The Communicate Influence Podcast

Podcast interviewing can be tricky, especially if you're new to it and haven't had any journalism training or interviewing experience.

If you want deeper interviews with your podcast guests, join me, host Sheelagh Caygill, as I talk expert podcast host Ronsley Vaz. Ronsley has conducted more than 900 interviews and says he gets better with each one.

Ronsley is an author, entrepreneur, and host of Should I Start A Podcast, The Psychology of Entrepreneurship, and Bond Appetite.

The interview was intended to focus on Ronsley's agency, Amplify Media, in Australia. But the conversation veered off into something more meaningful as we explored impostor syndrome, how Ronsley overcame it, entrepreneurship, reaching goals, and Ronsley's approach to interviewing and growth as an interviewer.

Ronsley's discussion is deep, and it offers listeners lots of insights into overcoming personal challenges, grabbing opportunities, and becoming a successful podcaster and interviewer.

Show Sponsor - Kef Consulting

Kevin McCall, a technology management consultant at Kef Consulting is this week's sponsor. Thanks Kevin! Kevin is a full-service web and technology consultant, specializing in end-to-end web and e-commerce solutions. He is currently available for new clients. Contact Kevin at Kevn @ Kef. ca or find him on LinkedIn.

Fundraising

Thank you to my fundraising supporters on Patreon and at Buymeacoffee.com. If you enjoy this episode, consider supporting us at Buymeacoffee.com. Thank you! 

Self-care during Covid-19

There's no doubt that we're living in times stranger than strange. Self-care is more important than ever. 

So in this week's podcast episode we veer away from a focus on communications and marketing, and present an episode on self-care and connecting within.

How to take care of ourselves 

Integrated nutrition health coach Liza Baker gives a comprehensive discussion on how to practice self-care and reduce stress or a preoccupation with Covid-19. 

The range of choices we have to deal with everything from concern to distress are many, including the obvious ones - exercise, a good night's sleep, and taking part in activities we enjoy. 

Not so obvious aspects of self-care during Covid-19 are inward reflection, carefully selecting foods, understanding how our circumstances affect our food choices, journaling, and other options discussed by Liza. 

Feeling stuck creatively?

For some people, working at home is a new experience and it can stymie creativity. If that sounds like you, then you'll appreciate some of the ideas Liza shares about sparking creativity and focusing on work.

Integrative nutrition health coach Liza Baker

Liza is a health coach focused on reducing burnout, stewarding human resources, growing sustainable mission-driven organizations through personal health.

Show Sponsor - Kef Consulting

Kevin McCall, a technology management consultant at Kef Consulting is this week's sponsor. Thanks Kevin! Kevin is a full-service web and technology consultant, specializing in end-to-end web and e-commerce solutions. He is currently available for new clients. Contact Kevin at Kevn @ Kef. ca or find him on LinkedIn.

Fundraising

Thank you to my fundraising supporters on Patreon and at Buymeacoffee.com. If you enjoy this episode, consider supporting us at Buymeacoffee.com. Thank you! 

The last seven days have seen rapid change around the world, as governments, businesses, and organizations reacted to contain the spread of Covid-19.

In this episode, host Sheelagh Caygill talks to Ben Baker, an internal communications and brand consultant based in Vancouver, Canada.

Ben points out that simply telling employees to work from home isn't enough. Organizations need to be proactive in supporting their employees to ensure that employees remain connected, are productive, and feel valued.

Larger organizations are prepared

Larger organizations are the ones that will cope best during this time of disruption, while smaller businesses will struggle and may not have contingency plans in place.

Make the best use of technology

He emphasizes the importance of using technology to fulfil the need for connection, and recommends daily check-ins - a minimum of two a day, one at the beginning and one at the end of the shift. Using Zoom or Skype with video can accomplish this.

Remote working will be difficult for some employees, who may be sharing their home with a partner or family and may not even have high-speed internet. Companies need to be aware of this and have leaders who understand this and reach out to their teams to resolve these issues.

