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The Power of Podcasting: Your Guide to Amplifying Your Message

If you have been curious about how podcasting might serve you and your business – you are not too late as the podcasting game is still on the rise. And if you’re not leveraging this medium to amplify your voice and connect with your audience, you’re likely missing valuable opportunities.

But don’t worry, I’ve got your back, let’s get ready to dive into how you can use podcasting as part of your communications and marketing strategy.

Why Podcasting Is a Game-Changer

Yes, blogs and videos have their place. But podcasting? It’s in a league of its own when it comes to forging that oh-so-valuable sense of intimacy with your listeners. There’s just something about that voice-to-ear connection that makes listeners feel like you’re their friend, confidant, and trusted advisor all rolled into one.

Not to mention, podcasts are crazy accessible. Your audience can tune in while commuting, working out, or even doing chores around the house. It’s content consumption at its most convenient.

From Passion Project to Podcast Powerhouse

Okay, so you’re fired up and ready to claim your slice of the podcasting pie – in launching your own podcast (or finding podcasts where you would be an ideal guest). But where do you start? 

First things first, you need to get crystal clear on your unique point of view and areas of expertise. What sets you apart from the crowd? What burning questions can you answer for your audience? Nailing down your niche is podcast planning 101.

Once you’ve locked that down, it’s time to put on your researcher hat. Scour the podcast sphere and see what’s already out there in your space. Look for gaps, opportunities, and ways to differentiate yourself from your peer group and competition. 

With that competitive analysis under your belt, you can start crafting a compelling name and description for your show. This is your chance to make a sizzling first impression, so don’t hold back!

And if you are only interested in being a stellar guest, it’s time to craft your perfect pitch. 

Bringing Your Podcast and Expertise to Life

Now for the fun part – actually producing your podcast! Will you go solo and let your brilliant mind run free? Or will you invite guests to join you for insightful interviews and lively discussions? Maybe a dynamic combo of both is more your style.

No matter which format you choose, there are a few key considerations:

– Episode length (short and snappy or long-form deep dives?)

– Release frequency (weekly, monthly, or something in between?)

– Production support (DIY or enlist an editing pro?)

Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust as you go. The best podcasts are constantly evolving to better serve their audiences.

Promoting Your Podcast (or Podcast Interviews) Like a Boss

Even if you’re putting out the most wildly entertaining, insanely valuable podcast episodes ever, none of it matters if you don’t get strategic about promotion.

Luckily, you’ve got a whole arsenal of content marketing tools at your disposal to drive visibility and engagement for your show:

– Repurpose episodes into blog posts, social snippets, and email newsletters

– Leverage AI-generated transcripts, takeaways, and bonus content 

– Collaborate with guests to cross-promote to each other’s audiences

– Make it easy for listeners to leave reviews and share your podcast

The key is to integrate your podcast seamlessly into your overall marketing strategy. Treat it as the powerful asset it is, not an afterthought.

Podcasting Mastery Awaits

There you have it – a comprehensive game plan for podcasting – whether launching your own or being a guest on other podcasts. By tapping into the intimacy and accessibility of this incredible medium, defining your unique perspective, and strategic promotion, you’ll be well on your way to establishing yourself as an audio authority.

HAYVN Halftime: The Power of Podcasting with Nancy Sheed

Topic: The Power of Podcasting with Nancy Sheed
A Playbook for Amplifying Your Expertise

In exploring strategic paths of starting your own podcast and/or where and how you can be the best podcast guest you will learn about:

  • Defining your niche and core messaging to position yourself as an authority figure in your field with podcasting.
  • Strategies for conducting engaging interviews that showcase your knowledge while providing value to listeners.
  • Tips for optimizing your podcast’s production quality on a budget to create a professional, polished experience.
  • Best practices for promoting and distributing your podcast across multiple platforms to expand your reach.How to repurpose and repackage podcast content into other formats like blog posts, videos, infographics etc. to maximize the impact.

RSVP, through this link.

Getting Started with Social Media Management Tools

As social media platforms keep expanding, it becomes increasingly necessary to utilize social media tools to make the most out of them. Social media management platforms offer a wide range of advantages for businesses of all sizes. These tools save time and effort by allowing you to schedule posts in advance, analyze data, and track progress.

With so many social media management tools and platforms available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose one that fits your needs. Factors such as pricing (some are FREE!), audience size, user-friendliness, and the types of analytics offered are crucial things to consider when selecting a social media management tool. 

Keep in mind that each platform is unique, so understand the features offered by each to make sure they align with your marketing strategy. With the right social media tool, you can streamline your marketing efforts and maximize their potential. 

Here are some of the ones that I use and recommend to clients: 

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT PLATFORMS

Hootsuite – ($99/month; though annual discount is nearly 40% off)

Hootsuite is a powerhouse with functionalities like scheduling posts, social listening, and real-time analytics, to name a few. The streamlined dashboard and user-friendly interface make social media management a breeze. If social media management is stressing you out, give Hootsuite a try! It might just make your life a whole lot easier.

Planoly – ($9/month)

Planoly was the first visual planner for Instagram and it’s beautifully crafted to be simple, clean and easy to use. It also helps in simplifying social marketing on TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube too!

