Just One Tip from Your Podcast Performance Coach

Latest Episodes:

064 How to Decrease Connection Fails when Recording Podcasts Oct 16, 2018

Show notes

Are you still there? Oh, uh you cut out there for a second. Can you say that again?

If you interview guests over the internet for your podcast, I'll bet you six bucks you've had this conversation. And, that's if you catch it! How many times have you finished up a recording session and patted yourself on the back for a job well done only to listen back and find out that your guest sounds like a cheap sci-fi robot? And no, there is no 'de-mechanicanize' secret button in Audacity or Audition that will instantly make your guest sound human again.

Technology is great... right up until it fails you. Then, there's a whole lot of swearing. And, I'm not talking about the swearing you're doing when you listen back. I'm talking about your audience. Nobody wants that kind of crap in their ears. Nobody wants to have to hit the 'back 30' button because that last sentence didn't quite make sense. It's super frustrating and annoying.

Is that how you want to treat your listeners - you know the very people you make this podcast for?

In this episode, I share one important tip that will vastly improve your internet connection, decrease your chances of having dropouts, stalls, technical interruptions, and guests who sound like they were born on a factory line. And I'm sorry to tell you this, it's going to make you smack your head and say 'that's so simple!' Yep, this one little tip is going to immediately change how your guest sounds.

Plus, I'll give you a little more insight into why these interruptions happens. We'll talk about all of the things that are out of your control and what you can do to get back that control. I'll also share some strategies for communicating with your guest to makes sure they're connecting the best way possible too.

Whether you use Zoom, Zencastr, Skype, or any other online conferencing system to record your podcast, you want that connection to sound as good as it can. Hit play and learn the most important thing you should be doing to improve that connection. Your guests will thank you, your fans will thank you, heck, your dog will thank you (since you are no longer cursing at the computer as you failingly attempt to fix it and now have so much more time for walkies).

By the way. These connection issues are one of the first things I ask my editing clients about. We also spend some time making sure their recording settings are optimized. It's totally selfish - I'm making my job easier as an editor - but it also means they have a much better sounding show. Win- win- win (that last one is for the listener). If you're looking for the kind of editor who cares what your show sounds like, hit me up for a free 15 minute consultation.

063 How to Save Your Podcast from Hijackers Oct 02, 2018

Show notes

Have you ever let your podcast get hijacked? You know - when a guest comes on and completely takes over and you slink away to the quiet shadows of your podcast? Have you heard this happen to other podcasters?

I have. It hurts me deep in my podcasting heart. And, I can hear it as it's happening. Things start out great. Host is in control. They ask a question and whoop, there goes the guest running away with the show. Same old spiel they've launched into on every show that will have them. Ten minutes and 10 plugs later and I'm screaming at the host through the ether 'You've lost control! Get back in there and remind this guy who's boss!'

Yes. Yes, I do actually yell. Show hijacks are not pretty.

It happens more than you think. Sometimes it's because your guest has an agenda - you know, like a book or an online program to sell. Sometimes they just love the sound of their own voice and when they see the opportunity to ramble they go for it. Either way - it's not good. It's not good for you as a host and it definitely is not good for your listener.

In this episode of Just the Tip, I'll share my top 5 tips for dealing with hijackers. You'll find out how to avoid being hijacked in the first place, what to do if you are facing down a podcast hijacker and the choices you have if you lose control for good.

Don't leave your podcast vulnerable. Learn how to save your show from being taken over by bully guests, insatiable promoters, and tiresome ramblers. Click play now.

By the way, I want you to have access to podcast-saving tips like this. So, subscribe to Just the Tip and never miss an episode.

Want to connect with me directly? Hit me up on email. I love hearing from other podcasters!

062 Is Poor Time Management Upsetting Your Podcast Audience? Sep 18, 2018

Show notes

Do you like having an audience? Do you want them to keep coming back, episode after episode? Then why are you constantly telling them you don't have time for them?

Rant warning! Time reference is one of my biggest pet peeves. I hate it when radio hosts and DJs reference time (or the lack of it) and I especially hate it when podcasters references it (it's not like you have to get out before the newscast or commercial break! You OWN your clock!!).

Tell me if you've heard this or said this before. "Well, that's all the time we have." Or, how about, "We're out of time."

Really? Are you really out of time? What more is there to talk about if only we had more time? Or, are you just too lazy to find a better way to gracefully exit the interview?

