Summary

Jessica Rhodes is the founder and CEO of Interview Connections, the premier source for booking outstanding podcast guests. They also represent dozens of highly qualified guest experts to connect them with podcast hosts for interviews.

Jessica is the host of the hit weekly web TV show, Interview Connections TV, she’s the host of the Rhodes to Success podcast and she is the co-host of The Podcast Producers, a ten-episode audio series selected by Apple as a “How to Podcast” show in iTunes.

In this episode we discuss podcasting and the barriers to getting started. We also discuss how to connect with guests which leads into a conversation on networking- lots of gold in this chat. Jessica shares valuable information on how to grow an audience, how to live with passion and purpose, and how to build your business.

Enjoy and leave your comments. Peace, passion and purpose.

Key Take Outs

• Connect with your passion and have purpose. When you do something that you are not so passionate about or that doesn’t provide you with much purpose you will struggle to remain sustainable. It will be more challenging. Connect with what you enjoy and you will do everything with greater purpose- this will lead to success in what you do.

• Screw it, just do it! Great advice from Richard Branson. Don’t hesitate or procrastinate getting started, whether that’s starting a podcast or something else. You need to take the plunge and get in there. Fear and self-doubt will hold you back but the regret will hurt greater than anything you may face when starting out. Its better to know then never know at all.

• It gets easier as your grow. When you step outside your comfort zone you will grow and things will get easier. You will meet new challenges but previous challenges will become a walk in the park. Its important you remain consistent when you step outside the comfort zone. If you do it irregularly you may find it hard to do it next time. Its through continual practice that one improves.

• It’s always evolving. My show has evolved and will continue to evolve. The world is continually evolving so it is only natural to expect you will, too. Don’t be deterred by this. Without evolution how can you expect improvements.

• Find what the audience wants. To grow your audience, it is important to connect with the audience you already have. Find what they want and add value in that direction. This will encourage more sharing on their networks and therefore help grow your audience. Also it’s important to note that connecting with peers on a similar level is beneficial- they are more likely to promote you than some of the senior experts, bigger names, in your field.

• Get networking. Really important in growing your business. This ability to network can often be a daunting task but shouldn’t be. Watch how kids interact and adopt similar approaches. Eye-contact, a smile and a hello followed by some genuine curiosity-based questions into what the other person is interested in. Get the other person talking. Also remove the temptation to being on the phone and use welcoming body language.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Don’t post on Facebook- be mindful of what you post.

Her interpretation of success

Having freedom and control of your own schedule.

Quick round questions

Favourite Food

Pizza

Favourite Leisure Activitiy

Playing in nature.

Favourite book(s)

Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Saya

Quote

“This to shall pass.”

What does living life with passion and purpose mean?

When you do what you love, what that lights you up, gets you excited and has impact in the world.

How to find Jessica and other links

You can find out more about Jessica by visiting her website here.

The Podcast Producers Series link here. Your guide to help get started podcasting.

She also refers to Meet Edgar and app helping you with re-posting links.