The Company Show

Welcome friends, to episode 100 of The Company Show.Well, technically we started as the Business Podcast Blueprints show — but it’s one RSS Feed, so it counts.100 episodes is a pretty major accomplishment, and as we’ve approached this milestone, I’ve been reflecting on all of the different ways having a podcast has changed our business.So what has having a podcast really done for One Stone Creative?Looking BackWe started the show right around the time we developed the Business Podcast Blueprints — hence the original name, and to be completely honest, we did it because I ran out of excuses for why a podcast production agency didn’t have a show of their own.I was apprehensive, despite having solid strategy and a truly impeccable team behind me.I’m a behind-the-scenes person. I thrive outside of the spotlight, and being a podcast host was never one of my life’s ambitions.But as I tell people all time time, podcasting is awesome for introverts. Just how awesome is something I knew in theory before starting this show, but now, I know in practice.The Company Show has been a vehicle for so much.I’ve met amazing friends and had opportunities I couldn’t have imagined otherwise, and I’m very sure that without it, the Podcasting for Business Conference wouldn’t have existed. The first year’s lineup was composed almost entirely of podcast guests.It was also our testing ground — we’ve released different seasons in different formats to learn about what works, and so we could communicate with our clients more effectively about the reality of doing seasons, weekly, and bi-weekly releases.And now that we’re at episode 100, it’s time for another change.Several, actually.The ChangesWe’re taking a hiatus from new episodes for a few months, to re-imagine the show, and decide how, and if we want it to continue, or if it has served its function and lived out its useful existence.Not every podcast is meant to last forever, and there’s something else going on that is going to make an impact on our decision about The Company Show.We’re starting something new — a new podcast with a brand spanking new RSS feed, which we’re going to be releasing early in the new year.It’s going to be called the Business Podcast Spotlight and will be a short weekly (or more!) show looking at the different ways different businesses are using podcasts as a channel for marketing and business development.These will be short, focused episodes examining strategy, audience, and outcomes for both existing and soon-to-be-released shows — and always with a focus on what can be improved even more.If you’re doing something interesting with a podcast or plan to in the future, I want to talk to you. Head over to PodcastingforBusiness.com/Spotlightapp and tell me about your show.Final ThoughtsI’m excited about this new project and what it might inspire for The Company Show!And I’m also grateful to the wonderful guests I’ve had here over the years. To my incredible team who has made every episode look and sound incredible and to you, listener, who has been the reason for it all. Thank you.As always, I’ve been your host, Megan Dougherty, and this show was produced by the Team at One Stone Creative.Wherever we see you next — here on The Company Show, in The Business Podcast Spotlight, or somewhere else, I look forward to it!Until then.Podcasting for Business - The BookIn case you haven’t gotten it yet, my book Podcasting for Business: How to Create a Show That Makes a Bottom Line Difference for Your Company, is available now!If you think your podcast should be a little bit more profitable (or a lot more profitable), I highly recommend that you check it out.There’s going to be some great information there for you.ResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramOrder the book, Podcasting for BusinessLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2024

You know what podcasts suck at? Conversions.You know what's amazing for conversions? Email.You know how to turn podcast listeners into people that you can email? A newsletter.A part of podcasting for your business is getting your listeners into a platform where they can click a link to take some action. Sometimes that means doing video. Sometimes it means an active social media presence, and sometimes it means building out your email list, and that's what we're talking about today.Jessica Lackey is a strategy and operations advisor who blends business strategy, practical application, and a human-centric approach to creating sustainable business practices. She's joining me today to talk about whether or not your show needs a newsletter, what kind of content should go onto it, how to differentiate it from your podcast content, and how to see if it's all working.Listen to the episode or read the blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/99Tune in to the full episode to learn about:Integrating Thought Leadership in Newsletters for Podcast PromotionDetermining the Role of Newsletters in Your Podcast StrategyWhen Podcasts and Newsletters Aren't EssentialThe Right Way to Use Episodes in NewslettersHow to Drive Newsletter Subscribers to Your ShowPodcast Discovery Challenges and the Power of Cross-PromotionWhy Human Touch and Curated Content MatterThe Podcasting for Business Conference is happening next week — get your ticket here!Read the full notes/blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/99Final ThoughtsI love Jessica’s focus on the human connection you’re making with listeners.Having a newsletter is just another way to connect with and engage the actual people listening to your show and that is the foundation for everything else.Next week is a special one — it’s the Podcasting for Business Conference, and if you don’t have your ticket late in the immortal words of the doors, the time to hesitate is through. (If you can tell me what 90’s movie I’m referencing without googling it, I’ll give you a free ticket, email me at [email protected])Check out the lineup and the schedule at PFBCon.com and we’ll see you next week!Podcasting for Business - The BookIn case you haven’t gotten it yet, my book Podcasting for Business: How to Create a Show That Makes a Bottom Line Difference for Your Company, is available now!If you think your podcast should be a little bit more profitable (or a lot more profitable), I highly recommend that you check it out.There’s going to be some great information there for you.Be A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill out this contact form and let us know about it.We'd love to have you here for an episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“If you are using your podcast to grow your authority as a business owner and you just link to the guest being awesome — you've missed out on a whole opportunity to demonstrate why you are the expert that curated them.” - Jessica LackeyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramOrder the book, Podcasting for BusinessLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2024Jessice Lackey | Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTubeRelated:Maximizing the Value of Your Podcast Archive with Racheal Cook

It’s my favorite time of year.I don’t mean Halloween, although I dearly love giving candy to small children dressed as cartoon characters — it’s time to share the results of the latest, and dare I say greatest Podcasting for Business Report.This report, which we’ve been releasing since 2020 is a deep dive analysis into the top 100 business podcasts, where we evaluate each of the top 100 shows on over 60 different criteria to look at industry trends and establish baseline best practices for podcasting as a business owner.Today is all about that sweet, sweet data. It’s been an interesting year for business podcasting! We’ve seen big changes this year, in social media usage, sponsorships, and network participation — there are some great takeaways for you to apply to your own show.And the numbers are just nifty.I’ve pulled some of the most interesting takeaways to share with you here today.I strongly recommend that, if you haven’t already done so, you download a copy of the report here to get the whole story!Listen to the episode or read the highlights here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/98The Podcasting for Business Conference is happening this November — learn more about it here!Final ThoughtsI hope I’ve sufficiently whetted your appetite for more data! We look at how shows start and end, how they’re edited, how often podcast content is shared on social media, how common guests vs solo episodes are… I’m really just getting started.There are dozens of interesting data points for you to look at and consider as you make strategic decisions for your podcast — and we’ve got a companion video that shares the year-over-year comparison and our recommendations based on the trends. You can get the whole report and watch the companion video that gives a more detailed analysis and a year-over-year comparison here.If you have a community that would be interested in this type of data, reach out to me at [email protected] to talk about getting a guest post or interview for your folks I’m always happy to talk about the data!The Podcasting for Business Conference 2024You’ll also want to make sure you’re registered for this year’s Podcasting for Business Conference. It’s happening in about two weeks and We’ve got networking events, we’ve got expert presentations, we’ve got live Q and A with industry leaders — I’ll go so far as to say we’ve got everything you need to take your podcast to the next level in terms of profitability. Grab your ticket here.That’s all for this week! As always, I’ve been your host, Megan Dougherty, and the Company Show was produced by the whole team at One Stone Creative. If you found some value here today, the best way you can support the show is to share it with someone you think could use a whole lot of data about podcasting for business!Podcasting for Business - The BookIn case you haven’t gotten it yet, my book Podcasting for Business: How to Create a Show That Makes a Bottom Line Difference for Your Company, is available now!If you think your podcast should be a little bit more profitable (or a lot more profitable), I highly recommend that you check it out.There’s going to be some great information there for you.Be A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill out this contact form and let us know about it. We'd love to have you here for an episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!ResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramOrder the book, Podcasting for BusinessLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2024

Let's talk about guest appearance pitches.You've received them and hopefully you've also sent them. There's a lot that goes into a guesting strategy research, crafting the pitch, being on the show itself, and encouraging the listeners of that show to connect with you.All of these things are changing all of the time.There are trends in guesting the same way there are trends in all other types of marketing. You need the best information to craft the best strategy for your business.My guest today is an expert in guest pitching — Julie Fry is the founder of Your Expert Guest, a podcast booking agency for women making an impact who want to be heard by their ideal clients without spending hours on social media, which is something I absolutely understand.Julie has tons of great information for us, and I was especially fascinated to hear what is the most effective strategy in converting listeners to real connections these days. It is not the same as it used to be.Listen to the episode or read the blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/97Tune in to the full episode to learn about:How to Find the Right Shows to Guest OnPodcast Searching ToolsHow to Go Through The Podcast Outreach ProcessShould You Send Your Interview Questions in Advance?Simplifying Calls to ActionThe Post-Guesting ExperienceTracking Your Guesting CampaignRepurposing The Shows You Guested OnThe Podcasting for Business Conference is happening this November — learn more about it here!Read the blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/97The State of Business Podcasting Report 2024Next week is a really exciting week at One Stone Creative. We're going to be releasing the fifth annual State of Business Podcasting Report, and I can tell you now there have been some interesting changes in the trends and best practices for company podcasts this year.I cannot wait to share them with you!Get all of the details and sign up here to receive it as soon as it drops, Monday the 28th.Next week, I'm going to be sharing some selected results here on the show, so make sure you're subscribed to The Company Show on your favorite podcast platform.Podcasting for Business - The BookIn case you haven’t gotten it yet, my book Podcasting for Business: How to Create a Show That Makes a Bottom Line Difference for Your Company, is available now!If you think your podcast should be a little bit more profitable (or a lot more profitable), I highly recommend that you check it out.There’s going to be some great information there for you.Podcasting for Business Conference 2024We've got over a dozen expert presentations, expert Q&A, panel discussions, workshops, and lots and lots of networking opportunities.It's happening from November 13th to 15th this year. Learn more about PFBCon here.Be A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill out this contact form and let us know about it.We'd love to have you here for an episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“A confused mind doesn't make any choices. Just giving one choice, you increase the likelihood that the listener will act on that choice.” - Julie FryResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramOrder the book, Podcasting for BusinessLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Julie Fry | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | InstagramRelated:The Ultimate Guest Pitching System with Kris WardHow to Pitch Yourself as a Guest

As you know, the Podcasting for Business Conference is fast approaching.We're preparing the networking events and the presentations and the emails and the broom and all of the goodies and our many expert speakers are working on their presentations. And are there ever some good ones this year? It's going to be awesome.As part of our prep for the conference every year, we ask all of the speakers a few different questions so that we've got detailed and dare I say, definitive resources on key podcasting topics for you. This year, one of the questions we asked the experts was…What should a business owner think about before they start a podcast?See, a lot of the people who come to the Podcasting for Business Conference are coming because they haven't actually started their show yet, and they want to learn everything that they need to make sure that they make great investment and get a really good return on their podcast.Even if you already have a podcast, if you've been podcasting for years, you should listen anyway because getting back into that beginner's mindset of what you should think about and plan and consider before you start can help you make refinements to your show as it exists now.Here is what the experts think you should keep in mind before you start a podcast — listen to the episode or read the blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/96The Podcasting for Business Conference is happening this November — learn more about it here!Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/M0qCNQXIRd8Final ThoughtsThat is a whole lot of good advice.If you're in the planning stages or in the I've started, but I need to make changes stage, then you know what to do. Pick some advice, look at your show, review it, and start making changes.Of course, track everything that you do so you can validate what works and what doesn't.If you don't have your ticket to the Podcasting for Business Conference yet, you can get it here and you are not going to want to miss this one.As always, it's all virtual and all recorded, and the recordings are included in your ticket price. You're going to have access for an entire year, so don't stress out if you can't attend absolutely everything. We know you can't. You've got a job!Podcasting for Business - The BookIn case you haven’t gotten it yet, my book Podcasting for Business: How to Create a Show That Makes a Bottom Line Difference for Your Company, is available now!If you think your podcast should be a little bit more profitable (or a lot more profitable), I highly recommend that you check it out.There’s going to be some great information there for you.Podcasting for Business Conference 2024We've got over a dozen expert presentations, expert Q&A, panel discussions, workshops, and lots and lots of networking opportunities.It's happening from November 13th to 15th this year. Learn more about PFBCon here.Be A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill out this contact form and let us know about it.We'd love to have you here for an episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“Why am I doing this?” - Ana Xavier“What does success mean to you?” - Mary ChanResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramOrder the book, Podcasting for BusinessLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Learn more about the speakers of PFBCon 2024 here.Related:How to Measure the Impact of Your Podcast

When you think of merch, what might come to mind first are band t-shirts, sports memorabilia, or maybe stickers of your favorite anime characters.But there is a whole world of podcast merch too — some of which might be of real interest to someone podcasting for their business.Today I’m talking to Marz, the CEO of Certified Crucial, a podcast merchandise and distribution company that is doing some very interesting things in the industry. There are a lot more possibilities than there used to be, many of them more interesting and more sustainable than traditional Print on Demand servicesThis was an interesting conversation, and of course, Marz brought the data!Listen to the episode below or read the blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/95Tune in to the full episode to learn about:How Certified Crucial is uplifting the creator economyWhat podcast merch really meansThe untapped potential of podcasts on vinylCan smaller shows leverage merchandise?Crafting merch that resonates with your audienceMerch as a tool for guest engagement and brand integrityROI and pricing for sustainable and ethical merch in podcastingThe Podcasting for Business Conference is happening this November — learn more about it here!Read the full post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/95Final ThoughtsI love the possibilities of merchandise for extending the community building around your podcast. It won’t be a fit for every company podcast, but there are some very cool use cases for engaging your audience, gifting your guests and increasing your brand awareness.Checkout certifiedcrucial.com to see what kind of possibilities might be a good match for your business.Mars is also going to be joining us at the Podcasting for Business Conference for a Coffee and Q&A session on the morning of Thursday, November 14th. If you’ve got merch-related questions, this will be a session to catch!Get your ticket at PFBCon.com, and prepare to spend three days learning from industry leading experts, networking with fellow podcasters and getting the tools and strategies you need to podcast more effectively (which means profitably!) for your business.You’ll also get access to the On-Demand content library right away — and we’re adding to it every couple of weeks between now and the conference. I hope we see you there!Podcasting for Business - The BookIn case you haven’t gotten it yet, my book Podcasting for Business: How to Create a Show That Makes a Bottom Line Difference for Your Company, is available now!If you think your podcast should be a little bit more profitable (or a lot more profitable), I highly recommend that you check it out.There’s going to be some great information there for you.Be A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill out this contact form and let us know about it.We'd love to have you here for an episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“Yes, we want to engage our listeners. Yes, we want to give them something, and we also want to make sure that we uphold our integrity and our image as a brand as well.” - MarzResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramPre-order the book, Podcasting for BusinessPre-ordering will get you a free ticket to PFBCon 2024Learn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Marz | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | InstagramCrucial Creators ProgramRelated:Getting Sponsors for Podcasts and Events with Alex DurantShould You Get a Sponsor for Your Company Podcast?

