How to choose the best podcast guest

With the new year coming up, many of us will be holding teleseminars. We will also be inviting others to be guests and hosts.
Here are some tips to invite a guest (and I’m happy to be your guest if we are a good fit!).
(1) What makes Egert or Elena a good choice for your business? Will Egbert attract sign-ups among your target market so you can grow your list? Will Elena give you credibility because you get to say, “I interviewed this famous person?” Will Egbert agree to publicize the event to his big list? Will Elena make an offer with an attractive affiliate commission?
We’ve all made this mistake: We’re so excited to get a famous person that we don’t ask these questions. We also forget that sometimes our list would rather hear from someone new who may be less famous but more targeted to their needs.
Egbert’s name will attract a lot of traffic. You’ll gain credibility from hosting him. But will that be enough?
(2) What’s in it for Egbert? Why would Elena want to be a guest on your podcast? Does your market buy their products? Have they written you commission checks (evidence that your audience likes their products)? Are they newcomers looking for exposure?
Tip: Make it easy. “I’ll do all the footwork. You can just appear.”
And remind the guest they’ll get rewards even on a small show. You gain more credibility and you sound great if you were interviewed by someone else. They’ll almost always benefit, unless you’re a really bad interviewer.
(3) Guests don’t like surprises. You set the rules. Do you want the guest to send questions? Or will you make up 10 questions and send them to Egbert for approval? Will you just turn the call over to Elena so she gives a presentation with no interruptions? Negotiate these opportunities *before* the guest appears.
I always give my guests a list of questions I’m going to ask. They can negotiate whether to change or modify the questions.
(4) Send the guest a call-in number well before the appointed date. If you’re using a teleseminar system, make sure your guest is signed in as an administrator or host (systems use different terms). You need to be able hear Egbert even when all participants are muted.
(5) It’s a nice courtesy to send a thank you message afterward. Some people send hand-written notes or personal cards. Some guests will view this gesture as friendly but others will think it’s a little over the top.
What do YOU think? What’s been your experience as a host or guest? Click on the “Comment” link below to share your views.
Thanks, Billie! A lot of people like hand-written notes. It’s a good suggestion that can’t hurt.
I think you’ve covered it all, and I especially like a snail mail thank you card. If the interview was worth your time, or your hosts time – why wouldn’t you extend a pleasant thank you note – what’s 44 cents?
Even a post card, would make you a candidate for a repeat performance in my book.
Thank you!
Billie