Managing Podcast Guests Like a Pro ???

Hey Podcast Fam,

Welcome back to our newsletter series! Today, we're diving into a topic that can make or break your podcast: Guest Management. Getting the right guests and managing them effectively can elevate your podcast to new heights. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your process, these tips will help you navigate the world of guest management like a seasoned pro.

Finding the Perfect Guest ??

1. Know Your Audience

• Understand who your audience is and what they care about. This will help you identify guests who can provide valuable insights and resonate with your listeners.

2. Research Potential Guests

• Look for experts, influencers, or personalities within your niche. LinkedIn, social media platforms, and industry events are great places to start. Anisha started her journey using her professional network by interviewing her own friends and colleagues. In the early days, she used Instagram, Linkedin & Twitter (X) to find her guests, but now she gets regular emails and messages from people who request to be interviewed as well as recommendations from people within her network.

3. Check Previous Appearances

• When you do your research on a potential podcast guest, check if they have been on other podcasts. Listen to those podcast episodes to get a sense of their style and the value they bring.

Reaching Out: The Art of the Pitch ??

1. Personalise Your Invitation

• Address them by name, mention specific things you admire about their work, and explain why you think they’d be a great fit for your show.

2. Be Clear and Concise

• Outline what the interview will entail, the expected duration, and any other relevant details. Make it easy for them to say yes!

3. Highlight the Benefits

• Explain how appearing on your podcast can benefit them, such as exposure to your audience or promoting their latest project.

If this is something you struggle with or you'd like some support on pitching your podcast, join the Behind The Mic Community as Anisha has started sharing templates that she personally uses as a podcaster. Last week she shared her 3-month social media content calendar but she is keen to share some of her email sequences/templates in the near future!

Preparing for the Interview ??

1. Do Your Homework

• Research your guest’s background, recent work, and key interests. This shows respect and helps you ask insightful questions.

2. Share the Agenda

• Send a brief outline of the topics you plan to cover. This helps guests prepare and ensures a smooth conversation. Anisha used to share a specific list of questions or themes for the podcast episode in the early days of her podcast. This has transitioned to a Google Form that she sends out to all her guests to answer specific questions about their achievements, challenges, and motivation within their pharmacy career....things she might not find through social media or on the individual's website, for example. This gives her ideas for questions she might want to ask in the interview.

3. Test the Tech

• Ensure your recording equipment and software are working perfectly. A quick tech check with your guest beforehand can prevent any last-minute issues!

During the Interview: Creating a Comfortable Environment ??

1. Build Rapport

• Start with some light conversation to make your guest feel at ease. A relaxed guest is more likely to open up and share great stories.

2. Listen Actively

• Pay close attention to their responses and be ready to follow up with impromptu questions. This makes the conversation more natural and engaging. Inform your guest that you make take some notes during the episode to help you remember topics or questions you want to ask next.

3. Respect Their Time

• Stick to the agreed-upon length of the interview. This is really important! Value your time and your guest's time. If you need more time, always ask if they’re okay with continuing.

Post-Interview Etiquette ??

1. Send a Thank-You Note

• A simple thank-you email goes a long way in showing appreciation and building long-term relationships.

2. Share the Release Plan

• Inform your guest when the episode will go live and provide them with links and promotional materials they can share with their audience.

3. Keep in Touch

• Stay connected with your guests. They can become great allies, future collaborators, or even recurring guests.

Pro Tips for Managing Multiple Guests ??

1. Use Scheduling Tools

• Tools like Calendly or Doodle can simplify the process of scheduling interviews, especially when dealing with multiple guests.

2. Maintain a Database

• Keep track of your guests’ contact information, interview dates, and key details. This helps in managing follow-ups and future invitations. Anisha uses tools like Asana to manage this.

3. Stay Organised

• Use project management tools like Trello or Asana to keep track of your podcasting workflow and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Final Thoughts

Managing podcast guests effectively is a blend of art and science. By being organised, respectful, and thoughtful, you can create a memorable experience for your guests and deliver valuable content for your audience. Remember, the relationships you build with your guests can lead to incredible opportunities and collaborations down the line.

Have a story about a memorable guest experience or a tip to share? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line or share your thoughts in the comments below.

Join Our Community ??

Ready to connect with other budding podcasters, access exclusive resources, and get support on your journey? Join our growing community, Behind The Mic. It's all free, and we'd love to have you with us!

??? Behind The Mic Community: Join here!

Thank you for being a part of this journey, and we hope you enjoyed this week's newsletter.

If you have any success stories to share, comment below because we would LOVE to hear about them.

Anisha & Sunjay

Connect with Us:

?? Website: www.pharmacistdiaries.com

?? LinkedIn: Anisha Patel and Sunjay Vyas

?? YouTube: Watch Pharmacist Diaries and Anisha and Sunjay

??? Behind The Mic Community: Join here!

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