Early in my sales career I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I succeeded because I focused on establishing relationships first. I couldn’t have explained my process; I just knew that it was working so I did more of the same.

As the CEO or leader in your business making connections is vital to company growth and success. That’s why podcasting continues to be my go-to recommendation for building relationships with prospects and clients.

Every day, our customers bring in new business and see increased revenue because of their podcast. I know it can work for you as well.  Here’s the proof.

Reason 1

Busy people listen to podcasts. It’s become part of the busy executive lifestyle. Listening during a commute, or while working out are common. There’s no need to watch or read. Just hit play, put in the earbuds and go.

You may never be able to get your dream client on the phone and geography can make an in person meeting out of the question. Ask them to be a guest on your podcast. You’re likely to get a yes and a new subscriber.

Podcasting is incredibly accessible. You can reach anyone that has a phone with a podcast app.
It’s a friction-less form of sharing content. It’s too easy not to do it.

Reason 2

Podcasts are intimate. Did you know that infants recognize voices before they can recognize faces? Your listeners will feel like they know you. They hear your intonation; they pick up on your energy and passion.

When you share content in a compelling way, your listeners will hear you, even better, they will remember you. It’s the ultimate know, like and trust factor. And all you have to do is be you.

It’s an incredible way to build common ground. It makes you accessible and relatable. You are also seen as a leader, expert and influencer in your industry. It’s an equal opportunity format. No one has to appoint you as the chosen one, and your listener can choose the voice(s) they want to hear.

Reason 3

It’s easy to stand out from your competition. Business podcasts aren’t new. They are a proven part of a communications strategy. Still, many traditional industries aren’t taking advantage of audio content. That’s their loss. You can quickly establish yourself and your company as the market leader.

It’s also worth knowing that most podcasts never make it past episode 7! That’s why those who adopt the strategy and do it well are seeing great results.

If you’ve been a podcast fan for years, you were an early adopter. It took until 2019 for 51% of the adult population in the US to report listening to at least one podcast episode. Saturated? No. Growing? YES!

Reason 4

People engage fully with podcasts. Over 70% listeners consume the entire podcast. No other type of media has this level of engagement. They don’t just pop in for a few seconds (looking at you YouTube) or skim for highlights.

This explains why podcast-listener promotions work so well. Audience engagement is high. You can take advantage of this by providing compelling content and offering your audience additional ways to connect with your brand.

That’s how know, like and trust expands to buying. You will be seen as a trusted resource and partner.

Reason 5

You can leverage your podcast into other opportunities. Speaking engagements, book contracts and television appearances are behind a few of the doors that can be opened.

Your listeners know you. You are part of their routine. Publishers and event coordinators know your audience will support the opportunity to buy your book or see you in person.

Your audience doesn’t have to be massive to make an impact because it’s about loyalty and stickiness. Podcast audiences are both. That’s why podcasting leads to other opportunities.

Reason 6

Podcasting is efficient and effective. Think about what it would take to speak in person to 2500 people every week. Too hard right? How abut 100 people? Is that doable week after week?

Your schedule wouldn’t allow for that even if you had the opportunities lined up for you. Podcasting gives you the ability to use your time efficiently and still get your message in front of a loyal audience that shows up week after week.

You can batch content and prepare ahead of time, making the best use of your resources. Podcasting puts you in front of your target audience on a regular basis without wreaking havoc on your schedule and other priorities.

It’s also efficient for your listeners. They can listen anywhere, anytime that works for them. On demand inspiration? Yes please!

Reason 7

Podcasting allows you to promote and share success stories. Put a spotlight on your successful clients and star team members. Case studies and third-party validation are huge trust builders.

Use your podcast to promote others. Prospective clients see the potential that working with you and your company provides. You don’t have to talk about yourself when clients can do it for you.

It’s inspiring to hear others share their stories. Your audience will appreciate the chance to hear about you/your company from others. Conversations about overcoming obstacles always inspires, even more when it’s from a peer.

