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Beyond Influential
#167 Behind the Scenes of the Beyond Influential Podcast: Getting Started, My Interview Process, and How I Pitch & Connect with Dream Guests
Oct 5, 2021
02:02:42
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast has evolved to cover a broader range of topics and guests beyond just business-related discussions, aiming for deeper conversations and exploring different industries and areas.
- Guest selection for the podcast is influenced by Brittney's own interests, current trends, and the desire to have impactful conversations, considering expertise, relevance, and potential value added to the show.
- Maintaining positive relationships with guests who show interest is crucial, recognizing that podcasting is a relationship-building process, and approaching guest pitching with genuine curiosity and respect.
- The show has become more flexible over time, adapting to Brittney's changing interests and the needs of the audience, covering different topics and branching out into new areas while also considering the long-term evolution of the podcast.
- Challenges in interviews include navigating conversations with guests who have little or no experience being interviewed, preparing for interviews with guests with long and multifaceted careers, and steering the conversation beyond predefined talking points and exploring other areas of interest or depth.
Deep dives
Evolution of the show
The podcast has evolved in terms of topics and guests. The focus has shifted from solely business-related discussions to broader areas that make up an influential life. Brittney aims to have deeper conversations and avoid repetitive content by exploring different industries and finding experts in various areas.
Factors in choosing guests
Brittney chooses guests based on her own interests, current trends, and the desire to have impactful conversations. She stays informed about news, social media, and industry trends to identify potential guests. The decision to invite someone is influenced by their expertise, relevance, and potential to add value to the show.
Pitching and handling 'no' responses
Brittney acknowledges that some people may decline or be unavailable due to their schedules or current circumstances. She doesn't take it personally and emphasizes the importance of maintaining positive relationships with guests who show interest. She recognizes that podcasting is a relationship-building process, and she approaches pitching guests with genuine curiosity and respect.
Flexibility and growth of the show
The show has become more flexible over time, adapting to Brittney's changing interests and the needs of the audience. Brittney focuses on building rapport with guests and aims to create conversations that are engaging and unique. She seeks to keep the show fresh by covering different topics and branching out into new areas while also considering the long-term evolution of the podcast.
The Challenge of Interviewing Inexperienced Guests
One of the biggest challenges in interviews is when guests have little or no experience being interviewed. Nervousness and lack of prepared talking points can make the conversation challenging to navigate.
Interviewing Guests with Extensive Careers
Interviewing guests with long and multifaceted careers can be difficult in terms of preparation. Researching extensively to cover all aspects of their career can be time-consuming and overwhelming, requiring careful selection of the central themes to focus on.
Dealing with Guests with Predefined Talking Points
Another challenging situation is when guests have set talking points or sound bites they are comfortable with. It can be difficult to steer the conversation beyond these predefined topics and explore other areas of interest or depth.
Building rapport and establishing comfort with guests
When inviting guests on the podcast, the host considers what the audience wants to know and what would be a win for the guest. The host also plans the main points to discuss and respects the guest's time. Building rapport and making guests comfortable is important, and the host establishes a brief exchange before recording. Active listening and taking notes during the interview help the host stay engaged and focused. The goal is to have a real and intimate conversation that leaves a positive impression on both the guest and the audience.
Favorite episodes, maintaining high standards, and the value of chemistry
The host finds value in every interview, learning something from each one. Favorite episodes are those where a strong connection was established and the conversation felt energized and positive. However, not every interview has the same level of chemistry, and while valuable information can still be gathered, it may not meet the same standard. The host seeks feedback from the team to ensure each episode meets the audience's needs, and sometimes episodes that may not be personally satisfying still resonate with listeners. The dream for the podcast is to build a community around living an influential life and becoming a go-to destination for those seeking impactful content.
Ready to go behind the scenes of Beyond Influential? As I get close to the 4-year anniversary of the show, I’ve received a lot of questions about my process, as well as podcasting in general (and it’s been way too long since I’ve done an episode on!). On this week’s episode, we’re turning the tables and Shannon O’Donovan from my team is interviewing me. I’m answering the questions we’ve collected from Instagram, emails, DMs, and Beyond Influential Backstagers, and I’m excited to share it all! On Ep. 167, we chat about:
- Why I started Beyond Influential and how it has evolved over time
- How I pitch guests to be on the show
- My interview process: How I prepare for interviews, connect with my guests, and actually conduct the interview
- My favorite episodes, hardest interviews, and my dream guests
- The vision for Beyond Influential moving forward, and so much more!
