

School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast
Dave Jackson
You want to start a podcast, but you’re unsure where to start. You need advice on how to grow or monetize your show, and stop being so scared that it won’t work! I can help by showing you what mistakes NOT TO MAKE and much more. Subscribe to the show and soak in the 18+ years of podcasting experience from Podcaster Hall of Fame Inductee Dave Jackson.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 25, 2014 • 59min
Every Podcast Episode is an Opportunity
I spent money on plane tickets to go to Podcast Movement. I worked for weeks on my presentation. Then when I went to deliver my presentation, the original attendance was not what I had hoped for. Today I share how I had two thought paths I could've followed. Half of the podcasting game is mental. Being mentally prepared for criticism. Being mentally always looking for insights into your audience. This is why you need to determine WHY you are getting into podcasting. There will be those times when things are not going as planned, and you want to quit. The WHY will carry you through. For me, a momentary lapse of purpose had me thinking of going down a dark place. I decided to go a different route. At the end of my presentation, the room was not entirely full, but it had tripled the few people who were originally there.
I had given it everything I had. I was sweaty, and tired. I had left what I had on the stage (more on that next week when I hare a story behind an interview). When people choose to listen to your podcast, it is an opportunity to connect with them. It is an opportunity to impact their life. Don't take your audience for granted, and always deliver your best performance. I'm glad I did.
For more information on the presentation go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/pm14 (slides, videos, etc).

Aug 19, 2014 • 40min
Who Wants to Make a Difference?
Fresh back from my trip to the Podcast Movement event, I share two stories of how podcasters are making a difference. We are being seen as the voice of customers; we are being seen as people who can influence others.
Corey Fineran of Ivy Envy Helps MLB Change a Rule
Corey shares how a contest for free Chicago Cubs tickets seemed unfair. He wrote a blog post and spoke honestly on his podcast. He was nervous when an official from the Cubs reached out to him. Then he found out his podcast and blog had been used to help change the rule for contests run by Major League baseball.
Blog Talk Radio Working on Updating Their Audio Quality
I have not been of Blog Talk Radio for a long time (their audio and other issues were pointed out in this post) so you can imagine when I was attending Podcast Movement 2014 and a Blog Talk Radio representative approached me. Then he started off his remarks with the phrase, "About your post..."
I was amazed when General Manager Andy Toh said he had taken my post, and was using it to help rebuild Blog talk Radio from the inside out. He explained how the new beta version will be able to export audio at 128kbps (CD Quality). Andy know there there will be a lot of improvements needed to get my official seal of approval, but the fact that Blog Talk Radio was even attending the vent, and that they are planning on making changes to their service shows their dedication to the community (where hosting companies like Podbean.com and Podomatic.com where not in attendance). As always my two favorite providers Libsyn.com abnd Blubrry.com had booths and I will be talking about Libsyn.com's redesigned app in a future episode.

Aug 11, 2014 • 59min
What Does it Take To Be Pat Flynn? - Smart Podcast Player
Pat Flynn made 89,903.53 last month. This is down from the 89,000 he made in April. This doesn't happen by chance. Pat has always been a hard worker. If you haven't check out his book Let Go, then you should. You read how he did all the things you were supposed to do (go to college, work insane hours to get up the corporate ladder) only to be let go. Pat had been studying for a certification and was using the web to store his notes. Later when he passed the exam he uncovered that his notes were very, VERY popular. So he took the notes and repackaged them as an ebook, and put it up for sale. He never considered himself an author, but why not. It made (and continues to make ) a LOT of cash. Along the way Pat shares the good the bad and the ugly of his journey. Today he shares some insights into what it takes to create content that truly resonates with your audience, and how he is taking podcast players to a new level with his Smart Podcast Player.
