Beyond Normal Media

Set up Zoom membership to record conversation audio. Learned that there is a need for more platforms to allow founders early to share their story.

Interviewed Domonique Boone, founder of Leslie's Laundry Care
which is Charlotte's premier delivery laundry and dry cleaning service for both residents and businesses alike.

It wasn't easy but we did it. Started to see the effects of using video. Lie streamed from Zoom to Youtube at first but was actively searching for new platform to make process easier.

Zoom as a streaming platform isn't ideal for podcasters. Main reason is the quality of the stream and the lack of ability to add things like intro/outro and quality editing.

In addition, the sponsorship in the second season accelerated listenership. from just a handful of streams per episode to 20+ per episode.

Launched first line of merchandise to raise funds to support the growth of the platform. At this point main cost was $18 a month for the Buzzsprout distribution platform, $15 a month for Zoom premium membership for recording.

Worked with designer and custom merch shop out of NY to finalize designs. Ended up putting in order for 12 hoodies (green) at cost of $30 a unit and 50 Panel hats (olive / beige options) at cost of $12 a unit.

Sold hoodies for cost of $50 and hats for cost of $30 with bundle offer for $100 including both hat options and a hoodie.

One learning was about shipping. I did not include this and tried to do pricing all in one number on the site. Learned shipping was a beast and that is a cost most retailers pass on to customers with very little resistance.

It was great having the support of my connections for this first release.