Earn Money as a Podcast Producer
And How to Get Past Imposter Syndrome
I’ve often wondered how people become professional podcast producers. Because there is definitely a moment when an independent podcaster transitions to having the skills and know how to be considered a professional producer. This week I share a conversation with my friend Sarah Li Cain. She has successfully made the transition from independent podcaster to professional producer. The recording is behind the paywall.
*In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this newsletter*
Here are some key points that Sarah shares in the conversation.
She details how her independent podcast work created the blueprint for how she positioned herself as a professional producer. This is important for YOU if you’re trying to wrap your head around what that looks like if you’re hoping to transition into professional podcast production.
Sarah talks about recognizing the systems that made her shows run smoothly and which ones were important for professional podcast production.
How her personal finance freelance writing career opened doors to other opportunities. Earlier this year I talked about how freelance writing is a great way to begin monetizing a podcast (or other online project) from day number one. Then you can leverage that content and those connections into something else.
It’s a great conversation (lasts about an hour) and if you’re looking to get into professional production-give it a listen.
Today’s Useful Podcasting Tip
It’s ok to take a break from your podcast.
I’m currently taking a 3 month hiatus from producing my “Michelle is Money Hungry” podcast.
I love that show.
It makes money, I’ve won 3 awards for it…but…I talk about some intense topics on that show such as: access, policy and social equity.
It’s can be really tiring to work on every week.
I’ve produced that show for almost 5 years. I’ve taken breaks before but this time I recognized that something was different. I’d run out of excitement for the project. So, I decided to take a 3 month (or longer) break from Michelle is Money Hungry.
Best decision ever.
This break also coincided with a pivot that I was making in my brand. By freeing up that time I was using to produce the show, I was able to rethink my online project. And, I was able to tackle a key problem that I was trying to solve:
How to reintroduce predictable income into my business revenue. I’d discovered that I truly did NOT enjoy having the majority of my income coming from freelance writing. Don’t get me wrong, I like freelance writing. I just don’t love freelance writing.
What I Like About Freelance Writing
Get paid to build authority
It can be very lucrative.
Make great connections with editors who make decisions around content for their platforms.
Understand how brands design and are looking at content to share with their audiences.
What I Dislike About Freelance Writing
There’s a point where it’s really difficult to scale. How many posts can you actually write?
Bad editors (even though I’ve worked with so many incredible editors)
It distracts from creating content in a content creation business if you don’t have systems in place.
Given that I’m in the online content creation space, my goals are to really focus on scaling income in the most accessible and easiest ways possible. Doing massive amounts of freelance projects just won’t work for me. A few freelance projects a month is totally fine. But, there’s just a certain amount of capacity that I have. I had to recognize that and move forward.
Why does this matter for you?
Because you may find that other creators will be so excited about something that you’re just not and I want you to know that it’s ok to be unenthusiastic about what the “other kids” are doing.
What Has Happened Since Taking the Break?
I’m still currently taking a break from that show. However, several notable things have happened since taking the break.
My passive income has started to grow again! I’m so happy about this. In fact, this is my #1 area of focus for my revenue streams. Building passive income is a lot of work-especially in the beginning stages of the process. I’m happy to report that it’s on an upward trajectory.
I have come up with my next 5 (YES, Five!) seasons of “Michelle is Money Hungry” this is important because I now get sponsors prior to recording any episodes. Currently, I’m in the process of reaching out to sponsors for the next two seasons that I plan on producing.
I’ve launched two other Substacks for my other projects. As a multi-passionate content creator I have more than one project. They all need email lists. While there are some risks to building an email list on Substack, I do think the initial benefits outweigh the risks. What are the two other Substacks?
Cowtown Denver-A Substack all about Denver and Colorado life. If you live in Denver, or are curious about Denver/Colorado related conversations, this project is for you. It is partnered with my Square State Colorado website and podcast.
Your American Money-Where I talk about all of the financial topics that never seem to make their way into mainstream financial media. This project is partnered with my Michelle is Money Hungry website and podcast.
