At your last conference, did you notice people mentioning social media channels? For example, did guest speakers give attendees a hashtag that they can follow? Or did workshop hosts ask participants to “like” their Facebook pages?
In this case, you’ve seen people maximize their offline activity to improve their online personas. These methods keep a highly connected audience connected to your brand after your personal encounters. As a podcaster, it is to your advantage to recreate and personalize these techniques to draw attention to your podcast.
Research shows that “90% of word-of-mouth conversations about brands are offline, mostly face-to-face.” We hope our social media campaigns will go viral. However, the data shows that most links only reach 5 to 10 people. Talking to people in the grocery store, at your favorite restaurant, at a baseball game, or anywhere people meet offline adds credibility.
Build relentless enthusiasm for your podcast. Here are four ways you can use your offline networking efforts to succeed online:
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Attend conferences
Yes / Yes. You’ve heard it many times: attend conferences to get people interested in your podcast. However, you need to go one step further and actually attend the conferences.
Before the conference starts, review the agenda and select sessions that challenge you to think outside the box. The next step is important: actively listening during the sessions.
Ask questions during the Q&A portion of a session, but also provide insightful comments and don’t forget to let people know where you can be from your website, Facebook page, or Twitter handle.
Some conferences allow attendees to submit proposals for demo sessions. These specific meetings provide an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate a project or discuss their research. By participating in demos, you can showcase your work and receive valuable feedback.
Network Tip: Create a deck of cards with just your social media contact information.
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Hold workshops regularly
Did you know that as a podcaster you expand your expertise? You are an expert on the topics of your podcast. Now is the time to position yourself as such.
Stay active in your industry by building a good reputation with your peers and audiences. A great way to get involved is to hold face-to-face workshops. Bonus tip: record the workshop in front of a live audience.
Listeners like to subscribe to podcasts when they feel part of a community. Give your audience a better sense of who you are as a person by meeting them face to face. Connect your online presence by offering to answer additional questions via Twitter or invite participants to a webinar.
When planning your workshop, identify the purpose of your event. Then create an agenda based on that purpose. Just like with podcasting, develop a planning plan and estimated budget.
Source: PMx
The most effective workshops include tailored information and a practical component. You want participants to understand how your resources can improve their lives.
To reach a diverse group of participants, market your workshop in different outlets. You may want to add a simple flyer like the picture above.
Don’t be the best kept secret in the podcast community. Instead, take valuable opportunities to connect with people.
Networking tip: plan a quarterly free workshop for your target group.
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Create an “Unexpected Sales Call” list
Steve Richard, Vorsight’s co-founder and chief content officer, says sales managers are no longer calling cold. Instead, they make “unexpected sales calls”.
DiscoverOrg “surveyed 1,000+ executives to determine the effectiveness of unexpected sales calls or emails.” According to the research study, 75 percent of managers made an appointment or took part in an event based on a so-called cold call or email.
Use the same approach when looking for sponsors for your podcast. Do your research and select companies with similar demographics. Then figure out the best time to contact the person. The administrative assistant may be willing to provide this information if you ask for it.
Source: Noah Rickun
Call but don’t sell on the first call. Instead, offer valuable insights into your podcast: topics, subscriptions, and potential growth.
Most importantly, discuss how your podcast can improve its brand or how your podcast has achieved results for other sponsors. Leave your online information to the potential sponsor. This is how an individual can find out how great you really are.
Additionally, these unexpected sales pitches are a great way to reach out to other Spreaker podcasters to suggest collaboration opportunities.
Network tip: Pick five people to call unexpectedly.
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Send thank you notes in the mail
Express your appreciation. Let people know how grateful you are for their actions.
For a podcaster’s integrated marketing campaign, direct mail is a good way of promoting podcast subscriptions, captivating sponsors, and attracting partners. A well-written piece for a target audience of people can generate more listeners and money.
Instead of sending a sales letter or a promotional flyer. Try something different. Send a personalized thank you card through your postal service.
In the note, you can thank the listeners for participating, thank sponsors, or acknowledge a guest speaker contribution to your podcast. This unique message also reminds the recipient when they think about your brand.
Source: FlipKey
Start by handwriting your thank you letter. Handwritten notes show the reader that the words you write are important to you. Write your thoughts on scratch-off paper. What do you want to say?
Here are some suggestions:
- Address the person by name.
- Say “Thank you for …” and identify the opportunity you were given.
- Explain how much you appreciate the opportunity.
- Continue to develop a connection with the person by saying, “We hope to see you soon” or “Let’s make plans”.
- Add your signature.
Networking tip: Write and send three thank you notes a month.
Make your moves offline
The digital revolution has had a major impact on how we treat people. But don’t lose sight of the advantages of the offline network.
Your face-to-face conversations can have a huge impact on your online brand. Get results on social media with offline activity.