Testimonials, reviews, crowd sourcing and feedback are just a few ways you can share content from others on your podcast.

Reason 8

You own the platform. The only rules are those that work for you. I tell people that podcasting is forgiving and long living. Editing allows you to sound your best. When you first start, it can take some time to feel comfortable in front of the microphone. You’ll find your groove, but until then you can do multiple takes and edit for a great listener experience.

Podcasts can live online forever. Without any promotion, I have podcasts that are over 3 years old that still get downloads every month! If you want to remove a podcast that’s no longer relevant you can do that too.

Take a stand. This is the perfect place to voice your informed opinion about your industry. What’s non-negotiable? Do your clients know your values and how they impact the company culture? This is the place to have that conversation.

I don’t recommend controversy as a strategy but if you take a stand that’s principled, even those who see things differently will respect your honesty and integrity. Your podcast platform allows you to be transparent about your principles and allows others to become part of the tribe.

Reason 9

You’ll improve your communication skills. I was nervous when I first hit the record button but I didn’t let it stop me. I learned how to shape a story so listeners could see themselves in the narrative. I still work on my communication skills including how to be a better interviewer.

Even the most popular podcasters tell me that their first few episodes weren’t very good. People who now get millions of downloads and speak in front of large audiences credit podcasting for helping them be better communicators.

If speaking at conferences or industry events is on your radar, podcasting will help you hone your style. As your comfort in front of the microphone grows so will your confidence. Being an effective communicator is highly valued skill. Podcasting can be a key part of your professional growth with a long-lasting impact.

Reason 10

Money, revenue and sales growth. Podcasting moves the needle. You can increase revenue directly and indirectly with your podcast.

I can draw a dotted line from my podcast to new revenue. People who met me as a result of the hearing the podcast and/or being a guest have subsequently become clients.

No sales pitch required.

You can also monetize with sponsorships and ads. You can put episodes behind a paywall or on a Patreon page. Podcast content can be packaged with other resources as a course. Use your podcast to supplement book sales or membership content.  Grow your email list with offers just for your listeners. Promote your own products and services and if you choose, you can also be an affiliate for other products and services that you endorse and recommend.

Many business podcasters don’t start with the aim to make money directly, but as your audience grows so will the opportunities to monetize your content.

Reason 11

A bonus extra reason!

Podcasting is fun and rewarding.  I researched podcasting because my husband had been telling me for years that I “chit chat” for a living. I’m glad he encouraged me. It it has become a good way to share what’s inspiring me.

It’s content in the form of service to my clients, prospects and anyone else who finds it helpful.

Podcasting can educate, inform, teach, inspire, motivate, and entertain. It’s accessible to anyone with a cell phone. You don’t need special skills or expensive equipment.

All you need is a desire to serve your audience.

Our job is to connect to people, to interact with them in a way that leaves them better than we found them.” Seth Godin



One of the best things about podcasting is the opportunity to talk to amazing, interesting people. Today’s guest was introduced to me by a mutual connection. He thought she and I would hit it off and sent an email introducing us.

We connected on a zoom call and he was right – she was lovely and we hit it off. We were setting up a time to record when I asked her where she lived – what time zone and that’s when I found out she’s here in Columbus Ohio – not only that she’s just a mile or 2 down the road from me.

How fun is that?

She says you can think of her as your WordPress BFF – which is awesome and the truth!

She has taught over 7,000 (non-techie) entrepreneurs how to build their own websites with WordPress using my Free 5 Day Website Challenge.

After side hustling for 3 years, she left her corporate job to work her online business full time.

She’s never looked back. She’s the host of the Pep talk for side-hustlers podcast and that is the perfect name! She’s inspiring and smart and fills you with confidence that you really can make this work!

Check out her story on the podcast and sign up for her challenge. You’ll love how easy she makes it.

Connect with Shannon:

Website

Podcast

Free 5 Day Website Challenge

The Basics: What is earned media vs. paid media?
Brigitte explains the difference and why earned media is so valuable.

