Margy is in the holiday spirit and Jess has some hidden dancing talent. Today’s episode features an interview with Interview Connections client, Tim Cameron-Kitchen.

Tim, what do you do in your business?

Why did you decide to start a podcast?

Tell us more about what you cover on your show

What’s the value in bringing on your team members?

Does including employees help with employee retention?

How do you help employees practice?

What was your launch strategy for your podcast?

What benefits have you seen from hosting a podcast?

Do you have any tips for people who want to start a podcast to grow their business?

What should you NOT do as a guest?

What is your tech set up?

Resources Mentioned:

Digital Marketer Blog for podcast

Exposureninja.com

Blue Yeti

Zencastr

Margy is embracing vulnerability and Jess is feeling grateful! This episode features an interview with our awesome client, Tanya Conner-Green. In this episode we discuss:

• How does live video help you connect more deeply with your audience?
• What role does vulnerability play in a successful business?
• How do online haters affect vulnerability? How do you overcome that?
• What were Tanya’s biggest struggles starting her business?
• What are the differences between outward success and true meaning?
• How do you translate vulnerability into making more money?
• How do you stand out online?

Resources Mentioned:

How We Hustle Podcast

Tanya Conner-Green

Brene Brown

On today’s episode, we are live from Dallas interviewing our client, Jason Treu. (Excuse the background noise from the Sheraton lobby!) Jason helps successful leaders overcome management and career challenges within their organizations.

1. What are the most common pain points you find with your clients?
2. 1. Most of it stems from early childhood trauma.
   2. These traumas are holding them back.
   3. Jason helps them change learned behaviors from childhood that are no longer serving his clients.

1. How can managers deal with employee issues that may be personal?
2. 1. You have to get to know people personally to help with their work performance.
   2. No one can truly separate work and personal.
   3. Conversations about what people really want are important, too.

1. How possible is it for people to overcome traumas that happened during their early, formative years?
2. 1. You can do it quickly. Most things are just a slight shift.
   2. People have be willing to change.
   3. One person Jason helped was having sales issues, but it turned out to be a deeper reason of shame about her voice. He helped her overcome this, which turned her sales around!

1. What is the balance between being vulnerable and oversharing?
2. 1. You have to understand the moment and the people you are sharing with.
   2. People have to earn the right to hear your story.
   3. You don’t have to have it all figured out.
   4. Find like minded people in your life who you can relate to. That way you don’t have to explain the whole backstory.

1. What are some examples of questions a manager could ask to open up potential blocks?
2. 1. If you are leading, you have to be vulnerable with the people you are leading.
   2. Take advantage of ways to be honest about finances, etc.
   3. When you meet new people, be honest that you expect performance at a high level but that mistakes are okay.
   4. Encourage people to share their ideas before you share yours.
   5. Cards Against Mundanity helps people open up and get to know each other as people. It creates psychological safety.
   6. You have to create the culture in the company.
   7. Psychological safety causes people to be more emotionally invested and work harder.
   8. People want to show up and be seen.

1. How can managers show their staff that they are seen?
2. 1. You have to work on yourself first.
   2. You can’t deal with tough questions if you can’t deal with your own stuff.
   3. Everyone wants to be vulnerable, but only if someone else goes first. The leader has to go first to show they care.
   4. Walk around the office every day for 15 minutes and chat with people about their lives. This shows people you care.

1. What are some things leaders can do to work on themselves?
2. 1. Masterminds
   2. Coaches
   3. Internal self audit
   4. Therapy
   5. You have to dig down and figure out what’s happening inside of you and what you need.
   6. If you don’t deal with your issues, you will have blind spots. Your fears will manipulate what’s going on.
   7. Leaders who have done the work won’t allow people who are manipulative and toxic in their environment.

1. Tell us about Cards Against Mundanity
2. 1. Jason was seeking to understand how anyone can create a “Google” workplace.
   2. Studies have shown that asking certain questions can cause immediate friendship and bonding.
   3. Psychological safety is the only thing they found across every high performing team at Google.
   4. Card Against Mundanity creates this same vulnerability which leads to psychological safety.
   5. With the card asking the question, people are more comfortable than when another person asks you something.

1. Are there any questions that people refuse to answer?
2. 1. The only person who refused ended up quitting shortly after.
   2. People tend to want to be vulnerable because the average person doesn’t have anyone in their lives who they can share with.
   3. Loneliness is higher than ever and climbing (40%).
   4. Loneliness goes hand in hand with fear and can cause people to lash out.

1. People’s personal lives are part of their work
2. 1. You need to learn about people’s lives and goals.
   2. Helping employees through the process of moving forward personally and professionally is what leads to success in business.
   3. Unhappy employees can affect your company’s productivity.
   1. People want to feel fulfilled in their work.
   2. Psychological safety can help people feel fulfilled.
   3. People make what they spend, so no matter what they have, they always feel like they need more.
   4. A lot of times outside success doesn’t mean people feel fulfilled inside. Even billionaires want more if they aren’t happy and fulfilled.
3. Modern workplace

1. Great leaders are self aware
2. 1. Your blind spots as a leader cascade into the business.
   2. Your business is always being held back by you.

1. What type of help do you need as a business owner?
2. 1. You have to find people who can help with your business and with you emotionally.
   2. Most coaches are too focused on the external.
   3. The internal hurdles are what is really stopping your success.
   4. Some people need a therapist, but a lot of people can just use a coach who can point out internal barriers quickly so they can be addressed.
   5. Coaching can be faster than therapy if you don’t need long term help.

1. The main reason people work hard?
2. 1. They don’t want to disappoint the other person.
   2. They care about the leader.
   3. This is why psychological safety creates harder working employees.

Resources Mentioned:

Jason Treu

Cards Against Mundanity

Arthur Aaron study on making fast friends

Creating Disney Magic Podcast

Fun Personal Money Facts:

• ● Jessica got her first credit card to go to Hawaii at age 18.
• ● Hilary had almost 20,000 dollars in credit card debt in college (twice!). She is the host of Profit Boss Radio. She rebuilt her credit and net worth after debt and foreclosure and now owns a seven figure business.
• ● Margy doesn’t use credit, and thinks the whole concept of spending money you don’t have is weird.

1. 1. How does what happens in your childhood affect your relationship with money?
2. 1. a. We learn about money in our childhood.
   2. b. Money is very conceptual. We think of it as solid, but it’s really just an agreement.
   3. c. This conceptualism can be really tough for kids to understand.
   4. d. When people have a scarcity mindset, they often spend rather than save.
3. 1. a. Margy feels like her attitude towards money is very simplistic and possibly a little childish.
   2. b. She feels a little embarassed about her lack of credit, proving that everyone has shame about their finances no matter where they are.
   3. c. Money is the stage the inner critic stands on.
4. 2. Margy, what is your relationship with money?
5. 1. a. Hilary felt a lot of shame about her own money problems, especially as a financial advisor.
   2. b. The more she shares her story honestly, the less shame she feels.
6. 3. Money and shame
7. 1. a. Hilary got to a point where she was really in a mess and had to be honest.
   2. b. When she discovered the power of money psychology, she realized a lot of people were being controlled by their attitude towards money without even knowing it.
   3. c. She realized she had been the victim of her own subconscious psychology.
   4. d. The first few times she shared it was messy, but she got better at sharing her story.
   5. e. Hilary shared her debt story very publicly on her TedTalk.
   6. f. The more she tells it, the more people tell her how needed it is for others to hear that story.
   7. g. It makes it easier to share her story because she has recovered.
8. 4. Hilary, how did you come out of the debt closet?
9. 1. a. Jess opened up to her dad first about her debt situation.
   2. b. Her debt started when she left her job, started a business and was paying a nanny on credit.
   3. c. She then opened up in front of a bunch of people at her dad’s conference, and found a lot of people could relate to her story.
   4. d. Shame and secrecy are best friends, so when you are honest shame can’t exist.
10. 5. Jess, how did you come out of the debt closet?
11. 1. a. Women have the power to make decisions about finances and control their own money.
    2. b. Culturally, women aren’t expected to be financially capable.
    3. c. Mony has power, so some men may be threatened by financially savvy women. 
12. 6. Could you talk more about psychology and money, especially for women?
13. Resources Mentioned:
14. Profit Boss Radio
15. ProfitBossLive.com
16. Jason Treu
17. Profit Boss Facebook Group
18. www.hilaryhendershott.com

Margy and Jess are excited to be exhibiting for the second year in a row at FinCon in Dallas! On today’s episode, we feature an interview with longtime client, Dr. Glenn Livingston.

