Podcasting’s Post

80% of feedback is useless. And 90% would be from people you love. When you’re attempting to do something unconventional, all types of people will have all sorts of opinions. “Change this” “Do that” “Stop doing this” The list goes on. I had someone tell me the other day to tone down the duration of my podcasts to 4 minutes from 40. I understood where he was coming from. But really? A 4-minute podcast? That’s like calling a couple of sushi rolls a feast. Now don’t get me wrong, I respect the person who gave me this advice a lot. This however doesn’t change the fact that his feedback was useless for me. …Or so I thought. Over the past year, I’ve been studying 2 aspects of human interaction deeply. 1) Listening 2) Taking Feedback And one of the things I’ve discovered about feedback is that the usefulness of the feedback isn't so much about the feedback itself but the label you place around it. I intensely thought about the “4 minute podcast” advice I received. This was the lesson I was able to extract from it: 1) The premise of the feedback was around depleting attention spans 2) My podcasts should get better at keeping people’s attention throughout the video, not just the start (by including a few breathers here and there). Now, why did I bother thinking so deeply about this seemingly insignificant suggestion? Glad you asked. A few days back, I saw a video of a YouTuber named “EverydayAstronaut” helping Elon Musk make a groundbreaking change to his starship. How? He asked him a simple question (fascinating video, highly recommend checking it out). Now Elon could’ve answered the question immediately and moved on. But noticing the critique inside the question, resulted in him redefining the starship’s design, thereby saving him a lot of money. This got me thinking. “Maybe it's not about the opinions I hold, but the questions I ask.” Interesting. So what would be the right question? I thought and thought. And finally struck a breakthrough. You know how we are quick to label the person giving us advice as “qualified” or “unqualified”? This is the wrong approach. The question isn’t, “Is the person giving me feedback qualified?” But rather, “Am I qualified enough to take this feedback given to me?” The difference between both these questions is where the power lies. The first instance gives all the power to the other person. The second instance gives all the power to you. Takeaway from all this? How to get better at taking feedback, sure. But more importantly, Ask the right questions man. Solves like 90% of the problem. ___ PS. What are the useless pieces of advice you've received that turned out to be useful in the future? #feedback #asktherightquestions #listening

In the world of podcasting, where voices are amplified and opinions freely expressed (nothing like a keyboard warrior on a rant!), it's inevitable that you'll encounter feedback – both positive and negative. While positive feedback can be a gratifying pat on the back, it's the negative feedback that can be more challenging to navigate. But fear not, intrepid podcasting adventurers! Dealing with negative feedback and constructive criticism is an essential part of the growth process. With the right mindset and strategies, you can turn criticism into fuel for improvement and emerge as a stronger, more polished podcaster. Defining Negative Feedback vs. Constructive Criticism It's important to distinguish between negative feedback and constructive criticism. Negative feedback is often dismissive, insulting, or unhelpful. It focuses on personal attacks rather than constructive suggestions for improvement. Constructive criticism, on the other hand, is well-intentioned and offers valuable insights to help you grow. It's about pointing out areas for improvement without being hurtful or demoralizing. How to Handle Negative Feedback When faced with negative feedback, it's natural to feel defensive or upset. But remember, criticism is not always a reflection of your worth or your podcast's quality. It's simply an opportunity to learn and grow. Here are some tips for handling negative feedback effectively: Take a deep breath and listen: Before reacting, take a moment to process what's been said. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment. Negative feedback is often calculated to elicit an emotional response from you–give yourself time to formulate the perfect response. (Everyone is familiar with the perfect response a day AFTER an issue occurred and you wish you had said that in the moment. This is the time to come up with that perfect response!) Consider the source: Evaluate the feedback based on the source. Is it coming from someone you trust and respect? Or is it from an anonymous Internet troll? Separate facts from opinions: Identify the factual aspects of the feedback, such as technical issues or content mistakes. Separate those from personal opinions or subjective preferences. Sweet or salty? Some like caramel popcorn, others prefer cheese. Then, there are some that really enjoy Garrett’s popcorn in downtown Chicago where they mix the cheese and caramel together giving you a completely new sensation. Perhaps that’s a bad analogy here as I really want some Garrett’s now! (Garrett’s is NOT a sponsor of this blog post–but I’m willing to entertain an offer!) @GarrettPopcorn #MWSSblog #podcasting #podcastinglife #podcaster More here: https://lnkd.in/gfFqfJgx

