Podcasts are no longer just for history buffs digging up forgotten stories, like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel football strategies (Forgotten History — Episode 7), and guys from Alabama with hot takes on Dave Chappelle’s Netflix specials (Verbal Smash — Episode 95). But you probably already knew that since the number of podcast listeners in the US grows by 20% annually, and over half the US population now tunes into a podcast.

The bottom line? If your business marketing strategy doesn’t include podcasting, you can go ahead and swipe that “Industry Thought Leader” title from your Linkedin profile and hand it over to your competitors. Your company’s insights need to be on the podcast platform, and here’s why: More people are listening to podcasts than ever before, podcasts attract high quality leads and you can basically outsource all the work without breaking the bank.

So…I have to start a podcast?

Actually, NO.

You just need to be a regular guest on other people’s podcast episodes, and make that a show itself. Enter: The Portfolio Podcast. Our Trenton-based podcast hosting company New Pod City launched this new type of show that is essentially a collection of all the different podcast episodes that you have appeared on, in a single RSS Feed. 

Every time I’m a guest on someone else’s show, a new “episode” is added to my Portfolio Podcast, (coming very soon) where anyone can hear my insights on podcasting, small business ownership, entrepreneurship, faith, and my town of Trenton, NJ.

What’s So Great About a Portfolio Podcast?

It saves you time. Instead of digging up the different directories where my separate appearances are saved, I can just shoot a client over to my Portfolio Podcast. More importantly, it shows different aspects of your personality, and makes you more human to your potential leads. I talk a lot about being an entrepreneur, but I also talk about my faith and, on occasion, I like to goof around with celebrity impressions. No amount of thoughtful blogs, insta-ready pics or Twitter quips will match the power of hearing you, as a person, being honest about your company and its mission. Last, it’s just easier than making your own podcast. You don’t have to constantly come up with ideas for new episodes or plan where and how to record your show, like regular podcasters do. You just sit in on someone else’s podcast and share your thoughts.

How Do I Get Started?

First, you need to set yourself up with guest appearances on podcasts. Head over to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, etc. to see what shows cover topics in your industry. Podcasters are always looking for fresh content ideas and new guests. Don’t be shy — shoot the host an email introduction and offer insight on one of their main topics. Flattery goes a long way, too. If someone wanted to be on my show, Trenton Waves, they could mention they already listened to Sounds like a Sitcom with Dan Benson and tell me their face hurt from laughing, which it would because we talk about Jerry Seinfeld on Benson and peeing in a bidet.

Second, get yourself a RSS feed, professional podcast artwork and show distribution — all things you can do through New Pod City. Or you can send me an email, and I’ll walk you through it. It’s a really simple process. Thought leaders across all industries are innovating their content to stay ahead of the game, and New Pod City’s Portfolio Podcasts are the newest tool to help you do just that.