AI is becoming a reality for many businesses, and podcasting is no different.There are a plethora of different ways that a company can use AI to alter the way they produce their show — some good and some bad. Some trying to be good, and others… not.I have mixed feelings about AI - we’ve had mixed results using it at One Stone Creative, and mixed more on the negative than the positive. We do most of our work by digital hand and only use AI in a few small ways for certain episodes.What works for our company doesn’t work for every company, however, AI might be a good help to you in a number of ways. Whether you want to include AI Tools and software in your processes or keep doing things the old-fashioned way, it’s important to know what’s available.I’m joined today by Susan Frew, who is, fairly, called your tour guide through the world of AI. She has made amazing strides using AI to improve the finances of her own business and has spent the last two years learning as much as she can about the different tools available to help business owners be more profitable using this new technology.We’re going to be talking about how she is using AI to support her own podcast, digging into why we’re not, when you shouldn’t let AI take the lead, and some general discussion about what the new industry means for the world, for privacy and for the future of podcasting.I found this really interesting, and I think you will too. Listen to the conversation or read the blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/94Tune in to the full episode to learn about:How Susan Frew Got Into AISusan’s AI-Powered Podcast ProductionSusan’s Podcasting for Business GoalsAI and Content CreationLetting AI Use Your VoiceWhat You Shouldn’t Use AI ForBalancing AI and Human WorkflowsAI, Intellectual Property, and PrivacyAI’s Evolution and Environmental ImpactThe Future of Podcasting and Human ConnectionMy book, Podcasting for Business is now available on Amazon — learn more about it here.Podcasting for Business - The BookIn case you haven’t gotten it yet, my book Podcasting for Business: How to Create a Show That Makes a Bottom Line Difference for Your Company, is available now!If you think your podcast should be a little bit more profitable (or a lot more profitable), I highly recommend that you check it out.There’s going to be some great information there for you.Podcasting for Business Conference 2024We've got over a dozen expert presentations, expert Q&A, panel discussions, workshops, and lots and lots of networking opportunities.It's happening from November 13th to 15th this year. Learn more about PFBCon here.Be A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill out this contact form and let us know about it.We'd love to have you here for an episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“I think that people are going to continue to create these artificial shows. I think that the human race needs to put a stake in the ground and say no. Because I believe the antithesis or the polar opposite of the AI is human connection.” - Susan FrewResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramPre-order the book, Podcasting for BusinessPre-ordering will get you a free ticket to PFBCon 2024Learn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Susan Frew | Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | FacebookRelated:Will AI Replace Writers? with Karl SonaStories, Service & The Authentic You with Brigitte Bojkowszky

At One Stone Creative and Podcasting for Business, we’re all about creating podcasts that work for… businesses! And we generally work with smaller businesses — teams of 20 or less who need a partner to take on the business area of a show.Being in this space gives us tons of flexibility about the kinds of shows we create and the kinds of results we generate with them - but there are other kinds of organizations with different structures who are doing really interesting things with Podcasting too.My guest today has some incredible examples of how non-profits, advocacy groups, and even governmental organizations are using podcasts to achieve their unique missions.Andrea Klunder is the founder and lead producer of The Creative Impostor Studios, a boutique agency producing award-winning audio documentary and podcast experiences for artists, organizations, and creative leaders who are making a cultural impact through meaningful storytelling.We’re going all in to talk about out-of-the-box podcasting — listen to our conversation or read the blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/93Tune in to the full episode to learn about:The Creative Impostor StudiosDifferent Paths to The Podcasting IndustryNon-Profit Versus For-Profit PodcastingBalancing Audio and Print for Maximum ImpactIntuition, Data, and CommunicationThe Priorities of Nonprofit PodcastingHow Podcast Starts for OrganizationsTurning Podcast Excitement into StrategyMy book, Podcasting for Business is now available on Amazon — learn more about it here.Podcasting for Business - The BookIn case you haven’t gotten it yet, my book Podcasting for Business: How to Create a Show That Makes a Bottom Line Difference for Your Company, is available now!If you think your podcast should be a little bit more profitable (or a lot more profitable), I highly recommend that you check it out.There’s going to be some great information there for you.Podcasting for Business Conference 2024We've got over a dozen expert presentations, expert Q&A, panel discussions, workshops, and lots and lots of networking opportunities.It's happening from November 13th to 15th this year. Learn more about PFBCon here.Be A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill out this contact form and let us know about it.We'd love to have you here for an episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“Whatever the mission of that organization is... if you can help them fulfill that mission in a way, then you are doing your job.” - Andre Klunder“Podcasting is a tool specifically designed to accomplish a certain goal or solve a certain problem.” - Megan DoughertyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramPre-order the book, Podcasting for BusinessPre-ordering will get you a free ticket to PFBCon 2024Learn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Andrea Klunder | Website | Podcast | LinkedIn | InstagramRelated:Does Your Podcast Format Match Your Podcast Goals?Achieving Business Goals with Podcast Managers with Ted Cragg

There are a lot of different ways that you can get support with your podcast.You can hire or train a team member to do the editing admin and promotion, hire out specific areas like production or promotion, or work with a third-party service provider who can do any of the above.Sometimes even that, however, is too much on your plate, and in those cases, then an OBM, or Online Business Manager can help fill any gaps.Today I’m chatting with Ashley Connell, the founder of Prowess Project which is an Online Business Manager resource and training academy. She’s also the host of the Prowess Hour, a weekly livestream and podcast giving OBMs the skills and insights they need to grow their businesses.We’re talking about what an OBM is, how they can help ease the lift of a podcast in your company, and how to know if and when bringing on this kind of support is the right move to grow your business… and take over the podcast.Listen to the episode or read the blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/92Tune in to the full episode to learn about:What an online business manager isOBMs vs COOs vs VAsHow to hand off the reins to your OBMWhat OBMs can do for your business & operationsThe OBM Opportunity PodcastSigns that you need an online business managerAshley Connell’s awesome AI toolMy book, Podcasting for Business is now available on Amazon — learn more about it here.Connect with Ashley ConnellAshley: “Pop over to prowessproject.com.We are at @prowessproject on all of the socials and come drop us a line. Check us out. I would love to just hear what your own bottlenecks are, and I would love to hear, are you a spreadsheet brain or a spider web brain?”Megan: “So on social, tag me @oscpodcasting, tag Ashley @prowessproject, and let us know if you are a spreadsheet or a spiderweb brain.”Next Week on The Company ShowNext week, I’ve got another podcasting expert conversation to share with you and we’re going to be talking about something I’m pretty sure you’ve thought of at least once - Podcast Merch. It’s going to be a good one.Subscribe to the Company Show, so you don’t miss it!Podcasting for Business - The BookIn case you haven’t gotten it yet, my book Podcasting for Business: How to Create a Show That Makes a Bottom Line Difference for Your Company, is available now!If you think your podcast should be a little bit more profitable (or a lot more profitable), I highly recommend that you check it out.There’s going to be some great information there for you.Podcasting for Business Conference 2024We've got over a dozen expert presentations, expert Q&A, panel discussions, workshops, and lots and lots of networking opportunities.It's happening from November 13th to 15th this year. Learn more about PFBCon here.Be A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill out this contact form and let us know about it.We'd love to have you here for an episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“You give a VA a task and they execute. You give an online business manager your vision and they strategize.” - Ashley ConnellResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramPre-order the book, Podcasting for BusinessPre-ordering will get you a free ticket to PFBCon 2024Learn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Ashely Connell | Website | LinkedIn | YouTubeFree ConsultationUnlock the AI AdvantageRelated:Working with VAs for Your Podcast with Kristy YoderAchieving Business Goals with Podcast Managers with Ted Cragg

Welcome to Podcasting for Business – The Book, where we dive into Megan Dougherty’s transformative book, Podcasting for Business – The Book. I’m your host, Tom Fox, and in this series, we will unpack the invaluable lessons and strategies from Megan’s book, which has quickly become the definitive guide for anyone looking to leverage podcasting as a powerful business tool. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just considering how to get started, this podcast will walk you through Megan’s essential insights, from choosing the right podcast blueprint for your business to mastering the metrics that matter. Join me as we explore how to create, refine, and maximize the impact of your podcast, all through the lens of one of the most comprehensive resources available today.In this concluding episode, Tom Fox and Megan Dougherty discuss the upcoming release of Megan’s book Podcasting for Business and why podcasting is vital for most businesses. They highlight the benefits of building relationships, trust, and authority and creating evergreen content. Tom passionately argues that every business should have a podcast, citing its cost-effectiveness and ability to reach a vast audience. Megan provides a balanced view, suggesting that while podcasting offers long-term benefits, its timing should be considered based on the business’s current stage. The episode concludes with a focus on the fun and strategic aspects of podcasting and a reminder that the book is available now!Get your Copy of Podcasting for Business

Welcome to Podcasting for Business—The Book, where we dive into Megan Dougherty’s transformative book, Podcasting for Business – The Book. I’m your host, Tom Fox, and in this series, we will unpack the invaluable lessons and strategies from Megan’s book, which has quickly become the definitive guide for anyone looking to leverage podcasting as a powerful business tool. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just considering how to get started, this podcast will walk you through Megan’s essential insights, from choosing the right podcast blueprint for your business to mastering the metrics that matter. Join me as we explore how to create, refine, and maximize the impact of your podcast, all through the lens of one of the most comprehensive resources available today.In this episode, Tom and Megan discuss strategic guest selection for various podcast formats, including thought leadership and relationship-building. They discuss the importance of consistent branding in visual and audio elements and highlight the necessity of thorough show notes and effective real estate utilization for audience engagement and SEO. Megan also hints at upcoming resources and workshops tied to their book, offering practical tools for optimizing podcast ROI.Get the Book!Check out the episode on the Compliance Podcast Network

Welcome to Podcasting for Business – The Book, where we dive into Megan Dougherty’s transformative book, Podcasting for Business – The Book. I’m your host, Tom Fox, and in this series, we will unpack the invaluable lessons and strategies from Megan’s book, which has quickly become the definitive guide for anyone looking to leverage podcasting as a powerful business tool. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just considering how to get started, this podcast will walk you through Megan’s essential insights, from choosing the right podcast blueprint for your business to mastering the metrics that matter. Join me as we explore how to create, refine, and maximize the impact of your podcast, all through the lens of one of the most comprehensive resources available today.In this episode, Tom and Megan discuss the integration of podcast blueprints with specific metrics to optimize business outcomes. They explore various blueprints and potential conflicts with metrics and provide practical examples. The episode also covers crucial elements for launching or relaunching a podcast, focusing on content, charisma, and connection. They also discuss the importance of consistent podcast cadence, choosing between audio and video formats, and maintaining high audio quality. Practical advice is given on setting up a recording environment to ensure the best sound quality for your podcast.Get the Book!Check out the episode on the Compliance Podcast Network

Welcome to Podcasting for Business – The Book, where we dive into Megan Dougherty’s transformative book, Podcasting for Business – The Book. I’m your host, Tom Fox, and in this series, we will unpack the invaluable lessons and strategies from Megan’s book, which has quickly become the definitive guide for anyone looking to leverage podcasting as a powerful business tool. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just considering how to get started, this podcast will walk you through Megan’s essential insights, from choosing the right podcast blueprint for your business to mastering the metrics that matter. Join me as we explore how to create, refine, and maximize the impact of your podcast, all through the lens of one of the most comprehensive resources available today.In this episode, host Tom Fox and Megan Dougherty wrap up their series on podcast metrics. They discuss the depth and breadth of metrics covered in Megan’s book and explain how each metric can be optimized for a business podcast. The conversation covers monthly recurring revenue, labor cost savings, affiliate sales, sponsorship dollars, and downloads, providing examples and insights on how these metrics can be leveraged for business success. Megan also shares anecdotes and practical advice on using podcasts to achieve various business goals.Get the Book!Check it out on the Compliance Podcast Network

Welcome to Podcasting for Business – The Book, where we dive into Megan Dougherty’s transformative book, Podcasting for Business – The Book. I’m your host, Tom Fox, and in this series, we will unpack the invaluable lessons and strategies from Megan’s book, which has quickly become the definitive guide for anyone looking to leverage podcasting as a powerful business tool. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just considering how to get started, this podcast will walk you through Megan’s essential insights, from choosing the right podcast blueprint for your business to mastering the metrics that matter. Join me as we explore how to create, refine, and maximize the impact of your podcast, all through the lens of one of the most comprehensive resources available today.In this episode, Tom and Megan continue reviewing crucial podcast metrics, focusing on brand awareness, social media engagement, list growth, sales qualified leads, and product sales. Megan discusses the challenges and strategies for optimizing each metric, offering practical examples and insights from her experience and research. The episode emphasizes the importance of creating thought leadership content and engaging directly with the audience to build brand recognition and drive business goals.Get the Book!Check it out on the Compliance Podcast Network

Welcome to Podcasting for Business – The Book, where we dive into Megan Dougherty’s transformative book, Podcasting for Business – The Book. I’m your host, Tom Fox, and in this series, we will unpack the invaluable lessons and strategies from Megan’s book, which has quickly become the definitive guide for anyone looking to leverage podcasting as a powerful business tool. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just considering how to get started, this podcast will walk you through Megan’s essential insights, from choosing the right podcast blueprint for your business to mastering the metrics that matter. Join me as we explore how to create, refine, and maximize the impact of your podcast, all through the lens of one of the most comprehensive resources available today.In this episode, Tom Megan provides a three-episode review of the essential metrics that business podcasters should track. They start with referrals, explaining how relationship-building podcasts can generate valuable business leads. They move on to sales cycle length, demonstrating how podcasts can accelerate customer engagement. They also discuss promotional opportunities, SEO benefits, and new product creation. Megan emphasizes the importance of creating content that serves both SEO and business objectives, providing real-life examples and actionable insights.Get the Book!Check out this Episode on the Compliance Podcast Network

Welcome to Podcasting for Business—The Book, where we dive into Megan Dougherty’s transformative book, Podcasting for Business—The Book. I’m your host, Tom Fox, and in this series, we will unpack the invaluable lessons and strategies from Megan’s book, which has quickly become the definitive guide for anyone looking to leverage podcasting as a powerful business tool. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just considering how to get started, this podcast will walk you through Megan’s essential insights, from choosing the right podcast blueprint for your business to mastering the metrics that matter. Join me as we explore how to create, refine, and maximize the impact of your podcast, all through the lens of one of the most comprehensive resources available today.In this episode, Tom and Megan look at the importance of metrics in podcasting and introduce the concept of Podcast Value Math—a system to measure various kinds of value a podcast can provide. Megan shares her passion for numbers and systematization, discussing how different metrics contribute to business outcomes. They explore how to track and optimize metrics to enhance podcast performance, touching on the 15 specific business metrics outlined in their book. The episode lays the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of utilizing metrics to validate a podcast’s effectiveness and ensure it aligns with overall business goals.Get the Book!Check it out on the Compliance Podcast Network!