1. What was life like when you were obese, personally and professionally?

   1. Glenn grew up in a family of psychotherapists, and always wanted to be a psychologist on the radio (like his dad)

   2. Glenn started as a couples and family therapist

   3. His work required a lot of presence, but he couldn’t say present because he was so preoccupied by food

   4. In addition to his concerning mental obsession with food, he was also experiencing serious health risks

2. What role did shame play in your life when you were binge eating?

   1. Shame played a big role

   2. Glenn has realized that bingeing is only possible when you are also self shaming

   3. This led Glenn to think about the survival role that guilt and shame play in keeping us alive

   4. Like physical pain, shame can draw your attention to mistakes and prevent you from doing destructive things again

   5. Glenn calls his inner destructive self his “pig”

   6. Removing shame and guilt made it possible for Glenn to recover

3. What can we do as individuals and as a community to help people struggling with shame and disordered eating?

   1. As a community, we need to recognize the economic, sociological and physiological forces aligned in the culture to create binge eating

   2. It’s amazing that anyone is able to eat normally

   3. Billions of dollars go into engineering super concentrated starches, sugars and other unhealthy food chemicals designed to short circuit the pleasure centers of the brains

   4. When rats can directly activate the pleasure center of the brain, they will do nothing else (sacrificing things they need to survive like food in favor of pleasure)

   5. The mammalian brain will engage in serious self neglect in pursuit of pleasure

   6. The advertising industry also helps convince us that we can’t live without unhealthy foods

   7. The addiction treatment industry gives the message of “you are powerless to resist”

   8. As a society, to remove shame we can look at what’s happening in the society as a whole and have compassion for how it’s creating binge eaters

   9. Glenn presents the idea that people whose drug of choice is food are more selfless, because unlike drugs addicts they don’t affect the people around them with their addiction

4. Who have your biggest critics been over the years?

   1. Glenn is a compassionate person and is also highly educated on these topics

   2. Ultimately, Glenn figured out that he couldn’t “love himself thin”

   3. Glenn has developed a paradigm where you distance yourself from the lizard brain (which he calls his “inner pig”)

   4. He draws clear boundaries (no chocolate on weekdays)

   5. Some people believe Glenn’s philosophy and use of the word “pig” is fat shaming, but Glenn’s theory is that this lizard brain (or “pig”) is NOT you

   6. This relates to the Buddhist practice of realizing that your thoughts are not you

   7. What we think of as our identity is a subset of thoughts driven by our neurology

   8. You can make a statement of character like “I’m not the kind of person who eats chocolate during the week,” forming an identity around that statement of will

5. What’s the balance between loving yourself and also wanting to be thinner and healthier?

   1. Glenn doesn’t know if a happy fat person exists

   2. From what he’s seen, there are a lot of health consequences to being overweight

   3. Plus sized people should be loved and accepted, and because of the perfect storm, it’s not easy to get control over eating

   4. Hopelessness can cause people to give up on getting thinner and healthier

   5. If you can be a happy, healthy fat person, Glenn is ok with that

   6. He hates to see people give up on being a thin person without really understanding what’s going on psychologically and how they can leverage that to get thin

   7. Glenn is not very supportive of the notion of just “accepting your weight.” He feels people should strive for a medically healthy weight

6. How has being interviewed on podcasts so frequently impacted you?

   1. Glenn’s goal is to help a million people a year stop overeating

   2. He’s had almost 300k downloads of his kindle book

   3. He is consistently in the top 5 Amazon books for eating disorders

   4. He sees a spike in book sales every time a podcast goes out

   5. Podcasting has also helped with Glenn getting more personal coaching clients

   6. Another benefit is that podcasts are a “safe” type of publicity to hone his message before going on more mainstream media outlets

7. At what point in your journey as a guest did you start to see the effects of podcast interviews?

   1. Glenn averages an extra 100 downloads every podcast, 10-15 opt ins and about one paid client per podcast

   2. It took a couple of months for the podcasts to start coming out and then it became a very steady bump in Amazon stats

   3. In retrospect, he wishes he had bought a word of mouth domain for his call to action

8. Are there certain types of shows that are more effective for you?

   1. Glenn is against the 12 Step programs, which makes him unpopular with some mainstream addiction recovery shows

   2. The best are any type of health podcasts, particularly the fitness shows because his approach is very disciplined

9. What is the connection with religious shows?

   1. Glenn isn’t religious, but the structure of his philosophy is very compatible with religion (like separating the angel and the devil on your shoulder

   2. His average review on Amazon is higher among people who buy religious books

10. What role does isolation play in addiction?

    1. Addiction is an isolating behavior

    2. “Narcissus didn’t die of self love, he died of self neglect”

    3. You can fight addiction with connection, and it’s part of the process

    4. What Glenn objects to in the 12 Step process is not the community, but the concept that it’s a disease and people can’t help themselves which leads to fear and the feeling of powerlessness

Resources Mentioned:

FinCon2017

Health at Every Size

Milner and Olds Studies

Jack Trimpy Rational Recovery

Jean Paul Sartre

Rat Park

NeverBingeAgain.com

Margy and Jess are excited about their new podcast, Womensplaining! This episode features an interview and strategy session with our client, Aaron Hendon.

Why did you start getting interviewed on podcasts?

• Aaron was planning on writing a book and wanted to do interviews to promote credibility and practice telling his story

How have you grown through this process?

• Aaron is a residential RE agent, and he was looking to build credibility online
• He puts all interviews on his press page
• Aaron has become a better speaker from doing interviews
• He wasn’t aware of what his audience wanted, and found his content wasn’t as interesting to others as he thought
• Through feedback, Aaron has become a better guest and better at speaking to people in his professional life
• Often when an interview doesn’t go well, you learn the most from it

What are the biggest victories you’ve celebrated this year?

• Aaron did his first 3 million dollar month!
• The work in Aaron’s business is finding people and talking to them
• Podcasts have helped him improve in his career talking to people
• Aaron has been able to finish his book because of inspiration from podcasts and hosts
• He has been booked on 40 shows, and will email all those hosts when his book is out
• A conversation with a podcast host is what developed one of the key pieces of the book
• Podcasting as a guest can be a big part of your creative process

Tell us more about the book

• It’s a look at the psychology people use to approach buying their home (which is the same as how they pick a restaurant for dinner!)
• To do it more rationally, you have to do different things
• This book is for people in the US buying or selling who are information seekers
• Many listeners of podcasters are information seekers, which is a good match for Aaron’s target market

Resources Mentioned:

@womensplaining

Joe Fairless

Aaron Hendon

Jess and Margy are recording live from LA Podfest. We feature an interview with Paul Gilmartin of The Mental Illness Happy Hour. This episode contains discussions about mental illness and child abuse. Listener discretion advised.

1. The Mental Illness Happy Hour
2. 1. Paul started the show in 2011 because he felt it was needed
   2. He didn’t know he would someday make a living off the show
   3. People get so wrapped up in not laughing about this subject matter, but a little humor can be healing
   1. You either have that skill or you don’t
   2. It’s important to be respectful
   3. Paul tells all guests that nothing is too dark or off limits, and that he will delete the episode afterwards if the guest asks
   4. The things that you are most nervous to talk about are the things that are most healing to other people
   5. Empathy is everything, so it’s good to stay in the moment and not prepare too much
3. How do you make a space to have such vulnerable conversations?
   1. Paul gets emails from people all over the world who were thinking about suicide before they heard the podcast
   2. The show helps people deal with shame, especially around sexual trauma
   3. Paul has personally dealt  with incest as a child and the podcast has helped him open up and find support
   4. Paul has always felt a deep need to be told that he’s ok and to be seen as he really is- the podcast has been the perfect platform to let that out
   5. Paul feels his show is less about his courage and more about a desperate need to feel heard
4. What differences have you seen the podcast make in the lives of your listeners?
   1. It’s a personal decision for everyone how much you want to share
   2. Share what you’re comfortable with and keep in mind what you are trying to achieve
   3. Is your sharing of service to the listener?
   4. Paul always beats himself up after sharing, and then opens up about that too
   5. Nothing bad can get worse if you keep a light on it
   6. Share the stuff that’s difficult to share, as long as it feels appropriate for the circumstance
   7. It’s important to know when to share, and when to listen to others who are sharing (and not making it all about you) - support groups are helpful for this
5. What advice do you have for people who may feel vulnerability hangovers after sharing “too much” ?
   1. Paul keeps the comedy to a respectful level on the podcast, and doesn’t make jokes at the expense of a victim
   2. Paul started comedy in 1987 and quit standup and TV hosting in 2011
   3. He never felt safe enough to discuss these issues in his standup, and he found that the podcast was the best medium for this
   4. Paul started his satirical political character because he was sick of just complaining and sounding like everyone else
   5. His comedy satire is his form of protest
6. Tell us about your comedy
   1. DON’T TRY TO BE ANYTHING YOU’RE NOT
   2. The most valuable commodity in podcasting is authenticity
   3. People are drawn to the things that are the most authentic and the most compelling
   4. Every good podcast has a host who is passionate and curious
   5. You don’t have to be funny
   6. People deep down think they aren’t enough
   7. Most people need to let go of something deep down; shame, pride, etc.
   8. Paul used to think he needed to be revered and stand out, but the more he did that the lonelier he got
   9. Strive for excellence but also stay connected and be “one of many” in your daily life
7. How do you feel that your background in comedy helps the show, and what are your tips for people without a comedy background?
   1. Being featured on iTunes
   2. Going on other people’s shows
   3. Having high profile guests
   4. Things being written about the show
   5. There is no better way to grow an audience than putting out a consistent, quality podcast
   6. One bad episode can lose your audience
   7. When you are doing podcasting for a living, you have to make certain decisions
   8. If Paul’s podcast wasn’t his livelihood, he wouldn’t be so conscious of having high profile guests and curating episodes to break up the heavy ones
   9. Paul works to balance growing the show with serving the needs of listeners and those struggling with mental illness
8. Over the six years that you’ve been podcasting, what are the top things that have grown your audience?

