By Erik K. Johnson
4.5
4545 ratings
The podcast currently has 606 episodes available.
Social media can be an effective way to grow your audience. There are many options, like Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, Instagram and others. How do you determine which platform to use?
THE RIGHT SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM
The first factor in your social media platform decision should the location of your clients. Be where your ideal client is.
Different social media platforms attract different people and are used for different purposes.
Facebook is like a journal. This is where you keep your memories and share the things that have happed to you.
X is similar to a conversation. The discussion on X is more real time.
LinkedIn is used for business connections. This is where business conversations happen.
Instagram is like a photo album. This is your story in pictures.
TikTok is still creating its identity. The short videos on TikTok are little snippets that can be used to connect with your potential clients if you create the correct content.
DIFFERENT MODES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS
Another important factor to consider when selecting your social media platform is the format of the content.
People like to consume content in different modes. Some like audio. Some like to consume video. Others prefer text.
What is the preferred content format of your ideal client?
TikTok is great for short video. Facebook is decent for all three. Audiograms on Facebook and Instagram are often overlooked.
LinkedIn is great for longer articles to demonstrate your expertise.
It is wise to provide your content in multiple formats. Different modes for different folks.
VALUE OF YOUR CONTENT
Whichever mode and platform you choose, be sure to provide value.
Valuable content is content that fulfills a need. That could be education, entertainment, or simply stirring emotion.
Your content on social media can't just sell. It will be quickly ignored.
Provide great content and get people back to your show to build those relationships.
LINKEDIN FOR PROFESSIONALS
If you are trying to attract professionals, like entrepreneurs, leaders, c-suite pros and the like, LinkedIn is a great platform.
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for attracting professionals, especially if you're a coach or consultant.
You can use LinkedIn to grow your audience and attract your ideal clients with the right strategy.
LINDA KEMPIN ON LINKEDIN STRATEGY
On this episode, I have a conversation with Linda Kempin to help you develop your LinkedIn strategy.
Linda Kempin helps clients discover the secrets to why their LinkedIn profiles aren’t getting traction.
She enjoys sharing a look behind the curtain at how LinkedIn really works, delivering insights for business owners who want to attract their ideal customers.
Linda serves clients globally with Award-Winning LinkedIn coaching, online group programs, and her Accelerated VIP service. Her clients range from Senior Execs to Recent Grads, from Entrepreneurs to Transitioning Military.
Linda’s goal is to help you "Get Seen by the People Who Need YOU!"
Get ready to take some notes and enjoy my conversation with Linda Kempin.
You can download Linda's free resource “5 Secret LinkedIn POWER MOVES” at www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/powermoves.
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.
We talk a lot about attracting your ideal clients by being your authentic self on your podcast. But, how do you overcome your fears that come with being so vulnerable?
CONQUER YOUR FEAR AND SELF DOUBT
Self doubt is not uncommon.
When I have strategy calls with podcasters, we discuss their biggest challenges and fears.
One coach asked me, "Do I really have anything of value to offer? Will anyone listen even listen to what I have to say?"
There are probably times when you have that little voice in your head questioning your ideas. I get it.
It takes courage to overcome those fears.
There are six other fears I hear quite often
YOUR FEAR OF IMPACT
The first fear is making an impact. I had a coach tell me he often questions himself. He asked, "Is this making a difference in anyone's life?"
Building relationships with your audience is the first step to making an impact.
People follow those with whom they have a relationship. And relationships start with getting to know each other well. Share your story.
WASTED TIME
Another fear is wasting time.
I was talking with Mike about launching her podcast. When I asked what was holding him back, she asked me, "What if it doesn't work? It would be a lot of time and money wasted."
Be clear on your purpose and your goals. You also need to be realistic on the timeline.
You don't need tens of thousands of people listening. Success only requires having a passionate audience that loves what you have.
You don't need everyone. Success comes with a passionate tribe. Ignore the rest.
I LOOK LIKE A FRAUD
One coach told me, "I'm more worried about being seen as a fraud."
This fear often comes from how we perceive ourselves rather than how others perceive us.
Your success isn't about your content. It's about who you are being on your podcast.
When you speak with confidence, you're seen as an authority. But when you doubt yourself, you are seen as unsure and less believable.
This is when people start to doubt you. It comes from doubting yourself.
Believe in yourself. Be strong.
WE FORGET WHAT WE DIDN'T KNOW
One common fear people tell me is, "Who am I that these people would want to talk to me?"
This comes because we often forget what it was like when we didn't know what we know now.
Think back when you first started down your journey. Go back to the time when you decided to learn about your superpower.
Did you know how to do everything you know now? Of course not. You barely knew where to start.
Over the years, you learned from the best. You learned all the details.
Remember when you first started out and you looked at the experts in your niche with amazement? You were asking, "How do they do that? It will be so great when I'm where they are."
