One of the most powerful benefits of podcasting is that it allows you to expand your reach and network with people you might never otherwise meet. However, it's important to have a strategy for how to follow up with people, and how to maximize the connections that you make. Below are my five favorite secrets for using podcasting as a way to make new connections and grow your business.
#1: Interview people you want to connect with.
This one is fairly straightforward. Since 2009, I've interviewed over 700 people, and I have some level of connection with all of them. Some have become good friends and even business partners. If you are looking to connect and learn more about someone, invite them to be a guest on your podcast. After you finish the interview you can set a day and time to follow up to learn more about each other.
#2: Highlight books and blogs on your podcast and follow up with the author
A question I often get asked is how to connect with other people if you're not doing an interview based podcast. A good solution is to talk about a book, blog or other content on your podcast and then share the podcast episode with the author. This is a great way to start a conversation, and the author will be grateful that you've helped them expand their reach.
#3: Ask for guest referrals
After you finish an interview with a guest, or even if your conversations with people, ask for referrals for guests for your show. People are always happy to share names of people they think would be a good fit for your podcast. This is a great way to generate new connections that can help you grow your business.
#4: Follow up with your social media followers
As you share your podcast episode on various social media platforms, pay attention to the people who like or retweet your posts. Reach out to them and invite them into a conversation. Ask them what they liked about your podcast and get their ideas about what they would like to hear in future episodes. This has worked well for many of my coaching clients and helped them gain new referral partners and business opportunities.
#5: Let your listeners know you are looking to connect
Perhaps one of the simplest but most overlooked strategies is letting your listeners know that you are open to connecting and hearing from them. Give them an email address to reach you and invite them to connect with you. Giving your listeners permission to connect with you will allow you to connect deeply with your raving fans. Make sure you let your listeners know that you want to hear from them!
As a coach, speaker and business owner meeting new people and networking is crucial for expanding your reach and growing your business. When you follow the above 5 strategies you will turn your podcast into a powerful networking tool.
To contact Doug, call 413-883-5518 or email him at dougforesta@gmail.com
For a FREE 30 minute Expand Your Reach Session, visit www.dougforesta.net/signup
Good advice, Doug!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dan!
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