5 Ways to Own Your Platform
In this episode of Podcasting Secrets, I sit down with Michelle Kuei, the founder of Elevate Life Coaching and host of the Make It Visible podcast. Michelle shares how she has embraced her physical disability and used it to build a life of purpose and empowerment. As a certified visibility and marketing coach, certified storytelling master, and author, Michelle is a mentor on how to use the power of storytelling to attract clients and turn their passion for coaching into a profitable business.
She provides invaluable tips for creating engaging content that resonates with listeners on another level. Michelle demonstrates how vulnerability and authenticity can be powerful tools for connection and growth. Join us as she shares five key ways to own your platform and create a podcast that truly makes an impact.
1. Share Your Unique Story
One of the most powerful ways to connect with your audience is by sharing your unique story. By openly discussing her challenges and triumphs, Michelle creates a bond with her listeners that goes beyond surface-level topics.
When you share your own story, you give your audience a glimpse into your world and allow them to see you as a human being. This vulnerability inspires a sense of trust and authenticity that draws people in and keeps them coming back for more. Don't be afraid to discuss the obstacles you've faced and the lessons you've learned along the way.
Your story doesn't have to be perfect or polished. In fact, it's often the raw and unfiltered moments that resonate most with listeners. By sharing how you got to where you are and the struggles you have faced and sharing it with others, you create a platform that is truly your own that people want to engage with because they like what you bring to the table.
2. Lead with Empathy
When you approach your content from a place of understanding and compassion, you create a safe space for your listeners to explore their own experiences and emotions. Michelle emphasizes the importance of listening to your audience and creating content that addresses their struggles and aspirations.
You can start by putting yourself in your listeners' shoes. What challenges are they facing? What questions are they grappling with? By anticipating their needs and providing valuable insights and solutions, you demonstrate that you truly care about their well-being and success.
In your episodes, strive to create a conversational tone that feels like a heart-to-heart chat with a trusted friend. Share your own vulnerabilities and imperfections, and encourage your listeners to do the same. Don’t overshare, but keep in mind that by fostering a sense of connection and understanding, you create a community that extends far beyond the list you see of your subscribers.
3. Define Your Intention
It's crucial to define your intention for your podcast before you hit record on your first episode. What impact do you hope to make in your listeners' lives? What do you want people to learn? Having a clear purpose behind each episode and using that intention to guide your content creation process is important. Here are some questions to ask yourself to get you started:
- What topics am I passionate about sharing?
- How can I provide value and insight to my audience?
- What do I want my listeners to feel and take away from each episode?
With a clear intention, you can create a roadmap for your podcast that keeps you focused and on track. This roadmap also helps you attract the right listeners who resonate with your message and values. Approaching your content from a place of purpose and passion shines through in every episode and helps your audience care about what you have to say.
4. Master the Art of Storytelling
Creating a "story bank" of experiences and anecdotes that you can draw from when creating content will help your podcast stay engaging. Storytelling helps you deliver your message in a memorable way.
Start by paying attention to the everyday moments and encounters that shape your life. Whether it's a conversation with a stranger at a coffee shop or a challenging experience you've overcome, these stories have the power to connect with your audience.
When sharing a story on your podcast, focus on the details that bring it to life. Use descriptions and language to transport your listeners into the scene. Don't be afraid to inject humor and personality into your storytelling, but don’t force it. This helps create a more engaging and relatable experience for your audience. Storytelling isn't just about entertaining your listeners; it's about delivering a message or lesson that they can apply to their own lives.
5. Embrace Your Uniqueness
In a crowded podcast landscape, it can be tempting to try and fit into a certain mold or mimic the styles of successful shows. However, the key to owning your platform is embracing your uniqueness and letting your personality shine through. One of the most important things you can do as a podcaster is be true to yourself and trust that your authentic voice will resonate with the right audience.
Take risks and experiment with different formats and topics. Your podcast should be a reflection of your passions and expertise, not a carbon copy of what's already out there. By leaning into your unique perspective and experiences, you create a show that stands out from the crowd and attracts listeners who appreciate your distinct voice.
Owning your platform gives you the opportunity to do what you do best. As you continue to create content and engage with your audience, you'll naturally evolve and refine your approach. Trust the process and stay true to your core values and intentions, and you'll create a podcast that truly makes an impact.
Who You Choose to Be Makes a Difference
Creating a podcast that resonates with your audience requires vulnerability, authenticity, and a commitment to your intentions. By sharing your story, leading with empathy, defining your intention, use of storytelling, and embracing what you are passionate about, you can create a platform that truly belongs to you that others want to be a part of.
As Michelle Kuei demonstrates in her own journey, the power of podcasting lies in its ability to connect people across boundaries and inspire positive change. By owning your voice and your message, you have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of your listeners.
Start sharing your story with the world. Your audience is waiting to hear from you, and your unique perspective has the power to transform lives. Trust in the value of your experiences and insights, and let your passion guide you. With dedication and authenticity, you can be a creator who truly owns their platform and leaves a lasting impact on all who tune in.
Key Takeaways:
1. Michelle was inspired to push her limits and hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu despite having a physical disability. This experience taught her the power of showing up courageously.
2. After seeing that other coaches were struggling to attract clients, Michelle realized she had a skill for marketing and visibility. She started teaching what she knew.
3. Michelle believes the secret sauce for connecting with your audience is empathy and understanding what they are going through.
4. Having an intention behind each episode and a clear lesson for your listeners helps keep people engaged and coming back.
5. Don't be afraid to just get started podcasting - passion is more important than perfection.
6. Have a clear, specific topic to focus on rather than covering too many random topics.
7. Storytelling helps make your show relatable and compelling. Keep a "story bank" of interesting anecdotes.
8. Podcasting builds authority and gives you something valuable to exchange to promote your business.
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Thanks for joining us for this episode. I wish you success as you unlock your inner strength to become an amazing podcast host.
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