How can you leverage existing guests to connect with potential new guests?

After recording an episode, we thank them for their time and insights and take the opportunity to ask if they might recommend others who would be interested in joining our podcast. We understand the value of personal connections, so we encourage guests to introduce us to potential contacts through email or social media. Additionally, we ask them to share our podcast link within their network, which has sometimes resulted in inbound guest requests. This approach not only helps us tap into their existing audience but also establishes a bridge to potential new guests who already have some familiarity and trust with both our current guests and our show.

I've always found that asking for referrals is an effective and easy way to find further guests. Often depending on your focus you may find interesting guests in the same industry or adjacent. Remember you've provided a platform for your guest to share their message and they will be more than willing to help you achieve your goals as well. Plus word of mouth is often the best form of recommendation and elicits trust.

Quick Thanks: Right after recording, say, "Thanks a ton for joining me! Loved our chat." It's friendly and shows gratitude. Easy Ask: Casually mention, "I'm always looking for interesting guests. Know anyone who'd dig this?" Keeps it light and no-pressure. Follow Up Later: Drop them an email or a message later, saying something like, "Really appreciated you on the podcast. If you think of someone great for a future episode, just let me know!" Gives them time to think and keeps the door open.

Step 1: Add your guests email addresses to an email list & drip campaign Step 2: Have the campaign send an email to the guest 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 10 weeks after the show goes live asking if they have anyone in mind who would be a good fit for the show. Other ideas - check out podpitch or podmatch

What has worked for me has always to ask for guest feedback on their experience during the podcast. More often than not, they've had a positive experience. Pop the question - "you know what the podcast is all about - is there someone in your network that you think would be great on this platform?"

Post-Recording Chat: After the recording, casually mention, "I had a great time today and hope you did too. If you're comfortable, a quick testimonial about your experience would be awesome for the show!" Follow-Up Email: Later, send a brief email: "Thanks again for joining the podcast! If you could share a few words about your experience, it would be super helpful. It can be short and sweet, just something to give future guests an idea of what to expect." This approach is friendly and non-intrusive, giving them the option to provide feedback at their convenience.

To ake it even easier for our guests and for us, we ask them how they found the episode at the end of the episode while the cameras are still rolling. That way we can clip up what they said as a clip, or convert it into written form, or convert it into audio form and just confirm with them before we put it anywhere. Saves SO much time!

I'm skeptical on this recommendation - most guests are looking at # of episodes / reviews / if they know any of the other guests that have been on the show. IDT they are taking the time to look at testimonials on a website ... just my 2 cents!

Using testimonials from past guests has been a game-changer for my podcast. I share these on my podcast’s website and social media, showcasing the positive experiences of my guests. These testimonials often catch the attention of potential guests, making them more inclined to participate.

Through the post-interview promotion in social media, the organic interactions with each others audiences begin to happen, but I consistently interact with guests content to remain engaged and connected in their community and mission.

The more you engage in conversation with your guest and their audience, the more trust you build, and the more they trust you, the more likely they are to connect with you and join your audience too!

Highlight Memorable Moments: Mention specific parts you enjoyed. Ask for Feedback: Gently ask, "How was the experience for you? Anything we could tweak for future episodes?" Discuss Future Collaboration: Float the idea of future projects, "There's more to cover. Interested in a follow-up episode?" Engage with the guest social media followers by providing episode highlights and summary. Offer Support: Say, "Happy to help promote your work. Let me know how I can assist." Follow Up: Send a quick thank-you message a few days later, keeping the connection alive.

Yes, yes, yes - this is networking 101. After the show, add them on LinkedIn & engage with their content! Put them in your CRM to follow-up and have a quick check-in every 3 months. It can be that easy!

I make it a point to engage in genuine, post-show conversations with my guests. We often discuss other professionals in their network who might be interested in the podcast. These relaxed conversations have opened doors to new guests and even collaborative opportunities.

Invite a previous guest to co-host an episode. This can provide a fresh perspective and allows them to directly engage with new guests, which can be particularly effective if they have a rapport or mutual respect in their professional fields.

We like to run events for our audience and when an episode goes particularly well and the guest has their own audience we like to run events with them too. This is a great way to connect with their audience and merge the two audiences together!

Collaborate on Projects: Work with guests to co-create webinars, ebooks, courses, or challenges, combining your knowledge and skills. Joint Events: Invite guests to join panels, summits, or roundtables with multiple experts, enhancing content value. Content Expansion: Use these collaborations to produce more valuable content for your audience. Network Growth: Expand your network and reach new potential guests seeking exposure.

Something I've been seeing recently is if an episode does really well, hosting a paid 1-hr masterclass for listeners to join, ask questions, etc. Additionally - make introductions for the guest as appropraite!

Collaborating with guests on projects, like joint webinars or co-authored blog posts, has helped expand my network. Through these collaborations, I've been able to connect with their professional circles, which often includes potential guests for my podcast

Maybe the largest value-proposition of starting a podcast (that many people don't quite understand) is the networking aspect. Meeting these guests & getting time with them is the inherent value. Don't squander the opportunity by never following up and letting the relationship fade into irrelevance

Networking events and industry conferences have been invaluable. Attending these events with a previous guest often leads to introductions to other professionals in their network. I also make it a point to stay connected with former guests through LinkedIn, keeping the relationship warm and opening up opportunities for future introductions.

I interviewed a well-known numerologist who had consulted for an actress. He'd mentioned her on social media and featured her testimonial on his website. Post-interview, I mentioned reading the actress's book and expressed interest in having her on my show. I asked if he could inquire about her availability. Immediately, he called her, and she agreed to join. Within weeks, we recorded the episode. This experience taught me the power of clear communication in getting right guests and knowing who can make that intro.