Welcome to Podcasting for Business – The Book, where we dive into Megan Dougherty’s transformative book, Podcasting for Business – The Book. I’m your host, Tom Fox, and in this series, we will unpack the invaluable lessons and strategies from Megan’s book, which has quickly become the definitive guide for anyone looking to leverage podcasting as a powerful business tool. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just considering how to get started, this podcast will walk you through Megan’s essential insights, from choosing the right podcast blueprint for your business to mastering the metrics that matter. Join me as we explore how to create, refine, and maximize the impact of your podcast, all through the lens of one of the most comprehensive resources available today.In this episode, Tom and Megan explore the nuances of podcasting for business. They discuss the critical differences between business and personal podcasts and emphasize the importance of integrating them into your marketing strategy. Megan introduces the concept of ‘Podcast Blueprints,’ outlining the five key objectives: audience engagement, relationship building, thought leadership, conversion, and content creation. Through practical advice and real-life examples, they explore how businesses can effectively tailor their podcasts to meet specific strategic goals.Get the Book!Check it out on the Compliance Podcast Network!

Welcome to Podcasting for Business – The Book, a podcast series where we dive into Megan Dougherty’s transformative book, Podcasting for Business. I’m your host, Tom Fox, and in this series, we will unpack the invaluable lessons and strategies from Megan’s book, which is the definitive guide for anyone looking to leverage podcasting as a powerful business tool. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just considering how to get started, this podcast will walk you through Megan’s essential insights, from choosing the right podcast blueprint for your business to mastering the metrics that matter. Join me as we explore how to create, refine, and maximize the impact of your podcast, all through the lens of one of the most comprehensive resources available today.In this inaugural episode of this limited podcast series, Tom visits with Megan Dougherty about her new book, Podcasting for Business. Megan shares her journey, starting with the reasons for writing the book, the development of her methodologies, and the timing behind its release. She explains who the book is for and highlights the changes witnessed in the podcasting industry since 2017. Megan discusses her writing process, the importance of outlines, and how she utilized her beta team for feedback. The episode also touches on repurposing content and the book’s availability for pre-order.Get the Book!Check it out on the Compliance Podcast Network!

Something that I’ve always found a little challenging when it comes to the marketing of my business is finding the stories that make what we do compelling. I can be rather a literal person.I know what we do is valuable and our clients appreciate it — but as my business partner, and today’s guest is always saying: people connect with stories, and you need to create one that draws people in.One of the ways to do this the most quickly and that sees the highest rates of conversion is by sharing video content for your business and your podcast.Dan Bennet, the creator of Video For Entrepreneurs, has over 15 years in the video production industry and worked with brands like Harley Davidson and Bud Light before forming his company to help entrepreneurs with businesses of all sizes look and feel great on camera.He is joining me today to talk about video and I know I’m not the only person who tends to shy away from it. Dan tells us how to be camera ready, explains his methodology of video content strategy and answers the question: is it really okay to share talking head zoom videos of your podcast?Listen to the episode or read the blog post here: podcastingforbusiness.com/91Tune in to the full episode to learn:The True Power of VideoHow to Bring Humanness into Your Business VideosIs Your Business Ready for Video?The Solar System MethodologyIntegrating Short-Form Videos into Your StrategyWhy Storytelling Should Be Your First FocusOvercoming Camera Nerves with Simple TechniquesIs a Talking Head Video Enough?Pre-production, recording, & post-production strategiesDan Bennett’s Body of WorkStrategic deployment and sales as serviceMy book, Podcasting for Business is coming out this September — learn more about it here.Podcasting for BusinessWe are gearing up over here at One Stone Creative for the launch of my new book, Podcasting for Business — how to create a show that makes a bottom line difference for your company.The official launch date is on September 10th, just a couple of weeks away. And if you decide between now and then that you'd like to pre-order a copy, then I would be thrilled to give you a completely free ticket to this year's Podcasting for Business Conference.The book is comprehensive. My spouse called it both amusing and exhaustive. It covers:the Business Podcast Blueprintshow to use Podcast Value Math to measure the right things for your businesshow to choose a goal that's actually going to make an impactThen we go into 15 specific business outcomes that we call the metrics that you can optimize a show for to start seeing those results in your business.I'm very proud of it, and I think you will get a lot out of it. So, if you would like to pre-order that, you can do so here. If you do so, you will get my undying gratitude and the free ticket to the Podcasting for Business conference, which is going to be a great event this year.Key Quotes“ I've got so many examples from so many places where video just leveraged windows and doors wide open for people and that video has got six views.” - Dan BennettResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramPre-order the book, Podcasting for BusinessPre-ordering will get you a free ticket to PFBCon 2024Learn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Dan Bennett | Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Complimentary Strategy CallRelated:Does Your Podcast Need to Be on Video? with Megan DoughertyVideo Podcasts: Reflections and DecisionsThe Video Advantage for SEO with Atiba De SouzaShould Company Podcasts be Company Vlogs? An Audio vs. Video Showdown

There are products and services that don't require a lot of thought before you buy them — commodities, like toothpaste, shoes, calculators, peaches.But there are others that require a lot of education before someone has enough understanding to be able to make an informed decision about what exactly the product is and how it might be able to help them if they should choose to buy it.Now, a podcast can do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to filling that gap and providing the education and the understanding required for someone to make a buying decision, and it can make tons of other areas of your sales and delivery process a lot easier.Today, I've got a deep dive into a podcast process and optimization strategy for you with Deniero Bartolini, host of The Remote CEO show podcast. He's a digital entrepreneur, bestselling author and founder of Remote CEO, a company that helps professional firms scale with remote teams.Deniero has been podcasting for almost a decade and a half and is incredibly generous with his insights into the different ways that you can leverage a podcast in a business, from providing that critical early information and education to potential clients of high ticket offers, to building trust with new and old clients of any kind of product and increasing your revenue, which is not always easy as a direct line through podcasting, but he's got some great examples and in case studies of exactly how he has helped clients do that.Listen to the episode below or read the blog post here: podcastingforbusiness.com/90Tune in to the full episode to learn:Deniero Bartoloni’s journey from DJing to podcastingIndoctrination through podcastingPodcasting and the sales cycleBalancing solo and interview episodesStreamlining podcast production with The Remote CEOHow metrics and audience goals shape growthPodguesting versus hostingFinding the right podcast personaSigns that you should podcast for your businessMy book, Podcasting for Business is coming out this September — learn more about it here.Connect with Deniero BartoliniDeniero: “Everybody can find me at denierob.com — book, podcasts, and everything else.If you are a solopreneur looking to scale up with a remote team, or you are an existing business owner that has maybe a team of 10, 15 people, but you also want to build a hybrid team, then also reach out to us because we have some great stuff that we want to share with you.”Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | The Remote CEO ShowBe A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill out this contact form and let us know about it.We'd love to have you here for an episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“A confused mind never buys.” - Deniero BartoliniResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramPre-order the book, Podcasting for BusinessPre-ordering will get you a free ticket to PFBCon 2024Learn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Deniero Bartolini | Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | The Remote CEO Show Related:Case Study: Podcasting as a Long-Term Marketing Strategy with Susan FriedmannThe Power of Strategy with Stephanie Feger

This is a very exciting week, friends, and one that I have been a little nervous about for the last six months.You already know that my book, Podcasting for Business is written and available for pre-order here.But what you don’t know is that my coach, Amy Collette and I documented the entire process of writing it in a 7 episode podcast series that you can listen to right now.All of it. The good. The bad. The grumpy. And there is some grumpy.All 7 episodes are live, and if you want a glimpse behind the curtains of writing a book - from the idea to the manuscript, I suggest you check it out.If writing a book has been on your radar - or you’ve got half a dozen on your shelf and you want to enjoy watching struggle through title one - check out the series. It’s truly a tell-all, and I admit, I’m a little nervous to be so visible in public. So be kind.Today, I want to share the first full episode of Unleash Your Inner Author. This is where Amy and I talk about the book I planned to write, what worries and concerns I had about it, and what the process was going to look like.Listen to Episode 1: The Kickoff or read the blog post here: podcastingforbusiness.com/89Tune in to the full episode to learn:The Business Podcast BlueprintsProcrastinating for purposeFear, confidence, and excitementDone energy: The pros and consLeveraging a Book for Credibility and Client EngagementThe Intensive Two-Day Retreat: Jumpstarting Your BookManaging the Urge to Jump into Content WritingStreamlining Decision-Making with Filters·My book, Podcasting for Business is coming out this September — learn more about it here.Final ThoughtsThis was such an interesting process, and really, a strange one for me. It’s truly a tell-all about the experience, and there are parts that, looking back on, I find a little embarrassing. But none of us are our best all the time - and I’ve learned that it is pretty common to get a little grumpy and resistant during the coaching process.It was important to both me and Amy to show the whole process - challenges and all. This series really does go through everything that we did together to get Podcasting For Business ready to publish - and I’m so happy with how it’s come together.I want to publicly thank Amy for all of her support, amazing advice, wonderful accountability and grace.Check out all of the episodes here.And if you want to grab a copy of the book, you can do so, and get a free ticket to the Podcasting For Business Conference by visiting this link.Key Quotes“I don't want done energy yet because it's not done yet.” - Megan Dougherty“I love to celebrate all throughout the process. You got to celebrate those small wins because it's easy to check off that accomplishment.” - Amy ColletteResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramPre-order the book, Podcasting for BusinessPre-ordering will get you a free ticket to PFBCon 2024Learn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023 Check out all the episodes of the Unleash Your Inner Author podcast!Unleash Your Inner Author | LinkedIn | Instagram | FacebookJoin the UYIA Coaching Program.Get your book published here.Get a copy of The Gratitude ConnectionAmy’s got a new book coming soon! Get updates here.Related:Pitching and Podcasting for Authors with Angie TruebloodGuest Post: Author Marketing 101 – Because your book won’t sell itself.Case Study: Podcasting as a Long-Term Marketing Strategy with Susan Friedmann

I’ve been looking forward to this episode all year.I am absolutely thrilled to share that my book, Podcasting for Business, is officially available for pre-order!This book has been percolating in the back of my brain for years, and now, with the help of an amazing book coach, Amy Collette of Unleash Your Inner Author, it’s ready to go.The official launch date is on September 10th, and I have some fun things planned between then and now - but today, I wanted to share one of my absolute favorite chapters with you.All right- the excerpt is coming right up, but first I wanted to tell you where and how you can pre-order the book in case you simply cannot wait.It’s all at PodcastingforBusiness.com/Book - along with the details about how to turn your pre-order into a free ticket to the Podcasting for Business Conference!And now, for podcast value math, listen to the episode or read the blog post here.Tune in to the full episode and learn:What podcast value math isHow to identify what’s valuable,which part of the show is creating that value,and what you should do to increase that.My book, Podcasting for Business is coming out this September — learn more about it here.Read the rest of the blog post here.Final ThoughtsI hope that you enjoyed this - and that you found it useful! This is just one of dozens of chapters in Podcasting for Business, which is currently available for preorder!And if you decide to order between now and September 10th - our official launch day - I have a gift I’d like to give you: A Free Ticket to the Podcasting for Business Conference!Once you pre-order the book, just go to PodcastingforBusiness.com/book, and fill out the form! You’ll be sent a coupon code to get 100% off your ticket to the Podcasting for Business Conference.And it’s going to be a great event this year. We have an incredible lineup of expert speakers, networking events, and workshops - all virtual and all recorded.And all yours for free with the pre-order of Podcasting for Business, at $9.99. Not a bad deal, if I do say so myself.All of the details are at PocastingForBusiness.com/Book. Check it out, let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be back next week with a fantastic interview with another expert interview.Be A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill out this contact form and let us know about it.We'd love to have you here for an episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“When you understand and use podcast value math, you can optimize for and track anything you want to. That's what makes it so fun and so powerful.” - Megan DoughertyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Related:How to Measure the Impact of Your PodcastMetrics that Matter for Company Podcasts

