I don't know about you, but I love podcasts. Audio is such a versatile form of entertainment and a great method of learning. You can take it with you in your car, on a walk or while you are doing chores around the house.
I am passionate about learning, even when it is a topic I may be familiar with. There is always more to know, and it never hurts to hear the different ways people are doing what I do. On the flip side, there are subjects that seem overwhelmingly unapproachable. But when someone who has gone before me breaks it down, suddenly I feel empowered to try it.
Some of the best ideas I've had for my business have come from podcasts. I thought I would share a handful of podcasts I listen to related to business and marketing. Some are more educational, while others are a place for fascinating stories from business owners I can relate to.
Here are my top five business and marketing podcasts:
1. Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield
Amy Porterfield might be the most lovable Internet marketer on the web. I found her podcast, Online Marketing Made Easy back when I first started my business. She has a great way of breaking down marketing-related tasks into easy steps. What I love about Amy is how transparent and honest she is. She's a great teacher who keeps things light and positive, but doesn't shy away from tough love either. I've learned a ton from her podcast on list building, social media, facebook ads, course creation ... etc. She usually gives away something for free with each podcast so you can work through it later. If you are trying to learn more about marketing online, she's your girl.
2. How I Built This with Guy Raz
I am hooked on this podcast! On How I Built This, Guy Raz interviews with some of the biggest names in business about their stories of how they came to be the powerhouses they are today. We are talking about the founders of Instagram, JetBlue, Lyft, Whole Foods and a bajillion other brands we all know. Here is what never ceases to amaze me: In almost every single case, these founders had to scrape and scrimp and sleep in the office floor. They usually almost lost their business at least one time. They worked really hard before anyone ever knew who they were.
I think what is really encouraging about this is that we often have the perception that these business came out of nowhere and one day just blew up and made a billion dollars. That is not how it happens. There really is no such thing as an overnight success. Some of us in the trenches can take heart that this is always how it is before there is a big breakthrough.
3. The Passive Project Podcast with Gemma Bonham Carter
This is probably a lesser known podcast by Gemma Bonham Carter, but in a similar ilk as Amy Porterfield. Gemma is an Ontario-based business strategist and coach who offers tips on business and marketing. On The Passive Project Podcast, she offers quick episodes filled with action steps that are simple. Plus, Gemma's Canadian accent is adorable. I'm somewhat of a new listener to her podcast, but I've enjoyed adding her to my daily listening.
4. The Pitch with Josh Muccio
The Pitch is a Gimlet Media podcast I would describe as a less-flashy, more relatable audio version of Shark Tank. (By the way, if you haven't listened to Startup, which is the origin story of Gimlet, it is binge worthy. It is no longer airing, but the original series is still available). On the Pitch, a startup founder appears before a panel of investors and gives the elevator pitch for their business. The investors then ask questions and give their feedback about the idea. It gives you a little window into the startup world and how brutal it can be to seek investment.
I am not a startup, but I do find it interesting hearing their stories, ideas and the process they are undertaking to get their business off the ground.
5. The Art of Online Business with Rick Mulready
Rick Mulready gives a lot of valuable information away on his podcast, The Art of Online Business. It was formerly called The Art of Paid Traffic, which is how I came to listen to it. He appeared on Amy Porterfield's podcast to talk about Facebook advertising., which was mostly what I was interested in hearing about when I first started listening. He had some great ideas on how to set up Facebook ads, Adwords and other paid traffic sources. Rick has since expanded his content to include other areas of marketing. He's friendly, inspiring and boils things down to the basics.
So that is a taste of my podcast library. What podcasts do you listen to and why?