Learn how to craft a pitch. Brigitte shares how to research and find a blog or podcast that’s covering your topic. Find someone who is doing the thing! She explains how and makes it super easy.

Hint: Think about what you’d like to receive as a pitch. Put yourself in the shoes of the person you are pitching. Be specific, be concise and make the ask.

Brigitte breaks down why being a guest on a podcast is so effective. It’s about engagement, and the ability to talk to your specific audience. Don’t miss the great tips for being a desired guest!

Podcast trends – you’ll be surprised how effective podcasting is when connecting with your desired listeners.

Repurposing your podcast guest appearance; this is huge. Brigitte gives 4 key ideas that will help you leverage it to attract other opportunities. She breaks down how to use this to generate trust and credibility too.

Tip: She also covers how to use a podcast guest appearance as part of your sales approach. This is a great idea to warm up a cold lead or connect with a new one.

Get Booked!

Brigitte covers 2 specific steps that work for everyone, in any category. I love that she said “make it super easy for them to say yes!”

Bonus: Why competition is a good thing! She explains how to use it to raise your own profile.

Case Study: Brigitte talks about one of her clients who got great results being on podcasts. You’ll be amazed at the impact this had for her business. You can do the same thing because being on and hosting a podcast is a great way to make connections. It opens doors, and brings new opportunities come your way.

Connect with Brigitte:

Website

Get Booked on Podcasts
And See Your Own Podcast Audience Take Off

About Brigitte:

She is the founder of B, a boutique PR and digital marketing agency that supports CEO’s in taking their platform, and their companies, to the next level.

Her company has lined up podcast book tours and traditional media coverage in outlets like bustle and Today.com for author-entrepreneurs like Being Boss and Amber Rae on the release of their books, booked the founders of software companies Wildbit and Showcase Workshop in leading podcasts in their space, and helped grow small businesses like Author Accelerator and The Contract Shop.

Brigitte also offers three CreativeLive courses for growing businesses, who are looking to get started with PR on their own.

After getting her start in PR in the high-intensity agency world, Brigitte designed her agency to bring structure and calm to the sometimes chaos of PR. Her clients and team collaborate from around the country. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and enjoys hiking, the thriving local food scene and easy access to the airport for quick escapes.

Today’s podcast guest Teresa Cleveland shares her tips and resources for planning a successful 2019. 

Teresa Cleveland is the creator and founder of The Entrepreneurs Toolbox, the only Online Business Management firm that uses the no-nonsense approach to get sh*t done. She lives to organize and manage projects for busy business owners and entrepreneurs. Her team handles the daily things that have to get done and they also plan, manage and execute the large-scale launches of some pretty cool business programs.  She’s helped to create and build over 200 websites and keeps up with the latest online digital trends.

What is an Online Business Manager? (OBM)

An OBM manages all the things. That could be people (Teresa can manage your team so you don’t have to) it can be projects and day-to-day tasks that need to get done. Working with an online biz manger will help you put processes into place so all the steps get done with consistency.

It’s a big time-saver, and it’s one of the best ways to scale as you grow your business.

Some of the tips, tools and processes we discussed:

• Planning for 2019 (or the next quarter)
• Make time to plan – put it on the calendar
• Look back at the past 12 to 18 months and determine what worked, what needs attention, what should you stop doing, what no longer resonates with you, where do you want to put your energy?
• Break the big picture into quarters or into seasons.
• From there, break down big topics into 3 or 4 key areas for content, promotions, sales etc.

“Your planning muscle is no different than any other muscle. The more you use it, the easier it becomes”. Teresa Cleveland

Resources Mentioned
Teamwork 
Teamwork Loves Start-Ups 
Basecamp
Trello

The Entrepreneur’s Toolbox Get Results Planner
I love this planner – grab it and try it, if you like having room to write, pop in a sticky note, jot down ideas and keep it all in one easy-to-find place, this is for you.