Here are some key points from the interview
Pat spends HOURS writing a single blog post. When you read his posts at smartpassiveincome.com you will see the insane amounts of detail that he puts into his posts. The goal is always to inform his audience in an unbiased way. The goal is to help his audience make an informed decision. By not selling out to the top bidder, and only talking about products he has first hand knowledge of, Pat is not only a resource, but a trusted resource. Pat knows when he is most productive (he's a night owl) and that's when he does his work. He has a dedicated office. He admits that its hard to separate work and family, but in the same way that a employee clocks out to go home Pat knows that when he leaves his office he has "clocked out" and it's time for his family. When I read the book Let Go you get to see bonus videos of Pat with his family. It's very cool, and his passion and love for his kids is beyond evident. Pat learned that you need to let others who can do things better take over. He tried to turn his book into an audio book, but later hired someone to read it for him. It was a lot of money ($1400) but that money came back to him. Many people are envious of Pat's bank account. I envy the time and influence Pat has with his children. Pat took his successful blog and grew his audience using a podcast. When Pat meets people at conferences, they all mention the podcast. It took Pat a year and a half to build his audience
Smart Podcast Player
When Pat launched the Ask the Pat podcast ( a quick daily show where he answers one listener question) . He had a custom player created. You can find it at www.smartpodcastplayer.com or at www.askpat.com it has built in share buttons and if you have a large catalog (like a daily show will produce) it makes it easy to browse through the episodes and listen to the one you want. How Does it Work? It doesn't matter what media host you use. You input the location of your RSS feed and it pulls the information from that and creates the payer. This way when you release a new episode it automatically is added to the player. If you use soundcoud as your media host (for the record I would only use soundcloud as a secondary host - see my thought on this) you can add additional tags which may help you be found, and help people discover your content.
When In Doubt Ask Your Audience
Pat rolled it out to a limited beta group knowing there would be growing pains. Pat knew there were features he would want to add, and by rolling it out to a select few, he had a built in focus group to help him identify and prioritize new features that will be added to the player. When it first rolled out there were limited choices to the colors you could use. Now you can use any color for your player.
Great Support
As expected there were a few bugs when it rolled out. I worked with his group and they were very responsive and a great group of guys. With my recent moving of my website to a new host, I have had other priorities and have not activated the player on the new host (not that it takes a lot to put it into place - you know podcast movement, etc, first things first). Flexible The Smart Podcast Player allows you to put a full page of your podcasts in one spot ( see screenshot) or you can put a single episode on your site. It will be exciting to see what features are added in the future. Pat talked about wanting the player to prompt you to join a mailing list (or other call to action). He realizes that while you could throw in a bunch of features, its best to roll them out slowly and make sure you are adding features that are wanted.
Protecting Your Brand
Pat talks about he is asked on a daily basis to promote products. Many of these have huge payouts, but Pat knows that if he were to endorse a product that turned out to be awful, his trust would be ruined. He has the intelligence to know that the most valuable thing you have is the trust of your audience. He could have a list of hundreds of thousands of subscribers, but if they don't trust your content - it's worthless. If you're in it for the long haul, guard your audience and protect from the people who are looking to make a quick buck. Find all things Pat at www.smartpassiveincome.com www.smartpodcastplayer.com www.askpat.com www.nichesiteduel.com

Aug 4, 2014 • 46min
Targeting Your Audience with Ben Krueger the Podcast Marketing Guy
Today we talk about identifying your perfect customer and then making a podcast for them . We also hear a story of courage from a young 14 year old boy. We get an update on the patent troll case, and a book review
Because of His Attitude [5:00]
Today I get feedback from a 14 year old Australian boy who had the courage to ask to speak at a Wordcamp. Sure enough he passed, and was able to speak in front of 500 people. His attitude, "What the heck, let's try and see." I think we all can learn from William and see that while we may not think we have the credentials, WE DO. For those above the age of 14, you have a bit more history under our belt.
