I Asked My Listeners If I Should Cancel My Podcast. Here’s What They Said.
Would you cancel your podcast after 100 episodes and tens of thousands of downloads?
Want to listen? There's an audio version below
About once a year I take a close look at the state of my show, the Empowered Podcast, and the direction it's heading.
Pivot One
The first time was after Podcast Movement 2014. Up until that point, I'd been focused on motivation, encouragement, and helping listeners realize that if my guests had overcome significant obstacles, then they could too. This strategy was fun, but I felt it lacked… purpose.
It took me a couple of months to generate new content and produce what I'd already recorded so the show could change directions. An observant listener might notice the shift beginning around episode 50 and in full-swing by episode 56 with Jon Harrison.
I realized motivation is cheap, but someone who can help people make a needed change is in high-demand.
Pivot Two
The second time I made changes to my show was in January of 2015 when I began to incorporate live Experts Calls from my Membership Site into the podcast. These calls are with business owners who are in the trenches and doing what my members and listeners want to be doing.
These Experts Calls stripped out all theory and got to the heart of entrepreneurship and building a business. I was worried these episodes would be too technical for the average listener because they were edited versions of the full calls which are members only.
But they weren't.
In fact, the podcast episodes which featured these in-depth business cases have become some of the most popular! It turns out, people are tired of fluff and theory. What listeners crave are real, relevant case studies that help them get meaningful results.
Pivot Three
The third time I decided to make changes in my show was after Podcast Movement 2015. It was at that time that I realized I didn't want to be “another podcaster,” but that I really wanted to double-down on helping people start businesses that will allow them to develop an exit strategy so they can leave their crappy jobs.
But, this left me wondering how to best accomplish this goal. Since August, I've released a total of 4 episodes instead of one every week. Consistency went out the door, but I was focused on only producing the best possible content which I knew would help people in meaningful ways.
What Do I Do Now?
A couple of months went by and I still didn't have a clear path on how I wanted to move forward with the show. Do I continue doing interviews? Do listeners want shorter episodes? What type of help do they really need?
So I asked them.
I sent this email to some of the most active members of my community and asked them:
What would you like to see from the show moving forward?
Here's what they said…
I do believe it is time to pivot. I do not believe it has to be about business, but to be about changes in people's lives. How they changed it, how they grew, or growing ( more of people growing because that is relative to people trying to change or changing currently) – Kenny P.
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Ellory – surprised to see this. Just today I forwarded the link to one episode to a friend. I think you have a good mix of inspiration and how to. If I had to pick I guess I would argue for the how to, but narrowly. In the end though you got to do what helps others AND what your heart and your interests tell you. Otherwise it won't be authentic. – Mark B.
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I get the most from the episodes where you talk about a tool that is working/has worked for you, how to use it and how other people are using it.
Here's what I've liked from the past and why:
EP 90 How to make money with YouTube — often wondered how people made money on YouTube. What I learned in this podcast can apply to several of the customers I work with — especially my vineyard and chef customers — they can work together to make this happen.
Ep 86 How to use Periscope to grow your business – always enjoy learning about the latest tools and most importantly how other people are using them EP 79 Books that created my future — because these books gave YOU your AHA! moments and how-tos I know they'd do the same for me. The info on launching a $10 product was a bonus.
EP 71 The master's guide to mastermind groups — told me exactly what I needed to do to start my own group and how it should be managed for optimal benefit
EP 35 Creating streams of cash – some new ideas I hadn't considered in this one EP 23 Why you should start a podcast for your business – got several revelations from this one as well. DON’T GO AWAY!!! – Amy C.
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I love the show because of the variety of guests you would interview. I'd stay with that. – Steve T.
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Personally, I think you have a lot of great content, tips, strategies, and practical guidance to share. These days, I really prefer shorter shows, in the 5-10 minute range, that get right to the point with something very actionable and practical. I love interview shows a lot but at this point in my journey I most need direct, actionable info related to building an online business. – Kent S.
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Inspirational speakers from all walks of life; that identify mental strength and a positive attitude behind their success. – Jo W.
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I think you could continue to have interview format shows that are really good and action oriented. But doesn't have to be every week. I like the idea of 5-15 minutes of “actionable” stuff on a more frequent basis. Obviously we've talked a lot and the PODCAST is an “outpost”. I think giving some resources and pointing people toward your “revenue” generating activities would be good. DON't give up on it completely (it's how I found you) and I'm guessing how many of your peeps have found you. As for a name…hmmmm what's wrong with the Ellory Show? or keep the same show, why reinvent the wheel? That'll take some more thought. later dude. – Rocco D.
Takeaways
Here's what I learned from this exercise.
- Podcasting is an incredible way to communicate a message
- Everyone's opinion is different
- Podcasting is a powerful marketing tool
- Listeners need to be both empowered AND equipped
- There's a place for both long and short episodes
What's Next?
In the end, a great story makes all the difference. Told in the right way, or uncovered with the right questions, sharing someone's journey can be both motivating and actionable.
While my method may change over time my mission will always be the same – to empower and equip entrepreneurs, help them start, build, and grow a business so they can design an exit strategy from a job they hate and move into a life filled with joy and purpose.
Is it a monumental task?
Heck ya, it is. But it's a task I'm willing to take on so that no one else has to walk into a job that makes them sick to their stomach. I did that for too long and I've now experienced what's possible on the other side.
Where We Go From Here
Moving forward I'll continue to search for the ideal format that impacts the most people. I'll test episode lengths and try different formats.
If you listen to the show (at EmpoweredPodcast.com, in iTunes, Stitcher, or via your favorite app), you'll still hear case studies from my Membership Site, you'll still here interviews, and you'll still get tips, tools and tricks I'm employing to build my own business. Because, what I've found is that once you share how to achieve your goals, the motivation and inspiration will follow.
But you might see new things too. You may get behind-the-scenes looks at coaching calls, mastermind meetings, and other things I've yet to figure out.
You'll just have to listen and see…
Over to you! What would YOU like to see from the Empowered Podcast moving forward? What do you need from podcasts in general that you're not currently getting anywhere?
