It’s safe to say that most of your podcast listeners don’t have the slightest idea of the work that goes into creating and promoting your show.
While to you, producing the show is an all-encompassing labour of love that dominates much of your schedule, to them, it’s one forty-five-minute chunk of time listening to one of many shows they follow.
This difference in perception can lead many producers to fall into the trap of feeling that they’re owed something by their audiences.
This feeling is understandable.
As a podcast producer, it’s easy to grow bitter over the disconnect between the massive amounts of time and effort that go into producing the show, and the utter lack of recognition by your audience for that investment.
But while the feeling is understandable, it isn’t right or constructive.
While putting in time and effort working for an employer entitles you to compensation, the same does not hold true for podcasting, or any creative pursuit.
When it comes to podcasting, the only way you’re going to be compensated–with accolades, status, or money–is by making it abundantly clear to your listeners that their life is better with you in it, and then making them a compelling offer on how they can support you.
Rather than feeling that you are owed something by your listeners, if you want to be rewarded for your show, it’s much more helpful to adopt the mindset of you, yourself being the one who is indebted to your listeners.
How would you produce your show differently if you owed your entire livelihood to them?
Would you show up with more generosity, consistency, and focus if they were the ones footing the bill for everything you created?
Even if that isn’t the case right now, shifting your mindset to one of owing it to your listeners to show up with your very best self every time you interact with them can actually help you create the type of show and community where this becomes the reality.
Act like your entire livelihood is owed to your audience long enough and it just might end up being true.
Every Sunday I send out an exclusive article on how to use podcasting to build an audience and grow your business.
No opt-in, no freebie no bribe. But hopefully a new perspective, encouragement, and maybe even some occasional wisdom. It’s something I’m proud to create and I’d be honoured to share it with you.
Jeremy travels full-time, loves long-distance cycle touring, and will always look back on the day he finally saved up enough money to buy the Millennium Falcon Lego set as one of his proudest achievements. He believes that the way to grow sustainable businesses is by leading with heart, vulnerability, and helping your people be and become their best selves.
- Why Wouldn’t They Just Google It? - March 14, 2021
- Before You Can Market Your Podcast, You Need To Create A Marketable Podcast - March 11, 2021
- Podcast Promotion & Marketing Are Different (Here’s How to Use Each Effectively) - March 10, 2021