Get Reviewed on the Podcast Review Show [9:43]
Recently we reviewed Dan Hansen's Coffee Couch (hear the review). Dan shares his thoughts on the experience. You can get the most affordable private coaching with two coaches for $99
Marketing Your Business With Your Podcast - Ben Kruger Interview [11:20]
Ben Kruger produces the Authority Engine podcast and is known as the "Podcast Marketing Guy" who took his passion for marketing and incorporated it into a podcast that helps people use podcasting to bring in new clients. He offers services for small business who just want to create content (and let Ben and his team do the rest) Some topics we talk about are: Does your show need to be daily? How many downloads do you need to be successful? The key is targeting your audience. Find the top leaders in your niche and help them deliver the best content to their audience. Don't do a giant commercial. Start building your email list with tools like Aweber and

Jul 28, 2014 • 1h 1min
How Many Downloads Does it Take to Get You Booted off Your Web Host?
Some Podcasting Basics Are Worth Repeating
In today's episode we talk about how I often revisit some concepts about podcasting. Today I get an email from a listener that points out that I repeat myself over and over. Looking back, I see his point, but I also know that new podcasters make the same mistakes over and over and over (hence causing me to repeat myself). Here are some basic podcasting truths that will never go out of style:
1. Build your website using a Web hosting company (use the coupon podcastcoach at Host Gator to save).
2. Put your media on a media host like Libsyn.com or Blubrry.com (use the coupon sopfree to get a free month at both places).
3. Have a great looking album artwork.
4. Don't use another platform (blog Talk Radio, Tumblr, etc) as your "main" website
5. There is a huge difference between a $8 microphone and a $99 microphone. There is NOT a huge difference between a $99 microphone and a $300 microphone (in my opinion).
6. When in doubt ask your audience.
7. Don't get into podcasting to make some quick cash
8. When you connect with your audience, they will download your back catalog.
9. Podcasting takes time. A 15 minute audio podcast takes about an hour from start to finish to create (roughly speaking).
10. Some times you get what you pay for when the prices is free.
Because of My Podcast - I Exchanged e-Mails With Jay Mohr [2:00]
Brainstorm from the Cannabis Community Project explained how he got free tickets from Jay Mohr by just reaching out to the comedian/movie actors/radio host and to his surprise he got a direct response from Jay himself. Now he can truthfully say that Jay Mohr has been involved with his podcast.
Does Dave Repeat Himself Too Much? [6:15]
In response to the listener who emailed and said I repeat myself too much, thank you so much for the feedback. I will try not to do that in the future. There are some topics I will repeat (see the list above for a short list) but I will try to not stretch 15 minute topics into 45 minutes. I was unaware of this. I would love any additional constructive feedback in the comments (below) or just send them directly to me.
What I've done in the past and will continue doing in the future is I find other people to share their experience that reinforces the opinions and facts that I shares on each episode.
I Have An Idea - The Next Step of Podcasting [13:50]
I had a caller on the Ask the Podcast Coach show who was very excited about starting a podcast (we've all been there) but couldn't really say WHAT his podcast was going to be about. Many of us have been in Michael's shoes and we focus on the tools of podcasting. We ask about microphones, and wordpress themes. We ask about promotional tools like twitter and facebook. The problem is we don't have a podcast yet. We have nothing to record. We have nothing to upload .Podcasting starts with content. So if you are in this boat ( I want to podcast, but I'm not sure about what). I would recommend listening to the episode where I talk about getting your podcast in sync with your goals, and then write down 10 topics for 10 episodes. This will help you identify if you are really ready to start a podcast.
Don't get distracted by the tools. The tools you will use to distribute your content. They are worthless without the content. Make the content first, then start working toward how to distribute the podcast. Don't look at distribution, and then figure out what you're going to create.
Podcast Rewind [21:10]
I appeared on the Timelines of Success Podcast with Bill Conrad.
Podcasters Roundtable - Best Practices
Why You Don't Use Your Web Host as a Media Host [30:00]
I have been saying how its a bad idea to use your web host (a website that provides a service to build a WEBSITE on) as a MEDIA HOST (a service designed to deliver and track the delivery of audio or video). I was contacted by Ralph Sutton of The SDR Show (Sex, Drugs, & Rock and Roll) because Ralph was using Dreamhost as his website host, and as his media host. H e even asked them if it was ok, and they said "Sure." One month later and his dreamhost had turned into a nightmare. He was getting thousands of downloads per episode and his server was taking a beating. Consequently, his host wanted him to upgrade. The upgrade would be $150 a month to be on a private server because he was getting too much traffic.
