Hmmm, a podcast coach? Of course! Coaching is an industry with low barriers to entry and high profit possibilities. Without regulations or licensing requirements anyone (yes, anyone) can become a coach..and often they do. This is not necessarily a bad thing; however, it can create a bit of confusion. Coaches often tether themselves to new trends, and podcasting becomes more popular, podcast coaches have begun to emerge, and that’s to be expected.
However, what does (or should) a podcast coach do? And how do you know if you’ve found one who can help you. Here’s a few tips to help you choose a podcast coach to help you leverage this platform effectively.
Tip One: Examine their track record.
Do they have a podcast or any other online content? If so, what does it sound like? And does it sound professional? There are many people who simply press record and unfortunately this can lead to podcasts and video content with poor sound quality. If your coach’s podcast doesn’t sound professional, the odds are that they may not have the know-how to help you do that. Sound quality is a key ingredient to podcasting success. This is a misstep no one can afford.
Additionally, what is their track record professionally? Are they consistent with the information that they share and do they themselves seem committed to the work that they do for their clients? (Furthermore, do they have actual clients…now that’s a doozy.)
Tip Two: Ask about outcomes.
Most coaches have an foundational understanding that they bring to their coaching business. This is not a cookie cutter approach–or it shouldn’t be, but a belief system that governs the outcomes that the value for each client. For example, our team believes that a podcast should have the ability to humanize and monetize the message shared. To do this requires not only a desire to speak publicly, but some tangible items such as high-quality (not necessarily high dollar, mind you) equipment; capabilities such as interviewing and clear communication, a distinct passion, and the list goes on. If all a coach can offer you is, “launching your podcast,” that may be a red flag…especially if you don’t like how their content sounds, or it seems as if they may not know exactly what they are doing.
Tip Three: Listen to your intuition.
Do you have to have a coach to start a podcast? No. When we started our award-winning podcast, No Permission Needed, there was no such thing that we were aware of. Beyond their track record and their beliefs, the biggest indicator of whether this coach is your coach, is your intuition. Simply put, how do they make you feel? Good? Supported? Rushed? Confused?