Podcast Talent Coach

The Deconstruction Of A Podcast Episode – Episode 127   In a previous episode of Podcast Talent Coach, I shared 7 ways to drive listeners away from your show. One of the main points suggested you treat every listener as if they are new to the show. We need to continually feed the funnel.   Joshua Liston from The Deadly Arnold podcast was checking out my back catalog when he stumbled across this particular episode. He took exception to one of this particular suggestion.   THANKS I must say that I do appreciate Joshua for a few reasons. One, he took the time to comment on the episode. Two, he was listening to my back catalog. Finally, he provided some great thought starters for a few solid episodes. I truly appreciate Joshua allowing me to use his comments to help others learn. That is what this community is all about.   In that episode, I suggested one way you drive listeners away is being the podcaster who assumes listeners have heard the show before.   POWERFUL INTRO If you're not explaining your podcast p

Focus On Current Or New Podcast Listeners? – Episode 126   In a previous episode of Podcast Talent Coach, I shared 7 ways to drive listeners away from your show. We work so hard to gain listeners. Why would we ever drive them away.   Joshua Liston from The Deadly Arnold podcast was checking out my back catalog when he stumbled across this particular episode. He took exception to one of the 7 ways I mentioned.   In the episode, I suggested one way you drive listeners away is being the podcaster who assumes listeners have heard the show before.   If you're not explaining your podcast purpose each and every show, it will be difficult for new listeners to understand the show. Your audience will feel like they are joining a conversation in the middle. They will be lost.   Have you ever felt left out of a conversation due to inside jokes. Two other people are chuckling about something, and you have no idea why. “Oh, it's an inside joke” they say. Why aren't you important enough to be in on the joke? Why is it insi

Episode 125 – Are You Driving Listeners Away?   In a previous episode of Podcast Talent Coach, I shared 7 ways to drive listeners away from your show. We work so hard to gain listeners. Why would we ever drive them away.   Joshua Liston from The Deadly Arnold podcast was checking out my back catalog when he stumbled across this particular episode. He took exception to one of the 7 ways I mentioned.   In the episode, I suggested one way you drive listeners away is being the podcaster who assumes listeners have heard the show before.   You work so hard to attract listeners to your podcast. Growing the audience is a constant challenge for most podcasters. You do all you can to bring more people to the party.   In this episode, we discuss the 7 ways you could be driving listeners away.   In the episode next week, I will dissect one of the episodes suggested by Joshua and demonstrate how successful podcasters eliminate these traps.   There are seven common mistakes podcasters make that drive listeners away. Here

How To Construct a Powerful Podcast Introduction – Episode 124   TOPIC DEVELOPMENT WORKSHEET   On a recent episode of the Podcast Review Show that I do with Dave Jackson, we got into a discussion with a podcaster who struggles with the introduction of his show. This happens with so many hosts. How do you properly begin an episode? Why are the important elements of a solid introduction? What is the purpose?   We were talking with Doug Salamone of Mind Drippings podcast. On this particular episode, Doug was interviewing Taylor Pearson, author of “The End Of Jobs”. Doug said he was having trouble forming the introduction of his interviews.   Before you begin your show, determine what are you hoping people will take from the interview. What is the point?   Many introductions are a waste of time. They host wanders into the episode rather than creating anticipation and setting up the content.   "Tell us a little about yourself, who you are and what you do.” It is such an overused first questions.   Do your homewor

The Critical Piece To A Great Podcast – Episode 123   On a recent episode of the Podcast Review Show that I do with Dave Jackson, we got into a discussion with a podcaster who struggles with the introduction of his show. This happens with so many hosts. How do you properly begin an episode? Why are the important elements of a solid introduction? What is the purpose?   We were talking with Doug Salamone of Mind Drippings podcast. On this particular episode, Doug was interviewing Taylor Pearson, author of “The End Of Jobs”. Doug said he was having trouble forming the introduction of his interviews.   START WITH WHY   Here is Doug's first question: “Taylor, why don’t you introduce yourself a little bit more, and start off at the beginning with what brought you to decide to write this book and I’ll just let you roll with it and we’ll get the questions going.”   Doug needs to make us care about the author as he introduces him BEFORE he brings Taylor on the show. Then, Doug needs to make us care about the subject