Resources Mentioned:

The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast

Mentalpod.com

PaulGilmartin.com

LA Podcast Festival

Jess has a brand new look, and Margy is spreading the gospel of bangs. Then, we discuss expectations as a podcast guest and a real-life example of a smaller show going VIRAL!

Setting Clear Expectations as a Guest:

1. The speed of results
2. 1. Podcast interviews are a long-term strategy
   2. It takes time to get first interviews booked and released
   3. The bigger the show, the longer the wait
   4. It takes time to get on those bigger shows
   1. Understand that you may not be ready for the bigger shows; interview practice is valuable and being on a bigger show after you’ve had more experience is going to be more valuable
   2. Knowing how to be a great entrepreneur doesn’t mean you automatically know how to be a great interviewee; it takes practice!
   3. We want you to be ready for big shows before we place you there
3. It only takes one show (or one listener) for the strategy to pay off
   1. If they aren’t a fit for you, OR you aren’t a fit for them, we should NOT pitch you!
   2. Being in front of your target audience (big or small) is more valuable than a big audience who isn’t a fit
   3. Don’t let ego make you lose sight of your goals for interviews
4. A lot of the big shows might not be a good fit for YOU

How a Tiny Show Beat Joe Rogan:

We were just discussing how to go viral on our last episode, and this week we saw a small podcast GO VIRAL!!! Here are some reasons why: 

1. Jo (the host of Zealot) went to see My Favorite Murder live
2. 1. If you go to see comedians (or anyone) live, they are more likely to talk to you! (SUPPORT THEIR WORK FIRST!)
   2. Find your target audience, and go see them in person
   1. They get lots of pitches to go onstage
   2. Jo’s pitch was totally unique because she offered to do The Moonwalk
   3. Show what is unique about you and how it can bring value to the host!
3. She gave a unique pitch
   1. Everyone listening to MFM is a great audience for a comedy cult show
   2. Be in front of the people who will care about your topic (the right audience is everything!)
4. Her topic was relevant to listeners of My Favorite Murder

Resources Mentioned:

Hair Tech

EOFire

My Favorite Murder Podcast

Zealot Podcast

Congressional Dish

@interviewconnections

Margy is saving kittens on the highway and Jess is back from a very zen vacay! This episode features an interview with our favorite promo products guy, Phil Brakefield!

Jess has used a bunch of promo products companies, and they pretty much all sucked. Some were wicked expensive, others made horrible mistakes and other sites were just confusing to navigate.

Phil is a super nice guy and you can just email and tell him what you want. He gets it for you at a reasonable price, and he also knows a lot about what kinds of products get more traction in different markets.

1. Do people ever get stemless wine glasses? Can I have four?

● People DO get wine glasses- there are over 1 million items available!

● You can’t get 4 because promo products are based on quantity, so just 4 would be very expensive

● Better off doing “print on demand” for something like that

2. What types of swag are the most popular?

● Standards in the industry that are always effective are: mugs, totes and pens

● Cell phone chargers and screen cleaners are very popular now

● SO many hats

● Sometimes you will be surprised by what is and isn’t popular

3. Why should I have swag for my business?

● DONE CORRECTLY, it’s an important part of your branding/messaging mix

● You have to use the correct swag for your target audience (e.g. AARP crowd may not want phone chargers)

● 70% of people you give a calendar to plan to do business with your company within the next year

● Gain exposure through a useful, attractive and fun product

4. Do we have the cutest logo of any of your clients?

● YES!

● Good idea to minimize your logo and use a fun phrase instead (like #rockthepodcast!)

5. Why does orange look like sh*tty soda?

● All manufacturers have at least one item that just doesn’t look great

● Colors can come out badly on products if you’re not careful

● Some shades of orange look sh*tty

6. How often do your clients tell you that their swag resembles a sex toy?

● Only with Jess (LOL it was supposed to be a microphone)

7. What are the cheapest promo products that have the highest perceived value?

● It depends on what the nature of your show/business is

● Phil advises people to let him help them hone in on their message and their target audience

● Then they give Phil their budget and he comes up with the best product

● The key is NOT to go for the cheapest, but understand what is the most money you can comfortably spend reaching your IDEAL client

● Things that always work like pens and mugs may not fit the profile of your podcast

● Think about message first and reverse engineer from there

8. Is it worth it to sell your own swag?

● If you want to do that, you should go through the pain of becoming a promo products distributor, which allows you to buy things at a lower price

● Beware: it’s an involved process to become a distributor

● If you have a really fun product that’s popular, you may be able to make a profit selling it

● Can do a Shopify store and automate it

Resources Mentioned:

When Things Fall Apart

Pema Chodron

The Power of Now

Eckhart Tolle

Cafe Press

DreamBusinessAcademy.com

Phil@unisourceadvantageclub.com

HeyBrakes@gmail.com

Shopify.com

Guestexpert@interviewconnections.com

@InterviewConnections

Jess has found a passion for antigravity yoga, and Margy is obsessed with a new podcast! Then, listen to our interview with expert host AND guest, Ty Crandall, and a new segment called Would you Rather?! Podcast Edition!

Interview with Ty Crandall:

What does Ty do for fun?

-First of all, Ty finds work FUN!

-Ty loves to go boating and he has his pilot’s license!

What does Ty watch on TV?

-Ty spends most of his free time staying active with his kids

-Ty and his wife do enjoy Big Brother and The Profit!

-He likes to be always learning or doing something productive

How does Ty stay SO positive?

-Every bad thing is an opportunity to help you level up and get out of your comfort zone

-You have to experience pain to find what makes you happy, so all experiences are GOOD!

Did Ty start as a host or a guest?

-Ty heard Jessica talking about podcasting

-He then repurposed his webinars into podcast episodes, and months later had thousands of downloads!

-Only at 6 months in did they start actually interviewing, up until then it was just webinar content

-Interview Connections started booking more guests on Ty’s show, and then booking Ty as a guest!

What are the benefits of interviewing guests and being interviewed?

-Relationships are the biggest benefit- amazing people with amazing stories

-Ty has met people who are now his good friends through interviews!

-Ty runs into people at live events who has met on interviews

-Huge SEO benefits from podcast interviews

-All the interviews establish Ty’s credibility

-10-15% of Ty’s customers come from podcasting

Would You Rather?! PODCAST EDITION!

We’re judging shows based on the title alone! Would you rather listen to…..

