Eden Liu

Have a backup options ready. Backup camera, backup mics, backup internet, backup cables - backup everything. Beyond equipment, even have backup video roll ready to play in case a speaker is late. Being in event production and livestreaming, you should stay flexible and adaptable, as it's part of the job for things to not always go as planned, but having backups for everything minimize your risk of being unprepared for any given situation.

After you've checked out other podcasts in your niche, I'd also consider checking out podcasts that are NOT in your niche. The goal here is to see if there's ways of engaging your audience, or implementing a show format that others in your niche aren't doing. For example, there are engaging elements that I've learned from creating and consuming sports content - power rankings, top 5 lists, brackets are all elements commonly seen in sports podcasting that aren't really utilized in tech/creator focused shows that I'm working on now. Utilizing techniques out of the norm of your niche can be what makes your content really standout!

Building trust and rapport within your community is not just about interacting with and inviting your audience to engage with you - it's also about supporting them and the work they are doing. For example, if you have people that are doing really cool things in your community, you could highlight, re-share and promote their work to your audience. Whether that's on social media, email newsletters, a shout out to someone doing cool things can go a long way in building relationships. Don't just like their content, ENGAGE with it meaningfully and genuinely. Trust and rapport is a two way street, if you want people to show up for you, the first step is to acknowledge them, and show up to support them!

👏Let👏your👏guests👏cook👏! This might seem obvious, but I see/hear far too many podcast hosts throw a question to a guest, and then proceed to give their own takes before their guest has had a chance to get out a single thought. You didn't do all that guest research and pitching just to talk over them. It's fine to share your takes or expound on what your guest has said AFTER they have had enough space to share what they have to say, but don't waste your guest's time by trying to show them that you're an expert in the subject you wanted to have THEM on to talk about!