🎅12 days of podcasting tips from The Podmaster🎄 Day 3 👉 Make a mindset shift towards 'loving your haters'. I mean, I'm obviously exaggerating. Nobody actually WANTS to get real full-on 'hate'. Unless they're a psychopath. In which case, I'll take that back - 97% of LinkedIn wants real hate! But if it's constructive feedback, you need to learn to be grateful for it. Even if it's not exactly what you WANT to read. It indicates 'real' feedback. Not just 'supportive' or sycophantic feedback. You've seen it yourself. Someone on here excitedly announces their new podcast and all their mates post comments like "yay! Can't wait to listen". And then... That's the end of that. You have no idea if they actually did bother listening. And outside of that positive and supportive congratulations comment, you have no real way of discovering what they thought. Or do you? Let's face it, chances are you'd never dream of asking them. I mean, what if they hated it? You don't want to know that! And if they've gone as far as leaving a review on your podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify... well, it had better be a good one! Or you'll get upset and angry. You might even consider quitting the podcast. Here's why that's the wrong attitude to take. These people aren't sugar coating it. They're not telling you what you want to read for fear of upsetting you. Actually, they're giving you the best possible glimpse that you're ever going to get into how your content is being received by total strangers. And that's valuable insight. Assuming it's not intentionally nasty trolly stuff that's been obviously written by someone with a personal grudge (happened to me numerous times) then you'd benefit from taking note of what they're telling you. Sound quality complaints? Have a listen. Do they have a valid point or is it just their own experience based on their listening device of choice? What you hear will give you a better idea. Content not resonating with them? Take that on board and consider whether there's something you can do to improve their listening experience. Negative feedback on the durations of the episodes, or the guests? This is important data! Note it, and decide if it's valid. If so, make plans to act on it. And ENCOURAGE MORE FEEDBACK. Ask for reviews (not to help you get discovered or ranked in the charts because it won't and STOP TELLING YOUR LISTENERS THAT IT WILL!!!) Ask for them because you genuinely seek to grow and improve. Tell them to leave the reviews on the podcast apps, and also on your site if your webtool allows. You can even put together your own survey using a dedicated survey provider or even a Google doc. At Podknows Podcasting we use Podtrac, Inc.'s listener survey system from time to time. It's all useful data. We're entering a time of giving and generosity. Ask your listeners to be generous with their time in offering you feedback which will help you grow your show! #podcastmarketing

After a full day of meetings I can feel shattered. Completely drained. I know why this is, it’s because I am an introvert. Do you too feel like you are running on empty after a busy day of “peopling?” If the answer is yes then this week’s podcast episode is especially for you. In the latest episode of the Business Advisor Podcast we do a dive into what it means to be an introvert in a world that can't stop talking. I look at some of the common myths and share how being an introvert is not about being shy or withdrawn—it's about where you draw your energy from. Here are some of the biggest challenges introverts face: Energy Drain from Social Interactions: Unlike extroverts who gain energy from social interactions, introverts spend energy, which can lead to feeling depleted by the end of the day. The Introvert Hangover: After periods of social activity, introverts often experience deep exhaustion, needing extended downtime to recover. Misunderstandings in Social Settings: Introverts are often misunderstood as aloof or disinterested because they prefer deep conversations to small talk and may need breaks from socialising. But it's not all challenges; we also discuss the superpowers that introverts wield and how you can use these traits to your advantage to deliver a robust business advisory offering and have higher revenue with better clients whilst working less hours. (Which is always advantageous for an introvert, we need our rest!). Links to the episode are in the comments section below.

Check out the new episode - This is a subject I disagree with most of my friends on and agree with my kids and their friends on! Would love to see your comments or reactions in the comments. Apple Podcasts https://lnkd.in/enaQaPRM Spotify Podcasts https://lnkd.in/egB9n4Xh Show notes The idea that a meritocracy exists is a contentious one. To suggest that the best people rise to the top in any field makes sense. But is there any evidence that it truly exists? What are we talking about? Meritocracy is defined as the practice of judging and rating individuals based on their performance, with the belief that the most meritorious should rise to the top. It’s not clear cut though, since there are challenges in measuring merit, especially in complex organizational structures where success often involves teamwork and external factors. Challenges to this idea: Does past performance truly predict future success?  How much of success can be accounted for by factors like luck, social status, and demographics? These are questions we must ask. There is inherent bias and unfairness in meritocracy, since it perpetuates inequality and overlooks potential systemic barriers like class, race, gender etc. Meritocracy gained popularity, particularly in business contexts, as a means of justifying success and maintaining a sense of fairness often does not exist. What about in sport? Do sports, with their clear metrics for success, represent true meritocracy? In some cases they might, but luck and external support systems are key to athletic achievement.  The “best” player often does not win. The Illusion of Fairness: Meritocracy can serve as a facade for fairness, masking deeper issues of privilege, discrimination, and power dynamics within organisations. It is a flawed concept that fails to account for the complexity of human potential and the influence of external factors. There is the need for a shift toward assessing potential rather than past performance, acknowledging the role of luck and systemic advantage. Conclusion: Has there been a clearer DedX? Not in this series. Anna and John conclude that meritocracy is without merit:) It is a great idea, but in practice, when the start line is different for everyone, merit is not the only influence on success. Meritocracy is firmly binned! Resources - The Tyranny of Merit.  -    Michel Sandel  https://lnkd.in/eT89zv4h https://lnkd.in/eFPUUhWq