If you've listened to even one minute of my podcast then you know that I'm all about the listener. Everything you do as a podcaster should be with the listener in mind. So, think about it. What message are you sending to a listener when you cut things off 'for time'?

Here's what your listener thinks you're saying, "I, prominent and super-important podcast host, have no more time to give my listener than this prescribed time despite the fact that the guest has so much more to offer. I have to end things because sticking to time is more important than giving my listener all of the goodies." Or, perhaps even worse, "I don't know how to management time or my guest and now I have to short change my listener…"

Oh, you didn't think you were saying that? You are.

Good news. In this episode of Just the Tip, I help you understand why you're running out of time in the first place. And, I give you a few easy to use tools that will help you manage your time better, get out of an interview more gracefully (without referencing time), and stop sending unintended messages to your audience that they don't matter to you.

Sound good? Great - hit play. Do it now. I don't have all day here…

Speaking of time. If you'd like more of it to work on making your podcast the absolute best it can be - why not let me take editing off your to-do list. I love editing and would be happy to take care of that for you. Imagine what you could do to promote and perfect your podcast if you had those hours you currently spend editing back. Click here to learn more about my editing services.

Or, if you're wasting your precious time waffling about your podcast let me help. I'm a tell it like it is podcast performance coach! Take 15 minutes to chat with me about what you're struggling with. Book your free 15-minute discovery call here.

061 Why in the World are You a Podcaster? Sep 05, 2018

Show notes

Why do you podcast? Seriously, why? I'm not being smug (for a change). I want you to seriously think about this question.

There's a good chance that you knew the answer to this question when you started your podcast. Hopefully, you took the time when you started to figure out why in the world you wanted to become a podcaster! Maybe it was because you wanted to promote your business, try out a new marketing technique, establish yourself as a thought leader, have a reason to buy a giant microphone and cover your closet wall in foam. Maybe it was even 'because I want to be cool like Tim Wohlberg.' Legit reason. They're all legit.

And what about now? Is this still why you do it? Do you even know why you podcast anymore?

Seriously, WHY?

This is the question I ask all of my new coaching clients. It's step one. Sometimes, it's step two and three.

But, I always start there because the answer - the real answer - should inform everything you do in your podcast. Seriously. This is the one question to rule them all.

Precious. My precious.

Don't believe me? Plug some headphones into your earballs and let me explain. This episode is all about reconnecting with your 'why' and what to do if you've lost your way.

Speaking of which, if you need some help peeling all of the layers of the why-onion, I'm here. I promise not to cry. Or, at least not a lot. Well, maybe just not in an ugly blubbering kind of way. Okay, so just silent sobbing while we peel your why-onion. Sound like fun? Oh yeah! Grab my 30 Days to a Better Podcast coaching package and even if there are a few tears, I guarantee you'll have a better, more purposeful podcast in the end.

Click here!

060 How to Warm Up Your Podcast Guest Jul 31, 2018

Show notes

Have you ever had a dud of an interview? You know, your guest is dry as dust and half way through the interview you're wonder why you ever thought they'd be good for your show?

Do you watch late night talk shows and wonder why every guest (even the not so famous ones) are so good at being interviewed? You could chalk it up to the qualified host but the better bet is that the folks behind the scenes are doing their job.

Here's the inside secret to a avoiding duds and pulling out a great interview everytime - the warm-up interview.

This is something that happens in radio and television all the time. It's actually someone's job to warm up the guest before they go on air. This person checks the facts, figures out which stories and anecdotes are good, and (most importantly for live radio) makes sure they know what they can and can't say! Plus, the whole process helps to put the guest at ease (and reaffirms their confidence in themselves) so they perform better when they get on air.

If you think about it, it makes perfect sense. We all need to limber up before we get started, right? You always need to stretch a little, get pumped up, and get the lay of the land. We have to figure out where we're going and feel confident about it before we jump out of the gate.

So, how does this translate to podcasting? In this episode of Just the Tip, I share a few of the things I do before I start a recording session with a guest. I'll explain why warming up your guest will result in a more natural conversation, great content, and better listening experience for your audience. Oh, and let's not forget it will reduce the chance of you screwing up and sounding like an idiot.

Plus, I also explain how this little 3 - 5 minute practice can save you soooo much time in editing (and may even save your bacon if you're connection craps out).