People may feel isolated or even depressed

In some instances employees may even need equipment, such as printers or desks, and businesses should be willing to supply these things. For some, it will be an isolating or even depressing experience. All the more need for managers to stay in touch and check in.

Show Notes

Find Ben at Your Brand Marketing or LinkedIn.

Show Sponsor

Kevin McCall, a technology management consultant at Kef Consulting. Kevin is a full-service web and technology consultant, specializing in end-to-end web and e-commerce solutions. Kevin is currently available for new clients. Contact Kevin at Kevn @ Kef. ca or via LinkedIn.

Fundraising

Thank you to my fundraising supporters on Patreon and at Buymeacoffee.com
If you enjoy this episode, consider supporting us at Buymeacoffee.com. Thank you! 

This week's episode of The Communicate Influence Podcast explores some of the of the pressing questions in public relations today.

We connect with one of the UK's leading PR practitioner's, Sarah Waddington. Sarah is founder of Astute.Work, a management and PR consultancy in Newcastle, England. She is also past-president of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Sarah explores the perceptions management teams have of PR professionals, PR becoming part of the strategy development process, pay inequality, the impact of Brexit on the UK and beyond, and more.

Future proofing PR

Sarah also discusses her creation called #FuturePRoof. It began as a book and is now four books and a living, breathing community looking at all the issues facing public relations practitioners. It also has a with a view to the horizon and shares regular thought pieces through the #FuturePRoof blog, Facebook group, and Twitter feed.

Its purpose is to underline PR’s role as a management discipline and motivate practitioners to secure the skillset they need to deliver at boardroom level. #FuturePRoof looks at the threats and opportunities for public relations so we are well placed to capitalize.

Show notes

Sarah Waddington at astute.work, on LinkedIn and Twitter.

#FuturePRoof

Global PR Alliance

Thank you to my supporters on Patreon and at Buymeacoffee.com

If you enjoy this episode, consider supporting us at Buymeacoffee.com. Thank you! 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting the work of public relations practitioners and marketing pros in many ways - and that impact is set to increase. But only for those people who embrace the technology. 

People who are at the forefront of using AI proficiently will have a strong advantage. They are the ones who can differentiate between AI and automation, and understand how AI can benefit communications and marketing. 

Unfortunately, those individuals are in the minority at the moment; PR lags behind when it comes to taking advantage of AI, and in particular machine learning.

This week I talk to Jean Valin, a Canadian PR pro who has been active in researching and discussing AI in the fields for quite some time. 

Jean and many practitioners around the world have been involved in AI in PR, a panel to start the conversation. The panel tracks how much AI exists. It also looks at the amount of hype, because a lot of companies are hyping their products. AI in PR demystifies, and focuses on upskilling by helping PRs and marketers learn about AI's applications.

Jean discusses: 

• Automation and AI
• Machine learning and replicating human intelligence
• The five levels of AI - starting with basic tools, such as listening and monitoring tools, to the top level, structured and unstructured data
• The urgent need for PRs to upskill and embrace AI
• The issue of jobs in PR - AI will gradually and increasingly assist humans, but it cannot replace humans
• Humans will still be required for empathy, decision making, contextualization, emotional intelligence, and ethics
• Within five years tasks that could be assisted or replaced are between 38 to 40 percent. 

Show notes:

The Global Alliance

CIPR AI Panel

CIPR on PR 'sleepwalking' into AI

The Montreal Declaration for Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence

Jean Valin on LinkedIn

Wordsmith - https://automatedinsights.com/wordsmith/

Thank you to my supporters on Patreon and at Buymeacoffee.com

If you enjoy this episode, consider supporting us at Buymeacoffee.com. Thank you!

Starting a podcast, with guest Marc Guberti

Starting a podcast isn't difficult, but it does take some preparation. Marc Guberti shares his knowledge with listeners. He hosts three podcast shows and has been a guest on plenty, so he has lots of experience!

