🪧Make the most of podcasting conferences
'Tis the season to network
Podcast Movement in Denver is almost upon us! While I won’t be there, I’m sending you off with lots of energy and some wisdom. Lots of energy to enjoy what Arielle and Lauren describe as podcast summer camp, and wisdom to make the most of your time there.
Your time is precious. If you’re choosing to spend some of it at one of the biggest podcasting conferences in the world, or any networking event for that matter, it’s worthwhile to think how to be efficient.
So today, we’re covering six ways to make the most of a conference and networking event.
🟡 One Quick Thing…
Reminder: we started the Ask Tink section couple weeks ago. We’re welcoming reader questions on podcast marketing and PR. If you have any, you can just fill out this form. There are no stupid questions!
Now, onto the main event.
➡️ Six Ways to Make the Most of podcast Conferences
📝 Prep your networking materials
Sorry is this one’s a little condescending but I have showed up to conferences and forgotten to get enough business cards or update my LinkedIn. Consider this a reminder to prepare your networking materials beforehand — pack those business cards, write that elevator pitch, create a virtual card, or update your website.
🎯 Set clear goals
Before you step foot into that conference venue, think about what you want to achieve. Are you eager to connect with potential guests, mingle with fellow podcasters, stay updated on the latest trends, or explore monetization strategies? Setting clear goals will help you prioritize your time and ensure you make meaningful connections.
🔭 Research and plan ahead
Take some time to do your homework before the event. Study the schedule, check out the speakers, and review session details. Identify the sessions and speakers that align with your podcasting interests and objectives.
🎙️Engage actively during sessions
When you are attending sessions, make sure to be fully present. Take notes, ask questions, and participate in discussions. Active engagement not only helps you absorb valuable insights but also opens up opportunities to connect with speakers and fellow attendees who share your interests. Psst…adding value also makes you memorable!
🧑🤝🧑 Socialize and network, purposefully
Don't miss out on the social side of things. Stay after the session for networking; keep your questions and discussion points ready to go. Exchange business cards or social media handles, and make the most of designated networking breaks to connect with speakers, attendees, and potential collaborators. Share your opinions and welcome others’; you never know what you might learn by simply listening. Also, if the conference has informal events like cocktail parties or mixers, consider swinging by!
📜 Document and share your experience
Like a true content creator, why not mine this for useful content? Use social media, blog posts, or even podcast episodes to document your insights, takeaways, and newfound connections. Your audience will appreciate the behind-the-scenes look, and it can lead to engaging discussions with your listeners.
🦄 52 Weeks of Podcast Growth
Create a BTS video or take a BTS photo. Reveal thine self! Give your listeners and followers a little behind-the-scenes action. It goes a long way in adding to the authenticity label.
If you’re new here, read the previous weeks’ tips to start implementing them at your own pace.
🔥 From the Desk of Tink
Why are we so scared of change? The second half of your life can be happier, sexier and more fulfilled, but you may need to blow some stuff up. To find out how, join Erin Keating on Hotter Than Ever, where she brings you interviews and frank, irreverent, inexpert advice on everything from career and aging to sex and body image in what used to be called "middle age." Hotter Than Ever unearths the unconscious rules that keep us feeling trapped and taking care of everyone other than ourselves. We all have dreams, and fantasies, and grand visions for our lives, and you deserve the chance to make them all come true.
🎤Ask Tink
Question: How do I identify which podcasts to work with?
Andreea Coscai (she/her): When searching for the right matches, think of it like finding the perfect puzzle piece. Start by checking out podcasts that resonate with your content and audience. Platforms like Apple Podcasts and Rephonic's audience graph will be your treasure maps. Look for shows that share similarities in style, topics, and audience interests (Tip - Make sure they are still running!). Once you've got a list of potential partners send them a friendly note, introducing your podcast and highlighting the common threads. Share your thoughts on how your shows could partner up – through guest appearances (tips on this here), a promo swap, or feed swap. You'll be making podcast magic together in no time!
✨ More Magic
Resound shared 29 tips from 29 podcast professionals on what makes a good podcast. Kinda super proud to see so many Tink team members on there!
Lauren, in all her prescience and awesomeness, has curated a list of the 12 best podcasts of 2023 so far.
Bobbi Althoff deleted her episode of The Really Good Podcast with Drake—could it be because they unfollowed each other on social media after Bobbi posted this on TikTok? Or could it be because she’s a podcast marketing genius? The world will never know.
Sooo…Elon Musk mentioning your podcast on X (formerly Twitter) has an actual impact on your numbers.
Meanwhile, in Podcast Therapy
This week, we had amazing Podcast Therapy sessions with:
Bioneers: Revolution From the Heart of Nature: Dive into this series to discover the wonderful and innovative ways in which leaders are solving the problems our people and planet face. Covering a range of topics, from social and racial justice to indigenous knowledge, this podcast provides you with food for thought and even hope on how we continue to human.
Multiamory: Hosted by Dedekar, Emily, and Jase, this 9-years-in-the-running podcast offers advice, interviews, and importantly a safe space for those who love just a little differently.
🫶 A word from our sponsors for this issue: Transistor.fm
With Transistor.fm you can host unlimited podcasts on one account.
PMM will always be free for readers but, we are also always looking for sponsors. Our sponsorship packages start at $50 (and are named after wizard classes.) Write to shreya@tinkmedia.co for more info!