This seems self-explanatory, but I’m always surprised to hear the number of guests who ask me what the format of the podcast is, or what kind of show it is, etc. If you’re being invited to join the show as a guest, you’re being promoted by the podcast and you’re being put in front of new audiences. That’s an honor! Do yourself a favor, and prepare by listening to the other kinds of guests the host has had on the show, what kinds of questions the host normally asks, and how you might be able to differentiate yourself.
Which brings me to my next point…
Consider your pitch. What’s your unique value proposition? Why does this host even want to have you on their show, using a precious 30 minutes to an hour of their life talking to you?
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, the host will have asked YOU to join their show. What an honor! In that case, the host will likely have an idea of what they want you to cover and how it will affect their audience.
If, on the other hand, you’re out there hustlin’ and bustlin’, pitching yourself for podcast appearances (as most professionals are), you’ll need to make that thing that you are uniquely qualified to do very clear.
Try to offer this in two sentences or less, something like:
I am looking forward to explaining the power that virtual assistants can have on growing a business and getting out of your own way. I’m excited to share some ideas about how your audience can find, hire, and train a VA quickly and efficiently… without losing their minds.
Not only will this impress your host, but it will help them develop questions that you can effectively answer. No one wants to be stumped on a podcast interview!
Whether we like it or not, not all podcast hosts will have read this blog post (hehe) and be completely prepared to have you on their show. Or, they won’t have stellar research skills and won’t be able to find your latest headshot and bio.
To avoid any confusion or any outdated information, do your host a favor and offer up your latest headshot and a short bio. It will help them introduce you, can be included in show notes, and will save everyone any embarrassment of sharing information that’s no longer accurate.
You’d think this one would be a no-brainer, but again, you’d be surprised at how many people are like, “I want to be on your podcast!” And then are like, “Wait, how does the internet work?”
Look, podcasting is generally all done with VOIP tools like Skype or Zencastr, which require a stable internet connection (wired if possible) and a good quality input. Producers like me can only do so much if you sound muffled, staticky, or if you’re blowing out your microphone.
Now, some of this is on the host to let you know how you sound when you join the show, but a lot of issues are avoidable if you buy a Yeti microphone or a USB headset. Avoid the Bluetooth for best results.
Your best way to be an amazingly prepared podcast guest might just be to ask what your host needs. Maybe there are some special recording instructions or tools, or perhaps there are a few questions that they always like to ask (which, frankly, you should know about if you’ve listened to a few episodes of the podcast), or maybe the host needs you to prepare a short blog post to go in the show notes.