Connect with Teresa
Website
Facebook

Podcast Roundup with Jen Lehner 

Jen Lehner, the founder of the Front Row Facebook group and the Front Row VIP  was on 4 (count’em) podcast episodes. Jen was amazing and shared a ton of great information about digital marketing. If you don’t know Jen, you should. She’s one of the most generous people you’ll meet anywhere, but especially in the world of digital and online marketing.

I count on her to know the best, most efficient way to get things done and she’s never failed me. Her superpower (one of them anyway) is checking out new apps, and trends and learning how to use them. When she shares that info, she doesn’t just tell you she shows you how to use it and provides a great example of how to take advantage of it in your business.

In our first episode, we talked about building community and her mini-courses. These might be my favorite thing. She takes something (somewhat) complicated, like Facebook ads, and walks you through it step by step. Again, using a blend of how-to and practical application strategy so you also know why. So helpful.

You can access most of her courses in the Front Row VIP  membership area. This is such a bargain, I (almost) feel guilty.

And of course there’s a little course about little courses that you can grab and set up your own!

Listen here for all the juicy details or download from Apple Podcasts.

Full Episode Show Notes (and tons of resource links) Here 

Episode two was about memberships and what it takes to successfully build and sustain this business model. We discuss the pros and cons and why some memberships (like Jen’s) flourish and others languish.

People come for the content and stay for the community.

Membership basics:
1. Charter member strategy
2. Limited launch
3. Big launch strategy
4. Closing access and the benefits
5. Onboarding a group together
6. Webinar strategy (Jen shares what works for her)

Hint: It’s about leadership and community. Jen excels at both and she shares how and why her membership is going so well.

Full Notes Here               Listen Here

Episode 3 might be my favorite because Jen shares the scoop on Alexa Flash Briefings!

Seriously, she may know more about this than anyone in the online marketing world.  How cool would it be if you had a listing on Amazon?  It’s not just for shopping anymore. It’s also a search engine and when you have a briefing, you’ll have a way to get your message in front of over 50 million (more with the app!) Alexa owners.  Amazing right?

Make sure you sign up to get Jen’s briefing. She goes live M-F (but you can listen when it’s good for you) with the latest updates about social media, digital marketing and great new apps. It’s the best way to stay on top of what you need to know.

There are over 11 resources on the show notes page.  

Jen’s How To Create Your Alexa Flash Briefing Post

Listen Here 

The final podcast was a round up of what’s new and what’s growing and the trends for 2019.  Jen shares info about chat bots and some great ways to put them to use. We are all going to be seeing more of this type of resource. Make sure you find out how they can benefit your business and better support your customers.

Video and Instagram are still growing. I appreciate that Jen reminded me that it’s not to late! We often think that everyone else is already ahead of us with video, audio and automation. There is still time to move to the “front row” with any of these tools to benefit your business.

By 2020 90% of content will be either audio or video! 

Take advantage of the resources on the show notes page and check out the full audio here. 

Thank you Jen for being such an amazing guest and for sharing so much great info on the podcast.

Find Jen:

FrontRow VIP
Instagram
Facebook
Front Row Facebook Group
Jen’s Alexa Flash Briefing
Jen’s Podcast!

Jen Lehner is a digital marketing strategist, podcaster, adjunct professor of digital marketing at Cleveland State University and founder of the Front Row mastermind for entrepreneurs. She lives in Shaker Heights, Ohio with her husband, 3 kids and a golden retriever. She’s our guest-host and boy, does she share some great info!

This is the 4th in our series with Jen and she gave us some great insights into future trends and how to get Facebook to help you get more views and up your engagment.

Messenger Bots
 Today bots are seeing a 70% open rate with an open rate of 40%-50%. These rates are significantly better than email open/click through rates and Facebook ad rates. Which means a well thought out bot strategy can allow you to connect with a larger audience that’s going to see much more of your info.