A lot of business start out as a podcast guest before they start hosting their own show. It’s a great strategy for a few reasons:You get a chance to practice your on-air presenceYou get exposure to new audiencesYou get to connect with the hosts of the shows you guest on, who can become amazing partners down the road.You can test out different offers and opt-ins on different audiences to see how they perform.That’s really just scratching the surface, but as a “getting started in audio marketing” strategy, it can’t be beat.If you do, and it starts to work, then you’re probably going to want your own podcast at some point… or your audience will start demanding it.That’s what happened to my guest today.Nikki Rausch is the CEO of Sales Maven, a three-time Author, host of the Sales Maven Podcast, and has over 25 years of selling experience, helping entrepreneurs and small business owners sell successfully and authentically. Not only that, she is extremely generous with her time and her knowledge.Nikki is podcasting to incredible effect, using multiple episode formats for specific different goals and in today’s episode, you’ll get to hear all of them.Listen to the episode or read the blog post here: podcastingforbusiness.com/87Tune in to the full episode to learn:Why Nikki started her podcast and how it has evolvedThe format she uses to drive new membershipsWhy podcasting is Nikki’s #1 lead generation activity for her businessMetrics for different episode formatsDownloads, podcast size, and your businessRelationships and client successThe power of success story episodesHow to encourage clients to share their success·My book, Podcasting for Business is coming out this September — learn more about it here.Podcasting for BusinessNext week I’ve got a very special episode for you. You may already know that I’m publishing a book this year! It’s called Podcasting for Business, and by the time next week’s episode drops, it’s going to be available for pre-order.And anyone who pre-orders is going to get a totally free ticket to the All Virtual and All Recorded Podcasting for Business Conference, happening this November 13th-15.To celebrate, I’ll be doing a reading of one of my favorite chapters, which I won’t spoil now with a preview. I’ll also be sharing the details of how you can pre-order the book and get your free ticket to PFBCon.Be A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill out this contact form and let us know about it.We'd love to have you here for an episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes"When people realize they're kind of doing you a favor, they feel less weird about talking about themselves.” - Nikki Rausch"It would be so difficult to become one of the big podcasts, but the most successful podcasts, when you're actually looking at the impact it can have on a business, are very rarely those huge ones.” - Megan DoughertyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Nikki Rausch Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInA gift from Nikki: Closing The Sale EbookRelated:Using LinkedIn to Supercharge your Relationship Building with Sophie LechnerA Dance of Guests and Hosts: Optimizing Your Workflows and Relationships with Jason CerconeThe Ultimate Guest Pitching System with Kris Ward

There are those who love social media and there are those who hate it.There are also those who, despite kind of hating social media, understand that people are using it and as a business they should have a professional and appealing presence on it—I'll let you guess which one I am.Whether you're doing it yourself or managing a team who's doing it for you, the day-to-day and the constant grind of creating content can be just absolutely excruciating, not to mention expensive.Happily, you don't actually have to use every platform every single day to have that professional and appealing presence.Social media, especially Instagram for me, has been the nut I just can't crack. I understand that it's valuable. I understand that it's a great way to connect. I've just never been able to really use it effectively, and that's both personally and professionally. I don't use Instagram that much.Happily, I've got a great team member who's able to create really awesome, engaging posts and share the things that we want to share, like the amazing guests that we have on this podcast. But it has not been a major focus of the work that we've done on social ever since we started One Stone Creative.My guest today has the solution for this problem and has perhaps even cracked the nut of Instagram.Ruthie Sterrett is a fractional CMO and founder of The Consistency Corner, a holistic marketing agency supporting service based businesses. Her whole business is about helping CEOs step away from social media, without sacrificing visibility, because most CEOs didn’t start a business to be a content creator.And to that I say: YES PLEASE.Ruthie and I talked about about what most businesses really need from the social media platforms they use, the key consideration most of us don’t really make when it comes to strategizing how to use them, and how to make your Instagram work for you even if you don’t want to use Instagram.Listen to the episode below or read the blog post here: Tune in to the full episode to learn:Why social media is so hardStrategic social media useSocial media and funnelsWhy intentional social media mattersThe Instagram 9-Grid StrategyHow to use ManyChatWho shouldn’t use The 9-GridHow to repurpose Instagram for othe platformsWe’re looking for speakers for this year’s Podcasting for Business Conference! Click here to learn more.Share Your Expertise at PFBCon 2024I want to remind you that applications for speakers at the Podcasting for Business Conference this year are open!If you’ve got a skill, strategy or technique that can help business owners with their podcasts, I want to hear about it! Go here to get all the details. Applications will be open until July 29th.Be A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill out this contact form and let us know about it.We'd love to have you here for an episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes"Bad content, okay content is better than no content because the more you work through it, the better you're gonna get.” - Ruthie SterrettResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Ruthie Sterrett | Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | FacebookThe Instagram 9-Grid StrategyThe Consistency Corner PodcastRelated:Mastering Facebook Ads for Podcast & Business Growth with Stacy ReedUsing LinkedIn to Supercharge your Relationship Building with Sophie Lechner

I often say that sponsors aren’t a great path for most company podcast—the ROI just isn’t there when other business goals are more immediate and more valuable than the income that can be generated by sponsors.But most is not all, and if it’s a path you’ve deemed the right one for your show, I want you to have all of the information you need to create a great package.So, sponsorships! I’ve never had them for this show, nor have I arranged them for the Podcasting for Business Conference so far—although that will be changing this year!That means I don’t have the absolute latest, up-to-the-minute best practices on what makes a great sponsorship package, and how to communicate them. I’m lucky enough to know someone who does, however.Alex Durant is the owner of **Durant Consulting Inc.**, where, essentially, she takes everything that can be a nightmare about coordinating large events with lots of sponsors and takes care of everything.She works with companies to develop sponsorship packages and decks and coordinates to make sure everything is delivered as promised. For this reason, she is extremely sought after. I can tell you, if wrangling sponsors is anything like wrangling affiliates for big events; it’s a huge job with a lot of moving parts.It was actually talking to Alex that convinced me to open up the Podcasting for Business Conference to sponsorship this year. I’m so excited to bring you our conversation, where Alex shares how to think about sponsorship as it relates to your podcast and environment.Listen to the episode below or read the blog post here: podcastingforbusiness.com/85Tune in to the full episode to learn about:How to incorporate sponsors into different podcast formatsThe sponsorship real estateSponsors: When to look, how to choose, how to approachLeveraging industry connections for visibilityHow to build your sponsorship deckEnsuring clarity in sponsorship contractsThe recap deckHow to deal with a disappointed sponsorTechnical issues with podcast adsShare Your Expertise at PFBCon 2024As a final note today, please remember that speaker applications for this year's Podcasting for Business Conference are open now!If you have a skill, strategy, insight, or methodology that you think a business owner who podcasts needs to know, then I want to hear about it.Head over **here** and fill in the form that you find there to tell me and my team what you want to share with the community at the Podcasting for Business Conference.Be A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill out this contact form and let us know about it.We'd love to have you here for an episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“Just because someone might be willing to give you some dollars, is it worth the reputation of having them as a sponsor? For your reputation, does it make sense at all?” - Alex Durant"The real winning blueprint for sponsorships is audience engagement.” - Megan DoughertyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Alex Durant Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | FacebookRelated:Should You Get a Sponsor for Your Company Podcast?

It is that time of year again, friends! We’re opening up submissions for speakers for this year’s Podcasting for Business Conference.The first PFBCon was in 2022, and came about while I, Tom Fox and some other friends were at the always fun and valuable Podfest and realized that as awesome as in-person podcasting events are, they aren’t always a possibility for business owners who podcast as only one of many, many things they have to do every week.So the Podcasting for Business Conference was born—something all virtual and all recorded to fit in around the work of running businesses that so many people need to do.And it’s time to start planning for this fall’s edition.This year’s event is going to be taking place November 14th and 15th with a few special events earlier in that week. I’m looking for 10 speakers who can give specific tools and strategies to help people podcast more effectively, profitably and pleasantly podcast.If you’ve got just such a strategy to share, you can to here and share it!To inspire your thinking, I’m sharing several (although my no means all!) of my favorite clips from last years expert lineup. Listen to the episode or read the blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/84Tune in to the full episode and get tips and strategies for…podcast visibility and growthpitching to guest on other showsrelationship building for salessearch engine optimizationEmail marketing and collaborationsPodcast re-recording and editingPLUS an exciting announcement and a special offer at the end!Don’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Get Involved!I hope this has all got your creative juices flowing—and if you have some important learning for a community of business owners, experts, service providers and marketing managers and directors, I want to hear your ideas!You’ll find all the details and how to apply here. Applications will be open until July 31st. Please, tell your friends!The BookWhile I’m asking for favors, you may know already that I’ve written a book called, shockingly, Podcasting for Business. It’s going to be releasing in early September this year.This is a project that has been years in the making—we’ve completely codified the Business Podcast Blueprints and created a handbook you can use to design or refine, and optimize a podcast to bring real, bottom line value to your business.Special Offer!What you don’t know yet, is that I am going to give an absolutely free PFBCon ticket to every single person who pre-orders it.If this is something you and your community might be able to take advantage of, send me a note here or find me on LinkedIn—let’s talk.Need A Podcast?The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes"The whole pitch is really not about you as the person, it's about what you can bring to that show.” - Angie Trueblood“In podcasting, the only thing that you are limited by is your imagination.” - Tom FoxResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Become a speaker at PFBCon 2024 - Apply HereRelated:Podcasting for Business RefresherThe Value of Podcasting for Business with Tom FoxPFBCon 2023 RecordingsWhether you're a solopreneur, manager of a department, principal at a firm, or a non-fiction author ready to expand into audio, the Podcasting for Business Conference will help you leverage a podcast to meet your business objectives.Missed PFBCon 2023? Check out the recordings!

You should start a podcast!These words have planted a lot of ideas in the heads of a lot of business owners—and your reaction to hearing that can tell you a lot.You might hear it and think: A podcast? Me? Not a chance. Or maybe: You know what, you’re right, I should have a podcast!Most of us fall somewhere in between the two, and think something like: You might be right… but what a lot of work, would it even be worth it?When you’re unsure and you take the plunge into podcast, it’s often a little deflating because getting started is a lot of effort and a lot of work work and often a lot of money but the rewards, though they can be considerable, usually come much later on in the process.My guest this week, Heather Gray, is formerly known as The Lyme Boss and has now rebranded to Renegade Health Boss. She started podcasting after getting just that kind of prompt from her community and fans, and ended up podcasting for a while before her show started to gain traction.Heather is a Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist and Bioenergetic Practitioner specializing in supporting clients with chronic and complex illnesses such as Lyme disease, Mold Toxicity and Autoimmune diseases.And her podcast is a powerful force in her business.In this case study episode, we’re talking about how Heather has leveraged her podcast for affiliate sales, sponsors, case studies and new clients—she has done such an impressive job optimizing the show to serve her business, and there is so much to learn from her.Listen to the episode read the blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/83Tune in to the full episode to learn about:The Story of The Lyme BossPodcast Sponsorships and StrategiesAuthenticity in Product EndorsementsStarting with Podcast AnalyticsThe Importance of Solo EpisodesHeather Gray’s Podcasting WorkflowThe Advantages of Embedded AdsLow-Tech Setup for High-Quality PodcastingThe Power of Task DelegationDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!We’re gearing up for PFBCon 2024Next week is an exciting week, because we’re opening up applications for speakers at this year’s Podcasting for Business Conference!Make sure you’re subscribed on your favorite channel to catch all the details.Be A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill this contact form and let us know about it.We'd love to have you here for a case study episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“There is no quick rise with podcasting. You just got to put in your time.” - Heather Gray"I sometimes think the only thing more satisfying than getting a great opportunity is being in the position where you turn it down.” - Megan DoughertyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Heather Gray | Website | Podcast | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeRelated:Case Study: Podcasting as a Long-Term Marketing Strategy with Susan FriedmannPodcast Case Study: Grow a Media Business Through Podcasting

Have you ever thought about the health of your voice?The two concepts don’t go together intuitively to me, which is interesting when you think about it because the voice is something created with the body.We’ve all had times when we lost our voice, or noticed it behaving differently based on our environment, situation or other kinds of health. But your voice is something that has it’s own health needs and as a podcaster, you should be aware of them.When you start podcasting as a marketing channel for your business, you're often not coming from a background where your voice is seen as a tool that needs to be cared for, but it is, and you should make it a priority.It's not just about how you sound in your recordings, it's about preventing vocal strain, improving the longevity of your voice, and having more control over how you sound.That is what I learned in my first conversation with today’s guest, who joined us for a Strategy and Networking Call in the Spring and totally changed how I think about my most important tool as a podcaster.Today I’m sharing the training that Brienne Hennessy, a licensed speech-voice pathologist and the founder of Your Vocal Vitality, gave us in our strategy and networking call back in the spring.She is teaching us how voice care is self-care and the mindset shift you need to make about it, what voice triage is, and how to actually improve recovery when we do have vocal difficulties, and some practical tips for preparing your voice before an interview. (Including a vocal exercise I experimented with live on the call!)This training did have a video component, so if you’d like to watch, you’ll find the video below!Listen to the episode, watch the video, or read the blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/82Tune in to the full episode to learn about:Vocal health issues and challengesUnderstanding the voice box: larynxAddressing vocal problems and daily strategiesThe power of warming upMisconceptions and clarifications on vocal healthHow to take care of your voice in a sustainable wayDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Here’s the recording of the Strategy and Networking CallThis includes all the exercises and other fun bits that might have been cut out from the podcast version!https://vimeo.com/960104765Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“I've had too many people tell me they actually use the word hate with the sound of their voice and they hate the way it sounds and my question to you is, how can you hate the very thing that you're using to communicate your message with the world?” - Brienne HennessyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Brienne Hennessy Website | LinkedIn | InstagramTop 10 Vocal Care TipsDiscovery Call with Brienne Hennessy

