I often help people become guests on radio talk shows. Radio is a great way to promote your business, cause or organization, without leaving home. Most talk radio shows will interview you on the phone. You can do it in your bunny slippers. Not that I wear bunny slippers. Honest.
Last year, several of the people I was working with, or considering working with, told me they did not want to appear on podcasts or radio shows broadcast on the Internet. Their perception was that these shows have small audiences and would therefore be a waste of time. At one time, this may have been true.
However, the Internet is rapidly changing and I believe the value of being a guest on these shows is greater than ever and can, in many ways, eclipse the value of appearing on traditional broadcast radio. Not that I want to demean the value of traditional radio talk shows. They can be an important part of any publicity campaign. It’s just that they have new competition, which offers you more opportunities to promote yourself.
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Here are 10 reasons why I think you should consider being interviewed on Internet radio shows:
1. Model successful people. One of the keys to success is to do what successful people do. It’s called modeling. Many celebrities, including best-selling authors, are guests on these shows. If they think it’s worth their time, maybe it’s worth yours, as well.
2. These shows have loyal listeners. They listen actively to the shows, which are promoted ahead of time. These listeners want to hear what the guest has to say. In traditional radio talk shows, people are often doing other things — driving somewhere, making dinner, etc. You may have only their partial attention, which means only a small part of your message is heard and even less is acted upon. Even worse, some in the audience may have no interest at all in your topic. They may be a fan of the host and are merely tolerating you.
3. It’s great practice. You can make your mistakes in front of a smaller audience while you build your interview skills.
4. It’s a great showcase. You have something to add to the media page on your website and promotional materials. Also, you have samples for bigger radio shows, and TV talk shows and news broadcasts. Before they will consider booking you, they want to hear what you can do.
5. They have longevity. Although many broadcast shows archive their episodes on the net, many don’t. And those that do usually keep them for a limited time. Podcasts are often archived for years.
6. Convenience — People can listen to the shows whenever they want, not just when the show is broadcast. This actually increases the size of the audience.
7. Searchable — These shows are searchable by key words, which again means you are being heard by people who want to listen to what you have to say.
8. Serendipity — You don’t know who might be a fan of the show. A book publisher may like your message and offer you a book deal. You might be offered a speaking gig by a listener. You might establish an ongoing relationship with the host that can be mutually beneficial.
9. Some have big audiences. — Yes, there are many Internet shows that have over 100,000 listeners all over the world. Wouldn’t it be nice to have an international reputation.
10. It can be fun. Promoting yourself doesn’t always have to be hard work. I’ve had a great time on many of the shows I’ve been on, promoting my book. And what’s wrong with a little fun, especially in these times?