WHY PODCAST AVATAR GENDER MATTERS – PTC EPISODE 122   There is a big difference between marketing to men and marketing to women. The book “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus” by John Gray, Ph. D. discussed in great detail the communication and relationship differences between men and women. These differences are critical in marketing. They are also important elements to your podcast strategy.   When I have discussed this in the past, I have been labeled a chauvinist. I've been called narrow minded. People have said I am simply promoting the stereotypes.   Let me first say these are generalities. Stereotypes are called stereotypes for a reason.   Please understand that I am speaking in generalities. I understand these statements will not hold true for every person. These points are are simply how most men and women react in common situations as demonstrated through various research studies and many published books.   The definition of stereotype is “a simplified and standardized conception or image inves

Where To Find Topic Ideas – Episode 121 Content creators struggle with topic ideas. It is natural. There are days when few ideas are coming to mind. The other day, I was listening to the great motivational speaker Les Brown. He says speaking is natural. You don't hear of people facing speaker's block. Why do people run into writer's block? You simply need to find topics that pique your interest. These topics could stir any sort of emotion within you. They could make you laugh, cry, or simply say hmmm. The good news is that you can find topics everywhere. We tend to limit ourselves to our niche or genre. Expand. Topics are everywhere. YOUR INTEREST During my 25-year radio career, I've attend many, many seminars on creating great radio. One session eventually led to a coaching relationship with Bill McMahon. Bill had been coaching radio talent for quite some time. He had coached Jeff & Jer in San Diego along with many others. He had a great process for creating great radio. In our sessions, Bill would alway

9 Uncommon Books That Shaped My Podcast – Episode 120 We are all looking for great books and inspiration. In the online business space, the same books are often recommended and discussed. Godin. Ries & Trout. Think & Grow Rich. Those are the must-reads to be in the game. Lesser known books can often offer powerful information and inspiration. They can also help you stand out from the crowd. When I started in radio 25 years ago, I would read all I could about radio and business. I read the big books of the industry to keep up with the crowd. Those books were the center of many discussions at industry gatherings. After I began programming my first radio station in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1995, I quickly realized keeping up with the crowd wasn't going to put me ahead of the crowd. To win, we need to think differently. To get ahead, we need to be willing to do what others will not. Find motivation and inspiration where others haven't looked. As you are trying to create a podcast that is unique and entertain

  Case Study: How To Set Your Price - Episode 119   If you are like me, and many others in the online space, you struggle with pricing. You don't want it to be too low and leave money on the table. On the other hand, you don't want it to be too high and not make any sales. So, where do you set the price? Pricing is tricky. There is a lot of art to setting your price. Most is trial and error. There really is no “correct” price. Price is determined by supply and demand. The price of anything is that point where a seller is willing and able to sell AND a buyer is willing and able to buy. It is a continuum. If a seller is not making much money on a sale, she will focus on another area of business that is creating more profit. If she is a public speaker on self defense and earns $2,500 per speaking opportunity on the weekends, she is creating decent income. If she then creates an online course teaching other women self-defense and creates sales of $3,000 per week with an hour of work online marketing the course, s

How Radio And Podcasting Are The Same – Episode 118 The podcast “elite” will sometimes say, “This isn't radio, this is podcasting. It's different here.” Well, I have news for you. Podcasting and radio are more alike than some will admit. You could benefit a bit by recognizing the similarities and borrowing the best practices. There are many ways that radio and podcasting are the same. The Same ... 1. Same Tools Both create with audio equipment. This one is pretty obvious. Both are creating shows using a mic and other audio equipment. The different ways the equipment is used makes it art. One sculptor may work with wood when another works with rock. Both are still sculptors and artists. 2. Same Approach Both sit in a room alone trying to entertain people they cannot see. It sounds crazy when you say it out loud. Both podcasters and broadcasters sit alone in a room talking with people they can neither see nor hear. Both try to predict the reaction of the listener while creating the entertainment. 3. Same Conve