Today, it is all second nature to you.
But there are people who are starting where you started years ago. Those are the people who are ready to listen to you.
You are also influential enough that great guests want to be on your show. Everybody loves exposure. You just need to reach out.
PODFADING
One other big fear that I hear often is the fear of failure.
When I asked about her biggest fear, Denise told me, "I fear that I will fail. That I will be one of the 80% that lets the podcast die out."
Podfading is a real threat. There are three reasons podcasters give up and die out.
The first reason happens when they realize podcasting is more work than they thought it was going to be. They don't have a plan in place to consistently produce the show every week without eating all their time.
The second reason happens when they realize the podcast doesn't grow as fast as they thought it would. They don't have a system in place to methodically grow their audience.
The final reason happens when they realize the podcast doesn't generate revenue as fast as they thought it would. They don't have a strategy in place to use the podcast to attract their ideal clients.
FEAR OF SUCCESS
The last fear I want to share is one often overlooked.
There is a fear on the other side of the coin. This is one that many don't consider.
Kris and I were discussing her podcast launch. As we were getting ready to go through the process, I asked about her biggest fear.
She said she had a fear of success. Kris said, "If I grow too far too fast, I'm afraid I won't be able to handle it mentally or physically."
It's easy to sit in the preparation phase. You can't fail while you're preparing. The risk comes when you actually launch in life.
Many people are hesitant to admit the fear of success is holding them back.
Take the first step. Lean into your superpower and see what happens.
OVERCOMING YOUR FEARS
On this episode, I want to share a conversation I had with Michael Devous Jr.
Michael is a dynamic force in the world of entrepreneurship and personal development. With over three decades of experience in the entertainment industry, he has honed his skills as a performer, producer, and motivational speaker.
His journey, marked by resilience and transformation, has led him to inspire others to harness fear and achieve their dreams.
As the founder of Devous Media Holdings and the visionary behind "The Fearless Road" and "Fearless Thinking" podcasts, as well as The Ascend Hub community, Michael is dedicated to providing entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and connections they need to thrive.
During this conversation, we talk about overcoming your fears and learning to believe in yourself.
Enjoy the conversation.
Get Michael's gift "The Fearless Road Quiz: Unveiling Your Inner Compass" at
www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/fearless.
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.
As an entrepreneur, you work hard to generate revenue. Many businesses focus on sales to drive that revenue. But, what are you doing to keep more of that money?
THE BOOK ON SELLING
I love learning the nuances of selling. In fact, I just finished another book on it.
We talk a lot about connecting with other experts and the power those connections hold for your growth. This book came to me from connections.
One of my former coaches introduced me to her daughter as a joint venture partners. Her daughter introduced me to the leader of her mastermind.
The leader of the mastermind connected me to a sales expert who was another member of the mastermind.
That expert is Joe Pallo. He wrote a great book on selling called "How To Sell Nothing – The Logical Way To Make The Emotional Sale".
In the book, Joe talks about learning about the prospect before the sales conversation. It's a lot about relationships and very similar to what we discuss here.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
As we generate revenue from our sales, we tend to allocate that revenue to a variety of expenses.
But, do you know where your money is going?
Why is it that people making $40k a year live paycheck-to-paycheck and people making $120k a year also live paycheck-to-paycheck?
It's because our expenses creep up as our income increases. We think we could never live without something that we never dreamed of having when we were making half or a third of what we are making now.
Unless you deliberately tell the money where to go, it will all disappear.
Many entrepreneurs start their company on a shoestring budget. I started this company on $500 for a website, some podcasting tools, and a couple other things.
As entrepreneurs make more money, they begin spending on things like marketing, virtual assistants, and memberships.
How many memberships do you have? Which ones are you really using on a regular basis and getting benefit from?
Back when you were making no money, you hustled and spent time instead of money. You made it work, because you didn't have the money to spend on marketing.
Now, I'm not saying don't invest in marketing or powerful tools to help you grow your business even faster.
I'm simply suggesting you invest that money with a purpose. Do you really need a second mastermind or third AI tool?
KEEP MORE OF YOUR MONEY
When it comes to spending money, I'm a big proponent of investing money where it can help you grow bigger and faster with focus.
One of those ways is finding an expert who knows the space much better than you and can help you shorten the timeframe to reach success. Experts can typically show you what you don't know and help you discover solutions faster.
I use coaches and experts for very specific purposes. I don't have a business coach. That is too broad.
At this point, I have a sales coach and a marketing coach. They help me in very specific ways.
Another expert I use is my accountant. I don't do my taxes, because I have no interest in learning all of the tax code, I don't know what I can write off properly, and I don't want to spend the time trying to figure it out.
A good accountant can help you keep more of your money by finding the leaks in your bucket.
