Coaching Jungle VIP program through my affiliate link at www.NaturalBornCoaches.com/Erik.

If you don't have a mentor who can take your hand and walk you every step of the way, go to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply, click the button and apply to have a chat with me. We will develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals.

START A PODCAST FOR THE RIGHT REASONS

Why did you start a podcast? I'm talking about the real reason.

Coaches tell me they want to grow their audience or make money.

That can't be your real why. When you ask why about seven times, you'll get to the real reason you wanted to start a podcast.

Your struggles to grow and monetize your show has nothing to do with your podcast. The problem is you.

Your podcast is just the vehicle. If people aren't coming for you, they aren't coming at all.

Let me show you why.

THE START OF PODCAST TALENT COACH

When I started my show, I thought I wanted to help people become better hosts and build a consultancy. Over the years, I learned that wasn't my real reason.

That purpose wouldn't keep me motivated.

In 2005, I came across an article in Wired Magazine. The article was about former MTV VJ Adam Curry creating this thing called podcasting.

He was interviewing a guest in his car and distributing the show through the RSS feed technology used by blogs.

This sounded really cool, but was way over my head.

At this time, I had been in radio for about 12 years. The thought of owning my own show in this new medium was exciting. But I had no idea where to start.

Around 2009, I got my first iPhone and started listening to a ton of podcasts. At the time, there were about 80,000 podcasts.

In 2012, I was hooked and started writing a blog about podcasting. The content helped podcasters sound more professional like radio broadcasters.

That blog led to an opportunity to write for the New Media Expo blog where Dave Jackson from School of Podcasting discovered me.

During our conversation, Dave asked why I didn't have a podcast. That was the start of this podcast in 2013.

The show started with the blog content. I was showing people how to sound more professional. Listeners got a lot of tools and tips that we used in radio.

The show struggled to grow. It was struggling, because people weren't dying to know how to sound more professional. More professional also wan't my deep, burning passion.

THE REAL REASON

Then one day I was talking with a client when he said, "If we are able to generate leads, that is awesome. If we are helping change people's lives, and they are reaching out to us, that would be a success. Becoming a resource is the goal."

That was the day I realized my purpose needed to be bigger. Giving people information to sound better was ok, but it wan't life-changing.

As I looked inward and reviewed the clients in my world, I realized I really want to help people become that magnetic, influential personality and show host. Not just somebody sharing information. But somebody who entertains, builds relationships, and can inspire people to take action.

When I can do that, I make the world better. That gets me fired up.

I saw it in my radio career as well.

When I started in radio, I thought the music knowledge would get me to the top.

I shared trivia, music news, tidbits about the bands. I had it all. And, nobody cared.

Then one day I started sharing my story and who I am. I began building relationships with my listeners. That was the day I started my climb to the top and have been there ever since.

Attract people with who you are.

IT'S ABOUT YOU

It's not about your content, but you.

People will show up for your content. They'll come for your 6 steps to success.

But once they learn the 6 steps, nothing about your content will keep them coming back. The only reason they come back every week, is because they want to be around you.

The confidence you portray helps you become magnetic. It's not about what you're saying. It is who you are being while you're saying it.

Your podcast really has little to do with it as well. The podcast is just the vehicle.

It's about authority, not the podcast.

I believe podcasting is the best way to share your message for a variety of reasons.

Podcasts are portable. You can consume podcasts while doing other things. Your show is delivered right to your subscribers phone in their feed. And audio builds relationships through theater of the mind.

WE HEAR IN PICTURES

We speak in words. We hear in pictures.

Stories build relationships. Relationships build trust and authority.

Everyone can be a storyteller.

Stories start with a intriguing introduction. They are filled with vivid details. Great stories end with a powerful conclusion.

Powerful stories are also filled with personality. These stories make people laugh, cry, or marvel at something.

Everyone has a personality. We just need to uncover it and make it shine.

So, why did you start a podcast?

Your successful podcast is about relationships, not ads.

