An interview with Listen Notes about my podcast and my experience as a podcaster.
► Tell us about you and your podcast
I'm a Coach for Entrepreneurs, Start-up Mentor, and Podcast Host. I lived 20 years in South-East Asia before relocating to Finland in July 2019. I'm originally from France.
My podcast is 100% dedicated to entrepreneurship. My aim is to inspire as many entrepreneurs, wanna-be entrepreneurs, and anybody with an entrepreneur's mindset as possible.
► Why and how did you start this podcast?
As I mentioned I coach entrepreneurs, helping them do their job better. Podcasting is a great way to reach them. I'm a podcast listener myself. I find podcasts are a great source to keep on educating myself about different subjects. I also study hosts' styles and questioning techniques in order to improve my skills.
I created Inter:views, Cracking The Entrepreneurship Code in February 2020. I'm passionate about entrepreneurship, and even though there are as many companies as there are entrepreneurs' personalities, I believe there are common ways to do entrepreneurship the right way.
That's what I've been trying to find out on my podcast, interviewing entrepreneurs across industries and countries. They share practical tips and insights about their journeys.
I already had 5 videos from previous interviews I conducted. I first turned them into audio files and they became my first podcast episodes.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I publish a new episode every week, with a short break during summer and around Christmas. The podcast is at the core of my marketing strategy so I make it a priority, and dedicate time to it. I'm self-employed and I've been financing it with my personal income. I keep the costs to a bare minimum, try to do as much as I can by myself (editing, marketing, etc.) and I've been growing it organically.
"Podcasting helps me promote my brand as a Coach and find coaching clients. I also compile notes from the interviews with my guests and use what I learn into my coaching sessions."
► What do you gain from podcasting?
I don't have any paid sponsors at the moment. With an average of 550 downloads per month, my audience is still too small.
However, I do have an in-kind sponsor Social Prise, which helps me with my marketing visuals and digital marketing.
Podcasting helps me promote my brand as a Coach and find coaching clients. I also compile notes from the interviews with my guests and use what I learn in my coaching sessions.
My ultimate goal is to write a book about entrepreneurship.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I use LinkedIn as the main platform to find guests. I've also found guests on podcast dedicated platforms such as Matchmaker. From time to time, I get guests from advertising/PR agencies, which have been using podcasts more and more to promote their clients.
Before recording, I have a short intro chat with my guests. We use it as a get-to-know-each-other moment and prepare the interview together. I always use the same core questions, which I share with my guests before recording. In addition, I'll dig into 2-3 specific topics that my guests are particularly good at.
All interviews are recorded on Zoom.
► How do you market your show?
My show is hosted on Libsyn, which then distributes it to several platforms (e.g. Itunes, Spotify, Gaana, etc.). Half of my audience comes from the USA, through the Libsyn Classic Feed. My 2nd biggest audience is in India via Gaana (India is very entrepreneurship-oriented).
I publish the new episode on Tuesday. I'll do a teaser on Monday on my social media platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube), then publish several reminders during the week using different visuals and quotes. This is the part that requires most of my time.
Don't stop showing up. There are lots of podcasters who start but don't have the commitment to continue.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
I'll give 3 pieces of advice:
Have a clear purpose (or an angle). Know why you set up your podcast and stick to it.
Don't stop showing up. Competition is fierce, and results won't come overnight. There are lots of podcasters who start but don't have the commitment to continue.
Don't talk too much. I was a guest on several podcasts where the host was talking more than me. It's tempting to use the podcast to show your expertise but if you invite guests, let them talk, put the spotlight on them. Otherwise, do episodes by yourself only.
Subscribe to my podcast here.