Two people asked me about the “Behind the Scenes” operations of the School of Podcasting. I was nervous about doing this episode. If you're new to the show, I normally don't talk about myself for 47 minutes. As I had two people ask similar questions, I thought I'd share information about:
Where I Started (Start Ugly – great book)
My first podcast setup
My first “business office”
Why and how I upgraded (and why you probably don't need to).
What I'm using now for the podcast and the business.
I also mention the Podcaster Happy Hour (check out this new networking and education event).
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My Goal of Being “THE” Guy
When I started the School of Podcasting my goal was to be THE guy that everyone thinks of when it comes to podcasting. I'll let you know if I achieve it. I'm always studying media hosts, and all the tools involved in the podcasting space. This way I can recommend the best tools for you. I study topics like SEO, Storytelling, and Advertising to help you get found. I've been inspired by people like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James for their work ethic. I do my best to focus on topics that will help podcasters grow their audience.
I Didn't Start Here
I started in my brother's basement after I had gone through a divorce and bankruptcy. It was elegant, but it worked. You start where you are. If you wait for the perfect time and place, you will be waiting forever. You start ugly. You start where you are.
later I had a spare bedroom with my sister
My office above the Martin Corner's Deli
The First Video Cameras Back in the Day
My Second office getting ready to go back to Akron
Back in Akron, I Created the Wall of Listeners
Luxury Podcast Items
For me, a luxury item is something you WANT but don't necessarily need. For example, I had Elgato Key lights that bolted to my desk. They work fine. But then I saw a YouTube video with an Impact Varipole, and six months later, I had one and moved my lights to the ceiling.
There are TONS of AI tools and they are nice, and for the most part about 80% helpful if you are struggling with typing and coming up with ideas. I have some lights in my backdrop currently.
I did a video about this topic (that shows my lights)
You Don't Have to Be Great To Start
There is an old Zig Ziglar quote, “You don't have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great.” So as you look at others (always a bad idea to compare yourself to others) and you see where they might look or sound better, never forget that YOU PRESSED RECORD. More importantly you PRESSED PUBLISH, and there are SO MANY people who have been thinking about starting a podcast for YEARS and you DID IT. Keep GOING.
Question of the Month
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Mentioned In This Episode
Join the School of Podcasting Community
Ask Ralph Christian Finance Show
Wave Business Software (you might check out Moxie as well)
Ray Edwards ClarityScribe
