76. How podcast coaching and strategy helped my client Fanny Dunagan win an award, reduce overwhelm and scale the podcast
Do you wish you could optimize and scale your podcast processes so that when you're looking at your show, you actually feel excited to hit record, publish, and talk to your guests, rather than feeling overwhelmed? As podcast hosts, we have so much to think about, and sometimes, we don't have the time to think strategically about our show, and determine which actions will drive us forward or hold us back.
In this podcast episode, I'm thrilled to recount my experience working with my Podcast Power Hour Retainer client Fanny Dunagan, a LinkedIn content strategist for people in tech through her company, Pathlynks. Even though Fanny is an experienced content creator, her struggles and successes are shared by less experienced podcasters so if you’re still in the early months of your podcast journey, take a listen.
The Need for Coaching
Fanny and I met around the pandemic in 2020, right at the beginning when I launched my company. Since then, our relationship has evolved, and I had the pleasure of being a guest on her show. One of the things I always emphasize is how being a guest on other people's podcasts can open opportunities to work with the host. Fanny’s journey is a testament to that.
She initially invited me to her LinkedIn live show called "Creator Tips, Tools, and Tales." Throughout the show, she realized she needed more than just tips; she needed help optimizing her podcast. We started with an audit of her show, which allowed me to recommend actions and tips she could implement for improvement. She later realized that she needed ongoing support, which led to her hiring me as a coach.
The Coaching Experience
As an entrepreneur and small business owner, Fanny wears many hats—operations, business development, selling, and client delivery. Often, she found herself overwhelmed without the time to strategize. So, in our coaching sessions, she had the opportunity to pause, verbalize her challenges, and gain clarity on her problems. Here are the top three takeaways from our coaching sessions:
Problem Clarification: Verbalizing challenges and having someone to dive deeper into the issues provided clarity and actionable solutions.
Strategic Planning: Looking at the overall strategy and process rather than being stuck in the weeds. Having an expert perspective helped to streamline her approach.
Process Optimization: Recommending and implementing tools and systems to save time and improve efficiency.
Tackling Metrics and Analytics
One of our significant breakthroughs was understanding the value of metrics beyond just views. We focused on other important metrics to justify sponsorship packages, such as total content pieces created annually. This insight helped Fanny secure meetings with potential sponsors and opened new opportunities for her podcast.
Applying for Awards
Another proud moment was encouraging Fanny to apply for awards. She applied for the International Women’s Podcast Awards and the American Marketing Association Award for Marketing Maverick. These applications were more than recognition; they offered a chance for self-reflection and celebration of her achievements.
Why Coaching is Essential
Hiring a coach like me can substantially speed up your growth, spot unseen issues, and provide accountability and expert insights. Working with a coach is not just about achieving success; it's also about maintaining joy and excitement in the journey. Whether you're a small business owner or a part of a larger team, having an external expert can offer unique perspectives and help you scale faster.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Podcast Optimization
00:30 Meet Fanny Dunagan: LinkedIn Content Strategist
02:01 The Power of Podcast Audits in Optimizing your Podcast
04:46 Overcoming Overwhelm with Podcast Coaching
05:46 Top Takeaways from Coaching Sessions
11:47 The Importance of Delegation as a Host and an Entrepreneur
15:55 Leveraging Metrics for Podcast Sponsorship
19:33 Applying for Awards and Recognitions
27:19 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Additional Resources mentioned in the episode:
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Feeling stuck about your podcast’s growth? Do you have no idea where to start and want to partner up with a pro? Book a free discovery call or learn about what we do: https://thepodcastspace.com/services
Connect to Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/
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ABOUT THE HOST
Hi, I’m Ana Xavier, a multilingual award-winning podcast marketing and content strategist specialized in generating online visibility for women, multilingual, and minority impact-driven business owners.
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