The episode follows on from last week's conversation with Marc about ageism young people face, as well as his work ethic and tremendous drive. 

Tips on starting a podcast

Wanting to get into podcasting can be overwhelming. Begin by thinking about your why - what do you want to accomplish with your podcast, even if it's a hobby. Plan out some episodes, and then consider a podcasting host, equipment, a set-up for long-distance interviews, but don't spend too much money to begin. 

Podcasting is a long game

Many new podcasters post on Facebook or Reddit about their disappointment with download numbers. But it's important to realize that when you launch a podcast show, it takes time. You're not going to see results for at least a year or two. Marc's advice: Be prepared to ask yourself if you can produce episodes for a year. If yes, you're setting yourself up for success.

What show format works best? 

Marc's view is that interviews work best for podcasting. Also known as the chat cast, this format can include one or more guests who discuss a topic. A great goal for a chat cast is giving listeners actionable tips.

He believes this format is best for business because it introduces new business relationships, which can benefit your venture in the long term. If you aim to produce solo content, Marc recommends Youtube for this format. 

Lots of hopeful podcasters are deterred by fear. If this is holding you back, Marc recommends simply jumping in. Yes, listen to a few of your favourite podcasts first, but don't put off starting your podcast for too long. And stay focused on the fact that you'll get better as time goes on. By episode seven or eight, you'll hear a marked improvement in your interview and presentation skills. 

How to market a podcast

A key to podcast marketing is to use as many social media platforms as possible to promote your show. Use visuals to engage people, and ask guests to promote their episodes, too. 

Producing great content is vital. Select guests who really add value to your episodes, and work on your questions and delivery for continual improvement.

Marc says that for podcast hosts, one of the eventual challenges is removing "ums" or any other speech space filler. Don't worry about this initially, but it's certainly something to work towards as you make progress. Serious podcasters might even want to work with a speech coach - especially if a longer-term goal is to get into public speaking.

Connect with Marc: Marcguberti.com Marc's podcasts: Breakthrough Success, Profitable Public Speaking, and Ditch the Job. Find Marc on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Marc Guberti is in his early 20s, but this young entrepreneur is already a business consultant and the author of more than two dozen books on publishing, marketing, and investing.

Marc began writing at the age of 11, when, as a New Yorker, he created a Boxton Red Sox blog, and the momentum he established then has only progressed. But it hasn't all been a piece of cake. He's encountered ageism, with people questioning his knowledge and experience.

In this week's episode of The Communicate Influence Podcast, Marc challenges the ugly assumptions of ageism and explains why it's incorrect and illogical. Today, Marc is committed to empowering teens and adults so that they can achieve success in business and in life.

Marc also discusses where his enthusiasm comes from, his work ethic, and how he manage to accomplish so much.

If you enjoy this episode, consider buying The Communicate Influence Podcast a coffee at buymeacoffee.com!

Show notes:

Marcguberti.com

Marc's podcasts: Breakthrough Success, Profitable Public Speaking, and Ditch the Job.

Find Marc on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Hi! This is a special edition of The Communicate Influence Podcast! We have new show music from Herne Ford-Elliott, who's based in the U.K. But what makes it really special is the wide range of recommended podcasts from fans and listeners. Check them out! And get in touch if you'd like to be a part of another recommend episode in the summer!

If you like the show, please consider buying us a coffee at Buy Me A Coffee. It's an inexpensive and fun way of showing us your support! Thank you so much!

These are the people who've made recommendations, and their current favourite shows. Let us know on social media what you think of these recommendations, and what you're listening to, as well!

Ceyhun Yakup Özkardes-Cheung, Content Manager at fisherAppelt in Hamburg, Germany.

Yakup recommends: 

1. The GaryVee Audio Experience https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/podcast/
2. Frank Kern, Your Next Million https://frankkern.com/podcast/
3. Jeff Walker, Launch Life https://jeffwalker.com/podcast/

Josh Steimle, creator of The 7 Systems of Influence, Boston, U.S.