Luckily, Ralph contacted myself and a representative from Libsyn and we switched his media to a media server and now instead of spending $150 a month, Ralph is spending $20. Had this continued, there is a good chance his website company would shut him down. At that point you've developed a nice audience only to have your reputation tarnished by trying to save a few bucks.
Ralph Did The Work of Podcast Promotion
Ralph didn't look for the giant switch that would turn on one thousand listeners. He flipped those switches that turned on one new listener one thousand times. He crafted an email message and then customized it and sent it to everyone he knew on facebook. He then asked his friends who work in the rock industry if they would tell their audience about the show.
Stating the Obvious: Ralph has a radio background and a syndicated show across the US. he also has access to guests who are/were famous. This helps, but none the less these people would now have known if Ralph had not told them about his podcast. He did it in a personal way, and utilized the relationship he had built up over years of being in radio.
Ralph had some stickers printed up and went to places where his target audience hangs out and passed out stickers. He went to where his audience was, made some contacts, and told them about his podcast. He use fiverr.com to have someone paint his logo on her back. He used this image to announce t-shirts.
Advice to Doing Podcast Interviews
Ralph does not write out questions, but topic he wants to know about. He wants to avoid the interview being an interrogation. He wants it to be a conversion. He plans how he will start the podcast, and from there he tries to have a conversation.
Be Ready For Traffic
Ralph switch to Libsyn.com for his media and his problems went away. (use the coupon sopfree to get a free month at Libsyn). He then hired Dave to move his feed from one website to another.
What Caused the Problem With the School of Podcasting Website Last Week
Just because you can add domain after domain after domain on your shared web host doesn't mean you should. It is OK to do this as long as you don't use up more than 25% of the server's resources. I had 18 add on domains, and I was taking up 87% of the server's resources and consequently, my media host emailed me that they were shutting me down, and before I could upgrade it was too late. Does this mean every podcaster should NOT use shared hosting? No. Shared hosting should be fine for 95% of the podcasting community. When you do see yourself getting close to exceeding your resources, don't wait to upgrade.
In the end, I took a huge hit for two days as my websites were down. What did I save? $50-ish

Jul 20, 2014 • 57min
Bring Your Passion and Patience - Nick Loper's One Year Report
Today we talk about different successful people who took years to make it to the top. We also interview Nick Loper as he reflects on one year of podcasting and how its changed his business. We have an awesome Because of my podcast story that you will love about the yes music podcast. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/418 for details

Jul 13, 2014 • 46min
Picking Your Podcast Topic - Age Limits in Podcasting?
I've heard it over and over, I want to podcast - I'm just not sure what I'm going to talk about. I recently went through Ray Edwards Rapid Writing Method(a great value) and if you've listened to the show you know I'm a big Michael Hyatt fan and today I pull a page out of the Ray playbook and some insights from Michael Hyatt's New Media Expo presentation to help you pick a topic that works for you. If you have a comment you can chime in on the show by using the information on our contact page, or call 888-563-3228. If you're looking to start podcast join today.