So, stop interviewing cold. Click play to find out how and why you need to warm up your guest a bit before you jump into the recording session.

By the way… if you find you need your bacon saved a lot when it comes to editing, you may need to hire a professional. I can help. I offer custom editing packages for podcasters. Let me take care of the technical stuff so you can focus on the fun stuff like interviewing guests, connecting with your audience, and coming up with gold for the next show.

059 How to Keep Listeners When you Take a Podcast Break Jul 18, 2018

Show notes

Whether you're tired, out of ideas, or suddenly super busy - there are plenty of reasons to take a break from your podcast. But, if you do it wrong - you could kill your podcast stats and alienate your listeners.

The first question most podcasters ask is whether they should take a break or not. This really depends on your podcast and your audience. In this podcast, I address which types of podcasts are fine to take a break and which ones should not.

The second question podcasters SHOULD ask (but often don't) is how they'll hold on to their hard won listeners.

I can't say this enough: don't take your audience for granted. Seriously, they are everything. Remember my mantra - Think About Your Listener. Ask yourself, 'what would my listener want?'

This might help you determine if you should take a break and it will definitely help you figure out how to take a break without losing them to some new, young and sexy podcast. It happens!

This conversation is one that happens all the time in radio. The hosts have to take a break. You have to give them a vacation. So, how do you do that with as little disruption as possible. How do you make sure that you're not sending your listeners off into the arms of another show.

In the world of podcasting, your listeners may be a little more flexible. But, you still want to make sure they are still there, waiting when you return. In this episode, I explain what you should do (and shouldn't do) to increase your chances of retaining your audience.

I'll also tell you the most important tool in making sure your audience comes back after the break.

Plus, I'll tell you the surefire way to lose listeners when it comes to taking a needed break. And, if your podcast is a marketing tool for your business then there are a few extra questions you need to ask yourself before you commit to taking a break.

Yes, all of this juicy podcasting advice is squeeze into 5 sweet minutes. So, hit play. Find out if you should or shouldn't be taking a break and how to do it right.

By the way, taking a break is a great time to step back from your podcast and tinker with it a bit. It's also a great time to work with me. I love to tinker. If you're planning to take a podcast hiatus this summer, sign up for my 30 Days to a Better Podcast coaching package. In a month, we'll have a shiny new podcast to present to your listeners when your break is over.

http://podcastperformancecoach.com/30-day-better-podcast/

058 Help! I Hate the Sound of My Voice Jul 04, 2018

Show notes

Have you ever listened to your recorded voice and thought, 'I don't really sound like that'? Or, worse, considered quitting podcasting because you can't stand the sound of your own voice (and you can't imagine anyone wanting it beamed directly into their earballs)?

You are not alone!

A lot of broadcasters, professional speakers and podcasters hate the sound of their own voice. But, they've learned to get over it and in this podcast, I'm going to help you do that.

There's a very simple yet scientific reason that your voice sounds so different in playback than it does in your own head. And that difference is a big part of why we are so shocked to hear our own voices.

Unfortunately, there is very little you can do to actually change your voice - autotune aside - so you may as well get used to how it sounds to the rest of the world… you know those people who don't live inside your head where your voice sounds spectacular.

In this episode I give you 4 tips on how you can learn to love your voice (or at least get out of hate-town).

You don't have to love (or be in love) with your own voice. But, you also can't hate it - not if you want to keep doing this. A long standing hatred of your own voice is going to eventually lead to you quitting. You don't want to do that - you love podcasting!

So, hit play. Figure out how to mend this relationship problem you have with the sound of your own voice and get ready to sound more like a pro and love the process of podcasting a little bit more. If you implement these tips, I bet you'll never say you hate your own voice ever again.

And, here's the kicker. Your voice might still be meh… but you're going to feel better about it!

Remember, if you need help getting your presentation skills in order or if your podcast needs a refresh - hit me up for my 30 Days to a Better Podcast package. Not only will you love your voice more, you'll love what your voice is saying more too.

Referenced in this episode:

Just the Tip # 09 - Headphones Not Optional

Just the Tip # 016 A Workout for Your Podcasting Voice

Just the Tip # 017 Lower Your Podcast Voice (How to)

057 What's an Energy Mirror and How Can it Help Your Podcast? Jun 19, 2018

Show notes

Are you using the energy mirror technique to make sure your podcasts are consistent, engaging and on-brand? No? Then you better take a good look at yourself and your podcast.

