In less than 20 years, podcasting has revolutionized the way we consume and engage with informational content, offering a powerful digital platform for individuals to share their knowledge, experiences, and ideas. Today, with more than 5 million podcasts attracting 464.7 million listeners worldwide, overall podcast reach is staggering. And every podcast guest has a unique story to tell.
Why Preparation Is Everything
Over the past 12 years at TalentCulture, I’ve helped hundreds of HR practitioners, business leaders, analysts, and authors prepare to appear on our popular #WorkTrends show. And along the way I’ve learned just how vital it is for every podcast guest to plan ahead. If you understand what listeners expect and how the production process will unfold, you’ll be better equipped to share your insights, advice, and expertise on a global stage.
Preparation makes all the difference. The process isn’t difficult, but it can have lasting consequences. Who knows? Just one solid, memorable podcast guest appearance could change your career path for you or open a new chapter for your business.
Tips for Podcast Guest Success
Whether you’re a subject matter expert, a business leader, an industry analyst, or an author, being a podcast guest is a valuable opportunity to connect with a broader audience and amplify your voice. But with so many podcasts, you’ll want to choose one that fits your message and personality.
As you explore the multitude of options, don’t just look at total reach. Also consider things like the theme and tone, audience composition, frequency, brand reputation, and familiarity. These factors will steer you to podcasts that can showcase your particular story in the best light.
And once you’ve been booked to appear on a relevant podcast, you’ll want to be ready to shine. Here are tips to help you prepare:
CONTENT STRATEGY
- For context, listen to other episodes of the podcast and others focused on similar topics.
- Verify the length of your interview, so you can work within expected time limits.
- Think about the story you want to tell. How can you help listeners relate to it?
- Create a list of key points for quick recall as you tell your story.
- Use data and case studies to support your statements, if possible.
- Organize your messages to fit the timeframe.
- Prepare a list of questions for the host to ask.
- Practice thorough responses, but be prepared to summarize or jump forward if the host moves in that direction.
TECHNICAL AND LOGISTICAL DETAILS
- Ask if the conversation will be streamed live or recorded and edited.
- Will it be produced with audio, video, or both formats?
- Familiarize yourself with the podcast platform, as well as tools that can help you look and sound like a professional. (For example, is your laptop microphone sufficient?)
- Be sure to request a tech check before the live podcast.
- Confirm whether you’ll need to log in through a specific portal/app, or if you should call in.
- Choose your location wisely. You’ll want to be in a quiet room with a closed door.
- If you’re using an online portal, shut down any alerts on your computer and switch your phone to mute or vibrate mode.
- Wear a headset or use AirPods for better audio fidelity.
PRODUCTION AND PROMOTION
- If the session is recorded, ask if you can listen to the episode before it is published.
- Verify if you have the option to request edits.
- Keep in touch with podcast producers, so you can align your promotional efforts with the show’s marketing plans.
5 Benefits of Being a Podcast Guest
Participating in podcasts can be rewarding both personally and professionally. In particular, appearing on a popular show like #WorkTrends can amplify your voice, extend your influence, and open doors to exciting new opportunities. For example, it can help you:
1. Expand Your Network
One of the biggest advantages of being a podcast guest is the opportunity to expand your sphere of influence. The connections you make can have a lasting impact on your career trajectory. You can connect with hosts, fellow guests, and listeners with similar interests. This can lead to enduring collaborations, partnerships, and friendships that enhance your personal and professional growth. Moreover, podcast hosts typically have their own networks, which can expose you to new opportunities, introductions, and potential clients or customers.
2. Build Credibility
As a podcast guest, you are showcasing your distinct knowledge and perspective. By sharing your experiences and know-how with listeners, you establish yourself as an authority in your field. This credibility can enhance your professional reputation, open doors to other speaking engagements, and increase your chances of being quoted or featured in industry publications. Think of it as a platform to demonstrate your expertise and offer valuable insights, which can solidify your position as an industry thought leader.
3. Increase Brand Awareness and Visibility
Being a podcast guest is an excellent opportunity to build brand awareness. Podcasts often have dedicated, loyal listeners who are actively engaged and interested in the topics discussed. Sharing your story, expertise, or insights about a product or service can generate awareness and interest in your individual brand or business. When you participate in meaningful podcast conversations and your message resonates with listeners, organic word-of-mouth marketing naturally follows. Also, podcasts are often distributed through multiple channels (Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, and many more). This further extends your reach beyond the original podcasting network.
4. Reach New Audiences
Podcasts attract diverse listeners from all walks of life. This means you’re likely to reach new, untapped audiences. As a podcast guest, you can connect with people who may not have encountered your work or brand through other channels. This broader exposure can increase followers, subscribers, and customers. In addition, podcasts often have global reach that transcends geographical boundaries. This further extends your ability to influence new demographics and communities. You can leverage your podcast appearance by posting about your episode before and after on social media. You may even want to write one or more blog articles about the discussion, emphasizing key points and expanding on the topic in ways you didn’t have time to address with the host. By adding a link back to the podcast episode from these articles, you can drive even more downloads.
5. Improve Communication Skills
Participating in podcast interviews can significantly enhance your communication and presentation skills. Podcast hosts often ask thought-provoking questions, challenging you to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely. This experience can improve your ability to think on your feet and engage in meaningful conversations. In fact, the preparation process, alone, can be valuable. Synthesizing complex information into a storyline based on simple sound bites makes it easier for listeners to understand and connect with your message. Also, you can apply this messaging to other communication efforts in the future. Plus, the communication skills you develop are transferable to other aspects of your life, such as formal and informal meetings with industry colleagues, employees, and customers.
Interested in Being a Podcast Guest?
I hope I’ve convinced you to share your unique insights through the power of podcasts. As someone who has been on both sides of the microphone, I can assure you that the process of producing an episode is fascinating and even fun. It’s also one of the best ways to grow.
Because #WorkTrends welcomes professionals from across the HR spectrum, I am continuously learning from smart people about the latest ideas and best practices in leadership, talent acquisition, employer branding, HR technology, and the future of work. And listeners seem to agree because they keep coming back for more.
That’s one of the reasons why #WorkTrends is often celebrated as one of the best and most popular HR podcasts. In fact, our download volume is among the top 6-7% of all podcasts, globally, according to Buzzsprout (in April 2023).
If this article has piqued your interest and you’d like to learn more, I invite you to submit this inquiry form. In response, we’ll send you information about how you can become a featured guest on the #WorkTrends podcast.
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