7 Why YOUR Conversations Matters

In Episode 6 Find YOUR Conversation First, I mentioned that the number one piece of advice I offer to most specific, seemingly individual questions from those I work with is almost always the question ❝ What is the conversation that you want to have? ❞

Your conversation is the beacon to your work.

It’s in your ability to expertly guide dialogue that you’ll be able to effectively impact cultural narratives that might need to up-level or even evolve.

I’ll illustrate here, with my guiding conversation, what I essentially use as a litmus test:

How are we offering content that has impact and begins a larger process of building a greater understanding of our world, not just replicating existing media and cultural dynamics?

I’ve expanded that language to describe ME.

I challenge podcasters and the podcasting industry to offer content that not only has impact but builds a greater understanding of our world by breaking down outmoded and inutile cultural dynamics that aren’t merely duplicating existing media and it’s business models and reinforcing institutional racism

I’ve narrowed it to be:

Having conversations that shift inutile cultural norms.

Now let’s put that conversation to practice to answer those specific questions that I mentioned in the last episode

1. I’ve been approached by someone as an interview for my podcast but I’m not sure if I want to have them on the show (conundrums around this have to do with exposure from the person - or that they are famous in their space but something feels off)

Is this person in some way breaking down useless cultural dynamics? Is this person doing something innovative in the way that they approach media? Will my audience benefit from the way that they have disrupted their niche?

2. I’ve been considering publishing 2x a week vs 1x a week OR I’m feeling 1x a week is too much I want to cut back (explanation of why making this decision is challenging)

In what way will changing my schedule help me model or experiment with connecting with my audience in a greater way? Will changing my production schedule help me have a different relationship and understanding of media creation and media consumption to better support my audience needs? Am I making my decision based on what ‘has already been done’ or ‘it’s what everyone else is doing’ or is it coming from deeper understanding that THIS is what I feel needs to be done?

3. Should I be on Twitter or (fill in the blank of the social media platform that you have an inquiry about)

Is Twitter where the majority of my conversation is happening? Are those that could potentially be interested in having conversations that shift the cultural norm around podcasting present in Twitter? Where do I feel the most comfortable and empowered to communicate the conversation that I want to have? Where can MY conversation have the most value and impact?

4. How do you get more feedback and engagement from my listeners?

Am I making sure that I’m asking for feedback or requesting to engage in conversation where my people feel the most comfortable in sharing? Am I reaching out to individual people that are currently wanting to have the conversation that I want to have? Have I been willing to educate my listeners about why dialogue is important to further greater understanding?

5. I’m getting bored with my show, and I’m not sure what to do…should I quit? Should I push through it?

Am I 100% engaging in having the conversation that I want to have? Am I feeling that my current episode template is not facilitating my ability to do something different? Have I outgrown the reason I started podcasting in the first place? Does my podcast need reflect who I am now?

6. How do I differentiate my show from all the others out there?

Am I having the conversation that I want to have. Am I challenging podcasters and the podcasting industry to offer content that has impact? Content that builds greater understanding? Am I challenging cultural dynamics that no longer serve us?

There is no need to actively pursue differentiation if you are having the conversation that YOU want to have and that you feel is necessary to have.

Please note, that when I say your conversation it does not in any way mean that you have an actual conversation as in, you need interviews, or a co-host.

You can instigate and have a conversation as a solo show and any other iteration of ‘type’ of podcast. Your listener is the other side of the dialogue.

Your clients, or those you serve are the other side of the dialogue.

I hope that you understand how important your conversation is.

Of course there can always be refinement. Of course there will be an evolution of your conversation. It continues to grow and change.

Keep this in mind as you continue with this work and that which has happened before:

YOU MUST HAVE A PREFERENCE. YOU MUST HAVE AN OPINION. YOU MUST STAND FOR SOMETHING. YOU MUST HAVE LIKES AND DISLIKES - AND YOU MUST BE WILLING TO CHANGE YOUR MIND.

AND YOU MUST BE WILLING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR IMPACT THAT CAUSES HARM REGARDLESS OF YOUR INTENTION

That last part is possibly the most important and it’s how we evolve individually and collectively. It’s in our willingness to go all into our certainty, stay open to our doubt AND take responsibility that we can auspiciously evolve.

That’s the dance of the divine paradox.

Now that you’ve gotten an idea of how Your Conversation serves as the lens from which you make decisions about your show and your business, can you put it into action?

What is a question that you might be having about your strategy, whether it be content, marketing, scheduling, however mundane it might feel and can you answer the question by usingYour Conversation?

Coming up in the next episode we’ll start the process of putting it all together 😳 via your mission, vision and values.