Because of My Podcast They Lost 300 Lbs [1:52]
Today we get a second story from Cliff Ravenscraft (we interviewed him last week) and he shares how his podcast helped inspire someone to lose 300 lbs. How cool it that? Last 5 in 5 from J.D. Stutter Happy Camper Radio - Skip & Daniel - happycamperradio.com The Classic Tales - BJ Harrison - thebestaudiobooks.com Useless Information - Steve Silverman - uselessinformation.org 99% Invisible - Roman Mars - 99pi.org The Mic & Denny Show - Denny Brownlee - dennybrownlee.com
Podcast Rewind [9:22]
Dave Appeared on the Podcast Report Dave appears on the Audience Hacker Great Example of the Power of Podcasting on Podcast Junkies
Picking Your Podcast Topic
I'm using two things I've learned from two people I respect. Ray Edwards is a master copywriter, and Michael Hyatt is a king in content creation that connects. Choosing Your Topic - Idea Matrix What are things you like? What are some things you are good at? What are things other people say you are good at? What are things you hate? What Will Your Podcast Do? I am ________ . (what do you do?) I help _(target audience)_______ do or understand ________ so that __(how they benefit)_____ for me it might be: Dave Jackson I am a teacher I help intimidated adults overcome their fear of technology so they can impact a global audience in a positive way for both parties. If you would like more free content about this topic check out the show about making sure your podcast goals are aligned with your goals
Mentioned in the Show
Porter's Podcast Action Coaching Airplane Geeks Oh Beep Food Craftsmen (Ryan Parker) She Podcasts Podcast Junkies

Jul 6, 2014 • 58min
Are You Breaking the Podcast Rules? - Cliff Ravenscraft Interview
While there are no rules to podcasting, most would agree that there are best practices. Most experts believe it starts with your audience, and providing content that they want ton consume. So today we showcase how you CAN do whatever show YOU want to do.
Learn how to podcast by Joining the School of Podcasting
Are there boundaries for "Best Practices?" - Interview with Cliff Ravenscraft [5:20]
I approached Cliff this week to come on the show after voicing my opinion about "chit chit" in a previous episode (where I answered a listener question). I've known Cliff for years, and I thought it was stupid to talk about his show (not the person) without actually stating his name. As I said last week, I'm not judging Cliff. We do have a difference of opinions on personal stories in podcasts, so I asked him to come on and share his insights. I want to see if there is anything I can learn. So I ask him why he would share personal stories in a show that many might expect to be all about podcasting. The beauty of podcasting is you can do you show however you want.
Last week without naming him, I commented on how I thought Cliff's latest podcast about relaunching a podcast had about 60% content and 40% non podcasting commentary. In the interview Cliff explains that he felt the 12 minute story about having the cabling redone in his house was not chit chat and done for specific reasons (thus the percentages would be different).
Here are some of the topics we discussed
Who made these rules? [7:30]
Cliff's story about rewiring his house [11:05]
Cliff's show prep [13:30 ish]
In some cases the content exists on a website and listeners are too lazy to find it [16:10]
Don't "should" on me, and providing an audio table of contest [17:00]
Don't take away Cliff's Voice [18:15]
How to Handle Negative Review [19:30]
Cliff's Half a Million Dollar Income [20:00]
Why Do I Share Stories? [24:30]
Allowing Your "Not so Great" Side to be seen [26:20]
Can't Live Without Content [28:20]
Cliff Shares Everything [30:28]
It's your Show - It's Your Format [31:25]
Cliff Ravenscraft - Life Coach? [32:00]
Main Points:
Don't get too worried if ONE person complains, this is ONE person. Focus on the people who are enjoying your content.
Cliff does put an audio "table of contents" at the beginning of his show so people know what to expect.
Cliff knows his audience well and gets lots of feedback
Check out Cliff's Podcasting A to Z Class and use the coupon code " jackson " to save $500 off.
Last 5 in 5 from Mike Dell [41:50]
What were the last five podcasts you listened to from Mike Dell who produces the Podcast Help Desk show
Penn's Sunday School
Thomas jefferson hour
New Media Show
Podcast Answer Man
Airline Pilot Guy
Listener Feedback [48:20 ]
Elsie and Jessica from the new She Podcasts Show chime in the on the episode where we talked about charisma.
Elise and Jessica really enjoyed the episode about personality and Charisma.
Short on Podcast Ideas - Use Amazon?
If you're not sure what the next episode should be about, try using Amazon as a search engine. Go to Amazon.com and search for your show's topic (for me it would be podcasting). Then use the "peak inside" option and look at the table of contents for these books. You might find some of these chapters make good podcast episodes. Once you have an idea, do you research, inject YOU into the episode, and make it your own (don't just steal an idea, put your slant on it). Another strategy would be to have the author on your show.