Had a Quarter 1 financial crisis-I plan on recording a podcast episode about it and sharing at the end of the year. But, I do want to be candid that not everything has been sunshine and roses. Quarter 1 of 2023 felt like the I had a kick-me sign on my back :( for the majority of the Quarter.
Happily things are starting to ease up and chill out.
Free Workshop-How to Network and Get Paid as a Podcaster
When: Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 12:00 pm MTN/2:00 pm EST via Zoom. I will share Zoom details a few days before the workshop.
I’ve often been told that I’m very good at networking. I’ve gotten this feedback more than once. But, I would like to reframe what I do which is I’m really good at making organic and authentic connections with other people.
In fact there are a lot of things that I don’t do.
Formal networking for what? I basically don’t attend traditional networking events. They are boring and don’t really create great connections. I also find that for creators of color that these spaces have some unspoken gatekeeping that I don’t feel like navigating around during cocktail hour while I’m wearing heels and sipping on a free cocktail.
People are everywhere! I don’t limit myself to just making connections in the spaces that I’m interested in. In fact, many of my best connections happen outside of those spaces.
What conferences? I’ve also stopped attending the same conferences every year. Around 2019, I began alternating my conference attendance. I’ll share an example of what I mean. If I attended a conference in 2022, then I wouldn’t be attending it in 2023. In fact, I already know that I won’t be attending any conferences in 2024.
How am I doing these things and still making great connections with content creators, influencers and influential folks who have made a difference in my life, become great friends and have connected me with opportunities and MONEY. Yes, MONEY.
If you’re a person of color reading this specific post-I really need you to attend this session. Initially, I planned on charging for it. But, I realized that I would be talking a lot about the topic of “Access” and unspoken barriers to entry. That’s why I changed this to a FREE live session. I share how I just bring a chair and have a seat at a lot of tables that you may be surprised by. This workshop isn’t just about making connections in podcasting. This is about making impactful connections period. Whether you’re working a 9-5, working for yourself, etc.
Attend. Share with friends. I will be sharing log in details via Podcasters Getting Paid, so they will have to sign up for the free subscription.
If you’re unable to attend the live session, the replay is $17. If you’re unable to afford the $17, email me and let me know.
I’ll send over the replay.
Previous Editions
Upcoming Events
How to Network and Get Paid-FREE (live) on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 12:00 pm MTN/2:00 pm EST. The replay will be available for $17
Office Hours (Paid Subscribers Only)-Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 7:00 pm MTN/9:00 pm EST
Quarter 2 Office hours (All Subscribers)-Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 7:00 pm MTN/9:00 pm EST
Podcast Monetization Hot Seats-I would like to start doing hot seats to help community members better strategize how to monetize their podcast. Date and time: TBA
Colorado based podcasters-I will be hosting some in-person meetups as we lead up to Podcast Movement Denver 2023. I’ll begin announcing those meetups in April. If you’re visiting Colorado definitely join in!
How this Project Earns Money and What It Pays For
Podcasters Getting Paid is a monetized project. Most people will use a free subscription and my goal is to make this project accessible to everyone. However, it takes a lot of time to curate content, reach out to and interview experts and work on this project.
What your money pays for:
My labor-the time it takes to curate, work on and produce this project.
Future hires-I would love to hire writers or experts to share their expertise with the community.
Scholarships-Each month I provide scholarships for 1-on-1 coaching. Your investment in this work gives access to creators who might not be able to pay right now. I have personally benefited from these types of scholarships.
Subsidize advertising fees for companies or organizations that might not be able to allocate too much towards marketing.
How Podcasters Get Paid Earns Money
$5 a month subscriptions. For a cup of coffee you gain access to workshops, recorded content with experts, office hours and more.
One-time donation-This is ideal for the person who doesn’t want a subscription but would like to support the project.
Affiliates when appropriate
Workshops
Sponsors or Brand partnerships-Please email me at: thebrandbuildinglab@gmail.com if you’re interested in partnering with me.
Interview with Sarah Li Cain
She produces podcasts, creates content and some lessons to share with the community. There’s a point in the conversation where Sarah says the following “planting seeds for years” referencing the fact that it takes awhile to get to where she is and creating a lasting personal brand.