I often say that there are two types of people in the world—those who have done frontline customer service, and those that haven’t.If you want to see the difference between the two, go out for brunch on Mother’s day. It will quickly become obvious to you which of your fellow diners have done their time in the customer service trenches.Aside from understanding in the very marrow of your bones how much harder service workers actually work than your average CEO (I’ve been both, it’s 100% true and I’ll die on that hill)—there is something you learn as a frontline worker, something that can make a huge difference to you as a business owner.It’s the actual, functional delivery of the company’s brand.Servers, to use the example I am most familiar with, tend to have a better understanding of how a brand is perceived by the actual buying public than anyone in the C suite.This, of course, can be for good or ill depending on how well customer service is managed, and how integrated their feedback is in the managerial and marketing processes of the business.That integration is all about taking the intangible—feelings, impressions, offhand comments, and codifying it into a real part of the brand that can be used in all outward facing communications, on your website, in your emails, and on your podcast.Today, I’m speaking with Brigitte Bojkowszky, the creator of Bridget Brands, who is a company and personal brand identity strategist with over 23 years of experience in teaching global marketing management and branding at universities worldwide.Brigitte and I are talking about what differentiates a company brand from a personal one, when you should use each, and how they relate to each other, and the importance of storytelling in all of your branding activities—including your podcast.Listen to the episode read the blog post here.Tune in to the full episode to learn about:The story of Bridget BrandsThe intersection of personal and company brandingStorytelling and brand ConnectionEfficiency and authenticity in AI usageBranding in company onboarding and operationsMetrics and indicators of effective brandingBrigitte’s podcast picks for mastering brand authenticityDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Be A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill this contact form and let us know about it.We'd love to have you here for a case study episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“You need to align your podcast closely to your company or corporate brand so it becomes one channel element or vehicle to communicate your ideas.” - Brigitte BojkowszkyEMBEDResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Brigitte Bojkowszky Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeBrandsTalk podcastRelated:What Makes an Audio Brand? with Jodi KrangleBranding that Feels Great with Sabrina ChevannesHow to Measure the Impact of Your Podcast with Megan Dougherty

Let me tell you a little story.Back in the halcyon days of 2019, I had a strong belief—I believed that video was video and podcasts were podcasts, and ne'er between should meet.Podcasts certainly did not belong on YouTube. I would have died on that hill.Then, in 2020, I conducted the first State of Business Podcasting Report and learned that the vast majority of the top 100 podcasts had YouTube channels, and most of them put episodes there. Now we make MP4 versions of all the podcasts we produce so they can go on YouTube.When I'm wrong, I'm wrong. It's become one of my best anecdotes, though, so there's a win.I have a whole lot of information for you today about audio vs. video podcasts and how to make that choice for your business. Listen below or continue reading the blog post!Tune in to the full episode to learn about:The current state of video podcastingPros and cons of video podcastsHow to make the choice between audio and videoDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Before we get into audio vs. video, here’s an update:I am delighted to be able to report that Podcasting for Business, the book, is currently in editing and set for release later this year.It feels pretty good. This is a project a long time in the making, and I feel confident that we’re looking at podcast value attribution in an entirely new way that will change the game in how you design, produce and track the outcome of your company’s podcast.The official launch date for the book is Tuesday September 10th, and we have some very exciting things planned to celebrate it.We’ll have sample chapters, workshops, abundant bonus resources and privileged access to this year’s Podcasting For Business Conference.We’ll also have an entire behind-the-scenes documentary-style podcast I’ve created with Amy Collette, the book coach I’ve been working with to get this draft from my brain and our content archive. That will be coming out next month—stay tuned!Find out what’s coming and get involved here.I really can’t wait to share it with you. I mean that literally—I can’t.That’s why I’m sharing a part of one section with you today on this episode, all about making the choice between audio-first and video-first shows.Next Week on The Company ShowNext week I’ve got a fascinating conversation with Dr. Brigitte Bojkowszky, the creator of Bridget Brands, who is a company and personal brand identity strategist with over 23 years of experience in teaching global marketing management and branding at universities worldwide.I learned so much from the conversation, and I’m sure you will to, so make sure you’re subscribed on your favorite podcast player to not miss a thing!Need A Podcast?The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“Getting good at making audio is hard and takes time. Adding all of the extra elements of video right at the outset is a lot and is often more than a business really needs.” - Megan DoughertyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Related:The Video Advantage for SEO with Atiba De SouzaShould Company Podcasts be Company Vlogs? with Chrish WeiherPodcasting for Business on YouTube with Angela HollowellPFBCon 2023 RecordingsWhether you're a solopreneur, manager of a department, principal at a firm, or a non-fiction author ready to expand into audio, the Podcasting for Business Conference will help you leverage a podcast to meet your business objectives.Missed PFBCon 2023? Check out the recordings!

After “should we have a podcast?” one of the first decisions you’re going to have to make is how often you want to release and how long you’re going to podcast for.You’ve got options, and options within options—and it’s an important choice. Once you commit to a release cadence in your podcast, you should stick to it.Tom Fox, The Compliance Evangelist and creator of the Compliance Podcast Network, says, “Your podcast is a promise to your audience,” and he’s absolutely right.If you commit to and communicate that you’re going to start a weekly podcast, you should deliver a weekly podcast. It’s not just because it’s important to do what you say you’re going to do—inconsistent releases or a series of stops and starts just aren’t a great look for most brands.Consistency is professional, and it should be table stakes, which sometimes means not biting off more than you can chew when it comes to your podcast.That is it’s own challenge, because the reality is that more frequent releases means more and faster progress towards key business goals. So you’ve got to find the balance that works best for you, your team, and your business goals.Here is some information that will help you make the choice. Listen to the episode or read the blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/79Tune in to learn about:Release strategy based on business goalsShould you release in seasons?Types of podcast seasonsSeason topics that you can useDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!We’ll See You Soon!We’re going to be taking a short hiatus for the next 4 weeks while we work on something very, very exciting—One Stone Creative is writing a book!You can expect all the details, how you can get a sneak peek, maybe a nifty bonus or two (who knows?)We’ll be replaying some great episodes from the archive in the meantime; enjoy, and I’ll be talking to you in a few weeks!Need A Podcast?The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“A season can also be a great way to test the waters of podcasting to see if you like it and if your audience and community are interested in hearing from you in this way.” - Megan DoughertyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Related:Does Your Podcast Format match Your Podcast Goals?PFBCon 2023 RecordingsWhether you're a solopreneur, manager of a department, principal at a firm, or a non-fiction author ready to expand into audio, the Podcasting for Business Conference will help you leverage a podcast to meet your business objectives.Missed PFBCon 2023? Check out the recordings!

How to include the bio of your guest in a podcast episode is a topic of some debate in the industry, and it should really come down, as it always does, to the type of show you're creating and your goals for it, as well as your personal tastes and preferences.I've been known to say that it's best not to have your guests share their own origin story on your podcast so that you can get right to the meat of the content more quickly. As a listener of this show, you'll know that makes me a terrible hypocrite, because I often start interviews by asking the guests to talk about their company and their podcast.I've tried just getting into a conversation, and honestly, for me, I find it a little too awkward and since my main goal of the podcast is building strong relationships, that's really okay. Maybe it's not perfect, but it's much better than fumbling the kickoff every week and feeling weird going into that kind of conversation.But I'm talking to someone today who is awesome at that particular strategy of skipping the intro and getting right into the heart of things immediately. It's one of the things that makes her podcast so dynamic and engaging for her audience. And she's here to give us a deep dive into the podcast that has been a key marketing strategy for her business for the last eight years.Susan Friedmann is the owner of Aviva Publishing and host of the Book Marketing Mentors podcast. In this case study episode, we're going to be digging into how Susan has used her podcast as a marketing and audience engagement strategy for over 400 episodes.Susan was so generous with her knowledge and experience, and this case study is a wonderful example of how a podcast can become a fundamental part of a long-term marketing strategy.Listen to the episode or read the blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/78Tune in to learn about:The birth and growth of Aviva PublishingPodcasting as a marketing strategyPodcast planning and launchMetrics vs enjoymentSusan Friedmann's podcast production workflowMeasuring podcast successHow to nurture client relationships and leverage resourcesFuture plans for Book Marketing MentorsDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Be A Guest on The Company ShowDo you have a podcast that's making a major difference in your business or know one that is? Fill this contact form and let us know about it.We'd love to have you here for a case study episode like this one!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes"I usually have a starting question to get us in. I get straight to the chase; this is a 25–30-minute interview, I want to get to something substantive. Maybe I'm wrong here, but I don't do the tell us about yourself and your history. I don't do that because that can take up a bit of time that I would rather use getting down to the subject.” - Susan Friedmann"I find often, speakers, they can be such excellent guests because they know when to stop and it’s a really underrated skill in being either a host or a guest.” - Megan DoughertyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Susan Friedmann Aviva Publishing | Book Marketing Mentors Podcast | LinkedIn20-Minute Brainstorm with SusanRelated:Case Study: Growing a Media Business Through Podcasting with Rayna RokickiHow to Measure the Impact of Your Podcast with Megan DoughertyPitching and Podcasting for Authors with Angie Trueblood

A truly massive content archive will usually cause one of two feelings:Unspeakable delight about the opportunityA sucking dread at the thought of the work involved in repurposing itThe difference between those feelings? Strategy and organization.This episode of The Company Show is all about strategy and organization and how you can use them to make sure your content archive fills you with more joy than terror.My guest this week is past mistress at the art and science of understanding the role that content plays in a customer's buying journey. And her process of content tracking and annual content audits is positively aspirational.Racheal Cook is the founder of The CEO Collective and host of Promote Yourself to CEO and she has helped thousands of women entrepreneurs design predictably profitable businesses without hustle and burnout.We had an amazing conversation that covered a lot of ground. Listen to the episode below or read the blog post: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/77Tune in to the full episode to learn about:effective content strategy and organizationevolving your content and podcastthe power of evergreen contenttreating your podcast as a library of assetscontent management and planningattract listeners through multiple channelsbuilding a nurturing content ecosystemtracking audience engagement and acquisitionDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Next Week on The Company ShowNext week, we've got an exciting case study episode coming up with Susan Friedmann, the creator of Aviva Publishing and host of the Book Marketing Mentors podcast.We're going to be digging into her strategy, results, and what she's learned over more than 400 episodes.Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“You don't need a massive audience. You just need those loyal people who listen to you every single week and who come back to you again and again.” - Rachel Cook“My job on my podcast is twofold. It's to nurture those people, walk them through this content series where I'm really comprehensive covering a specific topic, but also it's to get them to engage on my website by opting in for something.” - Rachel Cook"A truly massive content archive will usually cause one of two feelings.: one, unspeakable delight about the opportunity, or two, a sucking dread at the thought of the work involved in repurposing it.” - Megan DoughertyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Racheal Cook Website | Podcast | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn | FacebookRelated:Create with Intent to Repurpose with Jaclyn SchiffBringing Order to Chaos in Your Podcast ProcessesHow to Measure the Impact of Your Podcast

What’s the best way to grow your podcast audience? That is a topic that could be debated hotly by pretty much anyone who works in podcasting. But all would agree that if being a guest on other people’s podcasts isn’t the very best method, it’s high on the list.Pitching well, which is to say, effectively and in a manner that results in guest appearances and new professional relationships is one of those things that is simple but not easy.Simple: Find complementary shows, communicate your value, bring your best content and generally be a helpful and gracious guest.Not easy: How do you pitch, are you good enough, will they listen to you, how much research do you need to do, do you have to promote your episode, how long is this all going to take and what if no one accepts you?Maybe I’m the only one who gets a little in my head about it, but it’s not likely.Angie Trueblood the founder of The Podwize Group is one of my very best friends in the industry, and since our very first interview, we’ve been talking, collaborating, workshopping and generally working together to create ways that different kinds of businesses owners can leverage podcasts and podcast appearances.And through these conversations we’ve come up with really excellent use-cases for different kinds of business owners—most specifically, authors. Turns out we also have in common a love of the written word and the people who create those words as a marketing strategy for their companies.So, enjoy this conversation I had with Angie; there have been some changes in both of our businesses since it was originally released. Check the show notes for the latest links and details but the strategy and practice of pitching is solid.There is so much gold in this conversation that will help you refine your own pitching strategy to get more visibility on your show, your book and your business.If you’re interested in that, listen to the episode or read the blog post: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/76Tune in to the full episode to learn about:Benefits of podcast guesting for authorsPitching for Podcasts vs. Other PublicationsShould you outsource the pitch?Overcoming Pitching AnxietyPitching time and schedulingHow to be a great podcast guestLaunching your book with podcastsDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes"I want more than anything else to have a guest who is prepared and takes this opportunity seriously. If they proactively send me information that's going to help negate any weird things happening, perfect. I'm your biggest fan." - Angie Trueblood"The more you do, the more people hear you, and then all of a sudden you're being heard everywhere." - Megan DoughertyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023 Angie Trueblood Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | The Podwize Group | Go Pitch Yourself PodcastRelated:The Ultimate Guest Pitching System with Kris WardPractice Makes Prepared with Meridith GrundeiA Dance of Guests and Hosts: Optimizing Your Workflows and Relationships with Jason CerconeDon’t Leave Your Guest Guessing

Podcasts that look very similar from the outside can actually create completely different kinds of value for the businesses running them. Here’s what I mean:Imagine a standard podcast. The podcasty-est podcast you can dream up. You know what I'm talking about: about 40 minutes long, one host interviewing one guest, released every Tuesday. The Ur-Podcast—there are a lot of them.It’s tempting to think they all sound the same. The more cynical among us might say that they do. But they can be serving very different functions for the companies that run them and making a very different impact based on the Blueprint used and the individual metrics optimized for.Let’s take a look at how a ‘bread and butter’ podcast format can be optimized for very different business outcomes. Listen to the episode or read the blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/75Tune in to the full episode to learn about:How similar podcasts can serve different purposesHow to optimize podcast for different goalsOptimizing workflows, recordings, and post-productionShould you be concerned about competition?Don’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Let’s ConnectI’d love to know your reason for podcasting—and how you’re optimizing for it! Find me on LinkedIn or Instagram.Need A Podcast?The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes“No one has ever found a podcast on a topic they are interested in and said: *That’s it! I have found the one and only podcast on this topic I’m going to listen to; I will never seek out or listen to another one—*that doesn’t happen." - Megan DoughertyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Related:Does Your Podcast Format match Your Podcast Goals?Using LinkedIn to Supercharge your Relationship Building with Sophie LechnerMaximizing your Creative Energy to Serve Your AudienceCreating Impact with Expert Knowledge with Kachina GosselinPodcasting with Purpose with Fatima ZaidiPFBCon 2023 RecordingsWhether you're a solopreneur, manager of a department, principal at a firm, or a non-fiction author ready to expand into audio, the Podcasting for Business Conference will help you leverage a podcast to meet your business objectives.Missed PFBCon 2023? Check out the recordings!