Jun 30, 2014 • 47min
Your Podcast: Same Ingredients - Different Recipe
This podcast is the sharing of my opinion as well as what has shaped that opinion. I would love your feedback you can use my contact page, or call in your comments at 888-563-3228
If you're looking to start a podcast, join fear free (as we offer a 30 day money back guarantee), and mix together your podcast recipe today. JOIN TODAY
When you start a podcast, there are a couple of things that will dictate how it sounds, looks, and what topics are covered.
Breaking the "Rules of Podcasting
In the past I've given tips on how you should get to the point when starting your podcast, and try to avoid too much unrelated chit - chat. For me the best recipe of podasting is:
1. Provide content that moves your audience by making them laugh, cry, think, groan, educate, or entertains them.2. Use personal stories to help explain the topic at hand.
Example:
I learned about audio running the sound system when I was 13 at my church. You would learn that I grew up in a church and I've been around audio for many years. That is a relevant personal story. The story that my sister stubbed her toe is not.
Email From Tina Smith
I received an email from Tina from the Savvy Home School Moms Podcast
Question for ya....Have you ever listened to this show? www.manicmommies.com
They are HUGE. No seriously, HUGE. Two moms host a weekly show about the craziness of being a working mom...been publishing episodes since the youngest was newly born....I believe she's 8 or 9 now?
They do a retreat every year called "The Escape" and hundreds of women converge on a hotel somewhere in the country (it changes annually) to relax and get away from their hectic, "Manic" lives as mommies. Chevrolet sponsors this for them every year, and sponsors their show regularly as well! They've also had Sleep Number as a sponsor. I'm sure they've had many other sponsors over the years. I've only been listening the past 3 years or so.
They are actually the show that spurred me to start our own show, because it's so casual and made me feel like podcasting seemed very doable. And almost every show is JUST chitchat. They don't even always plan things, as far as I can tell from some of their jabs at themselves. I suspect there is SOME prep, notes taken on topics they want to cover....but in general, it sounds pretty off the cuff.
But they are funny, and they always have stories to tell and their audience ADORES them, judging by all the voicemail they regularly play on the show.
I totally love what you teach and have learned SO MUCH from you, and will continue to be a huge fan....just wanted to share a show that really breaks many of the rules you and your guests set out for a good show format. :) Just proof that there are always exceptions to every rule!
I was just listening to them, and then to your show where you were talking about how someone's show was talking about the weather, and how chitchat like that is not a good idea... and was thinking about how we repeatedly get listeners writing in and telling us how their favorite part of our show is the beginning chitchat...how they feel like they are sitting having coffee with friends. They tell us it's like taking a peek into our lives, and they like that. I imagine some like to commiserate with similar ups and downs, and other find it interesting to peek at a life unfamiliar to them.
I suppose it really depends on how it's presented. I find the Manic Mommies show really interesting and amusing...even though I'm not a work-out-of-the-home-mom, and don't send my kids to public school and we don't do any sports (those 3 things are the main content of the Manic Mommies' show)...I always look forward to listening to their show, and I know many people say the same thing about our show. But if it were presented in a boring way, I can totally see that not working. But shared by people that have a chemistry and share things in a fun way, it can actually work. And work well!
Liked Minded People
I am not manic, or a mom. Consequently, this podcast didn't do a whole lot for. I am excited to hear that Chevy is sponsoring podcasts (so obviously they are doing something right). In the bots of the podcast I listened to the Mommies talked about Sunburn children, baseball playoffs, and more. They talk about trying to juggle working, family, relationships. Can any women identify? When their audience hears their podcast, they soon realize, "I'm not the only person who feels this way." They can identify with these people. Since they deliver stories in really interesting and amusing ways, this is the same ingredients but a different recipe.
Question One: Who Is Listening?
