High profile guests on your podcast can help your visibility and give your audience access to their amazing stories. Here’s how to book them.
Podcasting has become more and more popular as a way to increase the visibility of your business. And besides, it’s tons of fun! At least it has been for me these past two years.
When it comes to my Work Alchemy: The Impact Interviews podcast, I am fearless. I will ask anyone who I think would be a great guest. It empowers me to know that I’m bringing you conversations with amazing people, talking about their own experiences. So, I’ll do whatever it takes! (Without upsetting anyone or wearing weird costumes – those are out.)
While my guests have certainly included high profile folks, I’ve also gone to some lengths to connect with impactful people I hear about in the news. It’s a treasure quest, in a very real sense.
So what are my best secrets for connecting with and booking great podcast guests? Here are the big 5:
Twitter is one forum where high profile folks often respond themselves. That’s how I invited a well-known musician and video producer to be on the podcast, in less than 160 characters, so you know it doesn’t necessarily require a lot of verbiage! I had seen him at a conference the week before, but after being shoved aside (literally) by a groupie intent on getting a photo with him (she succeeded), I decided that approaching him in that melee wasn’t for me. Enter social media!
Another art form that I’m always perfecting is the conference catch. I gauge where it’s likely that speakers will exit from the stage, and go there. If they seem receptive, I politely give them my 15 second pitch. A famous journalist became a guest through this approach, combined with a Twitter follow-up.
Conference events that are organized so you can interact with these folks are great as well. A social media maven was one guest I invited that way.
However, many wonderful conference speakers come in to speak and are then off to the next item on their schedule, so the brief catch can be effective.
In my conference catch mode, I spoke with a prominent author and speaker coming off the stage and he gave me his email address. When I heard back, I was offered another speaker instead.
At first, I was disappointed, but the new guest turned out to be one of the best conversations I’ve had in the podcast. An unexpected delight! And an inspiring guest for my audience.
Sometimes you don’t even have to ask. I once Facebook posted that I very much enjoyed hearing an eminent teacher speak, and a friend spontaneously reached out to say that he knew her. Presto changeo! Connection! I was even able to invite her in person while still at the conference.
As you’re following this trail, it’s likely you’ll learn about 1 or 2 other people who would be great guests as well, even if you’re not able to speak with your original prospective guest.
One thing to remember: just because someone else once had a conversation with a famous person doesn’t mean they feel it’s appropriate to share their contact information. In fact, it rarely is. I’ve had multiple requests to be connected with one of my guests in particular, and I would never do that. My contact who connected me in that case was going out on a limb for me, and I don’t want to abuse that kindness. So if you are turned down, please be courteous about it. That’s the way to maintain a connection with me!
When I reached out in my low-key, polite Canadian way, I was so pleasantly surprised to find that people are open to being on a podcast they feel has a worthwhile topic.
These approaches will work equally well if you’re hosting a virtual summit or an in-person event.
Above all, be respectful and honor your guests, well-known or not, as people with many other priorities. If they are gracious enough to give you a chunk of their time, make them feel welcomed and appreciated.
When you do have a chance to talk with a guest you admire, enjoy it! It’s a rare opportunity for meaningful connection.
There Is Such a Thing As Too Much Free Content
When you fundamentally reexamine your marketing strategy, it’s very freeing. You can focus on what’s most important.
Do Your Prospects and Clients Really Know You?
People buy from those they know, like, and trust. How can you help them get to know your business? How can you build their trust?
Postpone Your Impact, and It May Never Happen
Life will always get in the way, if you allow it. We can put ourselves in a holding pattern too. For a long time, I put off starting a podcast. I’m not ready, I said. I don’t know how to do it, I said. I’m scared to do it, I said. I’ve got too much going on, I said.