1. Thank God I’m an atheist OR Hugs from Heaven?!

2. Love Me OR Wolf it Down?!

3. Meditate with Mitch OR Meditate This?!

4. Laser Time OR We’re Alive: Lockdown?!

5. Flow Dreaming OR Ask the Cyber Dating Expert?!

6. Magic Animal Club Podcast OR The History of the Ottoman Empire?!

Ty’s 2016 Episode on #RockThePodcast

The Business Credit and Financing Show

Credit Suite

Jim Palmer

Dream Biz Academy

My Favorite Murder

@InterviewConnections

@rockthepodcast

Thank God I’m an Atheist Podcast

Hugs from Heaven Podcast

Love Me Podcast

Wolf it Down Podcast

Meditate with Mitch Podcast

Meditate This! Podcast

Laser Time Podcast

We’re Alive: Lockdown Podcast

Flow Dreaming Podcast

Ask the Cyber Dating Expert Podcast

Magic Animal Club Podcast

The History of the Ottoman Empire Podcast

Jess knows she’s fancy because she got turned away from a restaurant in Montreal, and Margy is clearing negative energy like a champ! Then an interview with Chris Dayley of Disruptive Advertising about the ROI of podcast interviews for his business. And stay tuned as Jess and Margy debut the Missed Connections segment!

Interview with Chris Dayley:

-Why podcasts are so great for content creators who dislike writing

-The reason for sticking with podcasting (even if results aren’t immediate)

-Is preparing for interviews overrated?

-Networking with hosts

-What makes a good host?

Craigslist Missed Connections Segment:

Margy and Jess read Craigslist missed connections and offer these lovesick locals their top tips on respecting boundaries at the supermarket and taking responsibility for fixing your electronics.

Resources Mentioned:

Clearing Yourself of Other People’s Negative Energy Part I

Clearing Yourself of Other People’s Negative Energy Part II

Disruptive Advertising

Craigslist

Jess is going to acupuncture, and Margy is painting cat portraits! Then, check out a great interview with Glenn the Geek founder of The Horse Radio Network.

Behind The Scenes at Horse Radio Network:

-Having systems in place (like Google Sites) allows for the huge number of shows

-How to audition potential co hosts and what’s most important in a co host

-How live events can build trust with potential clients and show your staying power

In our new segment called “Winne or Losie,” we discuss podcasting trends like...

-should you ask listeners to subscribe?

-are ratings and reviews BS?

-online groups and forums

Resources Mentions:

Horse Radio Network

Google Sites

5 Love Languages

Horse Radio Network App

Jess is washing her walls with salt water to ward off negative energy, and Margy visits her first cat cafe in Brooklyn! They discuss the different styles of podcasts you can produce, and then do an interview with Jonathan Messinger, who produces the Adventures of Finn Caspian.

Different Kinds of Podcasts:

The style that is right for you depends on your brand, style and interest!

1. Interview: Great for connecting with potential clients and bringing a variety of expertise to your audience.

2. Solo Show: You have to be really entertaining! Examples are Grammar Girl and School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson. Dave is an introvert, which may be part of why he is such an excellent solo podcaster!

3. Co-Hosted/Roundtable: We loved Guys We F%$#@, co-hosted by two comedians. Choose your co-host wisely.

4. Fiction: More like an audio book. Takes a lot of work to write the story!

5. Journalism: Examples are Serial and Casefile (Margy loves crime shows!)

6. News/Current Events: Not evergreen, but a great way to educate yourself about what’s happening. We love Congressional Dish, hosted by Jen Briney!

7. Fan Podcasts: PLEASE do one for #Rockthepodcast. Jess has been a guest on The Walking Deadcast!

Interview with Jonathan Messinger

1. How is it podcasting with your son?

-Really fun

-He is a very critical editor!

-It’s very helpful because Jonathan can get feedback on the story before recording

2. What voice changer technology do you use? (Jonathan does all the voices in the show)

-Plug ins: Waves Sound-Shifter, little Alter boy from Sound Toys, another Waves plug in called Morphoder

3. How did you come up with the idea for the show?

-Was originally going to make a children’s book

-Had the idea to do it as a podcast so the audience could be more involved

4. What is your writing process?

-Procrastinate as long as possible

-General outline of story, but episodes incorporate kids’ ideas that they write in

5. Where do you come up with story ideas?

-Riff on elements of classic children’s books

-Kids write in with ideas i.e. what animals live in space?

6. Do you ever feel weird sitting alone in your basement making alien noises?

-Yes

7. Do people without kids listen to your show too?

-Mostly for kids, but some jokes for the parents, too!

-Geared towards 5-8 years old (Jessica’s 4 year old son loves it)

8. Tell us about leaving your job to podcast full time?

-Really optimistic about monetizing

-Audience growing steadily, at about 10,000 per episode right now

-Not a lot of advertisers that are right for children

-Created company called Gen Z Kids

-Might pitch it as a kids’ TV show (Jess and Nathan would love to watch it!)

9. Why did your election episode make Jess cry?!

-So bogged down, and his creativity felt stifled

-Jonathan realized that he was overloading his kids with politics because he was so absorbed by it

-It’s important to stay positive and creative, and let kids stay kids regardless of the political climate

Resources Mentioned:

School of Podcasting with Dave Jackson

Grammar Girl

Guys We F*&%$

The Podcast Producers

Serial

Casefile

Jen Briney

Congressional Dish

The Walking Deadcast

Waves Sound-Shifter

Little Alter Boy From Sound Toys

Waves plug in called Morphoder

The Wild Robot

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel

http://www.kidslisten.org/

http://www.finncaspian.com/

https://twitter.com/finncaspian

http://app.kidslisten.org/

@interviewconnections

On today’s episode, Jess and Margy interview Canadian business executive turned podcaster, Chris Spurvey. Chris shares how he balances his personal brand with his executive role, his top sales mindset tips for entrepreneurs and how he stays so productive by working smart not hard.

Also in this episode: Margy is getting outdoorsy with a handsome gentleman friend, and Jess has seen the light about Himalayan salt lamps (see what we did there?!)

How Chris balances in his role as VP of Business Development for KPMG with his work as a sales/personal brand consultant:

-was lacking fulfillment in a large organization

-decided to write a book, which started his personal brand

-KPMG is very supportive of everything because his personal brand is helping word get out about the company

-people already know like and trust him because they have read his articles and listened to his shows

Chris’s journey with podcasting:

-Chris always had a dream of writing a book

-He used to think sales was “pushing people” and objection fighting, but began to see sales as more relationship based

-His own book is a narrative about him becoming comfortable with sales and finding success, but writing the book made him realize he didn’t have an audience to read it!

-Podcasting is a great platform builder and multiplier to connect with people at your level and above and tap into their audiences (and also learn a lot)

How entrepreneurs can be more authentic with potential clients:

-Observe your buyer’s emotions

-Help clients feel good about themselves in your presence

-Personal branding is key! EVERY entrepreneur should write or podcast to get their personality out there

-You can hire someone to help with your writing or podcast, so don’t let a lack of confidence hold you back

-As you grow your personal brand, you find your potential clients come to YOU

Chris puts out so much content. How does he stay SO productive?

-He used to run around like a chicken with his head cut off, but now he is a well-oiled content machine

-He got a VA, and they learned to work very well together

-Chris makes a short video, and his VA writes a draft of an article from that video and creates quote cards

-For the podcast, he creates an article instead of show notes

Resources Mentioned:

Chrispurvey.com

The Greatest Networker in the World

Mach II With Your Hair on Fire

Stand Out

Chris’s Book

@interviewconnections

This week’s episode is about repurposing your content and how Yann Ilunga vets guest experts for his 360 Entrepreneur Podcast. And later in the show, Jessica and Margy break down their experience of having an improv comedy workshop at the Interview Connections office.

Yann Ilunga Q & A

Yann is a successful podcast host and blog writer from the future, depending on where you call home. From his studio in Finland, he answers Jess’s and Margy’s questions about how he repurposes his content and how he determines who will be a great guest expert for his show.

Q. What are some ways podcasters and guest experts can repurpose their content?

A. Blogger, Vloggers and Podcasters often think about content at a surface level. Yann suggests approaching the topic from multiple angles.

Q. Why should a podcaster have show notes?

A. It’s a great opportunity to draw traffic to your website.

B. A listener can find all the information they need in one place.

C. Bulleted Timestamps could trigger someone’s interest.

Q. How does repurposing your podcast content expand the reach of your audience?

A. A blog post about your episode may entice your listener to dig a little deeper.

Q. How does Yann choose guests for his podcast?

A. Yann checks out their website and listens to other podcasts the guest may have been on.

B. Yann makes sure the guest is a good fit for his audience.

Improv in the Office

The team at Interview Connections recently welcomed improv comedian Melissa Bowler from the Providence Improv Guild (PIG) to their office for a comedy workshop and team building session.