As the manic mommies podcast is gear (primarily) toward women, the communicate in a way what I call their "natural tongue." From a male standpoint (and pahleese I'm doing generalizations here) that means LOTS of details. It connects with their audience, and makes them feel at ease. I once traveled outside the US. I loved the places I traveled, but there was a sense of "Ahhhhhh" when I touched down in the USA. I was home. I was comfortable. I'm assuming Mommies may have this feeling when they listen to this podcast.
Podcasting is Not One Size Fits All
Tina is correct, this podcast does sound different than the podcast I talk about. It should. I'm not their target audience.
What is My Beef With Chit Chat?
Here is what I'm basing my belief on:
1. We are all busy.2. Radio is awful primarily due to the MAMMOTH amounts of commercials (38% here in Cleveland).3. Other Experts Say they are not about talking about yourself, and wasting time with chit chat.
a) Epic Content Marketing - Joe Pulizzi - "Your audience doesn't care about you."b) Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently - By John Maxwell "Get to the point".c) Chris Brogan (create of Podcamps) "What doesn’t work well is when people misunderstand the tools and aren’t really producing something; instead they are just having a chit-chat. There are a lot of people who think pressing record is the same as creating content. I always tell people just press record and get started, but somewhere along the way you’ve got to try and up your game, and make something worthwhile. (source)d) Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World - "The point is it's not about you. It's about your audience, what would THEY find compelling." Michael Hyatt.3) Pete Peaves - Podcaster's Roundtable - The #1 overwhelming pet peave was not getting to the point. (see video)
So to calrify, my beef is not with "chit chat" it's with unrelated chit chat. I once listened through a 17 minute monologue about how the host hated the musician Bob Seger before they ever got to the actual topic.
Talking About Yourself IS working for some people
There is a popular podcast consultant who recently admitted they had not done their usual show prep. They had very legitimate reasons, and in my opinion should've skipped two episodes that were (in my opinion) 100% all about the host (I found very little take away). I really like this host as a person (super nice person), their show was not meeting my expectation of delivering content about podcasting. This week they stated they were returning to their typical 60 minute show which included:
A "short" 13:24 monologue about their life
A short 11:27 comment not related to their topic.
That means their show is 24 minutes of "off topic" content or 40% (meaning 60% he was on topic). This technically is worse than the 38% here on Cleveland radio during "drive time" in the evening.
This person's business makes a six figures. How does they promote his business? Podcasting. According to the host, he apparently has an audience who is interested in hearing his personal life details.
And you know what? That's OK. Its HIS SHOW.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
I play the guitar. B.B. King can put a ton of soul into one note. Yngwie Malmsteen plays so fast your ears can't keep up.
Yet, its the same guitar.
You may talk and talk, and talk, and talk, about your personal life.
I choose to refrain.
Yet its the same mp3 format.
What you provide to your audience is based on your unique characteristics that make you - YOU. Based on the unique characteristics of your AUDIENCE, you may be surprised what they want to hear/see.
The Key Ingredients of a Podcast
In the book Platform by Michael Hyatt he talks about making "Wow" content. For me, I recognize "WOW" content when I don't want to turn off the podcast and come in the house. I choose to sit in the car and listen until the end of the story. He says this in the book
"It Exceeds the audience's expectations
It touches the heart on a deep level
It captures your attention to where you tune everything out (I'm paraphrasing on this one).
The information HAS to be shared. You can't contain it. "
How you package that material will be based on your experience, personality, and insights. If you're having success, my guess will be you have elements of these and you're probably delivering it in an entertaining fashion.
I Prefer Not To Stiff Arm My Audience
When I go to Wal-Mart, the door greeter doesn't say "Welcome to Wal-Mart" and then stop me from entering.
They let me on in. They don't give me a bunch of information I'm not interested in.
I know what I need, and that's why I'm at Wal-Mart.
Please let me get to what I need.
"It's All About Me????"
If you're new to the show, Dave was attempting to be entertaining this morning. He neither thinks he is a myth or a legend. He typically gets right to the point. Today he did this to prove a point. If this was your first show, please come back next week.

Jun 22, 2014 • 56min
Keeping Your Brand In Front of Your Future Customers
A brief summary of this episode


