So, you have a podcast… Now what? Finding great guests can seem like an overwhelming task at first, but there are really only a few characteristics you need to find. We’ll describe them in detail below:
We would love to have this guy as a guest, he fits all of our parameters, can anybody lend a hand?
They Have a Story to Share
Podcasts aren’t just for educational purposes, they’re about entertainment, too. If a guest on a podcast is too dull, it’ll be much more difficult for listeners to stay engaged. Even if they have helpful information to share, they need that follow-worthy feel to keep the audience from pressing “pause” and forgetting to resume playing in the future.
Along with entertainment, stories can make a significant impact. Stories are simply easy for humans to follow. We all have our own, and we enjoy hearing the versions that come from those around us.
How did the guest get to where they are today?
Did they go through challenges before finding success?
What do they enjoy about where they’re at today?
How have their business “wins” changed their life?
No matter what the story entails, the personal details and yearning for more that it brings will keep listeners from walking away mid-show.
They Can Provide Real Advice to Listeners
Podcasts need to be entertaining, but they also need to be worthwhile. Afterall, anyone looking for business podcasts is wanting to grow from the information they take in.
Guests should have stories and advice. They should be happy to help the audience get to the point they’re at today. They need to have the motivation to make a difference in the lives of many. After all, isn’t that why we’re creating a podcast anyway?
Your guest might be able to share:
How they rose in the business world to the role they’re in today
How to overcome challenges they faced in the past
Even simply a success story that can inspire listeners to grow on their own
They’re Happy to Be on the Show
The last thing you want is a monotonous guest to go along with your upbeat and positive hosting style. Podcast guests should be (almost) as excited about the show as you are. They should want to share their story and have a desire to make a difference in the lives of many at the same time.
This also means that those potential guests you reach out to that don’t answer the first five emails may not be the perfect choice. Choose people who look forward to the opportunity, no matter how difficult it may be to walk away from those who don’t.
Overall, these three aspects can help you ensure you’re choosing a high-quality podcast guest. Make sure they’re excited to be there, you’re happy to have them, and your audience will enjoy their presence while learning a thing or two along the way. With these boxes checked, your episode is sure to be worthwhile.