You work hard to generate the revenue. It's time you start working a little harder to keep it.
YOUR MONEY EXPERT
Today, I want to help you get started. I want to bring you a conversation I had with Ralph Estep Jr. He is the host of the Ask Ralph Podcast where he shares insights on finance, taxation, and entrepreneurship and helps entrepreneurs manage money God's way.
He has some incredible tips for you to help you keep more of your money.
Ralph V. Estep, Jr. is a multifaceted professional whose career spans accounting, entrepreneurship, farming, and media.
With a background in finance and technology, he founded Saggio Management Group and has held leadership positions in various organizations.
This interview was part of my Podcast Profits Summit. Grab something to take notes with and get ready to keep more of your money.
Enjoy my conversation with Ralph Estep. Jr.
Be sure to grab Ralph's gift.
It is "Keep more of your money with 5 accounting tips most entrepreneurs miss". You can download it at https://www.askralphpodcast.com/5tips.
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.
Building relationships with your audience is the path to your success.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR AVATAR
Whether you're trying to grow your audience, grow your business, or make your impact on the world, success requires a powerful relationship.
People do business with those they know, like and trust. It's all about building rapport.
People follow those they know, like and trust. Influential authority originates from building a relationship with those you want to follow you.
When we start building your podcast, one of the first steps is defining your ideal target listener. Your avatar. Who are you trying to attract.
Most people will go through the typical basics, like age, gender, niche, etc.
Some will go a little deeper to describe the avatar's interests, pains, and goals.
Few will get deep enough to define the influencers their ideal client follows, the mental challenges holding their prospect back, or the myths that the avatar believes.
The more you know about your ideal target listener, the stronger your content will be. You can use this definition as a filter for everything you do.
RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH PERSONALITY STYLE
One area often overlooked is personality style. By defining the personality style of your ideal target listener, you will know what content is important to her, how to communicate with her, and what will inspire her to take action.
There are a variety of personality tests available. Each of them are a little different, but typically measure a person's characteristics, motivations and tendencies.
A personality test helps define the best way to interact with someone.
By understanding how to communicate with the various personality types and which types you work best with, you can craft your content to superserve this specific group.
ASHLEY LOGSDON
On this episode, I'm joined by relationship expert Ashley Logsdon to delve into the intricate world of personality types and their impact on building strong audience relationships.
Ashley Logsdon is a Life Harmony Relationships coach who works with individuals to create a life where every family member thrives.
Focusing on introspection and understanding "the language of empathy", she helps professionals and families move from communication to true connection - with themselves, their environment, and others.
She's been involved in her father's business for the past 20 years and now runs and manages 48 Days, LLC - a resource for creating the work - and the life - you love.
Ashley and her husband Nathan co-hosted the Mama Says Namaste podcast for 7 years, focusing on intentional family living and togetherness.
This conversation is from my Podcast Profits Summit and will help you understand how to attract, connect with, and communicate with your ideal target listener.
DISC PERSONALITY PROFILE
Together, we explore the DISC personality system, where Ashley explains the varying traits of D (Dominant), I (Influential), S (Supportive/Steady), and C (Conscientious/Creative) types. The discussion highlights how understanding these personality styles can help podcasters adapt their communication to better connect with their listeners.
Ashley emphasizes that every personality type has its strengths and challenges, especially in entrepreneurial ventures. She suggests that while D and I traits are often seen in successful business builders due to their assertiveness and social ease, S and C personalities also bring unique advantages.
MOVING BEYOND THE TYPICAL AVATAR
Throughout the conversation, Ashley and I discuss the significance of knowing your audience on a deeper level. Moving beyond basic demographics to understand the challenges, interests, and personality types of listeners can greatly enhance content engagement.
Ashley introduces a free guide available at 48days.com/you that provides practical tips on empathetic communication tailored to various DISC profiles, which can be an invaluable resource for podcasters aiming to resonate more with their audience.
Our conversation also touches on the effective strategies for interacting with different personality types in various settings.
Ashley recounts a live event scenario where she managed an interaction with a high-I individual by affirming her presence and gently guiding the conversation to maintain the event focus. This example underscores the adaptability required in real-time communications and the value of preemptive understanding of personality styles.
PODCAST SUCCESS THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS
We also talk about the pivotal role of relationship-building in podcast success. By tailoring content and interactions to fit the listeners' personality types, podcasters can foster a deeper sense of connection and trust.
Whether you are a high-energy, quick-deciding D or a detail-oriented, systematic C, this episode is rich with insights on how to harness your unique traits to create compelling, engaging podcast content.
Enjoy our discussion.
Grab Ashley's gift at 48days.com/you.
Who are you trying to attract? Which clients are best for you?
Clearly define your ideal target listener. Understand who you're trying to attract.
The more you know, the easier it will be to attract them to you.
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.
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
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.
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