Today is the big day – episode #100 for Natural Born Coaches! Although the show launched in November of last year (which isn’t that long ago), I feel like I’ve been podcasting for a lot longer where we’ve crammed 100 episodes into that time!
I talk with a lot of coaches who are considering starting a podcast, or perhaps just started one, and they ask me what I’ve learned since starting this journey. So here are 10 things that I’ve learned about podcasting in the first 100 episodes (I’m sure there will be many more in the next 100!):
1) PODCASTING IS A MARATHON – *NOT* A SPRINT!
I’ve seen a lot of new podcasters jump into it with a ton of energy, only to lose that enthusiasm after a few weeks/months and quit. You probably won’t see results right away – be optimistic, but realistic, to avoid joining the mass of shows in the “Podcasting Cemetery”.
2) DON’T LET THE NUMBER OF PODCASTS OUT THERE SCARE YOU!
Podcasting is hot right now. You’ve probably heard the word “podcast” more in the last year than the rest of your life combined. Although a lot of people are jumping into the podcasting game, there’s an audience out there craving for what you have to offer. Stick to your plan and don’t get too caught up comparing yourself to other podcasters.
3) YOU *DON’T* NEED EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT!
There is no barrier to entry for podcasting – you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on fancy recording equipment! Buy a decent microphone (my first one, a Blue Yeti, was about $150, but there are less expensive options) and you can always upgrade down the road if you want to. But don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you have to deck your home office out like you’re recording Beyonce’s latest album!
4) BE PROFESSIONAL
You don’t need fancy recording equipment, but you do need to be professional with your show. The bar for podcasting has been raised significantly in the last few years – what used to pass as “acceptable” no longer does. The audience expects (no, craves!) a professionally produced show. You need to put effort into your artwork, your content and your relationships with your guests and your audience. Take your role as a podcaster seriously.
5) DON’T BE PREOCCUPIED WITH MONETIZING RIGHT AWAY
Don’t expect your podcast to be a get rich quick venture. It took me almost two months of daily podcasting to trace my first revenues directly from it, and I’ve heard of others taking much longer. Just focus on putting out a good show that appeals to your avatar (ideal listener) and the money will eventually come!
6) MAKE SURE YOUR FAMILY IS ON BOARD WITH YOUR DECISION TO PODCAST
To have a podcast is a big time commitment (take the time you anticipate spending on it and increase that by at least 50%!). There will be late nights, early mornings, and many unexpected hours spent tending to your podcast. In a lot of ways it’s like parenting a young child, so make sure your family understands that commitment and supports you on it.
7) DON’T BE SHY!
You’re going to have to promote the heck out of your show – now isn’t the time to get stage fright. Make sure your potential audience knows what you do, and use social media and word of mouth to get people to tune in!
8) KNOW YOUR NICHE
With the influx of podcasts hitting the market, it’s become even more important to focus on a more targeted audience as opposed to a general one. That’s not to say that general shows don’t make it, but it’s a tougher hill to climb. If you set yourself apart by choosing a unique niche, you’ll find it easier to get traction and have success with your podcast. Make sure you can give a ONE SENTENCE ANSWER to what your podcast is about. Be clear!
9) IT *WILL* GET EASIER!
When I first started podcasting, I was overwhelmed by the number of things that I had to do for it. It was almost enough to throw my hands in the air and quit. But I stuck with it, and all of those things got easier the more I did them. It’s now gotten to the point where I can do a lot of things (ie: editing/tagging episodes, uploading to my host, etc) while on autopilot. Like anything, podcasting gets easier with time.
10) JUST GET STARTED!
Many new podcasters tend to procrastinate over minor things that they shouldn’t worry about. They dither over their title, theme of the show, artwork and more. Suddenly their original launch date gets pushed back (and back, and back). The most important part of podcasting is to get started!
I hope these lessons helped – if you’re a coach who wants to have a podcast to get your message out there let me know!