It’s Podcast Time!! (hasn’t got such a great ring to it as Hammer Time, has it??!! 😂😂) It’s Wednesday, so that means it’s time for a new episode of the High Vibe Tribe podcast – Woop Woop!! And this week, it’s another ‘Ask Me Anything’ episode… I love doing these episodes – I don’t prep in advance, and you can really tell in this episode as I’m actually searching for the questions as I’m speaking #Prep What I love about that is that you’re getting the ‘uncut’ version of me. The version where I like to be as surprised as anyone else by what comes out of my mouth 😂😂 It’s just me and you, in the moment. In this episode, I’m answering these questions:- · What are the Top 5 Books you’d recommend to change your life & business?   ➡️ Very difficult. I think I actually give 6 by lumping two together #Cheat · How do you not give away too much for free in podcasts, masterclasses, talks etc?   ➡️ This is a really interesting one because I feel we always want to be giving value, and equally we can’t give away all the goodies · What’s your message to someone who thinks ‘coaching is not for people like me’?  ➡️  Love this question!! I could do a whole podcast on this alone! · What do I wish I had done sooner in the business? ➡️ Again, I found this a tricky one to answer ‘cos I like to live from the point of view of not judging myself for stuff I didn’t know before; so it’s challenging to strike a balance   If you’d like to submit a question for the next ‘AMA’ episode, then drop me a message; you can even ask for it to be anonymous if you like, we’ve done those before 😉 In the meantime, have a listen in to this week’s episode and let me know what you think! The High Vibe Tribe podcast is available on all the usual platforms, and the links for Spotify and Apple are in the comments. --------------------------------------------- I'm Dawn, your Zero BS, High Vibe AF Coach.   🦄 I strategise your BRAIN & your BUSINESS, so you can achieve your next 'Best Month Ever'   Like this post?   🔔 Ring my bell to see my content in your home feed   📧 Drop me a DM to see how we might be able to work together   🎇 Come join our FREE Community - High Vibe Tribe - link is in my Featured Section   🎤 Listen to the High Vibe Tribe podcast on all major platforms

My Top 9 Podcast Episodes of 2023. All killer, no filler. 1 - "Diary of a CEO" with Steven Bartlett Episode 180 with Julian Treasure Julian Treasure is a prolific author and one of the most popular TED speakers of all time. His talk ‘How to Speak So People Want to Listen’ has been viewed over 50 (!) million times. 2 - "Think Fast, Talk Smart" with Matt Abrahams Episode 103 with Carmine Gallo “You have to connect with people in a language they understand.” Matt was a star guest on my podcast recently, and Carmine Gallo has written some of my favorite communications books of all time, including his recent The Bezos Blueprint. 3 - "The Tim Ferriss Show" Episode 694 with Sam Corcos “A lack of communication is a lack of performance.” These are the words of Sam Corcos, co-founder of Levels. In this episode, Tim and Sam do a deep dive on communication between co-workers. The conversation is full of insights on how to build a high-performance team and eliminate time waste at work. 4 - "Small Business PR" with Gloria Chou Episode: 3 Ways PR and Pitching Has Helped Me in Other Areas of Business This hands-on episode is especially helpful for small, early stage businesses and how to get featured in media, building relationships with journalists, and making every pitch you write relevant. 5 - "The Most Awesome Founder Podcast" Inspiration Sessions The back-and-forth between WHU entrepreneurship prof Dries Faems and lifelong entrepreneur and globally-recognized startup expert Gerrit McGowan are both fun and thought-provoking. 6 -  "The Prof G Pod" with Scott Galloway Episode No Mercy / No Malice: Tell Me A Story Scott Galloway’s take on the intersection between business and storytelling condensed into a short audio piece – pure gold. 7 - "HBR IdeaCast"  Episode: If You Want Culture Changes, Create New Stories 4 out of 5 companies are in the middle of a change process. Shockingly, at least 50% of these fail. Author and business school prof Jay Barney explores how leadership can create new stories that change the culture of an organization.  8 - "Modern Wisdom"  Episode 721 with George Mack In a mind-bending conversation, marketing thinker George Mack and host Chris Williamson explore how memes work, why they are influential in society today, and how they will shape the public discourse in 2024. They even suggest that companies will soon employ Chief Meme Officers. 9 - "Speak Like a CEO" Episode 174 with Bryony Cooper Hosting SLACEO this year has been incredible. Unicorn founders, big brand CEOs and globally-recognized communications experts have all shared their communication secrets with you and me. The episode that you have shared the most is “Life’s a Pitch” with the impressive Bryony Cooper – professional singer turned founder turned VC.  ---------- PS: Try my newsletter to receive this list of Top Podcast Episodes of 2023 with LINKS as well as my predictions for 2023 - out tomorrow. Link in my bio.