LISTENER ATTRACTION STRATEGY

Attract listeners rather than chasing them.

Let's get clear on your strategy.

Do you want to keep chasing clients or are you ready to stand out as the well-known authority who attracts clients into your world?

Let's build your strategy.

Go to www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply, click the button and apply to have a chat with me. We will develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals.

You can develop your personality and storytelling. You can become a magnetic, influential personality and show host. Let me show you how.

Visit www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply, click the button and apply to have a chat with me. I'll see you there.

WHAT DEFINES A SUCCESSFUL PODCAST?

"How do I start a successful podcast" is the wrong question.

Before you can start a successful podcast, you need to define what a successful podcast looks like.

Unfortunately, many coaches what to build a huge audience to land sponsors and advertisers.

Let me tell you, defining a successful podcast by the size of the audience or number of sponsors will not help you sustain a podcast for any length of time.

You need a powerful "why" to motivate you to consistently create your podcast every week.

When I first met Laura in October of 2019, she had been doing her podcast for six months. It was called "Reviews and Randomness".

She was struggling, because she didn't have a strong purpose. She just didn't realize that was the issue.

At that point, her biggest episode had 91 downloads.

She wanted help with the programming of her show and rebranding.

Laura told me, "I'm finding myself having a hard time being consistent with episodes, because I don't have a clear plan and probably could do a better job of understanding who I'm speaking to."

When I asked her what would need to happen over the next year for her to feel it was successful, she said, "Consistently keep the show running. Even if it is bi-weekly. If I hit that, I would be happy. I'd also like to keep up with e-mail list on a consistent basis."

Laura told me her challenge was finding time to record it. She also said, "Marketing it kills me."

When you have a strong purpose, something bigger drives you into the studio each week to share your message. Something deep down inside is calling you to the microphone.

Ads and sponsors won't do that. There is little inspiration there.

MY MISSION

Laura and I connected again at the beginning of 2024 to create a new strategy.

Her "Reviews and Randomness" podcast had gone away.

Over the past 4 years, Laura had pivoted to find a new niche and business.

She now helps people find money for real estate investing. She and her husband connect investors with lenders.

They also help average people use the money in their 401ks for other investment opportunities.

More importantly, Laura now has a purpose. She tells me it is her mission to elevate the middle class.

On a recent coaching call, Laura told me, "I'm ready to conquer the world. I am tired of talking to people about it who don't get it. I need to get out and start talking about all of this. Why me? Why do I need to do this? I don't understand my role, but I need to do it. I have the nudging inside of me."

That purpose is what we are working to create together. The podcast is just the vehicle for the message. Her purpose and the message are the critical pieces to success.

When it comes time to create a new episode, which do you think is more powerful? Will you get fired up to get in the studio so you can land another advertiser? Or, will you get charged knowing you are meant to elevate the middle class?

That's the power of your mission.

DO YOU NEED TO MONETIZE?

So now ask yourself, do you need to monetize your podcast to be successful?

If you've created a powerful mission, monetization becomes the result and not the purpose.

You will rarely get rich chasing the money. It typically doesn't work that way.

When you follow your passion, money will follow.

I realize it sounds cliché. But it is true when you start with purpose.

Three things need to exist for you to create revenue with your idea.

First, you need to have a passion for the idea. When things get tough, you passion will carry you through.

If you're just chasing the money, it is incredibly difficult to weather the storms.

Next, you need to be really good at it. You might love playing basketball. But it you're only five-foot-two, you're probably not going to get rich playing basketball.

Finally, you need to have a group of people willing to pay you for the result.

You may love folding paper and creating cute origami characters. You also might be really, really good at it. But I doubt there is a big audience waiting to pay you for your paper swan.

Love what you do. Work to be really good at it. Find an audience you can really serve with your super power. That's when the money will come.

ARE YOU A SUCCESSFUL INFLUENCER?

Rather than asking yourself how to monetize your podcast, ask how you can become an influencer.

Influencer has become an overused term. It often brings visions of YouTubers, or kids on TikTok, or people like Paris Hilton who have done very little other than be popular.

