It’s super important for each podcaster to try out different things to see what works best for them. Don’t trust the gurus and find your unique way to make your podcast awesome.
📅 First published in Podcast Hacks newsletter (2024/04/30) – updated version
“Doing the exact opposite of everything I share could actually be what creates the most meaning in your life and work. […] If someone claims to have a one-size-fits-all solution, run screaming in the other direction.”
Paul Jarvis in his book 📕 “Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business”
I’ve been called a podcast growth guru not once or twice, but many times lately. And each time, I’ve thought about that opening quote.
The word “guru” immediately repels me. 🫤 Because being called one definitely has a negative connotation these days, don’t you think?
Maybe people don’t see the connection and really want to honor me as a master of my field. Or they want to make fun of me.
I can see why the latter might be the case.
Everyone calls themselves a guru on social for no reason. And I remember far too many true crime documentaries where your spiritual leader next door is exposed as the head of some weird cult.
I don’t want to be that person.
And I def don’t see myself leading a cult (ok, maybe if it’s about introducing intermission days into the calendar system ✌️🤪 – treat yourself).
Now, this issue isn’t about complaining about being pigeonholed. It is about my urgent plea for you to go your own way.
Don’t take my word for it! Or anyone else’s. Always think and experiment for yourself.
My Self-Positioning
All I want is for you to succeed in podcasting because the storytelling of most people and brands really expands my world. It’s a podcast exclusive, and it’s what made me fall in love with the medium. 🤍
Deep in my heart, I see myself more as a cheerleader for all of you. 🪩 Or a coach at best.
One who helps you see the benefits of marketing your show and one who brings some order to the chaos in your head.
I’m the guy you remember when you need a framework to structure your thinking and prioritize your distribution.
Want to come full circle?
🎚️ Swipe my VOLUME framework. (It’s free!)
And if you need help along the way, I’ll bring the mother of all Miro boards to match your show’s true potential and help you reach your next growth milestones even faster (sneak peek 👀).
It’s that simple.
About First Principle Thinking
As much as I like to have a solution to every problem, I’m more interested in understanding the cause first.
That leads me to challenge common assumptions and help you break new ground that is relevant to your situation (like taking into account your personality and individual resources).
In the context of your podcast distribution strategy, following first principles means starting with your fundamental truths to guide you.
Now, with all of my hacks, I don’t want you to follow what’s already been done before or limit your thinking to what’s considered “normal”.
Instead, I want you to innovate and create strategies that truly resonate with your audience and drive results.
Remember the premise of my issue 📣 “How to Make Short-Form Video Work [Part I]”?
“Turns out, only some make short-form video work. Kinda. Most see little (or no) effects at all. […] So yeah, it all adds up–in effort and impact. And you don’t know until you know.”
That’s the kind of coach I want to be.
Turn up the VOLUME,
David “Reading Paul Jarvis and trying to make sense of my profession” Streit