Reflecting on a recent interaction with a fellow podcaster grappling with the ups and downs of this journey, I'm reminded of my own path and the lessons learned along the way. This podcaster, passionate about shifting perceptions of success towards what truly enriches our lives—relationships and memories—echoed challenges I've faced: maintaining momentum, booking guests, and the periodic questioning of one's direction. My venture into podcasting over six years ago, starting as a wide-eyed 17-year-old, was driven by a thirst to learn from the best, to understand the intricacies of entrepreneurship, and to share these revelations with the world. The journey hasn't been without its hurdles. There were times when the microphone was silent, and the doubt crept in. Yet, it's these moments of uncertainty that forge our resolve and clarify our purpose. One pivotal advice I find myself returning to, and what I shared with this podcaster, is the significance of perseverance. Podcasting is not just about sharing stories; it's a testament to the growth one experiences through consistent effort and the search for inspiration. Reflecting on my 'why' has always illuminated my path. From the very beginning, my goal was to connect with phenomenal entrepreneurs, to learn directly from their experiences, and to uncover opportunities for growth. This quest led me to some remarkable milestones, like interviewing the legendary Larry King at the tender age of 19, and sitting down with giants like Rick Ross, Tilman Fertitta, and Mat Ishbia. Each conversation added a layer to my understanding of success, resilience, and the power of storytelling. The early days saw me crisscrossing the country, from showing up unannounced at CEOs' offices to eventually establishing my own podcast studio. These experiences, from the highs of engaging with icons to the lows of navigating logistical nightmares, have been instrumental in shaping my voice and vision. To those navigating similar waters, remember the value of your journey lies not just in the destinations reached but in the lessons learned along the way. Your 'why' is your compass; it will guide you through the storms and lead you to your own landmark moments. This conversation serves as a reminder that our shared experiences, challenges, and victories in podcasting are not just personal milestones but beacons for the community. Let's continue to elevate each other, sharing our stories and insights, as we forge ahead in this dynamic landscape of podcasting. #Podcasting Listener.com

How does an introvert navigate the largest podcast conference in the world?   "I’m going to my first podcast conference (Podcast Movement). I just looked at the schedule, and was OVERWHELMED! What would you focus on if you were going to a large podcasting conference for the first time?" -Jonathan Howard, Podcasting Morning Chat Jonathan went on to share he’s also ‘incredibly introverted’. I totally get it—conferences like Podcast Movement can be a lot, especially for introverts. The sheer volume of sessions, people, and networking opportunities can easily leave you feeling drained. So I’ve got a few tips to help you (introvert, extrovert or ambivert) make the most of it while keeping your energy intact: 📅 Prioritize and Pace Yourself: Don’t feel like you have to attend every session. Pick a few that genuinely interest you and give yourself permission to skip others. Use that extra time to recharge, whether it's by yourself or with a small group of people you’re comfortable with. 📲 Leverage the App: The Podcast Movement app has been a lifesaver for me. Use it to see what presentations your friends and connections are checking out. Chances are, you’ll find some talks you’d like to attend. It also helps with planning your day without feeling overwhelmed by the full schedule. 🌟 Roam the Hallways: You don’t need to be in every session to gain value. Some of the best connections and advice have happened to me while in the hallways between sessions. Plus, the atmosphere feels more relaxed to me, without the pressure of a formal networking event. Remember, it's okay to step away and recharge when you need to. Take a walk outside, retreat to a quiet spot, or just give yourself some time to breathe. I’m better for it when I need it, and I get more out of the conference in the long run. 🔍 Your Turn: How do you navigate large conferences? Any tips that work for you? #PodcastingTips #PodcastMovement2024 #Networking #Introverts #PodcastCommunity #Podcasting

Australian small business owners, you have till Thursday 15 February to enter the Australian Small Business Champion Awards run by Precedent Productions. We strongly suggest all small business owners consider nominating their business for these awards. It costs nothing to enter. You do NOT need to wait to be nominated, you can nominate yourself. It's a great way to review your business and remind yourself of how far you've come. And as they say, you have to be in it to win it! So what's holding you back? Have you entered/are you entering? If you want to find out about the benefits of awards, check out our podcast episode/transcribed blog: https://lnkd.in/gqWjbqxd #faqbusinesstraining #businessawards #australiansmallbusinesschampion