Later – ($18/month)

Later (formerly Latergramme) has grown from a simple social media scheduling tool to the #1 visual marketing platform for Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. It also has really useful blog articles and emails

Buffer – (FREE version for 3 channels)

If you are really new to using a social media post manager, then Buffer is a great place to start. Focusing on just a few platforms, you can organically grow your audience on social and beyond.

TOP SOCIAL MEDIA CREATOR TOOLS

Canva – (design work; FREE or upgrade to Canva Pro for only $14.99/month (or $119.99/year).)

Canva is an online design and visual communication platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere. With the Pro account there is a content planner that you can schedule content (with IG, FB, Tw) directly from Canva

Capcut – (video editing; FREE to download and use, with no hidden fees or in-app purchases.)

When it comes to video editing, CapCut is a game-changer. It offers some amazing features, is extremely easy to use, and is compatible with a variety of platforms. One of the key features of CapCut is its ability to add and remove clips easily. You can trim and cut videos, add effects, and transitions all with the click of a button. Plus, the interface is extremely intuitive and user-friendly. 

Check out this recent video tutorial from Elise Darma about making reels using Capcut.

Curious? What else would you add to this list of social media management tools? Also let me know if you need help making a decision or getting started.

How to Navigate a Smooth Transition for Your Team

Whether you are on-boarding or off-boarding a team member or a client, a smooth transition is always the goal. While there are likely to be a few hiccups or bumps, there are several things you can do to make the process as successful as possible. 

Ideally, you want everyone whether they are leaving or just joining to have the right information, the adequate resources and appropriate access to continue after the transition. 

Following are some tips and tools to help you manage the process and avoid common pitfalls:

1. Plan in plenty of time

Give as much notice as you can. Take more time than you need. Make a timeline from announcement to effective final transition date. Also plan in status meetings and meetings where critical decisions can be discussed and possible shadowing and training can occur. 

Tools to use: Google Calendar, Zoom, Asana 

2. Create thorough documentation of processes and standard operating procedures

When you have a new support team, make sure they understand the existing process before they start new work. If your business grows and implements new processes, create videos to make it easier for anyone to know how to proceed. Create easy-to-follow documented steps so that someone can refer back to when needed.

Tools to use: Loom video, Asana, Google Workspace

3. Prepare transition tools

Preparing transition tools takes a lot of time. You have to make sure that all the information and documents, files and visual assets are ready, so they can be handed over to the next team member, who is going to take over your and manage the work no matter what. Not doing this can often lead to delays and mistakes.

Tools to use: Canva, Google Workspace, Last Pass 

4. Reassess access 

Determining who has access to critical information, files, programs, accounts and passwords is a major consideration in times of transition. Setting everything up so it can be easily and securely shared or transferred is a solid foundation for any business no matter how big or small. 

Tools to use: Last Pass, Google Workspace

5. Make introductions to external working partners or parties

While transition and training is taking place, make sure to make introductions to outside vendors or support staff like website designers, podcast producers and publishing teams. This helps the new team member feel welcomed and saves the time of having to explain who they are and what they might need in the future. 

6. Conduct exit interviews and check-in meetings when possible

Learning from insider experience is key. Before the completion of off-boarding occurs, set aside time for a healthy discussion about the experience and explore areas of continued improvement, efficiency and innovation.

Change is always hard even if it is for the better. So paving the way with thoughtful planning and helpful systems can make the transition far more successful. 

Special thanks to Jen Lehner and her Front Row CEO program for being such an expert leader and guide in navigating business growth opportunities like this. 

What’s Your Planning Style?

Are you like me and the idea of resolutions makes you a bit queasy – especially talking or thinking about them before January? Join the club – and celebrate that January is just a month like any other. If and when you are ready to make some plans for your new year, then take a look at some of my favorite resources and experts below.

I basically take a little bit from each one of these approaches to mosh up “my plan” that feels good and aligned with what I want to accomplish and how I want to feel at the end of this year.

Kate Hanley / Better Than Resolutions Week – check out her episodes 89 – 94 of her “How to Be a Better Person” podcast. Each less-than-5 minute episode gives you an easy task to get started on planning and goal setting.

One Word – yes, there is actually a book and helpful approach to finding your “one word” for the year. I always think I know what it is going to be until I actually go through the process and then I am always surprised when my word finds me. The year it’s PRESENT.

Laura Vanderkam / Best of Both Worlds: Goals 2020 – This annual episode provides helpful insight on how to map out what you want to and actually put some time frames and accountability around it. Laura’s approach also helps to prevent the overwhelm that comes when you front-end your goals, but instead shows you how to pace them out over the year in simple categories.

Patty Lennon / Marketing Planner For Coaches & Consultants – If marketing is where you get stuck, then check out Patty’s easy and simple 5 Step Planner to take the overwhelm out of promoting yourself and your business.

Miriam Schulman / Art Journaling – Call all creatives who hate the idea of planning. Take advantage of Miriams’ FREE (for a limited time) Art of Journaling video series. Yes, doodling really can make you productive.

Jen Lehner / Content Planner – Another favorite of mine is Jen Lehner’s Content Planning System. Her holistic yet very tactical system ensures your content actually sees the light of day. It’s one of the many many overwhelmingly valuable tools she shares with her Front Row CEO group.

Nancy Sheed / Content Planning templates – I also have simple, customizable content planning templates to help you bring structure and schedule to your content and marketing planning. You can download them for free here – and learn more about how use them here and here.

Happy purposeful and productive planning!