1. The Tom Woods Show https://tomwoods.com/podcasts/
2. ChinesePod https://www.chinesepod.com/
3. Amy Porterfield Podcast https://www.amyporterfield.com/amy-porterfield-podcast/

Liza Baker, integrated nutritian health coach, Michigan, U.S.

1. The Good Life Project https://www.goodlifeproject.com/podcast/
2. Christine Hassler Over it & On With It https://christinehassler.com/podcast/
3. Jennifer Harrington Menopause Natural Solutions https://www.menopausenaturalsolutions.com/podcast

Dena Jackson, comedian, speaker, and podcaster, Canada

1. Awakening with JP Sears https://awakenwithjp.com/podcast
2. Under the Skin with Russell Brand https://www.russellbrand.com/podcasts/
3. You Made It Wierd with Pete Holmes https://youmadeitweird.libsyn.com/
4. Spooked https://spookedpodcast.org/

Sidwyn Koh, founder, Kyrie.fm

1. How I Built This, with Guy Raz https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this
2. Robin Hood Snacks https://snacks.robinhood.com/
3. https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory-1

Paul Padmore, My Perfect Failure podcast, UK

1. David Rubenstein Show https://www.bloomberg.com/peer-to-peer

Amanda Cupido, podcst producer and author, Let’s Talk Podcasting: The Essential Guide to Doing It Right, Toronto, Canada

1. Grammer Girl Podcast 

This episode is one for writers! We connect with Josh Steimle, a writer, author, a TEDx speaker, and the founder of a digital marketing agency. Read his full bio below.

⭐️ Josh is giving listeners an opportunity to take his 60 Days To LinkedIn Mastery Success course at a 50 percent discount. Listen to the episode to learn how to take advantage of this offer! ⭐️

In this episode, Josh shares a wealth of information about:

• How to be a better writer
• The importance of reading for writers
• How to test sections of writing which could form part of a book with potential audiences
• Working with publishers
• Book marketing
• Book formats
• Why word-of-mouth, business relationships, and email lists are essential to book marketing

Links mentioned in the episode:

Josh's website, and his article in Forbes which he references in the episode and which turned around his business.

Josh's first book, Chief Marketing Officers At Work, and his second book's Publishizer page for 60 Days to LinkedIn Mastery due in May.

On Writing, by Stephen King, which Josh recommends to writers.

Books Josh is reading: Future Shock by Alvin Toffler, The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle.

Consider giving a small tip if you enjoy this podcast. Please go to at Buymeacoffee.com or Patreon. Thank you!

The secrets behind brand ambassadorship

This week's episode of The Communicate Influence Podcast focuses on Peter Barron, a journalist and author based in the North of England. Pete was Editor of The Northern Echo, a regional newspaper with an impressive history, for 17 years. He then set up his own media relations firm four years ago.

[Consider giving a small tip: If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a tip at Buymeacoffee.com or Patreon. Thank you!]

More recently, Pete has become a brand ambassador for a local financial institution called the Darlington Building Society. Pete discusses his role as editor of the prestigious newspaper, how he focuses on connected with the community while an editor, and his work as an ambassador. He explains how he performs his role as ambassador, how to set up an ambassador program, and what to look for in an ambassador.

Pete is also a children's author and has written The Dad At Large books, based on his column, and, more recently, The Monstrous Morals series, available on Amazon. His work as a writer has played a role in his ambassador role, as you'll hear in this episode.

Who makes a good brand ambassador?

This episode is a bit longer than average, and that's because we wanted to explore the kind of career, qualities, and reputation a brand ambassador needs to be successful.

And, an admission from the host, Sheelagh: "It was great to catch up with Pete because I reported to him for about six years in the early days of the internet. Back then, my title was New Media Editor - and it was that job that got me switched on to the excitement and potential of all things online."

You can find Peter Barron at Peter Barron Media, or on LinkedIn.