The team participated in games exercises to learn lessons about:

1. Intent versus impact.

2. How to deal with unexpected change.

3. Why it’s important to listen before speaking.

4. Not to pick out other people’s failures.

5. Depending on your position in an organization, the company looks different.

Resources Mentioned:

Interview Connections

Interview Connections TV

@InterviewConnections on Instagram

@MargyLilly on Instagram

@theyannilunga on Instagram

Yann Ilunga

Podcast Success Academy

360 Entrepreneur Podcast

DIY Musician Blog — CD Baby

Sound Beats Blog

Melissa Bowler

Providence Improv Guild

7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey

This episode is all about understanding your podcast download stats. Jessica and Margy tell you how to analyze your stats, figure out what is normal and get more downloads.

Podcast Download Stats

Many podcasters don’t know which stats are relevant. This breakdown will help you better understand the data.

How to Analyze Download Stats:

1. The number of downloads you have does not equal the number of listeners you have.

2. Your monthly download number doesn’t paint a good picture of how popular your most recent episodes are.

a. The best way to analyze your stats to know how your podcast is doing right now is to look at how many downloads a single episode has after 30 days.

So, What’s Normal?

1. Podcasters don’t share their downloads, therefore no baseline can be created.

2. Listen to the official Libsyn podcast, The Feed for median stats.

3. Listen to Episode 8 of this podcast for the percentage of your subscribers who are actually listening to your podcast.

4. Have realistic expectations about how many people are interested in your niche content.

How to Get More Podcast Downloads

1. Create a better podcast.

a. Listen to Ali Brown in Ep. 9 discuss creativity.

2. Do not ask your audience to subscribe, rate and review your podcast every single, freakin’ time.

a. Edison Research data says most listeners are not subscribing. They click play on an episode they want to listen to.

3. Stop using your podcast to push your product.

a. Try entertaining or educating your listeners to gain loyalty.

Jess Found Love in a Hopeless Place

An Interview Connection’s office saga inspired today’s segment. To sum up: Interview Connections business is growing. Jess recognizes a new phone system is needed. Installation not as planned. Jess meets April. April is funny but problems persist. Jess frequently on with tech support. Jess meets Jeremy.  All is right in the world.

Lessons Learned:

1. If you switch to VOIP make sure your router supports it.

2. You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your own Jeremy.

Resources Mentioned:

Interview Connections

Interview Connections TV

@InterviewConnections on Instagram

The Feed Podcast

The Tim Ferriss Show

S-Town Podcast

The Podcast Producers Season 3

Edison Research

Nextiva

This week, hosts Jessica and Margy welcome the amazing Ali Brown. Ali is the host of the popular professional women’s podcast Glambition Radio. She shares her strategies for weeding through pitches,  handpicking guests, and what keeps her show the leader in its category.  And in the new Basic Pitches for Basic B*tches segment,  you’ll find out what to do (and what not to do), when you get a really bad podcast pitch.

Ali Brown

Ali Brown is the woman Business News Daily called “The Entrepreneurial Guru for Women.” She has been featured on ABC’s Secret Millionaire, and has been interviewed on many major media outlets.

What factors are in play when Ali screens possible podcast guests?

● They must be female leaders and change makers.

● They must have a decent following on social media.

● Their story has to fit her specific show.

How does Ali evaluate the podcasts she guests on?

● The host must make 7 figures.

● Or, be on the verge of breaking 7 figures.

● Their audience must be her target audience.

● She must enjoy the show topic.

● It must be an elevated conversation around great content.

Ali says she started her podcast because it was a way to get creative, and it allowed her access to the high-level women she wanted to talk to. Her advice to podcast hosts is to get clear about what you love, to speak your truth, and remember there is always more than one way to accomplish what you want.

Basic Pitches for Basic B*tches

Jessica and Margy tell you what to do (and not do), when you receive bad pitches.

When you get a bad pitch:

1. Skim through it to see if it might be a good fit.

2. Reply, even if the answer is no, and tell them why the answer is no.

3. Do not post about it on social media. You should be bringing value to your followers, not being a b*tch.

4. Send the person this link — How to Pitch a Podcaster Ep #102.

Resources Mentioned:

Interview Connections

Interview Connections TV

@InterviewConnections on Instagram

Rusty Chic Decor Etsy Shop

Ali Brown

Glambition Radio

Forbes Women’s Summit

Ernst & Young’s Winning Women

Bill Glazer & Dan Kennedy’s, Think to Grow Rich

Welcome to Rock the Podcast! Hosts Jessica and Margy welcome the author of the controversial book, Evolution 2.0, Perry Marshall. Perry tells us why he wrote the book, why podcasting is a great way to get exposure for your business, and the importance of adaptation.

Perry Marshall — Author

You may know Perry from his best-selling marketing guides, Ultimate Guide to Google Adwords and 80/20 Sales and Marketing. Perry says his new book, Evolution 2.0, started as a side project, and isn’t rooted in religion or biology, like many assume. It’s written from a business and technology perspective. It twists away from the normal philosophical conversation about evolution.

To spread the word about his new book, Perry enlisted Interview Connections to find him podcast hosts who didn’t mind delving into the taboo. Jessica and Margy admit it was difficult, but they stuck with it, eventually finding a niche in health-related podcasts.

Perry Says Being a Guest on Podcasts:

● Sells his books.

● Makes the most of his publicity budget.

● Introduces him to new audiences he may never have had access to before.

● Allows him a deeper connection with the audience, because he is directly in their ear.

Word of Mouth Winner

Both Margy and Jess are hooked on the S-Town Podcast. It is on the top of the iTunes charts, and has an ever-growing loyal following. Margy wasn’t going to take the time to download it, but she heard about from so many people she just had to listen.

S-Town proves that if you put in the work and make a really great podcast, it will pay off. So, check out Brian Reed’s rich stories and characters, and tell him Jess and Margy sent ya.

Resources Mentioned:

Interview Connections

Interview Connections TV

@InterviewConnections on Instagram

Cosmic Fingerprints

Evolution 2.0: Breaking the Deadlock Between Darwin and Design

S-Town Podcast

StartUp Podcast

Welcome to Rock the Podcast! Hosts Jessica and Margy welcome one of the founding fathers of podcasting, Rob Greenlee of Spreaker. Rob shares his masterful knowledge of:

● The value of attending live podcast events.

● Why engagement is more valuable than the size of your audience.

● Podcasting 101: The technical steps to starting a podcast.

Rob Greenlee of Spreaker

Rob says early podcasters were winging it. There were no best practices, standards or methods back in 2004. It was common place for hosts to experiment with different formats, genres and content.

Why are live events good for podcasters:

● They create a personal relationship between the listener and the host.

● They are a great place to share your podcast. (Podcasting is still a word of mouth medium.)

● Face-to-face time with your listeners can give a host insight on what content listeners want to hear.

● They bring the virtual podcast world into the real world

Podcast Statistics

For whatever reason, podcast stats continue to be a closely held secret. Spreaker makes podcast stats accessible to help podcast hosts:

● Know their audience.

● Monetize their show.

Rob says podcasting is known to be an ‘ad-free’ or an ‘ad-light’ medium. A true measure of a show’s success is how engaged listeners are, not how many advertisers a show has.

Podcasting 101 — How to Start a Podcast

Spreaker makes it really easy for anyone to start a podcast. They provide free software that works with Skype to record up to 4 people at once. The software also has auto ducking which automatically lowers intro music when the host starts speaking.

5 Easy Steps to Starting A Podcast

1. Record or live stream to create a mp3 file.

2. Find a hosting provider to distribute your mp3 to listening platforms.

3. Create album artwork, a show title and a description.

4. Submit an RSS feed.

5. Get your podcast out there!

Resources Mentioned:

Interview Connections

Interview Connections TV

@InterviewConnections on Instagram

@robgreenlee on Twitter

Rob@spreaker.com

Spreaker

Spreaker Live Show

The New Media Show

Podfest

Soundcloud

iHeartRADIO

Spotify

Togs on Brook Consignment

Edison Research

Podfly Productions

Rock the Podcast Ep.4 — How to Rebrand Your Podcast

Welcome to Rock the Podcast! Hosts Jessica and Margy welcome long time podcaster, Pat Hiban to the show. Pat is approaching the 500 mark on his Real Estate Rock Stars Radio Show. Yea, Pat! He shares the best practices he has learned from guests and his own experiences.

Guest Podcaster Pat Hiban

Pat Hiban started out as a ‘has mic, will travel,’ type of podcaster. His show has morphed from asking each guest the same questions into a deep dive of each guest’s unique abilities. He has also said goodbye to advertising. He finds focusing his podcast towards his own core business a more lucrative endeavor.

Pat understands it is not about downloads — it is about the bottom line.