The energy mirror technique is not a random word jumble as you may have guessed if you heard my last episode. (There really was a brilliant idea scribbled on that dried up sticky note!)

This technique is used by some of the best broadcasters in the biz. It's primarily for podcasters who interview guests on their show. It's particularly powerful for podcasters because often we can't see our guests as we interview them - and more importantly, they can't see us. And, when we only have audio to go off of, we can sometimes miss important cues. This is when the energy of the show suffers.

'Energy' is a critical part of your show - it can inspire listeners to sit up and pay attention or it can make them tune out (or turn it off). You want to make sure your show's energy is doing the former and not the latter. That's why it's important to be consistent with your energy from episode to episode (and even from beginning to end). This can be a challenge with guests because you can't control what they bring to the table.

Or, can you?

You guessed it -- energy mirror. Find out more about what this is and how to use it. We're talking about a technique that will take some practice to master but when you do, your podcast will sound better, your audience will love you more, and you'll be a kickass podcast ninja!

Stop reflecting on this - click play now!

Want some first hand advice on how to use the energy mirror and so much more? Grab my 30-Days to a Better Podcast coaching package. I guarantee you'll love how things look (and sound) when we're done.

056 How to Brainstorm your Podcast Ideas Jun 05, 2018

Show notes

Have you ever had an amazing podcast episode idea, promptly written it down on a sticky note for safe keeping only to find the incomprehensible scribble months later?

Put an end to forgotten and mislayed ideas! In this episode, I'm going to share a trick that every podcaster should be using so that brilliant ideas become brilliant podcasts (instead of dried up, illegible sticky notes).

Look, putting together a podcast takes a lot of brain power. Whatever your topic is, you have to come up with show topics that you can present in a way that will serve your audience. That usually means you've thought it out. You know, like before you hit record.

But, coming up with ideas and crafting them into a show outline takes time and energy. A lot of podcasters find this out the hard way - usually around episode 38. When you start your podcast the ideas are never ending… and then you hit the wall. You're banging your head, trying to will ideas to come to you but they're not there. You're reaching back into the week that was, certain that you'd had ideas. What were they, again?

Then, you start thinking crazy thoughts like - what if I just did an episode about my cat, or what if maybe I didn't do an episode this week… month… year. Stop the madness!

There is a way to capture ideas and inspiration so that you never run out of topics. How and when you do that is key. This is something I learned back in my days as a radio DJ. I had to come up with 30 things to talk about every day. I realize pretty quickly that I needed to always be brainstorming! That's when I came up with a system that ensured good ideas never got away.

So, take 5 minute right now and learn this super simple trick (that will become a good habit) if you want to get your ideas from your head (or sticky note) to published.

Need help articulating your ideas or formatting your show? Grab my 30-Days to a Better Podcast coaching package! We'll have you podcasting with ease in just one month.

055 How to Break the Podcast Rules and Get Away with It May 15, 2018

Show notes

Is your show starting to get a bit predictable (and boring)? Maybe it's time to break a few rules and shake things up a bit.

Breaking the rules (self-imposed or industry wide) can be risky business but it can also add some needed spark to your show. But - be warned - you can do it wrong.

There are a lot of good reasons to break the rules from time to time. Not all the time - but once in a while. And, if you've listen to my show at all, then you won't be surprised to hear that one of the main reasons you should throw the rules out the window is that it can really serve your listener.

In this episode of Just the Tip, I'll walk you through the dos and don'ts of breaking a few rules when it comes to your podcasts. Whether you're a solo-caster, part of a team or interviewing guests, I'll give you some great ways to shake things up a bit. You know, get a little freaky to keep the love alive.

Plus, I'll explain why you'll want to do this and exactly how it's going to make more of your listeners engaging fans.

Consider this episode your guide to detouring from the same old, same old; to safely leaving the path for a little bit.

Plus, I'll tell you the one rule you must never break. Let me say that again with a bit of reverb: One. Rule. You. Must. Never. Break. Yes, this could alienate your fans and kill your podcast. And, I've heard plenty of podcasters make this mistake.

So, wake up your inner rebel and press play. Mild anarchy is just ahead.

By the way, if you listen to this and think to yourself, 'Wait, what? I'm supposed to have rules? My show is supposed to have a plan?' then you need to grab my totally free Engaging Podcasts Blueprint. I mean, come on - you have to know the rules before you can break them.

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