Podcasting is an amazing tool by which anyone can use their voice to change the world! In celebration of National Podcast Day, I'll share four amazing things you can accomplish with a podcast.
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1. Find your success (for a business or hobby)
In 1878, Margaret Wolfe Hungerford (AKA “The Duchess”) published her book Molly Bawn and said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Today, I like to say, “Success is in the mind of the pursuer.” In other words, you define your own success.
Success could mean becoming famous, or earning your living from your own business, or finding others like you, or getting a certain-sized audience, or simply having fun. Your success is yours to invent, and don't try to pursue someone else's success!
I define my personal success as running a business I enjoy that supports my life I love. I want to be known in my industry, keynote events, and generate enough consistent income that I can pay off my mortgage and be more generous to others. I'm already accomplishing these and other things, so I see myself as succeeding, even though I'm not making the massive money as others in my fields.
How do you define your success?
2. Build relationships
Podcasting is a very personal medium. Whether you publish in audio or video, you are primarily communicating with your voice. Your audience listens to your voice while they're working, driving, relaxing, mowing, playing, and more—sometimes even where other voices aren't allowed (“commode content-consumers”?).
This makes your connection with your audience not only personal, but even intimate at a low level. Treated well, you can nurture these connections into actual relationships—business partnerships, friendships, support, and even marriage (in rare circumstances).
These relationships aren't just between you and your audience, but they can also be among your audience members. This turns your audience into a community of its own growing relationships.
I've seen these relationships accomplish incredible things—and I'm not just talking about business or making money. I have seen creative collaborations on art, friendships, accountability, and much more.
What kind of relationships do you want to build?
3. Change lives
Relationships give you incredible opportunities to influence. But even without knowing every audience member, you can still be a respected influencer to change lives.
Think of the podcasts you have watched or listened to that changed your life in some way. Did you find a better way to manage your time? Did you work yourself out of a metaphorical pit? Were you inspired to hold onto hope? Have you been motivated and empowered to accomplish a goal? I can easily answer “YES!” to each of these questions.
Listening to podcasts changed my life in so many ways that I have no idea what my life would be if I never found my first couple podcasts.
Do you want to change the world for good? Then start by having a positive impact, one person at a time.
I highly recommend that you listen to Cliff Ravenscraft's keynote from Podcast Movement 2014.
How have podcasts changed your life? How can you use your podcast to change others?
4. Have fun!
Let's not forget that podcasting can be loads of fun! As podcasters, we get to talk about the stuff we love (our passions), discover others who share our same interests, and do some really cool things.
Listen to my past episode about how to have fun with your podcast for new ideas.
If you don't enjoy what you podcast about, then _stop_! Find a new passion and your audience will probably follow you.
How do you have fun with your podcast? Do you really enjoy what you talk about?
Announcements
- National Podcast Day is September 30. Visit the website to see how you can participate, what you may have missed this year, and what you can do to make it even better next time!
Need personalized podcasting help?
I no longer offer one-on-one consulting outside of Podcasters' Society, but request a consultant here and I'll connect you with someone I trust to help you launch or improve your podcast.
Ask your questions or share your feedback
- Comment on the shownotes
- Leave a voicemail at (903) 231-2221
- Email feedback@TheAudacitytoPodcast.com (audio files welcome)
Connect with me
- Subscribe to The Audacity to Podcast on Apple Podcasts or on Android.
- Join the Facebook Page and watch live podcasting Q&A on Mondays at 2pm (ET)
- Subscribe on YouTube for video reviews, Q&A, and more
- Follow @theDanielJLewis
Disclosure
This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship and may receive compensation from your actions through such links. However, I don't let that corrupt my perspective and I don't recommend only affiliates.
Hi Daniel,
I’m Jeanne Tiberio and I’d first like to tell you how much I’ve learned from your podcast! I really enjoyed Ep 192. I have just started podcasting (17 eps) and my podcast focuses on networking with others who are into healthy eating, stress management and sustainability. My podcast has a humorous feeling to it.
I’m looking for a frequent (or occasional guest co-host) who is also passionate about these issues…being funny is a plus!
If you could re-post or send out the word, I’d greatly appreciate it. My site is http://healingoutsidethebox.net.
If we can get a sponsor or advertising gig, I’ll split the revenue 50/50. I’m more interested in visibility than a ton of money.
Also, I go back to Ep 70 frequently. Could you or Todd Cochran re-do a similar episode with the new powerpress 6.0?
Many thanks!
Thanks, Jeanne!
Yes, I do plan to redo my PowerPress tutorial in the future. In the meantime, check out http://www.powerpresspodcast.com/2014/09/14/powerpress-6-0-news-pro-hosting-info/