It’s still permission marketing and giving people the choice to opt in, and the required opt-out options is key. Messenger bots are connect to Facebook so be sure and understand the rules that you need to follow

Growth Tools
Messenger Ref Link
Pop up bot on your website example: “Ask Chatbot Jen” a question
Chat box for your website – allows interaction with the bot without leaving the page on your site
Facebook live bot option to deliver requested content
Reminder prompt for Facebook lives
Podcast and Alexa Flash Briefing, Great tip for non-Alexa people to get your briefing
Ultimate repurposing!

Alexa Flash Briefing Detailed Episode

By 2020 90% of content will be either audio or video! Pay attention to what Facebook is promoting. They will assist your efforts when you try out their new features and options.

Linkedin Video – increased engagement
Instagram Stories – micro content and engagement
Twitter Live Audio – via Periscope
Facebook Voice Only audio

Jen shares marketing strategies that you can make your own!

• Seek out someone who’s in a related field that is doing cool things on a platform you enjoy. See what they do that you like, figure out how you can take that strategy and make it your own.
• Try things using a secret group. Practice. Understand how to use the resources and learn what feels fun to you. Then do more of THAT!
• Consistency rules. Pick a platform that you enjoy and own it!

Check the framework from someone who’s doing great engagement. How can you adopt that and make it your own?

Links:

Manychat

Headliner App

Donald Miller, Storybrand

Life is too short to take the back row in life or in business!

Join the Front Row VIP

Jen Lehner is a digital marketing strategist, podcaster, adjunct professor of digital marketing at Cleveland State University and founder of the Front Row mastermind for entrepreneurs. She lives in Shaker Heights, Ohio with her husband, 3 kids and a golden retriever. She’s our guest-host and boy, does she share some great info!

This podcast is about Alexa Flash Briefings and why you should be running to your laptop to create yours! Seriously, listen to this episode, go to the resources linked below and get your show started.

What is a Flash Briefing? A flash briefing is an audio clip. It’s 10 minutes or less and you upload it to Amazon. People subscribed your flash briefing by enabling it in their Alexa skills APP or on Amazon.com.

The Highlights:
– There aren’t very many (yet) so you could be FIRST in your industry!

– You’ll have a page on Amazon. Yes, that Amazon. It’s not just a store, it’s a search engine too!

– Listeners to your briefing make your content part of their daily routine. Talk about making an impact and connecting to your audience.

– BMW is putting the native Alexa app in their dashboard.

– Inexpensive and easy to set up and start.

Resources:
Jen’s podcast about Alexa Flash Briefings

Jen’s blog post about Alexa Flash Briefings

Jen’s Alexa Flash Briefing – Front Row Entrepreneur 

Alexa Device

Google Home Device

Facebook Portal Device

SoundUpNow

Messenger Bots – Many Chat

Previous Podcasts with Jen:

Mini-Courses and Why They are game-Changers

Building Community and Membership Sites 

Want to be on the Front Row with Jen? Join the Front Row  VIP  for updates, support and the chance to get Jen’s feedback. 

The popularity of memberships and recurring revenue isn’t new. What works and how to build community is today’s topic and expert Jen Lehner of the Front Row VIP group shares some how-to tips. She’s built a community that has continuity. It’s a genuinely warm and welcoming group thanks to Jen’s leadership.

Jen founded the Front Row as a Facebook group when she was building her business . She shares how it all started and the inspiration for the Front Row name.

Tip: Never squander the thank you page! Jen explains why and the magic she created when she started her group.Jen shares her philosophy about building an online community. Everyone wants the “Netflix” model with recurring revenue.

People come for the content and stay for the community.

Tip: Get your members to fall in love with each other!

Jen shared how she got her members to meet, connect and become friends. It’s genius and it’s something that anyone can do. It’s about creating experiences and not just sharing content.

