Episode 282

Are You Stuck in Podcast “Research Mode”?

Can I ask you a question?

It happens more often than you think…

When I ask people (who have told me I want to have a podcast one day), “How is your podcast planning going?”

I usually get 2 responses:

1. The person gives me a deer in headlights look that you give your teacher when she asks, “Where’s your homework?” and you suddenly realize you had no clue there was an assignment due!

Like, “OMG! I had no idea that I needed to do something.”

2. I get the answer, “I’m still in ‘research mode’.

And the 2nd answer makes me cringe.

I mean, I get it. 
You do need to do some research when you’re getting started with your podcast. However, that research should not last 6-12 months.

But let’s dive deeper into why this is such a taboo topic as your podcast coach.

The challenge starts
Aug. 23 – Aug. 27

What Do You Mean by Podcast “Research Mode”?

Simple Definition

If you know know what the term “research mode” means, there are a few ways to break it down. This could mean that the podcaster is:

1. trying to find their podcast topic
2. deciding on their audience and who they want to speak to
3. choosing a podcast name and can’t settle on just the right one
4. working on the creative piece of their podcast artwork (do I hire a designer or just do this myself?)
5. trying to “figure out” how to record (which could mean they’re dedicating hours on Google and YouTube in circles trying to figure out how Audacity works or if recording in stereo or mono is the right selection)

I get it!
I’ve done it all too!

 It’s one of the strategies I used with my 1st podcast back in 2018.

 But it becomes a concern for me – as your podcast coach – when I run into that same person 6-12 months later and ask, “How is your podcast going?” and the response is…”I’m STILL in research mode.”

4 Steps to Take Action

We’re Changing Today!

If you’re listening to this right now and that is you, we’re changing that TODAY. I wanted to give you 4 steps to make some decisions and just get started.

1. Plan

(get all of the ideas out of your head)

2. Research

(research isn’t meant to be a 4-letter word, but research without action isn’t what you’re doing any longer)

3. Make a Decision

(it doesn’t have to be the end-all-be-all decision, but you will have to make some decisions to get started. It’s why our motto around here is, “Keep it up. We all have to start somewhere!”)

4. Evaluate

(If you made a decision and you don’t love it, it’s not the end of the world! Evaluate and see where you can make changes, make improves, or pivot altogether.)