If you’re serious about podcasting, whether as a host, a sponsor, or just someone intrigued by the magic behind the mic, buckle up, baby! We snagged you a front-row seat with Eric Melchor—founder of B2B PodPros and host of Innovators Can Laugh—on the latest episode of our podcast, Runway! His journey into the B2B podcasting world is filled with many an “aha” moment that you need to hear. Here are six essential lessons Eric shared that will improve your podcasting game (and maybe your business game too 🤷♀️).
1. Start with a Niche Audience
If you think you can appeal to everyone – think again – it’s just not going to happen! Eric’s first golden rule: find your niche. He kicked off by interviewing startup founders in Romania, which helped him build credibility and a hyper-engaged audience there. He then moved on to Lithuania, and from there, the rest was history. The lesson? Get specific. Find your niche and win over that crowd before you think about expanding to bigger ponds!
2. Podcasting is About Relationships
Spoiler alert: podcasting isn’t just about pressing record and broadcasting into the void. According to Eric, it’s a secret weapon for forging real relationships. Whether you’re cozying up to your guests or connecting with your listeners, podcasts are a goldmine for genuine engagement. In B2B podcasting, this connection isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Think of it less like a performance and more like an ongoing, meaningful conversation (that will interest lots of other people, too!).
3. Consistency is Key
No, you won’t go viral overnight (sorry, not sorry). Podcasting is a long game. Eric reminded us that success comes from consistency, not a one-hit wonder episode. Whatever your programming schedule – whether you’re cranking out weekly episodes or publishing on a bi-weekly basis, stick with it. Growth takes time, but the slow burn builds a more dedicated, loyal audience. In other words, patience, friends, patience…
Also, and maybe this is wishful thinking here, but can we please stop dreaming of ‘going viral’ and dream of authentic connections instead?
4. Tools to Maximise Efficiency
Let’s be honest—podcasting is a time-drain if you let it be. Eric’s advice? Automate, automate, automate. To streamline production and distribution, use tools like Riverside for recording, Buzzsprout for distribution, and Canva for artwork design. Efficiency is the name of the game if you want to keep your sanity (and actually have time to create). The less time you spend on the nitty-gritty, the more time you can focus on delivering killer content.
5. Time to Experiment!
Eric didn’t become a podcasting pro by sticking to one formula. He tested, tweaked, and tried new things—like interviewing startup founders across different countries and testing unique sponsorship models. So, throw some spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks! Whether it’s a new interview format or a quirky sponsorship angle, experimentation is your best friend. You never know when a wild idea might just be the idea.
Bonus: Money Honey, Through Group Sponsorships
Monetisation—this struggle really is a tale as old as time. But, you’re in luck! Eric’s got a clever trick here. If you’re a smaller podcast, don’t sweat a lack of big sponsorship deals. Instead, aggregate. By banding together with other niche podcasts and pitching group sponsorships, you create a more appealing deal for brands. It’s like selling a buffet instead of a single dish—way more tempting, right? We know you thought about it for a second, and we’re so right. Eric built B2B PodPros on this strategy, and it’s totally paying off.
Podcasting is a Relationship, Not a Megaphone
To conclude, podcasting, as Eric Melchor proves, is about more than just creating noise—it’s about creating connections. By narrowing your focus, building relationships, and staying consistent, you’re not just podcasting; you’re building a community. And with smart strategies like group sponsorships and efficient workflows, you can turn your podcast into a real business asset.
So, ready to launch your podcast to new heights? Eric’s got the roadmap. Go forth and podcast on!
This is but a taste, friends, of all the insights shared with us by Eric. If you want the whole hog, check our latest episode out here:
Links:
B2B PodPros: https://www.b2bpodpros.com/
Innovators Can Laugh: https://www.innovatorscanlaugh.com/
Riverside: https://riverside.fm/
Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/
More advice, tips and tricks from our podcast guests:
5 Essential LinkedIn Lessons with Kotryna Kurt of Linkedist
How to plan, write and pitch the perfect op-ed: insights from op-eds expert Jake Meth
B2B Tech Marketing Insights from Silicon Valley Veteran Gregory Kennedy
