10 Things I Learned in 8 Months of Podcasting

1. Start small

My podcast started as an experiment. I didn't allocate any money to equipment only a couple of hours a week. I started by recording (with permission) interesting phone calls with friends about Hackathons (something we talk about all the time). You won't become the next big podcast overnight. Start where you are with what you have.

2. Utilize your network

The best way to gain guests on your podcast is to ask your friends and people that already know you. If they have fun they'll recommend others and share the episode and your influence will increase to be able to invite more people that are maybe 2nd or 3rd connections.

3. Focus on what you're interested in

I'm crazy about Hackathons/ innovation. That's a great place to start for me. Every now and again we venture into some different topics but that's the core of all my episodes. My love for Hackathons doesn't lock me into talking about Hackathons with guests. Be creative. I also believe if you don't have a couple of things that interest you specifically it's also cool to podcast about random things that interest you.

4. There are no rules

The format. The content. The aesthetic. Everything can be exactly how you want it to be. There is no right or wrong.

5. Numbers don't matter

It's nice to celebrate downloads and other "vanity metrics" but being able to impact 1 persons life is so amazing and you never know the impact that will lead to.

6. Be patient

Nobody will listen to you for a long time. Then many will give you a chance and not like it. After that, a few will consistently listen. Try not to judge the growth rates of others and compare them to yours. Everybody has their own journey. Be patient and be consistent.

7. Don't force yourself

Although I said be consistent I want to highlight if you don't feel like doing an episode don't. I would suggest being completely present especially if you have a guest. They are giving up their time to have a conversation with you, they deserve your complete attention. Your listeners deserve your 100% effort so if your mind is in 2 places at once, it's ok to put your podcast on pause.

8. Welcome feedback

Welcome feedback by refraining from getting defensive about a topic, your skills, or your podcast as a whole. Even with negative and sometimes unfair feedback, there is a once of truth.

9. Listen to other podcasts

There are a lot of great things to learn from other podcasters. Borrow techniques and styles you like. Combining them, remix them, and experiment until you have a formula you love.

10. Iterate publicly

It's ok for your podcast to be a work in progress. It's also more authentic for listeners to be able to see that. That is how you grow an intimate community, through transparency.

Hope this helped you a little. If you're curious about my podcast check it out on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1500623942