Sock Opera

A fireman will put out your fire, not ignite your passion.

Resources Mentioned:

Interview Connections

Interview Connections TV

@InterviewConnections on Instagram

Real Estate Rock Stars Radio

Super Agents Live

Welcome to Rock the Podcast! Hosts Jessica and Margy welcome local Rhode Island business owner David Englund to the show to discuss geolocal podcasts and how a podcast can build a loyal client base for your business. And then they steal Jason Hartman away from his busy schedule to play, Swanky or Stupid.

David England on GeoLocal Podcasting

David started his business as a designer and a marketer. He moved into web design after clients requested it. He now loves working on websites, because they are a living platform. The work is never done, and if it’s done right, it is constantly moving and adapting.

David’s opinion is local business owners can benefit greatly from having a podcast. But, many shy away from it because they are unfamiliar with the media. David is familiar with the media but still hasn’t taken the leap into podcasting. Jessica helps him out with the details.

During an Interview Connections focus group, David provided feedback as a consumer of several different podcasts. He says consistency is important but it doesn’t need to be the same exact time every week.

Facebook Edition — Swanky or Stupid?

Income property investment guru Jason Hartman joins Margy and Jessica to decide which Facebook features are Swanky or Stupid. If you want to play along, click on the link. Goo.gl/forms/B16w6jy6reXDcbhr2

Resources Mentioned:

Interview Connections

Interview Connections TV

@InterviewConnections on Instagram

Englund Studio

Jason Hartman

Tesla Motors

Welcome to Rock the Podcast! Hosts Jessica and Margy welcome Corey Coates, Chief Expectations Manager at Podfly Productions, to discuss these 3 questions…

● What’s the difference between a rebrand and a tune-up?

● What does it mean to rebrand?

● How do I rebrand my podcast?

Missed Connections

This week’s missed connection is a ‘big whup’ from Corey who had never seen the moon before. Welcome to the Northeast, you wide-eyed Canadian.

What is Rebranding?

Rebranding is a complete overhaul of your podcast. The only thing you keep in place is the underlying architecture, i.e., the RSS feed, iTunes account, and your fans.

● Survey your audience and ask them what they like about your existing show.

● Consult with a professional.

● Cut out the crap.

● Do a sunset episode.

● Produce a few demo episodes before launching your new show.

What is a Tune-Up?

A tune-up generally happens at about six months in, or whenever your gut tells you your podcast is getting stale. It’s a review to figure out where some adjustments need to be made, to give your listeners the best content you can provide.

● Find someone with an objective ear who knows what they are doing.

● Pay attention to details.

● Consider if marketing is hindering your show.

● Be the best, most entertaining host you can be.

Resources Mentioned:

Interview Connections

Interview Connections TV

@InterviewConnections on Instagram

Podfly

Audio Jungle

In today’s episode, Margy and Jessica answer common questions to dispel myths about podcast numbers, and how the team at Interview Connections chooses which podcasts they pitch their clients to. The Interview Connections team schedules 400+ interviews a month, so they are the experts!

Missed Connections

This week’s missed connection is from Margy whose ability to follow up is noteworthy.

Podcast Guest Booking FAQ’s

Jessica and Margy delve into the facts and figures behind the top questions asked by Interview Connection clients.

●What is the audience size of the show you are pitching me on?

○ It’s not about the audience size it’s about your target market.

○ Why total downloads may not be a good measuring stick.

○ How to severely limit your opportunities.

● How does the Interview Connections team choose the podcasts they pitch clients to?

○ What is the guest’s goal as it relates to their business?

○ Does the podcast have relevant content?

○ What is the production quality of the podcast?

○ How established is the podcast?

Rocking the Other Side of the Mic

How does Interview Connection help hosts find the right guests?

● Know your podcast goals.

● Finding credible guests.

● Have a ‘One Sheet’ for your podcast.

● Go offline; Don’t be afraid of the phone.

● Use a scheduling link.

Resources Mentioned:

Interview Connections

Interview Connections TV

@InterviewConnections on Instagram

Sephora

Podfly Productions

The Join Up Dots

Success Summit Podcast

Voxer

Dream Business Academy

What do podcast hosts think of your pitch to be a guest on their show?

In today’s episode, Margy and Jessica are joined by Interview Connection’s client Damion Lupo. Damion shares his essential feedback about how podcast hosts perceive the unique introduction he receives from Interview Connections bookers. And later, Adam Hommey of the Business Creators’ Radio Show gives his tips for exploiting the brilliance and passion of guests on his podcast.

Missed Connections

This week’s missed connection is more of a missed synapse! Jessica and Aaron Walker were outside just before speaking on John Lee Dumas’ panel, at this year’s Social Media Marketing World and Aaron asked Jessica “How is Interview Valet going?”

Damion Lupo Client Feedback

Damion says many hosts are impressed on how they were contacted by the Interview Connection’s team. They are engaging with the podcast hosts, and it shows they are paying attention. It’s unique, and it completely changes the dynamic. It also adds third-party validation. There is value in having someone else introduce you.

Embrace feedback even if it’s bad, because it is an opportunity to learn. — Damion Lupo

Damion also gives Jessica some advice on how to deliver her book, to make it rise above the rest.

Listen to Why Entrepreneurs are Investing in Podcast Interviews with Damion Lupo

Adam Hommey

Adam talks about relationship building, and how his intake process helps to shine a light on the guest’s brilliance and passion.

Help! How Do I Make My Podcast Guest Shine?

● Have the podcast guest supply interview questions.

● Connect with the guest on social media before the interview.

● Ask the guest for pronunciation of their name.

● Have the podcast guest fill out an intake form.

Help! I Want to Shine as a Podcast Guest

● Have your One Sheet ready, and get it to the host asap.

● Have all of your information in one place.

Resources Mentioned:

Interview Connections

Interview Connections TV

Headspace App

Social Media Marketing World

John Lee Dumas

Screw the Nine to Five

Interview Valet

Damion Lupo

Business Creators' Radio Show

Jessica and Margy kick off the first official episode of the Interview Connections podcast, with a new segment aptly named Missed Connections, and a recording of the live session of Jessica’s panel from the Podfest Multimedia Expo.

Missed Connections

Jessica has been pitching podcasts for over 4 years. Her company, Interview Connections, books over 400 interviews a month. She fondly remembers her favorite missed connection when a podcast host simply replied “Unsubscribe.”

Interview Connection’s Panel at Podfest 2017 — Getting Booked as a Podcast Guest

Guest experts, Marty McDonald, Dave Sanderson, and Rene Brent join Jessica on stage, to discuss the importance of a pre-call, how to get paid speaking gigs by being a podcast guest (ROI), and how they promote the show after it’s live.

The Panel

Marty McDonald — Co-Founder of Bad Rhino Inc. He shares a podcast success story in which his company gained $47K in new revenue after one podcast connection.

Rene Brent — A certified hypnotherapist in Orlando. Rene is the international best-selling author of How Big is Your But? Her goal is to speak on stage, and to accomplish this, she does four podcast interviews a month.

Dave Sanderson — Famed Miracle on the Hudson survivor. His goal is to be an amazing podcast guest which leads to paid speaking gigs.

Tips from the Panel

● Listen to the show before you are a guest.

● Become familiar with the host.

● The host is the most important audience member.

● Have the host’s name in front of you.

● Insert a podcast clip into your applications for speaking gigs.

● Show enthusiasm when promoting the podcast, by linking it on all your social media platforms, and sending it to your email list.

● Use podcasts as new content for your company’s site.

Resources Mentioned:

Interview Connections

Interview Connections TV

Podfest Multimedia Expo

Bad Rhino Inc.

Rene Brent

Dave Sanderson

Jessica takes her own advice, and closes the door on what was the Rhodes to Success Podcast. Now, if you feel like you just lost a best friend, don’t get out your black suit yet. In this case, parting is such sweet sorrow, because Jessica and team will be back next week as…. The Interview Connections: How to Rock the Podcast from Both Sides of the Mic podcast!

The rebranded podcast will include:

● Amazing co-hosts!

○ Margy Feldhuhn: The Chief Connections Officer for Interview Connections who oversees client operations.

○ Amanda Doughty: A top booker at Interview Connections who has her own podcast, Great Beer Adventures.

● A new logo!

● Even more relevant content!

● The spotlight of Interview Connections clients!

Lesson of the Show: Don’t rebrand and relaunch too often.