I’m sure you’ve heard of the Pareto principle, or the 80-20 rule where 80% of consequences or results come from 20% of causes—or efforts.On the one hand it’s great because you’re getting huge value out of some of the work you’re doing…. but which part?That’s the rub and trying to answer that question is the work of entire industries and an important activity for business owners and marketing managers evaluating what they and their teams spend time on.It’s one of the reasons we developed the Business Podcast Blueprints - so it would be easier to see what work was creating what results to facilitate strategic decision making. I remember when we first started One Stone Creative, and I was another one of those marketers who just kind of threw up her hands and said: it’s going to work but we don’t exactly know why.It was only through years of experimentation, data collection and analysis that we started to see the patterns that let us codify the Blueprints into tools that could be used proactively to get specific business outcomes and the attendant clarity—from podcasting.Most of us aren’t just podcasting through, we’re blogging, and posting on social media, making videos hosting events, and creating visuals.And there’s an expert I’m really excited to introduce you to who is bringing a wonderful level of rigor and analysis to content marketing more generally, with a special emphasis on the king of all content—the email.My guest today is Shannon Hernandez, the creator of the Joyful Business Revolution.We’re talking about data, we’re talking about working according to your strengths, we’re talking about email the as-of-yet unseated, most profitable form of communication on the internet, and we’re doing it with Shannon’s specialty—absolute joy.If you want to step up your content creation game and learn more about the power of email, listen to the episode or read the blog post: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/TCS074Tune in to the full episode to learn about:The Content Personality QuizCreating content outside your personalityWhy Shannon is shifting to emailPodcasting and email marketingHow to bring joy to the content creation processCold emails and effective engagementHow Shannon used The Business Podcast BlueprintsDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Key Quotes"I've asked myself several times over the last couple of years, did I make a mistake in picking joy as the leader of the brand Joyful Business Revolution? Because early on, we attracted a lot of people who were not joyful at all, and what they wanted was joy.” - Shannon Hernandez“If the only way to keep my business going was an email every 2 hours on Facebook, I just burn it to the ground.” - Megan DoughertyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Shannon Hernandez Website | LinkedInJoyful Content Creation FrameworkContent Personality QuizRelated:Maximizing your Creative Energy to Serve Your Audience

I have a weakness for walls of text. I really do.See, I love to teach and think and expound and explain, and I do it best in writing. This is, as I have been frequently reminded by my wonderful business partner, rather merciless on the end reader, on websites, in newsletters and emails, and sometimes even on social media.And it's a problem because while the content may be good and fondly like to believe that it is, it's hard to read. This is important everywhere, but it's especially important on social media.And I've never been a huge fan or a super user of it, which means I've never been great at configuring things in the right way to perform the best. But there are so many experts who are so, so good at it, for which I am profoundly grateful because so many of them are so generous with their knowledge.We are talking with one of those experts today, and she's got some strong opinions about the length of content that belongs in LinkedIn, as well as the topics, the relationship building, the role of LinkedIn to business, and how podcasters can take advantage of it.Sophie Lechner is the creator of The Magnet Model, and she helps mission driven entrepreneurs find their audience on LinkedIn and build relationships with them so that they can spread their message and grow their own businesses.If you want strategies that you can use today to improve your LinkedIn game, listen to the episode or read the blog post here: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/73Tune in to the full episode to learn about:The strengths of LinkedIn as a platformHow to make LinkedIn work for podcastersLinkedIn mistakes and best practicesThe ideal LinkedIn post from Sophie LechnerRelationship building with podcast hosts and guestsDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Key Quotes"In this day and age, if we want a book, we'll go get a book. You're serving yourself, right? You want people to read it, so make it so the text will just jump into their brain without having to make any effort." - Sophie LechnerResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Sophie Lechner Website | LinkedInCreate headlines here!Related:Learning From ExpertsMastering Facebook Ads for Podcast & Business Growth with Stacy ReedA Dance of Guests and Hosts: Optimizing Your Workflows and Relationships with Jason CerconePFBCon 2023 RecordingsWhether you're a solopreneur, manager of a department, principal at a firm, or a non-fiction author ready to expand into audio, the Podcasting for Business Conference will help you leverage a podcast to meet your business objectives.Missed PFBCon 2023? Check out the recordings!

Stop me if you've heard this one: I want to develop a passive income stream. You've heard it; you might have thought of it—I definitely have.But I've also been in the Internet marketing industry long enough to know that while evergreen, scalable monthly recurring revenue is possible and can over time be largely automated, passive is at best an exaggeration of the work involved in keeping that kind of machine turning—and at worst a damn dirty lie to sell you a quick fix.When people think of passive income or, more realistically, scalable evergreen product-based income, courses are usually at the top of the list. Creating a course is treated like getting your very own golden goose that's going to lay profit eggs for you every single month.The thing is, it can work and be an amazing way to scale your business, serve more people, and make a bigger impact in the world. But it is not a fit for every business, and it is not a fit for every stage of every business.My guest today understands that and has built the criteria for success with courses into every level of her own company. And she has some very interesting thoughts on how podcasts and scalable products like courses and group training programs can work together.Kachina Gosselin is the founder of Founders Path. She graduated from MIT with a degree in aeronautics and astronautics and now specializes in helping experts monetize their expertise and thrive in the creator economy.If you want to leverage your expertise and generate more impact, listen to the episode or read the blog post: podcastingforbusiness.com/the-company-show/ Tune in to the full episode to learn about:How experts can turn into course creatorsThe importance of pricingWhen should you create your own course?The related costs and investmentsThe quality standards that you must meetThe intersections of podcasting and coursesDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Monthly Strategy & Networking CallsThis episode was originally a live Strategy and Networking call which we hold on the third Thursday of every month.There was actually another 30 minutes of amazing discussion and Q and A with Kachina about how these ideas can be applied in different contexts and creating community - if you want to hear it, register for the calls, and you’ll have access to the recording.Each one has a training and learning portion, followed by Q and A, hotseats for whatever you’re working on with your podcast, and a chance to network with other podcasters, industry professionals - they’re so much fun, and I’d love to see you there.Learn more and register for free at PodcastingforBusiness.com/StrategyCalls.Need A Podcast?As always, this is Megan Dougherty, and The Company Show was made possible by the team at One Stone Creative.If you know a business owner that you think should have a podcast, do us a favor and send them to podcastingforbusiness.com!Key Quotes"I don't want to be intimidating at all, but I think we do just have to acknowledge those harsh realities, that a course is a really advanced product to sell." - Kachina Gosselin"The standard for what is expected for an audiovisual product. It's getting higher every year—here are fewer and fewer excuses." - Megan Dougherty"Simple is not easy." - Kachina GosselinResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Kachina Gosselin Website | Instagram | LinkedInJoin her Mastermind ProgramSophie Lechner Website | LinkedInRelated:Should You Make an Online Course?How to Outline a Podcast, Book or Course in an AfternoonLearning From Experts

Unless you’re overburdened with free time and a desire to learn a variety of new, highly specific skills or have a team member with the time, interest, and aptitude, starting a podcast for your company usually means hiring a third-party service provider.You’ve got a lot of options for what that relationship can look like. There are solo providers like editors and promoters, podcast coaches and consultants, full-service production agencies, training companies, niche-specific agencies, and recording studios with in-house production—all with their own spectrum of price, quality, and capacity.As you know, hiring a third-party provider can be such a thing. When hiring for a podcast, it’s also fairly high-risk; your show needs to reflect well on your company and help you achieve important goals, and the provider you choose to work with needs to be reliable and produce high-quality work.When you work with a great one, then creating your podcast is going to be a really pleasant part of your workflow. You’ll get to focus on creating interesting and valuable content and won’t have to do much else while the benefits to your business stack up. But when you end up with a less than satisfactory one, it will be one heck of an expensive nightmare and time-suck.Today, we’re talking about what information you should gather from the different providers you talk to when you’re exploring hiring help for your company’s podcast.Listen to the episode or head on to https://podcastingforbusiness.com/71 and read the blog post!Tune in to learn about:Considerations for hiring a third-party podcast production service.Questions to ask potential providers including success metrics, contract terms, ownership of episodes, handover points in the process, and support provided.Understanding the provider's workflow, turnaround time, and use of AI.Importance of trust and clear communication with the chosen provider.Don’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Before we start…We published a version of this back in 2022 in our very first podcast season, and a lot has changed since then—the podcasting industry has exploded.There are so many different kinds of providers and different technologies available to help or hurt your show, and generally, there's just a lot more noise you’ve got to cut through in order to make a great decision for your organization.So, when you’re ready to take the plunge, or less happily, if you took the plunge and sank, then you should probably plan to talk to at least a couple of different providers; the types of services and prices for production can vary really widely.If you have friends or colleagues who podcast, asking for recommendations is a fantastic way to get your starter list, and if you don't know anyone, join literally any podcast group on Facebook, post that you're looking for an editor, and be prepared to receive dozens and dozens of messages from people wanting to sell their services.You will almost certainly find a decent fit within that horde of eager humans. (And you’re warmly invited to talk to us too!) Once you’ve got your discovery calls booked, here’s what you should ask:1. What does a successful podcast look like for your company?2. Do you need a contract? What are your terms?3. Who owns the life of an episode?4. What are the handover points in the process, and where and how are information and content shared?5. Is there any kind of coaching, feedback, or strategic help provided?6. What is your turnaround from raw audio to finished episode?7. Is your company utilizing AI? If so, how?8. What assets do you provide?9. Who is providing the service, and who are your points of contact?10. If you're starting a new show, what is included in a launch? Follow-up: How long does the podcast launch take?11. What type of editing does the firm do?12. How long do their clients keep podcasting?13. What do you do when there are problems?Key Quotes"When you work with a really great producer, production company or other kind of provider, then creating your podcast can be a really pleasant part of your workflow." - Megan Dougherty"What does a successful podcast look like for your company? As a producer, this is one of my favorite questions to be asked because it means that someone is thinking seriously about how to evaluate the podcast as a marketing channel." - Megan DoughertyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Related:Achieving Business Goals with Podcast Managers with Ted CraggShould You Book a Podcast Studio? with JP DavidsonWorking with VAs for Your Podcast with Kristy YoderPFBCon 2023 RecordingsWhether you're a solopreneur, manager of a department, principal at a firm, or a non-fiction author ready to expand into audio, the Podcastin

There's a persistent myth in the podcasting world that you can use a little bit of someone else's content without facing any potential legal consequences whatsoever. Maybe 45 seconds of a really popular song or a clip from a TV show that perfectly demonstrates what you're talking about. It's not true.There are protections for other people's content in place, just like there are for yours. And of course, that doesn't mean that you can never use other people's content. It just has to be transformative, which is a whole other kettle of fish on its own, and altogether, it's really a complicated issue filled with nuance and can potentially be pretty high stakes.While figuring out all of this copyright, fair use, and intellectual property stuff alone is totally possible…Most of the information is available out there on the Internet, on government websites, and in books, and it's especially accessible if you have some experience with legal terminology. But that can be time-consuming, and honestly, who has a whole week to become an armchair intellectual property expert when you've got the new Stephen King sitting on your coffee table waiting to be enjoyed?No, it's better to get information straight from a reliable source, and on this episode, we've got a bona fide trademark and copyright nerd joining us to shed a little light on the subject.Erin Ogden is an attorney at the law firm Ogden Glazer + Schaefer. Whether she's helping clients directly or working with other attorneys to help their clients, she helps identify, protect, and monetize intellectual property while looking at the business holistically, which is exactly what we're looking for today.So if you're ready for a lot of extremely valuable information critical to the long term success of your company's podcast, listen to the episode or read the blog post: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/69Tune in to the full episode to get answers to these questions:What is fair use?Do I need a trademark? When should I apply for one?What if somebody steals my content?Should I make my guests sign a release form?Can I create my own agreements? Or do I need a lawyer to do it for me?Don’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Key Quotes“If you think it's transformative, assume you need to talk to a lawyer to make sure, because you are not going to be able to make that determination.” - Erin Ogden“If in doubt, get permission or don't do it.” - Megan DoughertyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Erin Ogden Visit The Ogden Glazer + Schaefer Website | Read the BlogStacy Reed Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTubePFBCon 2023 RecordingsWhether you're a solopreneur, manager of a department, principal at a firm, or a non-fiction author ready to expand into audio, the Podcasting for Business Conference will help you leverage a podcast to meet your business objectives.Missed PFBCon 2023? Check out the recordings!

