Podcasts are more than just a source of entertainment or education. They can also be a powerful tool for building your professional network in the IT services industry. In this article, you will learn how to use podcasts to connect with experts, peers, and potential clients in your field.
Podcasts are a medium that allows you to showcase your expertise, personality, and values to a wide and engaged audience. By creating or appearing on podcasts related to your niche, you can establish yourself as a thought leader, share your insights and stories, and attract listeners who share your interests and goals. Podcasts also give you an opportunity to reach out to other podcasters, guests, and influencers in your industry and build relationships with them.
Participar de um podcast oferece a oportunidade de aprofundar discuss?es sobre tópicos de expertise, permitindo uma demonstra??o mais completa do conhecimento e fortalecendo sua autoridade no assunto.
In my case, podcasting helped me reach people that otherwise might not talk to me. I gave them a platform to communicate, and in the process I got to know them, and help them think about the things they were doing. My network of interesting and like minded people expanded a lot. I can say that all of my last work opportunities were related to people I met through the podcast. Also, fans of the interviewees get to know what we are doing and what we can offer them.
If you have a unique perspective, a compelling message, or a valuable skill to share, you might want to start your own podcast. To do this, you will need some basic equipment, such as a microphone, a recording software, and a hosting platform. You will also need to choose a topic, a format, and a name for your podcast. Then, you will need to plan, record, edit, and publish your episodes on a regular basis. You can promote your podcast on your website, social media, and other platforms to grow your audience and network.
I have created two podcasts of things are that miles apart, but also connected: Football and Social Awareness. The experience is simply amazing. The people I managed to meet, the knowledge gained, the experiences. However, it requires quite some discipline, patience and more importantly, not getting super impacted by audience numbers. It technically so simple, but on the other hand should also have some meaningful purpose to avoid being just yet another one.
I've started and I've been a involved in four podcasts in the last ten years. It's easier to start now than it was then. Get clear in what matters to you and what you want to communicate, then, only then, get to the technical part. Good audio is a must, so think about where you record. A mobile phone or a laptop in a quiet place is better than a mid level, or even a high level, microphone in a noisy place.
Another way to use podcasts for networking is to be a guest on other podcasts that are relevant to your niche. This can help you expose yourself to new listeners, demonstrate your value, and build rapport with the host and other guests. To be a guest on other podcasts, you will need to research and pitch the podcasts that match your target audience, expertise, and goals. You will also need to prepare for the interview, deliver value and insights, and follow up with the host and the listeners.
Podcasters and guests are potential allies, mentors, partners, or clients in your network. To network with them, you will need to be respectful, supportive, and genuine. You can network with podcasters and guests by listening to their podcasts, leaving reviews and feedback, sharing their content, reaching out to them via email or social media, asking questions, offering help, or inviting them to collaborate. You can also network with them at events, such as conferences, meetups, or online forums, where you can meet them in person or virtually.
Follow your curiosity. When you find someone that you find interesting, send them a message, an email, explaining what your podcast is about and how it would help your audience to listen to someone that has a lot to share. After the first guests, your network of possible guests will expand, your guests will talk about you to their connections, and you can also ask if they know people that might be a good fit for your podcast. You can start to interact and offer something that might be helpful for future guests and when the time comes, ask if they'd be willing to be in your podcast.
Podcast listeners are potential leads, referrals, or connections in your network. To network with them, you will need to be helpful, engaging, and authentic. You can network with podcast listeners by inviting them to join your email list, social media, or community, where you can provide them with more value and resources. You can also network with them by encouraging them to interact with you and each other, such as by asking for feedback, suggestions, or questions, or creating polls, quizzes, or challenges. You can also network with them by offering them incentives, such as discounts, freebies, or bonuses, for taking action or referring others.
Podcast networking is not a one-time activity, but a long-term strategy. To measure and improve your podcast networking, you will need to track and analyze your results, such as the number of downloads, reviews, subscribers, followers, leads, or conversions. You will also need to test and optimize your podcast networking, such as by trying different topics, formats, hosts, guests, or platforms. You will also need to seek and implement feedback, suggestions, or best practices from your network and your listeners.
Your listeners are your clients, talk to them, imagine they are listening, waiting to answer you back. There were episodes that I was too focused on me, it didn't land well. If it's about your guest or your listener, the kindness and generosity will come through. Create a workflow that is sustainable, if it's one episode a month, it's one episode a month. Sustainable is better than ideal. The podcast probably won't be your main activity at the beginning, so make sure the podcast is adding to your life, not subtracting.