Let’s talk podcasts!
Do you have one? Are you planning one? Or do you think you ought to have one but not sure if it’s either right for you, your coaching or something you really want to do?
Podcasting is possibly THE bandwagon to jump on these days. Everyone from Idris Elba and Fearne Cotton to Harry and Meghan have given it a go. Are you really anyone if you don’t pod? (Yes, ‘course you are!).
Well, as coaches there are lots of us with podcasts, too. My podcast, Freelance Feels, is actually about self-employed life rather than coaching, but I keep thinking about whether Coaching Corner should be a pod, too. Then the ‘other thought’ creeps in - why would I start something that’s not an immediate revenue driver? Hmmm.
Are you the same with your coaching business? Does the word ‘podcast’ keep nibbling at your ear as you try and get on with your work? Launching a podcast isn’t easy - it’s quite a detailed process, but by no means one you can’t achieve. You could, of course, outsource the editing, which many people do. Some start and decide it’s not for them, while others start and change things up, turning it from weekly to monthly, or changing the format as they go.
Will you make money from your pod? Perhaps… it’s possible you could secure a sponsor, but I’d say that if that’s your only goal, you should be ready for some hard graft to get your listener numbers up first.
Will it help your business? Yes - if it’s the right thing for your business. By that, I mean it needs to convey a message in line with your values, be a way for potential clients to hear your voice and your style, and have a purpose, even if that’s just to entertain or inform.
Will it bring fame?! OK so lots of people have built careers around a podcast - For example, Elizabeth Day’s ‘How to Fail’ became a book. People have begun podcasts and then gone on tour (My Dad Wrote a Porno), and some have secured other work through their podcasting.
There are awards to enter, which is great for your ego, too! Having an ‘award-winning podcast’ is surely a good thing for your brand, right?
For me, a podcast was a challenge I wanted to embrace as well as a vehicle for my brand. I wanted Freelance Feels to be part of the podcast community, and I know it helps me as a thoughtleader in the freelance space. I love making the pod, it provides inspiration and I can also re-purpose the content. Talking to guests can bring me clarity and it’s fun! So those are reasons I keep going not just so I can say ‘I’ve got a podcast’.
Guesting vs hosting
If you’re not sure about launching your own, another way to get involved with podcasts is to be a guest. You can approach pods you like or that you’d perhaps be a good guest on, and put yourself forward.
I’ve been a guest on the Freelance Heroes podcast, Media Voices, The Coaching Hub podcast and 'Freelance Pod’, to name a few. Being a guest is great for your brand and visibility - and it’s fun! You often get to think about your business and what you offer as you answer the questions. It’s also great if you are looking to grow your voice as a thoughtleader in your space (if you have a look at the pods I’ve been on, they’re generally all about being self-employed or freelance, like my coaching company Freelance Feels).
Three steps to deciding whether to launch a pod as a coach:
If you’re not sure where to start, have a listen to some, and get a feel for the styles. Some are just one person talking, others are interview style, like mine. Decide what will work best for you, not someone else. Think about who you’d interview, when and how.
Think about the time it will take. Podcasting is fun, rewarding and can help build your brand. But it’s VERY time consuming!
What will help bring clients to you? It’s all very well talking about things, or interviewing people, but what’s the big goal? You want clients to hear your pod and think ‘ooh, I could work with them!’. Consider this when you’re choosing everything from the name and image to the content and how often you’ll pod.
For more tips, this piece on Mistakes to avoid when creating a podcast with the International Journalists’ Network is very useful.
Here are some pods from coaches to inspire you, too:
Self Sabotage to Success with Lucy Orton
Female Leaders on Fire by Nicola Buckley
Freelance Feels: The podcast for humans who work for themselves (Yes, that’s mine!)
Podcasting for Business by Podcast coach Lynsay Anne Gould
The Stork and i from Solo Motherhood coach Mel Johnson
Media-friendly expert masterclass - this week!
Want to see your name in the press? Your comments in articles and your face in magazines? Join my Masterclass for coaches and experts who want to learn all about press coverage - this Thursday! From 6.30 to 8.30pm (GMT) come and join me to hear all about how and why you might want press coverage, working out what you really have to say, and how to find and approach the writers who work for the publications YOUR clients read.
I’ll share my insight from 20+ years of journalism as well as in the coaching world to help you focus on the right press, not just ‘any press. If you want to see where I’ve featured experts, or my own coverage, you can see cuttings at www.jennystallard.com.
Full details and tickets for this Thursday’s event via Eventbrite.