Prologue
Cut Out the Middleman
Zita Christian started her podcast when she was 69 years old. Today, well into her 70s, she's still going strong.
Zita has a lot of stories about what it took to get going, but one of my favorites was the several hours she would spend on early episodes (16 for the first one) when she was learning how to edit ...
I asked her why she took the time to do this when she could easily hire out the editing work to somebody else ...
She told me, "I don't want anything standing in the way of me getting my message to people."
Fast-forward to today ... Most podcasters have a similar barrier between themselves and listeners ...
Lack of ability to do a solo episode.
The 30-Day Solo Podcast Challenge starts Monday. You can see details below.
I hope you'll join us.
Sponsor
Big Podcast AMP
If you like the newsletter, you'll love Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program).
This personal coaching program helps you do three things:
- Grow your podcast audience.
- Get people talking about your podcast.
- Make more money with your podcast (and podcasting skills).
You can get details here.
Podcaster Opportunities
You Are Not Late
I started the business that would eventually become Music Marketing [dot] com in 1995, when I was still in college.
My first book was published in 1999 and I recorded my first podcast in 2005.
It's easy to look at somebody who started "early" and think, "It was easier back then." Or even worse, think "It's too late for me to get started now."
It's not too late.
Podcasting was a lot more difficult in 2005 than it is now. I didn't have a studio in my house until 2014 and, even then, you had to have a lot more equipment (and spend a lot more money) to do what we can do now with a $49 USB mic.
The right time is now.
Ready to get going on a solo podcast? Keep reading ...
30-Day Solo Podcast Challenge
This starts Monday. If you're sick of relying on a guest or co-host to release a great episode, this is for you.
I'll be personally taking you through a process to help you develop your skills as a solo podcaster, deliver content people want to listen to, and grow your audience and authority in a new way.
To be notified on Monday, get on this list. I'll send you details and also my free Podcast Growth Toolkit.
Podcast Hosting Skills
Rapport Building with Howard Stern
I mentioned Call Her Daddy in the previous issues and how it's done a good job of growing with its audience. Howard Stern has done something similar and one of the things he's known for today is what a great interviewer he is.
The first five minutes of this interview with Kamala Harris have some great examples of how Howard quickly builds rapport with a guest and establishes the foundation for an interview as somebody who has authority and has done his research.
As I mentioned last week, podcasts are a very important outlet for candidates in this election to get the word out about themselves and reach potential voters who aren't connected to more "traditional" forms of media, such as television and newspapers. And we've seen even more of that this week with both candidates hitting multiple podcasts.
Consider something similar for your podcast, especially if you are working with sponsors. You are likely connected to people they want to reach, but can't via traditional outlets, so this is a great opportunity (and selling point) for you.
Podcasting Events
PodINDY - November 9 in Indianapolis
The second PodINDY event is happening on Saturday, November 9 in Indianapolis, IN.
PodINDY is for you if:
- You want to use podcasting to grow your business (or authority)
- You want to learn how to leverage AI to magnify and multiply what you do
- You want to meet and network with like-minded people
I love local/regional events, because they're a great way to meet people you can keep in touch with throughout the year. If you're near Indianapolis, definitely give PodINDY a look.
Podcast Humor
The World is a Quiet Place ...
The world is a quiet place until you hit record.
Last week, I did a session for radio and the remote guest had a dog in the background. The dog barked once and I made it part of the story. Just a quick remark about how, like so many shows these days, we often do interviews with people who work from home.
It didn't take away from what we were recording and, if anything, it made the guest more human. And when I mentioned the dog at the end, during the credits, it made me appear more human.
Work with what you've got.
Unless ... "what you've got" distracts from what you want. For example, a leaf blower in the background when you're doing something that doesn't match that mood ... like a death dedication.
Classifieds
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Riverside - Remote Recording Studio
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You can try Riverside free (no credit card is needed) and, if you like it, save 15% on any paid plan by using the coupon code BIGPODCAST.
The Wrap Up
When you're ready, here's how I can help you even more ...
If you want the shortcut to building a podcast people care about, here’s how Big Podcast can help you …
Free of charge ...
- Big Podcast Extra – Short emails to help you build an audience, attract clients, and make money via podcasting
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We offer a range of podcasting services including:
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