If you know someone who wants to be interviewed on podcasts or host a podcast, share the new and improved Interview Connections podcast with them. If you enjoy this show please share it with someone who needs this content. Click the share button in your podcast app — it’s that easy.

This episode is brought to you by Interview Connections, the first, biggest, and best podcast interview booking agency and The Podcast Producers. Subscribe today.

Resources Mentioned:

Interview Connections: How to Rock the Podcast from Both Sides of the Mic, by Jessica Rhodes

Work with Interview Connections

Podcast Discoverability episode

Great Beer Adventure

The Podcast Producers

*The music in today’s episode was written by The Danger Os, and produced by Nick Palmer. Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/thedangerosmakemusic

Successful real estate notable, Mark Walker, joins Jessica to explain his marketing strategy and describe how he turns podcast interviews into leads, and ultimately new business.  Amanda Dowdy, a guest booker for Interview Connections, kicks things off by offering a free copy of Jessica’s new book, Interview Connections: How to Rock the Podcast from Both Sides of the Mic. This book is a must-have for podcast hosts and guests who want to monetize their ventures.

Mark Walker Case Study

After Mark’s first podcast guest appearance, he noticed an increase in traffic to his website. This encouraged him to continue doing podcast interviews. Mark recalls how his worst interview became one of his top lead producers. The podcast didn’t have the biggest listener base but the subject matter was a perfect match for him to reach his target audience.

3 Steps to a Successful Podcast Marketing Strategy:

1. Have a free offer for the listeners.

2. Send listeners to a landing page.

3. Set up an autoresponder email sequence to nurture new leads into business.

During a guest interview, Mark sends listeners to a separate landing page on his site Luxmana. He uses website analytics to gain insights on visitors. His site is easily managed, because it is hosted at Squarespace, and his Zoho CRM software automatically sends out the free gift he promised during the podcast interview.

Podcast interviews can be list building tools!

Nurturing Leads into New Business

Mark reaches his business goals by way of podcast interviews. He has built his personal brand, driven traffic to his site, and established himself as an expert when it comes to real estate investing.

And, Jessica points out it may be time for Mark to shift his podcast strategy to meet the needs of his ever-evolving business, after he shares his biggest business challenge.

Mark’s Tip for Business Success:

● Think in terms of systems and automation while feeding your funnel.

Everyone Loves a Podcast Freebie

If you have dreams of escaping the rat race, quitting your job, and doing your own thing, you need to get a copy of Mark’s inspirational reminder 10 Things I Will Do Today to Escape the Rat Race.

Resources Mentioned:

Interview Connections: How to Rock the Podcast from Both Sides of the Mic, by Jessica Rhodes

Work with Interview Connections

Rhodes to Success

Luxmana

Squarespace

Zoho CRM

Appointlet

Podcasting and blogging are great ways to get extended exposure in your target market. And while guest blogging and being a guest expert on podcasts have similarities, there are some distinct differences. Maggie Patterson joins Jessica today to discuss those differences, and shares how to make the most out of both platforms to increase your brand and business exposure.

Maggie Patterson is CMO of Scoop Industries. She is a Communications Strategist with 15+ years of experience, and co-host of the Inside Scoop podcast. She has been published in Fast Company, Virgin, and other major publications, and earned Master-Level Content Marketer status.

Guest Blogging:

Maggie says a blog has a crucial place in most businesses. There is a lot of competition within the blogging community, which makes a good guest blogging gig hard to get. To ensure your content is accepted on an established blog, it is best to plan ahead.

Guest Blogging Rules:

● Do your homework.

● Start small to build your body of work.

● Build a relationship with the blog owners.

● Learn to accept feedback from editors.

● Explain how you can serve the blog owner and their readers.

● Learn to accept feedback from editors.

Blogs that accept guest posts are particular about the content they publish, and they normally have guidelines for guest posts on their website. If there are no previous guest posts on a site they may not accept guest posts, so you will need to build a relationship with that person first.

Guest blogging spots may be hard to get!

Are Bigger Sites Better for Your Content?

Some blog writers believe guest blogging on the top media sites will increase their traffic and leads. Maggie recommends going after a source that best fits your target market, but may not be as prestigious. Your target marketing should be your focus. Guest posting is commoditized. Don’t do it for the glory.

If your request is accepted, ask the outlet for a style guide or format guidelines. Having word count, bio and link information will position you ahead of the competition.

Once you have your guest post published you should do your part to promote the post as well. Share it with your social channels.

Reusing Content

Guest bloggers can reuse the content but they should approach the subject from a different angle every time. People want original content, so be creative.

The internet has changed the standard for writing, and has relaxed grammar rules. The public digests information online differently than in a newspaper or book. Subheadings, bullets, and short paragraphs make reading easier. Bloggers should emulate blogs they enjoy reading.

Outsourcing Your Content

Maggie recommends writing your own posts, at the beginning. If you add a different point of view too early, you could damage your brand. If you are going to outsource the task of brand exposure you should be 100% confident that service provider knows what they are doing, and they do their research.

Make sure your audience knows you before adding someone else into your lineup.

Scoop Industries

Scoop Industries provides service-based businesses strategy and implementation assistance, and content and blogging strategy services for companies who want to grow more, but have done what they can on their own. It is important for new and established businesses to go to the right experts, for the right things.

Today’s sponsor is the marketing and business building Dream Business Academy Live Event, in Orlando, February 8, 9, and 10. Learn how to build a Million Dollar Marketing Platform, delegate business tasks to others, and take your business marketing seriously. The conference features speakers who excel in marketing, videos, and podcasts. *To get $100 off your ticket, use the coupon code ‘Podcast’ at checkout.

Resources Mentioned:

Scoop Industries

Scoop Industries Blog

Dream Business Academy

Interview Connections

Rhodes to Success

*The music in today’s episode was written by The Danger Os, and produced by Nick Palmer. Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/thedangerosmakemusic

Marty McDonald is a guest expert working with Interview Connections, and a master of social media marketing. Marty founded the successful Bad Rhino Inc., a full-service social media marketing agency. He has been building online marketing businesses for over 12 years. He joins Jessica today to help you harness the power of social media.

Social Media for Podcasters

A podcaster’s social media strategy should be to use as many social media platforms as their listeners are using. Tracking your downloads and points of engagement is essential. Email lists are still a tried and true way to distribute your podcast. Audiences need to be conditioned, so tell your audience what you want them to do.  Send out an email to your list every day, and be consistent. Marty says it’s all about taking the time, and being consistent.

Build your podcast social media strategy with analytics!

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Podcast listeners don’t always subscribe. Your audience may go away for a while, and then binge download your shows when they come back. The key is to get inside the mind of your listener, and figure out how they consume your content.

Knowing what goal you want to achieve with your podcast, you know which metric you are trying to attain. Marty recommends starting with a baseline or control group, such as an email marketing campaign or a Facebook community, to learn and connect with your audience in a meaningful way.

Proven podcast strategies:

● Podcasts with advertisers get more downloads.

● Use Twitter to post multiple tweets every day with different hashtags.

● Search out Twitter lists with interests related to your podcast.

● Build a solid email list.

● Have a business plan and be serious about it.

● Invest in your podcast by hiring a marketing company.

Today’s sponsor is the marketing and business building Dream Business Academy Live Event in Orlando February 8, 9, and 10. Learn how to build a Million Dollar Marketing Platform, delegate business tasks to others, and take your business marketing seriously. The conference features speakers who excel in marketing, videos, and podcasts. *To get $100 off your ticket, use the coupon code ‘Podcast’ at checkout.

Resources Mentioned:

Dream Business Academy

Interview Connections

Rhodes to Success

Bad Rhino Inc.

Marty@BadRhinoInc.com

Podfly

*The music in today’s episode was written by The Danger Os and produced by Nick Palmer. Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/thedangerosmakemusic

Interview Connections’ client case studies are the focus of today’s podcast. Damion Lupo talks about his podcast guest expert strategy, the growth of his business since he started being a guest on podcasts, and why he’s committed to this strategy.  Later, Rene Brent tells how getting interviewed has sold her book all over the world, why size doesn’t matter when it comes to podcasts, and her tips for being a great podcast guest.

Damion Lupo Interview

Damion Lupo and his business partner were looking for a way to share their message with the online community. They wanted to be in listeners’ minds and ears, every day. He wanted omnipresence.

Damion told Jessica he wanted to do 50 interviews a month! She needed to scale up Interview Connections, which included dedicating a guest booker just for the Total Control Financial account.

