5 tips to make networking work for your podcast
Build your network = grow your influence.
Networking. I know, yuck. But when it comes to your podcast, it’s a necessary evil. Good networking skills help expand your shows’ reach, create a community with your peers, and maybe even spark creativity.
Networking, in a weird way, is kind of like dating. Maybe the thought of putting yourself out there still makes you squirm. Or maybe you’re a total extrovert, but your efforts have resulted in superficial relationships. Not only do you have to get them to swipe right, there has to be a meaningful connection in the end. Or in other words, the goal should be quality over quantity.
Sure it’s daunting at first, but we promise it gets easier with a little practice and patience. Before you know it, you’ll be confidently approaching total strangers and making deep, mutually beneficial relationships like it’s NBD! Here are 5 tips to make networking work for your podcast.
1. Work the (right) room
Let’s get the scariest part of networking out of the way: events. Luckily there’s no shortage of them out there meant just for podcasters. There are conferences at the local and national level that offer workshops, panels, keynote speakers, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with industry folk. If you can budget for registration fees and travel costs, attending at least one major event means a chance to connect with experts in the field as well as other podcasters like you. Why not think outside of the podcast circuit too? Google happy hours for entrepreneurs or meetups related to your field. You never know who you might meet, you may even discover an untapped guest pool.
Pro tip: Conferences can be intimidating, especially when you’re surrounded by hundreds of strangers who all seem to know each other. Make life easier and set a reasonable expectation for yourself — like staying for a minimum of 1 hour or not leaving before talking to at least one person. Also have a goal in mind before you walk through those doors. Looking for guests to fill your pipeline or production help? Or maybe you just want to offer your expertise to help up-and-comers. Establishing your intentions will focus your attention and maximize the conversations you’ll be having.
2. Make the first move
If there’s someone you want to chat up, don’t wait until the event to start the conversation. But you also want to make sure you’re connecting with the right people, so where do you begin? If you’re just getting your feet wet in podcasting, meeting other new podcasters is a great place to start. As you get more comfortable, diversify your network to include contacts from all areas of the podcasting world and beyond. Build relationships with writers, members of the media, and entrepreneurs. Networking with the right people can open doors and help turn your passion project into a paying gig.
Pro tip: Look for Mrs. or Mr. Right. Even if you’re still not sure how to get through to a certain connection, ask for an introduction instead. You can always find someone who knows everyone to help connect you with the right people. For smaller events, get in touch with the organizer directly. Or when dealing with VIPs, look for a PR or media contact.
3. Come here often?
Ok, pick up lines are terrible, but a good ice-breaker is a must. It never hurts to have a few go-to conversation starters whenever you find yourself in a room of strangers. You can’t go wrong with universal themes like food, travel, or entertainment, but always lead with a thought-provoking question that doesn’t require a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. Have your eye on connecting with a specific person? Do some research and check out their website or social pages. Are they speaking on a panel or leading a workshop? Read up their background and what they’ve been up to lately. Use this intel to initiate the convo, while also showing that you’ve done your homework.
Pro Tip: Ditch the elevator pitch. We’re all about promoting your podcast, but we’re building genuine personal connections here. This is the time to take a back seat and listen. People love to talk about themselves, so give them the opportunity to do so! Be curious about what they do, ask stimulating questions, and find ways you can help or provide value for them. When it is time to talk about your business, focus on sharing your story versus selling.
4. But when you literally can’t
Some days we prefer to avoid human contact altogether. Amirite? Luckily, the internet has a knack for bringing like-minded individuals together. Get on LinkedIn if you’re not already. Even if it’s not where your audience lives, it can be a powerful tool to build your inner circle of peers, connect with potential mentors, source candidates when you’re ready to expand your team. Dedicated groups on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Google+ offer communities for podcasters to share resources and ideas. Remember networking is a two-way street and you can offer advice or support to someone else in need too.
Pro tip: There’s an app for that. If you don’t have the cash to throw at attending a conference this year, there are plenty of free tools for the casual networker. Shapr makes it easy to meet new people by matching your interests, location, and professional experience. You can check out more networking apps here.
5. Take things to the next level
You’ve initiated the conversation and are hitting it off. Now what? Before you start collecting those business cards, cocktail napkins with email addresses, and DMs make sure you have a system in place for following up. Whatever system you choose, keep your contacts in one place along with any notes you take so no one falls through the cracks. Ask how they prefer to keep in touch (email, via LinkedIn, etc.) and make sure to send a thank-you note within 48 hours if warranted. Always be helpful and considerate when reconnecting — maybe even share something they may find useful.
Pro tip: Your new-found networking skills should extend to your audience too. You’re building a community with your show after all. Engage with your fans on a one-to-one basis whenever you can. Reply to their comments, answer their emails, and let them know what events you’ll be attending so they can come see you in person. Creating personal relationships with your listeners creates brand evangelists who will help spread the word. You may even find that have some pretty great ideas too for creating new content.
