Ever since I started my podcast I've been told by a few people that they’ve always wanted to start a podcast, it’s been a dream of theirs and something they’ve always wanted to do but never done. Same old same old.
This is the thing, too many people hold back on realising their dreams because they are either too scared, too much of a perfectionist or they are waiting for the right moment to begin.
The reality is that you’ll probably just keep dreaming about it and never actually do it unless you develop a mindset which encourages you to play and lose the fear of failure.
Once you realise the process of following an idea or dream is not about its success but more about the experience and the journey you take to make it a reality, you can never lose.
You can keep telling yourself and friends that you don't know how to start or that you don't have the time. It's an excuse that you use to justify your lack of courage to take a leap of faith and invest in yourself.
It’s great to seek out help and learn from other’s experiences so I thought I’d go one step further and write a quick piece about what I’ve learnt starting my podcast and key questions I asked which might be useful for you to follow if you are looking to start something too.
Below are the key questions I asked myself and the steps I took when I was starting to explore the process of creating a podcast.
Hope it helps.
Step 1 - Observe:
Observation is essential at the start. Have a look at what others are doing and understand how they are doing it. Which people or companies do you like and why do you like them?
Observation starts with you picking an area of the market that you might want to replicate to a similar standard and then really digging deeper into how they achieve it.
Observe the extremes in the space. Do this to see the variety out there to give yourself a full understanding of what is being created, offered and sold.
Here are the questions I asked myself when planning to do the podcast:
Listen to, watch and make notes on your favourite podcasts and understand why you like them.
What about their setup, conversations, guests, and social media engagement did you like?
What type of podcast is it? What do they talk about and what do you take away from listening to them?
Step 2 - Understand:
Once you have seen who and what is in the space you are looking to work in, you need to try and understand the basics of what is required in this space. What sort of service needs to be provided? How do they deliver this service? How are they structured as a company? What do they deliver?
Understanding what others are offering is great because it gives you the foundations to match rivals and out-position them.
Having a full understanding of the competition and their USPs and being able to compare it with what you will offer will only help you understand your brand and therefore help you sell it once it is ready.
Here are the questions I asked myself when planning to do the podcast:
From the podcasts you’ve observed what setup do you like the most? A podcast which was just audio or video? Do they have 1, 2 or 3 guests? Do they last for less than an hour or more than an hour?
To replicate it, what equipment would you need to start one in the format you like?
How much time can you find to make it happen?
Step 3 - Replicate:
Now you have a solid understanding of the market and the competition the easiest way to start is by replicating what others are doing to see if you can deliver to the same standards or the standards you expect.
You need to find a manufacturer, buy the basic equipment or software and create a process to deliver the service or product you want to offer.
Here are the questions I asked myself when planning to do the podcast:
Which equipment is best for the type of podcast you want to produce?
What microphones do people use the most? Which microphone is the best sound quality to record at home vs in a studio?
Do you want floor stands for the microphones or arm holders attached to the table or table stands?
How can you record each episode? Online or in person? Do you have a space you could start recording in?
What camera or audio equipment do you have? What do you need to get?
What software do you need to learn to edit the sound and video content produced?
Step 4 - Plan:
Once you know you can create and deliver something to the standards you or the sector expect you need to plan how you are going to reach an audience.
You need to plan out what your brand will look like. You need to build a narrative, a voice which will connect to the public.
Plan out who will be your target market. How will you uniquely serve them? How will you build a connection with them? Why are you different and preferred?
How will your service stand out? How will you operate? How much money needs to be invested? Where will you be based? How will you be seen?
Here are the questions I asked myself when planning to do the podcast:
What theme do you want to have running through your podcast? Who do you want to talk to and why? What outcome do you want your listeners to have?
How often can you record? Can you learn to edit and produce the podcast? Can you hire someone to help?
How will the layout of the space look if you are video recording? What interior themes can you create to align with your podcast? How can you control or reduce external noises?
How long will each episode last? How many episodes are in a series? How often will a series be released?
Which platforms do you want to release your podcasts on? Where will you promote your podcast? How will you promote the podcast?
Step 5 - Start:
Now START! It's the hardest part to do but the most simple step.
Here's what I told myself when I decided to start:
Don't try and produce the perfect first episode, just produce a first episode.
Get started and learn through the journey where you can evolve, tweak and improve your whole set-up. Don't be scared of radical changes. Don't be scared of failure.
Don't look at how many people listened to or watched your podcast. Do this for you and stay true to the meaning it had to you when you originally wanted to start a podcast.
These next months are about consistency, authenticity and connection to yourself.
Just have fun and experience the process! Your life will not be defined by the early stages of this journey.
As Jurgen Klopp said when we arrived at Liverpool. "It's not important what people think when you come in, it's much more important what people think when you leave."
I am Will Flindall, host of the Valley of Outlaws Podcast where I speak to those who have decided to take control of their life and follow a passion or instinct.
If you feel like you could be getting more from your life, then maybe one of the conversations I’ve had with the Outlaws might help you kickstart a change.
Peace x
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