Podcast Resources – Episode 117 (These tools can be found on the resource page at PodcastTalentCoach.com. Most links on that page are affiliate links. I receive a variable commission for all purchases made using those links.)   I have recently received questions from listeners looking to launch a podcast in 2016. I thought this would be a good time to review the tools I use to in my business. This includes the tools I use to create my podcast, website and newsletter. We will also review the resources I use to learn, grow and develop.   This episode is an encore presentation of an earlier episode you may have missed. If you did catch it last time, let this serve as inspiration and a little refresher.   I have been using most of these resources for at least 24 months. Some have been used longer. A couple tools are more recent. For the most part, I have been a long-time user and have been quite happy with each of them. That is why I feel confident recommending them to you. You can find affiliate links to most

7 Thanksgiving Concepts To Drive Your Business And Podcast - Episode 116   As this episode is posted, it is Thanksgiving in the United States. It is a day of the year when we pause to give thanks to those treasures in our lives. Whether you are celebrating in America or just working another day somewhere else in the world, I would like to thank you for all you have done for me by simply being part of this community. Thank you.   This week, I would like to share with you 7 Thanksgiving concepts to drive your business and podcast any day of the year.   1. New Relationships   Take a few minutes today to plant the seeds of new relationships. Reach out to five people you do not know, and thank them for what you have learned from them. This could be authors, podcasters, business people, pastors or any other people who have given you a bit of their knowledge.   Only thank them. There is no hidden agenda. We are simply reaching out to give thanks.   If the quick note leads to a relationship down the road, that would

8 Podcasting Tips & Tricks - Episode 115   This week, I would like to share a few podcasting tips and tricks I have learned over my 25 years of broadcasting. These tips will help you with your interviews, editing, voice and sound quality.   1. Stronger Interviews   Would you like to make your interviews stronger?   There are times when your guest is not great at thinking on their feet. Sometimes it takes a couple sentences before she really hits her stride with her answer to our question.   To make your interview content stronger, prepare the guest ahead of time. Tell your guest to feel free to pause a few seconds to gather his thoughts before he begins to answer the question. You will edit out the silence before the podcast goes live.   This little instruction will help your guest prepare much stronger answers. And, it will only take a little editing on your part.   Next, tell your guest it is perfectly acceptable to stop and begin his answer again. If your guest feels the answer isn't as strong as he h

How Do I Market My Podcast ? - Episode 114   Thank you for allowing me to help you with your podcast. I get a great deal of joy helping podcasters achieve their goals.   A few weeks ago, I asked you for questions and ways I can help you with your show. I received some great questions from you. This week, I want to go through a few with you.   How do you market your show? How can I get to the point of launch? How do I fight the Impostor Syndrome? How do I name my podcast?       I'm struggling with promotion/marketing and spreading the word. -Greg from the “I Want To Know” podcast   There are many ways to market and promote. Most of it takes time.   I learned a lot about marketing from Paige Nienaber from CPR Promotions. He often refers to this drip style of marketing as dog crap marketing.   Paige lives in Minnesota, where it snows a lot every year. The ground is typically covered with snow from November to March.   Paige also owns a dog. If you are a dog owner, you know all about cleaning the back yard. The

The Magic of the Taylor Swift Brand – Episode 113 Are you looking to make your brand stand out from the rest? It is possible. However, it takes a lot of work. Famous college basketball coach Bobby Knight once said, “Everyone wants to be a champion, but few want to do the work it takes to be a champion.” Taylor Swift is one of those people willing to do the work. I think you can learn a lot from the Taylor Swift brand when creating your own. She has done amazing work over the past 10 years. Regardless of your musical preferences, it is hard not to admire the empire she has created. Taylor Swift was recently in town for a pair of concerts. This was the fourth time I've had the pleasure of meeting her. She never fails to amaze me with her networking abilities. There are four things you can learn by studying the brand Taylor has created. 1. KNOW WHEN TO LAUNCH Now 25 years old, Taylor moved to Nashville when she was 14. She was determined to get a record deal when most 8th graders are just figuring out middle sc