Study Hall for Entrepreneurs – Jen’s great idea for her members that cost zero!
 Pomodoro Technique

Membership basics:
1. Charter member strategy
2. Limited launch
3. Big launch strategy
4. Closing access and the benefits
5. Onboarding a group together
6. Webinar strategy (Jen shares what works for her)

Communicating boundaries – Jen explains how she has a special group where her members can promote their products and services. This eliminates promotions in the main group. It helps reduce the noise and chatter.

Is a membership or community model part of your go-to strategy? Jen is a great example of building and serving her community while fostering great relationships and business growth.

Connect with Jen: 

Front Row Facebook Group

Front Row VIP

Front Row Entrepreneur Podcast

Jen Lehner is a digital marketing strategist, podcaster, adjunct professor of digital marketing at Cleveland State University and founder of the Front Row mastermind for entrepreneurs. She lives in Shaker Heights, Ohio with her husband, 3 kids and a golden retriever. She’s our guest-host and boy, does she share some great info!

Join Front Row VIP

Jen is hanging with us on the podcast for 4 episodes! She is generous with her knowledge and shares so much great information, you’ll want to check out the links below to keep up.

Jen has a podcast too and she has an inspiring story about how and why she started hers. She also tells us how she got Gary V (yes that Gary V) to record her intro!

It’s never too late! If you’re new to the digital marketing space, or if this has been your full-time gig for a while there’s often a sense that it’s too late to start (fill in the blank).

Not only is it wrong, Jen shares why you might have an advantage! She shares a great example from Jen Sincereo’s book You are a Badass. 

Learn how using little courses (mini-courses) can impact your business. They aren’t just easier to create, they also provide a perfect opportunity to provide a customer experience and a perfect way to create connections. Serious marketing gold!

People aren't buying the size of your course! - via @jenrgy #soundadvice
Click To Tweet

Two other things you need to know. Your small courses actually get completed AND if you deliver “what is needed” to your clients, you can earn more while getting rave reviews.

You can find examples at:

• Lynda
• Skillshare
• Udemy

Where can you host your course? Jen shares the pros/cons of each.

• New Kajabi
• Simplero
• Teachable
• Thinkific

Connect with Jen here:

Website

Get Jen’s social media marketing updates on your Alexa

Front Row Entrepreneur Podcast

Join Front Row VIP

This episode covers a few things you need to do before you grab the mic and start recording. 

Select a good title. The best method is to play with word combinations unless you’ve been inspired and already have that covered.

A good title can:

Tell us a who you are talking to.  The Being Boss Podcast does this really well!

Being Boss: Mindset, Habits, Tactics, and Lifestyle for Creative Entrepreneurs
By Being Boss

Tell us what to expect. Evocative terms can help. Will you be having a dialogue, a discussion, or a rant?

Lastly, a good title will tell us who you are or a business name. This doesn’t always have to be there – but if you aren’t a well known person, it can be helpful.

Don’t forget: Your title is searchable so use keywords where you can.

We also talk through getting a URL, and finding a place for your podcast to live. This is stuff you’ll only need to do once, but it’s key to getting off to a good start.

Research other podcasts in your genre and search for your podcast name! Guess what? There is more than one SoundAdvice podcast! But we’re safe since no one will confuse a podcast about sub-woofers with our podcast. Or will they?

Finally we chat about practice. Even champion talkers can get tongue tied when they know they are being recorded. And that’s okay. Podcasting is forgiving because editing.  We still recommend practicing. Get used to the micrphone or headset. Test a couple of layouts so you know what’s most comfortable. Do you want to use notes? Paper or digital?

Listen back to your recordings. I know it’s hard. I didn’t like to either but if you do it, I can promise you’ll get better.

Listen for noise. Can you hear your paper shuffling or your squeaky chair? Is the mic picking up lip-smacks or your water-sipping? It’s okay. We all do it. But when you know that, you can pause and the miracle of editing will disappear it forever.

If you’re thinking about podcasting or if you know you want to and need a little nudge to get going then download the free Quick Start Guide and reach out and let us know how we can help.