Timestamps:
2:30 Why did you start a podcast? 11:00 How did you name your podcast? 15:32 How do you keep improving your skills as an interviewer? 22:59 How has being a guest on other shows affected your approach as an interviewer? 32:52 How has Beyond Influential evolved over time? 43:23 How do you decide who to interview? 1:09:38 How do pitch someone to be on the podcast? 1:16:47 How do you prepare for interviews? 1:23:25 How do you build rapport with your guests? 1:28:11 What do you do during an interview? 1:33:30 Which episodes have been your favorites so far? 1:40:46 Who are your dream guests? 1:45:15 What have been the hardest interviews? 1:50:30 Have you released any episodes you weren’t entirely happy with? 1:58:48 What’s the vision for Beyond Influential moving forward?
Want to get early access, ad-free Beyond Influential episodes, full transcripts, and other exclusive perks? Check out Beyond Influential Backstage! https://www.brittanykrystle.com/backstage
Don't want to miss an episode (or valuable free resources!)? Get on my list here: https://www.brittanykrystle.com/subscribe
Recommended Books on Interviewing: Howard Stern Comes Again: https://amzn.to/3iwSRXb Talk to Me: How to Ask Better Questions, Get Better Answers, and Interview Anyone Like a Pro,by Dean Nelson: https://amzn.to/3uGfnSm More Podcasting Resources: How to Start a Podcast: From Idea to Launch in 2021: https://www.brittanykrystle.com/how-to-start-a-podcast/ Podcast Equipment & Recommendations: https://amzn.to/2YlozzH OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Check out my Free masterclass on 3 Secrets to Building a Profitable Personal Brand! https://www.brittanykrystle.com/masterclass/ Beyond Influential Episodes to Check Out:- #63 Lauryn Evarts Bosstick of The Skinny Confidential on Evolving from Blogger to Businesswoman & How to Build an Empire on Authentic Influence https://www.brittanykrystle.com/63-lauryn-evarts-bosstick-of-the-skinny-confidential-on-evolving-from-blogger-to-businesswoman-how-to-build-an-empire-on-authentic-influence/
- #90 Dr. Joan Rosenberg on How to Build Lasting Confidence and Create a Life You Love https://www.brittanykrystle.com/dr-joan-rosenberg-on-how-to-build-lasting-confidence-and-create-a-life-you-love/
- #104 Divya Gugnani of Wander Beauty On What it Takes to Grow a Global Brand & Build Businesses That Scale: https://www.brittanykrystle.com/divya-gugnani-of-wander-beauty-on-what-it-takes-to-grow-a-global-brand-build-businesses-that-scale/
- #112 Lindsay Silberman on How to Be Taken Seriously by Brands & Make a Living as a Full-Time Influencer https://www.brittanykrystle.com/lindsay-silberman-on-how-to-be-taken-seriously-by-brands-make-a-living-as-a-full-time-influencer/
- #144 Lindsay Silberman On Creating a Luxury Product-Based Ecommerce Business That Sells Out in Minutes https://www.brittanykrystle.com/lindsay-silberman-on-creating-a-luxury-product-based-ecommerce-business-that-sells-out-in-minutes/
- #154 & #155 The Perfect Pitch: Hollywood Insider Tips on How to Network with the A-List & Land Your Dream Guests with Christopher McDonald Part 1 https://www.brittanykrystle.com/the-perfect-pitch-hollywood-insider-tips-on-how-to-network-with-the-a-list-land-your-dream-guests-with-christopher-mcdonald-part-1/ Part 2 https://www.brittanykrystle.com/the-perfect-pitch-hollywood-insider-tips-on-how-to-network-with-the-a-list-land-your-dream-guests-with-christopher-mcdonald-part-2/
- #156 Paco Underhill on the Psychology of Shopping and How to Use it to Get More Sales https://www.brittanykrystle.com/paco-underhill-on-the-psychology-of-shopping-and-how-to-use-it-to-get-more-sales/
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