Aligning your podcast with your business goals is crucial for success, which means you need to set clear podcast goals, choose the right format to achieve those goals, and understand industry best practices.Today I have the pleasure of sharing with you a conversation that I had with Beate Chelette, the Growth Architect. She's a business strategist and podcast host who provides visionaries and leaders with strategies to grow their authority so they can scale their impact.Beate and I are talking about changes in the entrepreneurial landscape, having a good understanding of what's going on in your industry and making decisions accordingly, and a good deep dive into the good, the bad, and the terribly ugly of different podcast strategies that we have run across over the years of being in this industry.So we're operating from the same foundation: podcasts can be leveraged within a business in a way that serves the business itself, listeners, and everyone else involved with the project. But we approached many things in somewhat different ways.This was a conversation I learned a lot from, and I think you will too.Tune in to the full episode to learn about:The importance of aligning podcast with business strategyUsing podcasting to build authority and relationshipsFocusing on quality guests and professional production standardsStrategic guest selection and promotionThe long-term nature of podcasting for branding and lead generationPatience and consistency in building audience and reputationDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Key Quotes"All you need is one person a year who hears something, who becomes a good client, and everything's paid for.” - Beate Chelette“Who cares if the downloads are small? Most of the shows we produce, we don't even look at the downloads.” - Megan DoughertyResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Beate Chelette Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | TwitterListen to her podcast: Business Growth Architect ShowTake the quiz! What's Your Talent Worth?Angie Trueblood Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | The Podwize Group | Go Pitch Yourself PodcastRelated:Does Your Podcast Format Match Your Podcast Goals?Case Study: Growing a Media Business Through Podcasting with Rayna RokickiHow to Measure the Impact of Your PodcastPFBCon 2023 RecordingsWhether you're a solopreneur, manager of a department, principal at a firm, or a non-fiction author ready to expand into audio, the Podcasting for Business Conference will help you leverage a podcast to meet your business objectives.Missed PFBCon 2023? Check out the recordings!

Podcasts can come in a lot of different shapes and sizes, and one of the first decisions you need to make as a podcaster is what type of show you want to create.This is one of the biggest early stumbling blocks company podcasters can run into, and the consequences of making the wrong choice can be severe when it comes to actually getting any value out of the project.Often, when people think "podcast", they think: "interview," but it's not that clear cut, and selecting the wrong format for your business goals can mean you invest a huge amount of time and resources in something that will be… sort of okay, but maybe not that great. Depending on which of the Blueprints you're using, and which specific success metrics matter the most to you, not to mention your specific needs around time and budgetary investment, there are styles of show that make more or less sense for your business.The most important consideration is how well a specific format helps you meet your overarching, and specific podcasting goals.Creating a show with the wrong format for your goals means you are putting yourself at an immediate disadvantage when it comes to making progress toward your business objectives, and it’s all too common for businesses to put tons of effort into a podcast - and make amazing content- but not see the kind of bottom-line impact they need to justify the work.We're going to talk about Interviews, Solo episodes, Co-hosted conversations, Panel Discussions, Demonstrative Shows, Documentary style, Clip Shows, and Lives. There are other formats of course, like narrative, fiction, news, and more – but these are the ones most likely to find a place in podcasts that exist AS businesses, or are passion projects. We’re always balancing the desire to create with the needs of a business, and while quality is always critical, efficiency matters too!Tune in to the full episode to learn about:The different podcast episode formatsand when to use them for different business objectivesDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Key Quotes"Creating a show with the wrong format for your goals means you are putting yourself at an immediate disadvantage when it comes to making progress towards your business objectives." -Megan DoughertyNext Week on The Company ShowNext week we’ve got a fantastic conversation with Beate Chelette, a business growth architect who is joining me to talk about how and why you should perform research for your show, different ways to leverage one within your business, and some very bad podcasting behavior we do NOT want to see anymore.We agreed on a lot of things - and also had some different ways of looking at certain strategies, which made for an amazing conversation. Here’s a quick preview, and otherwise, can’t wait to catch you next time!ResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doingState of Business Podcasting Report 2023Related:An Exhaustive List of Different Podcast Episode Formats – and When To Use ThemHow to Choose your Podcast Content (And Format, and Assets and Marketing)PFBCon 2023 RecordingsWhether you're a solopreneur, manager of a department, principal at a firm, or a non-fiction author ready to expand into audio, the Podcasting for Business Conference will help you leverage a podcast to meet your business objectives.Missed PFBCon 2023? Check out the recordings!

On this episode of The Company Show, we’re taking a look at how Rayna Rokicki, the owner of Ladies First Digital Media and the host of the You Betcha She Did! podcast, uses a relationship-building guest strategy perfectly to grow her show and her business.Relationship-building is one of the most popular and effective podcast goals for companies. This helps them create and nurture the connections they need for different kinds of business growth, from new leads, to educating and serving existing customers, to referral partners, to potential collaboration partners, and dare I say, maybe even new friends too.Rayna created a great show and strategically uses it to grow her media business by connecting with potential clients, refining and experimenting with formats to use within the business, and creating awareness of the many amazing women in her area, herself included.It is a fantastic conversation and you're really going to enjoy it.Tune in to the full episode to learn about:Rayna’s team templates and workflowGoal setting and pivotingTech tools and social media strategiesHow all of these helped Rayna achieve her long-term objectivesDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Key Quotes"I've definitely learned that you need to throw out perfection, and I tell it to my clients all the time. If you want perfect, this is not the right space for you. You just have to get started, you have to dive in, and you got to learn along the way." - Rayna Rokicki"Just start. Don't get stuck." - Rayna RokickiResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Rayna Rokicki Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | You Betcha She Did!Related:The Ultimate Guest Pitching System with Kris WardA Dance of Guests and Hosts: Optimizing Your Workflows and Relationships with Jason CerconeFinding and Inviting Guests to Your PodcastDon’t Leave Your Guest GuessingWhy Don’t Podcast Guests Share Their Episodes?PFBCon 2023 RecordingsWhether you're a solopreneur, manager of a department, principal at a firm, or a non-fiction author ready to expand into audio, the Podcasting for Business Conference will help you leverage a podcast to meet your business objectives.Missed PFBCon 2023? Check out the recordings!

Consistent practice doesn’t guarantee that everything will go perfectly—but it does make sure that you’ll be prepared for whatever happens. In this episode, director, actor, and educator, Meridith Grundei shares tips and strategies that will help you become ready and confident as a host, presenter, or guest!Meridith is an expert in communication and has spoken to companies like Amazon, AWS, Panasonic, and Merck and was a teacher at the Second City in New York.She has 90,000 dedicated fans on TikTok and was recognized as one of the top ten speaking coaches by Yahoo in 2022. She is the driving force behind Grundei Coaching, where she incorporates improv theater techniques to foster trust, empathy, and creative thinking.Meridith shares so much practical advice and specific strategies that we can use for improving performance as podcast hosts and as guests. And of course, these are skills that you can transfer to sales, to your marketing, to how you pitch yourself, and how you network.I took pages of notes and even took a stab at the half-life exercise she gives us in the call as homework, so you'll get to hear that at the end of the show.Meridith has been so giving of her time and knowledge and her improv skills are so interesting and so engaging and can make such a difference in how you create your content.Tune in to the full episode to learn about:The transformative power of improv theaterHow to enhance presence and mindful communication through ImprovThe power of smiling in podcastingThe Half-Life exercise for condensing communicationDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!ResourcesOne Stone Creative | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMake sure to check out our free Monthly Strategy Calls!Podcasting for Business Conference 2023 RecordingsLearn about what other business podcasters are doing:State of Business Podcasting Report 2023Meridith Grundei Website | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn | YouTubeRelated:How to Be a Better Storyteller with Gini DietrichPFBCon 2023 RecordingsWhether you're a solopreneur, manager of a department, principal at a firm, or a non-fiction author ready to expand into audio, the Podcasting for Business Conference will help you leverage a podcast to meet your business objectives.Missed PFBCon 2023? Check out the recordings!

When you podcast as a passion project, you need to have a why that keeps you going. When you podcast with the intent of turning it into a business, you need a plan to generate income to support the work.When you podcast in support of your existing business you need... well, it depends on your business.But whatever your business is, and however your show supports it, you need to know that what you are doing is working. So, the question we should all be asking ourselves, is: what is my podcast supposed to be **doing for my business?In a perfect world, that’s an easy question to answer, and you have clear data to back that answer up. In this world, most company podcasts are doing a lot of things right and a few things wrong. While it’s plainly successful enough to keep doing it - it’s really hard to figure out why.However, it is possible to identify the specific ways your podcast is generating value for your business and track exactly how much value every month, giving you the clarity you need to make decisions about it.Tune in to the full episode to learn:The importance of identifying the overarching goal of your podcastTracking specific outcomes to determine its effectivenessMetrics for different types of podcastsTracking metrics and optimizing your podcast contentHighlights from the State of Business Podcasting ReportDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Effective Value Measurements for PodcastsHere’s how it works:Identify the most important, overarching goal of your podcast. It will usually be one of the Business Podcast Blueprints: Thought Leadership, Relationship Building, Audience Engagement, Conversions or Content.Figure out the specific outcomes that indicate how well your podcast is meeting that overarching goal.Regularly track that outcome as a metric and optimize your podcast to get more of it.Then do it again and again for every different way your podcast is creating value for your company.Easy, right?Easy to say in any case. Doing it when you’re 6 months or a year into production and there’s always something running late is somewhat more complicated.So, let’s run through a couple of examples here, so you can get a solid idea of how this process works. We’ll start with an Audience Engagement Show.Audience EngagementThis is a type of podcast that I think is frequently overlooked in favor of the exponential possibilities in Relationship Building Shows, or the outward-facing nature of Thought Leadership ones. But you’ve heard the adage I’m sure that it’s easier to sell more to an old customer than it is to get a new one. Well, by the same token, it’s easier to nurture a relationship with someone who knows your name than make a fresh introduction, and that is where audience-building podcasts really shine.Shows with an Audience Engagement Blueprint exist primarily to engage people who are already aware of you - it could be clients, email subscribers, social media followers or fans, listeners, or traffic that are entering your orbit from other strategies like paid search or PR campaigns.So, let's say that Company A has this as their main overarching purpose - they want to engage and nurture people who, by whatever means, know who they are.The outcomes that are going to tell them it’s working might be getting input and feedback from listeners on topics that matter to them, and less time spent on customer service because customers are being served and educated by the show.Now we assign metrics to those outcomes:For getting feedback and input, Company A has created different webpages or playlists for each of their podcast subtopics so that people can easily access the content they are most interested in, and the traffic to those pages, and downloads from those playlists are going to provide the data about how much of their audience is interested in each topic, informing their future content creation decisions. For an example of this in action, check out Amy Porterfield’s Online Marketing Made Easy landing page, which we’ll link in the show notes, among many other strategically excellent things you’ll see on this page, is a section where you can choose different topics and immediately see episodes relating to it that you can click through, providing that juice data about audience-interest.For Customer service, Company A already has an idea of how much time they are spending per client on customer service each month, and they have created podcast episodes and segments to specifically address common concerns or problems and trained their team members to provide those segments and episodes to customers encountering those concerns. The change in the amount of time spent on customer service over time will tell them how well their content is helping educate the customers.Now let's look at how we might follow this process for a Relationship building show.Relationship BuildingThese are podcasts that exist primarily as a networking tool so you can meet the t

Paid social media is a tough nut to crack, but once you manage to make it work it can become a lucrative and dependable source of traffic and revenue for your podcast and business.I have never been able to get to the meat of that particular nut, but a recent guest expert on our Strategy and Networking calls AND speaker for next week’s Podcasting for Business Conference Stacy Reed of Stacy Zeal & Co. has - and she teaches other people how to do it too. Stacy is a Strategic Marketing Consultant and Facebook Ads Expert, who teaches CEOs how to make more money, gain their time back, and rapidly increase their visibility to impact the world.She joined us for an in-depth conversation about the technical and strategic elements of Facebook ads - from what the heck a pixel is, to the different types of campaigns you can run for different purposes.This was such a rich and valuable conversation, that we decided to run it here on the Company show as well. Listen to our conversation below, or continue reading the blog post!Tune in to the full episode to learn:How to use Facebook ads to grow your podcast and your businessEverything you need to know about Facebook PixelHow to choose the right advertising platformThe things to consider before running a campaignHow to choose the best objective for your campaignThe best practices when it comes to copy & creativesDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!How Stacy Reed Grew Her Podcast Through Facebook AdsLeveraging Her Marketing BackgroundIt's interesting because it's like I've always been someone that I want to be able to create something once and then figure out how can I get the most eyeballs on it. My brain does not like to create new all the time.We're in a content world, so we have to create new content for sure. But I remember just thinking, oh my gosh, this episode was so good and it did not get as many downloads as I was hoping that it would get or so many people just need to hear this episode.It's just so, so good. And then also being an ads expert, my background is in marketing. I've been in marketing for eleven years. I led paid social at Zappos, and so I was really immersed in Facebook ads, Instagram ads, TikTok ads, and all the different ad platforms on some of the social networks.And that's what I teach and that's what I talk about in my business. And I really started to think about how I can use ads and podcasts together. Because volume is my specialty. So being able to say like, I want to drive volume to particular offers or to particular things, then I started to think, how can I use what I'm creating on my podcast to then help me to generate business?Because it gives you the context of how I use my podcast in my marketing because it helps you to understand how the ads come into play.Shifting Towards Lead GenerationSo my podcast is primarily nurturing content. I get a lot of people who love to listen to my podcast. And my goal with my podcast is to nurture people until they are ready to become clients.I post a lot of content about ads, about marketing strategy, about business strategy, those kinds of things. When I started to think about how I can use ads to amplify this or to accelerate my podcast, I started to think about how I can use it to generate leads, because that's really what I need for my business.We all as business owners, are someone who is looking to get brand deals and things like that. This may not be super applicable, and there are other ways you can use ads, but the way that I use them is to generate leads. Where I start with it is using it as a nurture content. But then I started to think, how can I use this as lead generation? What I typically do is I like to create series on my podcast.So I'll create, for example, a series about marketing funnels, because that's one of the things I found. Like, I have a course on Facebook ads, and when I did a promotion last time I found that, I was asking people like, okay, well, why didn't you sign up? And some people were saying like, oh, I don't have a marketing funnel, so I can't run ads.And I'm like, oh really? I could teach you how to run a market, I can teach you how to do a marketing funnel, and I can show you this. So I created a series of podcasts about key elements of marketing funnels, helping people to understand that they already probably have a funnel if they're creating content.If you're a podcaster, you typically have a funnel, you just haven't really set it up yet or defined it yet. So I created that series and then I published some of my podcasts. I took those episodes and I just put them into a PDF guide that just says like, hey, here are four episodes that will help you to create a marketing funnel.Podcast Series as Lead MagnetsI put like a little workbook in there. I pulled something out of my course. I put it in there and then I use that as a lead magnet because now I had to realize that people listen to my podcast an