A Simple Way To Improve Your Show That Works For Every Professional Broadcaster – Episode 112   Do you want to be the best? Do you want to move forward quickly?   Broadcasters learn early in their career that there is one primary way to get better. One well-worn path to improvement. A method used by nearly every broadcaster that has come before.   It is a tactic still used today. It is not only used by professional broadcasters, but used by world class athletes, writers, dancers, musicians, and others throughout most highly visible and well-paid professions in the world.   They all use a coach.   You see coaches everywhere. Life coaches. Career coaches. Sport coaches. Birthing coaches. Speaker coaches. Executive coaches. It seems coaching is a big part of the world today. Why is that.   Coaching is prevalent in our society, because coaching works. Coaching gets results.   Coaching works, because your coach helps you reach your goals when you can't push yourself. Coaching helps you face difficult truths, lear

Is This Causing You To Lose Podcast Listeners – Episode 111   There are two elements of your podcast that will help you engage your listeners and keep them coming back for more.   Focus and consistency.   Impress your listeners by making one big splash. Then, do it so consistently that your listener comes to expect it.   FOCUS   Focus on the one thing you do best. When you try to be all things to all people, you fade into the wallpaper. Those with focused intensity stand out.   Be great at something. People will take notice.   Rather than being consistently good with your podcast, be occasionally great.   Your listener will remember one big thing from your show. They will not remember every detail, every comment or every e-mail answer. They will remember that one thing you did. Each show, try to make one big splash that will be memorable.   Swing for the fence.   Many know the great Babe Ruth as one of the greatest home run hitters in baseball. Many also know that Ruth struck out roughly twice as often as th

How To Turn Podcast Topics Into Creative Content – Episode 110   Before we dive in, here is the link to the Podcast Review Show I mentioned. PODCAST REVIEW SHOW   You can turn your clever podcast topics into creative content by answering a few easy questions.   Developing your overall podcast strategy involves determining how you will uniquely address each topic on your show. Whether you are presenting information, answering questions or interviewing guests, there are many ways to address each topic.   So many podcasters follow the herd. They create interview shows that sound like every other igniting interview show.   You do not need to do it the same way every other podcast does it. Be unique. Find the way that will stand out.   If you are interviewing, do you really need to ask the same questions that every other podcast asks? When you actually listen to the answers coming from your guest, you will be surprised by the new questions you can discover.   Play a game. Do a contest. Get your guests to tell st

Here Is A Method That Helps Successful Radio Professionals Find Great Topics – Episode 109   As I coach talent, people often as me, “Where do I find good topics?” It is often a struggle of new talent and veterans alike.   Creating an entertaining podcast show after show, week after week, is a challenge. You need to find a topic that holds your interest. Your topic must also be attractive to your audience. Finally, you need to present it in a way that is engaging. Every topic, every time. Even the most seasoned talent run into a sort of writer's block from time to time.   When you hit a wall and have no topic readily at hand, where do you turn? How do you get past the block to create engaging entertainment? Where does the next captivating topic originate?   There are five primary methods I teach my clients to get past the topic block. These five questions will help you find quality topics for your show. If you take a few minutes before each episode to brainstorm these questions, you will have plenty of materi

  Three Key Elements To A Rockstar Podcast Brand - Episode 108 Why is a brand so important for your podcast? Your brand communicates the essence of you, your podcast, your business and everything you represent.   There are many, many definitions of a brand. Basically, it is your identity.   When people think of you and your podcast, what comes to mind? There are usually a couple words that your brand represents in the mind of the consumer.   Apple is Think Different. Nike is Just Do It. Ford is Built Ford Tough.   Those brands are more than just slogans. They mean something to the consumer. Different is part of the fabric that makes up Apple. Everything they do is different.   Many companies try to add slogans thinking it will become their brand identity. Most of the time, the words just become throw away tag lines.   IBM is currently using “building a smarter planet” as their slogan. What does that mean? There are many articles written on the brilliance of this campaign. However, most of the writing centers