Damion is succeeding at his hefty goal, even though for each podcast he budgets 2-3 hours per show to listen to previous episodes and to consider the audience. For him, it’s about adapting to what the host needs. He wants to get his face and voice out there. Damion believes the people we pay attention to are being vulnerable. Touching people emotionally drives buying decisions.

Damion sends the host intro material, and always asks, “How can I help you to get this message out, and how can I help you in general during the interview?”

Damien says as a guest he needs to be open to a wide range of audiences and different podcasts. It just takes one person to reach out to make it worth it.  The best networking comes from 30-minute one-on-one conversations. It’s really about the relationship you make with the host.

Today’s sponsor is the marketing and business building Dream Business Academy Live Event in Orlando February 8, 9, and 10. Learn how to build a Million Dollar Marketing Platform, delegate business tasks to others and take your business marketing seriously. The conference features speakers who excel in marketing, videos, and podcasts. *To get $100 off your ticket, use the coupon code ‘Podcast’ at checkout.

Rene Brent Interview

Rene Brent is an author, clinical hypnotherapist, speaker, and a guest expert on podcasts, and she will be on Jessica’s panel at Podfest in Orlando, Feb 23rd-25th. When Rene was launching her How Big is Your But? book, people told her podcasts were a good idea, but she had reservations. After a friend mentioned Jessica and her team, Interview Connections ads popped up all over Rene’s screen. She decided it was a sign to move forward with her long-term strategy. Rene wanted to set herself up as an expert with a consistent message.

Tangible results Rene has experienced becoming a guest expert:

● New clients

● Increased book sales

● Connections to people who share what they learned from the podcast

Rene’s tips to be a great guest on podcasts:

● Relax and be natural

● Focus on your intentions

● Reflect your passions

Rene also says it doesn’t matter which kinds of shows she’s on or who the audience is, as she’s becoming a better guest through real one-on-one conversations. She puts the podcast on her website.

Content marketing is powerful in attracting clients and closing sales.

The Dream Business Academy Live Event Includes:

● Sessions on podcasting

● Getting booked for interviews

● Becoming a speaker

● Getting your book finished

● Working on your entrepreneurial and money mindset

● Profit seats

● Coaching and Masterminds

Speakers at the Dream Business Academy Live Event:

Bob Burg — The Go-Giver Melanie Benson

Michelle Prince Gary George

Jim Palmer

Resources Mentioned:

Dream Business Academy 

Interview Connections

Rhodes to Success

Damion Lupo on LinkedIn

#10XThinking on Twitter

Rene Brent

Podfest

Podfly

*The music in today’s episode was written by The Danger Os and produced by Nick Palmer. Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/thedangerosmakemusic

Lindsey “One-Click Lindsey” Anderson and Adam Hommey join Jessica in this episode to share their proven techniques on how to get targeted visitors who opt in to your content.

Lindsey found out about Dream Business Academy when she was interviewed by Jim Palmer on his podcast, Stick Like Glue Radio.

It was powerful, and she learned so much. It changed her business. Lindsey designed, and drives traffic to, JessicaRhodes.biz and InterviewConnections.com.

Jessica, Lindsey and Adam Hommey of The Business Creators Institute will be speaking at the Dream Business Academy Live Event in Orlando February 8, 9, and 10. Learn how to build a Million Dollar Marketing Platform. The conference features speakers who excel in marketing, videos, and podcasts. *To get $100 off your ticket, use the coupon code ‘Podcast’ at checkout.

If you are a guest on a podcast, your goal should be getting the podcast audience to your website. You want podcast content that is:

● Evergreen

● Attractive, and gives value

● Creates a path for connection

● A plan to engage listeners

Business Creators Institute Website Rules:

● Web pages should load quickly

● Web page design should be simple

● Your website should be responsive on mobile devices

● Have a strong focus on your call to action

● Your website should be hosted by a quality provider

Adam’s presentation at Dream Business Academy will be about book launches, and how to play with effective languaging and positioning on a subconscious level.

The Dream Business Academy Live Event:

● Is fast-paced

● Gets right to the point

● Includes a manual

● Is a pitch-free zone

● Includes lunch, at the Platinum level

● Includes a private dinner with Jim Palmer, at the Titanium level

Plus, Adam will be launching Jessica’s new book, Interview Connections: How to Rock the Podcast from Both Sides of the Mic, on January 30th.

After a visitor opts-in to your site:

● Consistently send emails to them

● Offer them your best deal or your special secret

● Integrate a P.S. and ask them to confirm they received your email.

● Make a phone call, if they buy something.

Get experts on your team so you can focus on high-revenue activities!

Resources Mentioned:

Dream Business Academy 

Interview Connections

Interview Connections: How to Rock the Podcast from Both Sides of the Mic book

Journeys To Success: 21 Millennials Share Their Astounding Stories Based On The Success Principles Of Napoleon Hill (Volume 4), by Lacey Ann Moen-Rubleski and others

Business Creators' Radio Show

Business Creators' Institute

Traffic and Leads

Traffic and Leads Podcast

One Click Lindsey

Podfly Productions

*The music in today’s episode was written by The Danger Os and produced by Nick Palmer. Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/thedangerosmakemusic

On today’s episode, Dave Sanderson shares how being a guest on podcasts has gotten him paid speaking gigs. He describes how leveraging podcast interviews earned him 5-figure honorariums in just 9 months.

This is Dave’s second appearance on the Rhodes to Success podcast. Listen to Dave’s first interview with Jessica, when he shared the inspirational story of “The Miracle on the Hudson.”  At the time, he had just launched his marketing strategy, with Interview Connections as it’s backbone, even though he was skeptical about committing to podcasting as an investment.

How Dave Sanderson Leveraged Podcasts to Get Paid Speaking Gigs

● He signed up with Interview Connections.

● He blogged about the podcasts he was a guest on.

● He multipurposes his content.

● He shared his podcast experiences on LinkedIn.

● He sent snippets of podcasts when he applied for speaking engagements.

● He consistently engaged with people who listen to podcasts, including “C-level” executives.

● He put his time in, and stuck with it.

● He occasionally speaks for free, to hone his craft, and to gain exposure.

● He became an author, and contributed his writing to others.

● He coaches people who want to become speakers.

● He sets personal performance goals designed to expand his mind.

● He speaks at conferences like Podfest Multimedia Expo.

Tweet: Podcasting gave me validation and credibility. It made me unique. @davesanderson #RockthePodcast @JessRhodesBiz

You can meet Dave Sanderson when he attends the Dream Business Academy Live Event in Orlando February 8, 9, and 10.  He will be learning how to build a Million Dollar Marketing Platform, and so can you. The conference features speakers who excel in marketing, videos, and podcasts. Day 3 offers a live Mastermind, designed to help you with your biggest business challenge. *To get $100 off your ticket, use the coupon code ‘Podcast’ at checkout.

Share this Tweet: The Dream Business Academy Live Event is where like-minded entrepreneurs go to expand their minds. #RockthePodcast @JessRhodesBiz

Dave Answers Listener Questions

How do you position yourself for speaking gigs you want? - Dave’s strategy is to work many different angles. Podcasting, blogging, social media, and conferences, are a few.

How are you a great guest for specific podcast audiences? Dave has a pre-call with his clients to understand who the audience is, and in doing so, he finds out how he can add value to them and the host. Example questions are “What is most important for you, and what has to happen for us to achieve that?”

Share this Tweet: The best question you can ask a podcast host is how to be the best guest possible for their audience. #RockthePodcast @JessRhodesBiz

Do you write out questions for the host to ask you in advance? When Dave first started podcasting he was more spontaneous in his interviews; now he has a custom designed “One Sheet.”

*Get your customized “One Sheet” from Interview Connections.

How can you leverage being an alumnus, into being invited to speak at a University? Dave contacted the head of the alumni association and the head of the college magazine. To give back to your alma mater, offer your time to speak for free.

How effective is getting a speaking agent? Dave says, through his speaking agent he can be more selective, and get a higher price point.

Does Dave offer free coaching on his successful strategies? Yes. Contact him through his website, Dave Sanderson Speaks.

Share this Tweet: If you want paid speaking gigs, become an author. It gives you credibility. #RockthePodcast @JessRhodesBiz

Speakers at the Dream Business Academy Live Event:

Bob Burg — The Go-Giver Melanie Benson

Michelle Prince Gary George

Jim Palmer

Resources Mentioned:

Dream Business Academy

Interview Connections

Dave Sanderson Speaks

Social Media Examiner

Entrepreneur on Fire

Podfly Productions

*The music in today’s episode was written by The Danger Os and produced by Nick Palmer. Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/thedangerosmakemusic