There is not much that the best mic in the world can do about recording in a really sound-unfriendly environment. And some of us live in sound-unfriendly environments.If you are currently looking at your location options for podcasting and only finding places that are loud, echoey, or filled with blank empty spaces, but having the best possible audio quality for your show is important to you, then you might want to consider booking time at an in-person studio.I’m personally quite lucky in that my home office is usually pretty quiet and I have enough fluffy stuff kicking around to minimize echo, but there have been days, I’m particularly thinking of last spring when my next-door neighbor was having their windows replaced - when I would have been delighted to be able to go somewhere quiet and just get my content out in peace.My guest today owns and operates just such a venue - and a production company to boot! JP Davidson is the creator of Pop Up Podcasting an Ottawa-based producer and studio.If you want to learn who should book studio time and why - and what kind of value a live-on-a-call producer can provide, listen to our conversation below, or continue reading the blog post!Tune in to the full episode to:Get a better understanding of in-person podcasting studiosLearn about the different recording options for businessesUnderstand the role of the remote podcast producerKnow what to look for in a podcasting studioLearn which processes should be outsourced vs done in-houseDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!Pop Up Podcasting: A look into podcast recording studiosJP Davidson runs an in-person podcast recording studio where people can come and record their episodes. Here’s JP’s overview of what that entails:The shows that they serveWe're a production company as well as a physical studio space here in Ottawa, Canada. We're right downtown and close to all kinds of businesses, government associations, and parliament buildings, so lots of different clients come through our space.What’s their setup?We have a four-person podcast studio with three cameras. We handle video, and we have some lighting for video as well, so we can do a video or audio. Then we handle a lot of the technical production as far as editing, setting up distribution for our clients, and that sort of thing.Other servicesWe also advise and consult on marketing and other associated things. Although mainly we're kind of a technical production house.Things to consider when thinking about recording options for businessesI work with a lot of companies that podcast. One of the big things at the beginning of the show is how am I going to capture the best audio to kind of give this project the best effort I can.So if someone's making the decision, should I set up my office to record, should I make a room in my house to record or should I book time with the professional studio?According to JP, here are the things you need to consider when making that decision:Can you do it in the long term?I think a lot of the early kind of conversations around show design and how are we going to record this and all that. I like to bring up sustainability because I think a lot of us in podcasting know it's a long game and doing a short burst and then running out of steam, and skipping the next six months of episodes doesn't do anybody any good.It's really about what you can do consistently over the long term. So that really comes into it. If somebody is like, I work from home, it's really hard for me to get downtown to record or over to a studio space, then for sure we work with a lot of clients who record at home, record from the office remotely.That sustainability question is like, can you get to a studio space or is it going to be way better for you to be recording from home or from the office?How much is your budget?The other question is cost. It's a bit more expensive to record from a studio. We do a hybrid approach where our producers will connect with people remotely and be a remote producer during the call.And that helps a lot of our clients because there is this scary factor of technology when we're recording in our own spaces, with our own microphone, on our own computer. And so having a producer on the line can help smooth those things over.The studio is definitely the highest quality, most reliable way to do it. We double-record everything and back up everything. We have a producer on-site to fix anything that might be going wrong, reposition the microphones, and all that stuff.But I totally recognize that a good number of our clients are remote because it can be the best solution for a lot of people.An additional benefit to physical podcast studiosAnother benefit of renting a physical space outside of your own workspace is there is an amount of accountability to that.I find, especially for the solopreneurs or the owner-operators of small businesses, it's really easy to backburner the marketing promoti

One Stone Creative is a full-service agency that handles most of the non-recording work for the shows we produce, but the role of a podcast manager is such a new one, that we wanted to talk to someone who is specializing in it.The podcast manager is a somewhat more nebulous role, in part because it’s so new in the industry, and in part, because the services they offer can vary so much—often they can provide strategic consultation, project management, freelancer management, and sometimes regular production activities like audio editing, asset creation and promotion.My guest today is Ted Cragg, a fellow Canadian who has been a podcast manager for several years, with a special emphasis on the travel podcasting space. He is also the host of the Travel the World Podcast, and an experienced audio editor.If you want to learn more about podcast managers and how they can help you achieve your business goals, listen to our conversation below, or continue reading the blog post!Tune in to the full episode to:Know your options for podcast productionUnderstand what podcast management entailsLearn how to choose a production option for your showPivoting to podcast managementKnow what to look for in a podcast managerHuman intervention in AI podcastingDon’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!The different options for podcast productionWhen it comes to creating a podcast for your company, you’ve got a few options:Do it all in-house, either by yourself or with the help of a colleague or twoHire a full-service agency that will take on all or most of the non-recording workHire specific freelancers for specific jobs, like the editing or the promotionHire a podcast manager to drive the project forward on an ongoing basis.Podcasting In-HouseThis is when everything, from show development to production, guest booking to show notes to promotional materials is all done by you or members of your team.The pros include that it can be less expensive, sometimes by a large margin, than outsourcing some or all of the production work, and you’ll be able to control every detail which I know is important for many businesses.For some companies, it’s also best to keep production in-house if the show is deeply integrated with other business areas and with multiple teams - having all of the information and workflows accessible by the many different people who need them can make outsourcing a more daunting than tempting proposition.Cons - it’s going to take a lot of your time, and that may or may not be a resource you have in abundant supply.Now, you can get a lot of time-savings with automation tools, and keeping your process and assets simple, but we’ve found that many companies that start in-house tend to want to hire a little help as soon as it becomes feasible.It also takes a lot of different skills: figuring out the strategic role of the podcast in your business is a different skill than editing the audio, which is a different skill than promoting episodes, which is a different skill than managing guest booking which is a different skill than SEO optimizing the notes, which is a different skill than project management… you get my drift.It’s a lot of different skills, that can lead you to the door of our next production option, a full-service agency.Full-Service Podcast AgenciesThey are pretty much what they say on the tin - they’ll handle all or most of your production process.Now, this can vary a bit from company to company, and if you’re considering working with one, you should make sure to get very clear on exactly what is included, but most will do something like: take in your raw audio, do all the editing - both content and hygiene, write the show notes, create sharing assets, create a video version, schedule the episode for you, and drive the whole process so you don’t have to think about anything other than talking to people.Some companies will do a little less, and others will do more like providing feedback, doing guest management, or even being live on your interviews capturing the recordings.Pros of working with companies like this are that the main management of the show is off your desk - it is a huge time savings. You also don’t have to learn, or hire for specific skills like audio editing and show notes writing, you get to take advantage of a team of different subject matter experts working together.With the best companies, you can also get strategic support around how to leverage your podcast within your business, tracking the impact of the show, and providing feedback so that you’re constantly improving your skills.Cons can include that it’s the most expensive of the options - having a company take on the bulk of the work isn’t cheap, and having the production process out of your hands also means - it’s out of your hands: you’re depending on other people to keep your release schedule, and that can be scary - and in some cases, disappointing.You also may or may not have you

One of the things I believe the most strongly about podcasting is that doing it to support and grow an existing business is different than hosting a podcast for the love of the game—or as a business in and of itself.Your podcast needs to work with the other marketing you’re doing, not to mention all of the other commitments you have to your team, clients, and community. It’s because of this that we hosted the first Podcasting for Business Conference last year—and why we’re about to do it again.On this episode of the Company Show, Tom Fox joins me as we talk PFBCon: what’s coming, what we’re excited about, and the different types of presentations and connections we’re making available this year.If you want to get a little sneak peek of this year’s Podcasting for Business Conference, listen to our conversation below, or continue reading the blog post!Tune in to the full episode to learn about:New and exciting topics for this yearWhat makes PFBCon different?A look into some of our notable speakersA new event, networking opportunities, and a valuable freebieEverything else that you need to know about this PFBCon 2023Don’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month!The conference for when podcasting is part of the jobSomething that comes up a lot for company podcasters is that it can be a challenge to integrate a show into your workflow, and harder to determine if it’s actually doing anything for you or not.That can be frustrating because successful company podcasts are intensely valuable to the businesses that run them.A successful company show might:Be a lead generation machineCreate a flywheel of content that can be used across business areasShorten sales cycles and improve customer lifetime valueEstablish thought leadershipServe and support an existing audienceIf those are benefits you want to see, then you need to make sure your podcast and all of the activities around it, from planning to recording to promotion, are optimized to meet the business objectives that will make the most impact on your company.That’s the sole focus of the Podcasting for Business Conference, and it’s coming up again from November 13 to 15th of this year.New topics for this year’s Podcasting for Business ConferenceJust like last year, we've got a really good array of topics that people are going to be covering and they're all really directed towards people who are podcasting in support of an existing business.If you podcast for the love of the game or you’re podcasting as a business, you're still welcome, but it really is for supporting a business that exists.Here are some really exciting topics that are new this year:1. Interviewing strategy session on how to really effectively translate information from an expert to everyone else.If you find that you as a podcast host are talking to experts and you want to make sure that your audience of laypeople or people who don't know as much about the topic can really understand it, this is going to be a super valuable one.2. Collaborating with a team.A lot of people podcasting for business, of course, they've either got a member of their team managing the podcast or they're working with a third-party service provider.There are a lot of different ways to talk about, edit, figure out where in the process everything is, project, and manage the whole thing. So we've got a session specifically on collaborating with a remote team about podcasting.3. A different way to think about your podcast reach.Typically you think about downloads, you might think about people who listen, you might think about listeners, you might think about engagement. But it turns out that is just a very small part of your overall podcast reach.And if you properly look at it in a much more holistic way, you see that a business or a podcast that is being used by a business can have exponentially more touch points, exponentially more engagement, and exponentially more use. And these are all social media tools that are available to you at little or no cost.Once you begin to understand the power of your reach, you can start to craft and graft a social media marketing strategy beyond simply the subject matter expertise you want to show or whatever it is you're trying to demonstrate with your podcast.I've been working on this topic for a long time and I finally got some solid numbers. I'm thrilled to share this with our audience because I think it's going to open a lot of eyes and more importantly, get people thinking about the podcast strategy as much more holistic than simply showing yourself as a true subject matter expert.4. A preview of The State of Business Podcasting Report 2023We get to hear the always incredible State of Business Podcasting Report, in which you will preview shiny data with the shiny data that you've been working on.5. Deep Dive WorkshopsThere are going to be deep dive workshops about how to measure podcast success on the fly audio editing and troubleshootin

A couple of weeks ago, we ran an episode called How to Cheat a Podcast Episode in which I shared some of the strategies you can use to fill a gap in a podcast production calendar. One of those suggestions was doing Q&A episodes.As a little favor to my future self, right after I recorded that episode, I went ahead and recorded five answers to five questions that people ask us frequently when they're getting into podcasting.I typically don't love video, but I wanted to capture the recordings of these answers because of how critical short-form video content is becoming and to address the constant content needs of my wonderful social media team member who's always asking for short-form video because it is getting more and more popular and has a lot of benefits to growing a community online.So join me on The Company Show as I answer these commonly asked (but important!) podcasting questions and get a peek at what other players in the industry are doing.Listen below, or continue reading the blog post.Tune in to learn about:How often should you release?How long should your episodes be?How do you find guests?Should your podcast have its own website?Do you need a video version?Don’t forget to join us for our free monthly strategy calls on the third Thursday of every month.The Top 5 Most-Asked Podcasting QuestionsI came up with the five questions that we are asked quite frequently, and some of this was just from what I'm used to answering a lot when I'm on calls with people, but I also used generative AI (ChatGPT) to help me come up with a list.I think it generated about 50 or 60 for me all at once, and I was able to go through them and modify and edit them so that they were questions that I thought would be very useful to have as a library going forward and that I could provide good answers to. Being able to practice giving a really concise but thorough answer was another valuable part of this activity.So all told, getting the questions together, recording the video, and recording the answers, was all quite easy. It was very fast. I'm definitely going to be doing more of those in the future. Presuming, of course, that this episode is received well and is helpful for people. That is something that only you can help me answer.So without any further ado, here are the five answers to five common podcast questions!1. How often should you release a new podcast episode?This is a great question because when you start to think about all of the work that's going to be involved in podcasting, the preparing, the guest invitation, the recording itself, all the post-production, and all of the project management involved.With all of that, you might think, oof, this is something we had better not do more than once, maybe twice a month. And that can be fine. You're the boss of your podcast and how you're using your podcast in your business is going to be up to you and the rest of the team that you're making those decisions with.But from a best practices perspective if one of the things that you want to do with your podcast is grow an audience and connect with more people or if you need other from your podcast like networking with a lot of guests or having a lot of content to be able to distribute to your other platforms, then you're going to want to be releasing on a more consistent basis.When we do our research for The State of Business Podcasting, we find that the vast majority of podcasts are releasing weekly or more. So if you've got the team bandwidth or the budget to do at least a weekly podcast, I'd say that is the best practice to get into a good flow, a good rhythm.But if you can't manage that, if it just doesn't work, you've got too much going on sometimes. That's with our podcast here at One Stone Creative, The Company Show. It's a bi-weekly podcast. This season we're releasing every other week because that's something that we can manage with our available time and resources.So the important questions to answer are:How much content do you need or how many access points to other people do you need to make the podcast valuable for you?Do I have the resources to support that and will it be fun to do it that much?Some people find that it's just too much work or it's too stressful to try and release a podcast every week. So in that case every other week is fine or even more sporadic if that is the only option for you.But all things being equal, more releases are better in terms of having more content, making more relationships, and growing more traction with the podcast-listening audience.2. How long should a podcast episode be?The answer to that is the same as the answer to the question of how long is a piece of rope. It's going to be as long as you need it to be to achieve a particular goal. That isn't to say that there aren't kind of standards or averages within the industry.When we look at the top 100 business podcasts, we find there's a remarkably consistent result over time of 44-minute-long episodes. But of course t