That isn't the sort of influencer I'm talking about.

Are you becoming someone of influence? Do you have the ability to move a room? Do people come for your content, but stay because they like being around you?

That's an influencer.

When it comes to making money online, nobody talks about being a monetizer. They talk about being a content creator and influencer.

When you have influence, the money follows.

Your content will only get you so far. Once your audience learns your six steps to success, why should they keep listening?

There is only so much you can teach them.

People return episode after episode, because they want to be around you. They want to be your friend. Your fans enjoy your company.

THE PODCAST IS JUST THE VEHICLE

"How do I start a successful podcast" is the wrong question.

You should be asking, "Who can I help and why do I want to help them?"

Once you define who you help, what you help them do and why you do it, you'll be able to determine what will make your podcast successful.

Creating the podcast is the easy part. The podcast is just the vehicle.

Begin by finding that idea that you're passionate about, you're good at, and people will pay you for the result.

FIVE STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL PODCAST

There are five steps to creating a successful podcast.

When you follow these five steps, you will be well on your way to becoming an influencer who can help people get the result they desire with something you enjoy and you're good at.

Don't make it any more difficult than this.

Skip a step and the tower doesn't stand. Each step serves a purpose.

DEFINE YOUR WHY

The first step is defining your "why". You need a clear purpose.

This is what we've been talking about.

Your mission is the foundation. Without it, you can't hope to have a podcast that succeeds for any length of time.

Find a mission that burns inside of you. Something that really inspires you to take action.

Making money can't be the only reason you're creating a podcast.

Success requires something greater. Something that will motivate you to get through the tough times.

GROW YOUR AUDIENCE

Once you have determined who you help, what you help them do, and why, start finding them.

Step number to is growing your audience.

Now that you know who you're helping, determine who already has their attention.

Partner with those people to bring their tribe into your world.

CREATE CONTENT TO BUILD SUCCESSFUL RELATIONSHIPS

Step three is building relationships.

As you grow your audience, serve them content that will build relationships with them. This is where you become an influencer.

Your content can't simply be your six steps to success. The content you create needs to build relationships and turn you into an influencer.

Many people feel you either have it or you don't.

I've had coaches tell me, "Who would listen to me? Do I really have anything valuable to say?"

It's not what you're saying. It's who you're being. Becoming an influencer is about creating a movement.

Create content with purpose.

GET THEM STARTED

Now that you are inspiring your listeners, step four is getting them started with you.

Give your listeners a taste of what you do.

To monetize your content, you need to have something to sell. This could be your goods or services. You could also be an affiliate for others.

Once you have something to sell, give your listeners a little taste of it for free.

This could be a guide, checklist, or assessment. You could give them a free training, a mini course, or a small sample of your stuff.

A great freebie is a small slice of what you sell. If you sell a course, is there a module or element that can stand on its own? Consider giving that away to get your listeners started down your path.

CONVERT THEM TO CLIENTS

Your final step is converting listeners to clients.

Where does your sales conversation happen?

Your free taste should lead to that sales conversation.

This might be a sales call, a webinar, an open house, a discovery call, a long form sales page, a sales video, or a variety of other opportunities to talk business.

If your free taste was valuable and solved one specific problem, there is a good chance they will want to take the next step.

CREATE YOUR SUCCESSFUL PODCAST

Over the last three decades, I've been helping radio talent and podcasters become influencers.

Not YouTube, TikTok sensations. People who can influence an audience and get them to take action.

I've helped hosts raise millions of dollars for the food bank, tens of thousands of bottles for the Open Door Mission, and bring large crowds to client locations.

Let's talk about creating your strategy to become an influencer and move an audience.

It's possible when you follow the steps in the right way and the right order.

Visit www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply. Click the button and apply to have a chat with me.

We will get clear on your goals. Then, we define where you are today. Finally, we'll develop your plan and see how I can help and support you to achieve your podcast goals.

Just visit www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apply.