Episode 285
How to Find Strategic Podcast Partners
What is a Strategic Podcast Partner?
Are we talking individuals or businesses?
When it comes to have a strategic podcast podcast partner for your podcast, don’t discriminate from only working with an individual or solely working with businesses. You can do both! (Or either or.) Let’s dive into what that looks like.
This isn’t necessarily a partnership that is for monetary gain, such as a sponsor or affiliate partner. (More on this in a second and a specific example.)
But first, we must clear the air.
At no time — and I mean never, ever, ever — do you take advantage of a relationship!
I feel a little silly having to utter those words. But when you start making connections and networking with people in your industry, you’ll likely be connected with some powerful players. Whether you get connected with the industry leaders or their support staff, don’t cross the line with people.
(Meaning, don’t start asking for hand outs or favors just because you have a connection. Don’t be THAT person.)
Now, let’s talk about how to work with these big players in your industry.
Examples of Working Strategic Partners
Mel & Streamyard
“You’ve got to try this new streaming app! It’s freaking amazing!!” That’s what my friend Mel said to me back in January 2020. She new I was looking for a better app to do my weekly live stream into my Facebook group and possibly on YouTube.
“There’s this new company called Streamyard and their tool is so cool!” She was hooked on their product long before people started using it as frequently as they do today. But Mel wasn’t being paid to talk about their app. She was just a fan of the product and knew that it would be a good solution — for me and tons of our online business friends.
Over time, Streamyard took notice.
Now, Mel and Streamyard have a strategic partnership where she contributes content for them and they magnify her message for something she already loves to do — teach people about live streaming.
(By the way, she did just introduce Gary Vaynerchuck and have a Q&A session with him at their recent online summit. No big deal.)
But that’s someone else’s story. Let me tell you more about MY strategic podcast partners.
(If you want to learn more about Streamyard, I’m also an affiliate for them! Check them out here.)
My Strategic Podcast Partners
1. OSSA Podcast Network
OSSA first came on as a strategic partner for me when they wanted to feature me on their website back in 2019. “We want to share your story.” It was a big deal for me because I had only recently began my podcast journey. You can read the entire OSSA article here: “Ossa Podcaster Interview: Krystal Proffitt | The Proffitt Podcast”
But where our partnership really grew was when they asked me to guest teach in their community. Since we started working together, I’ve guest taught inside their free “Grow Your Show” podcast e-course as well as their OSSA Academy. Both programs are geared toward helping podcasters grow and establish their shows.
This is an example of one of my strategic podcast partners that I’m not necessarily a monetary affiliate for and they’re not a sponsor of my podcast. But the perks of working with OSSA have been incredible!
I’ve made great relationships with them, been recommended for opportunities, and continue to see how working with them can help my community as a whole.
I highly recommend learning more about OSSA. Learn more about them below and in this podcast interview: “Ep. 149 Podcast Networks: Meredith Reed with OSSA”
Ossa (pronounced “AH-sah”) is a women’s podcast network and ad booking platform on a mission to increase the visibility, influence & earning power of women in the podcast industry.
OSSA FOR PODCASTERS
We represent a rapidly-growing community of over 1,000 podcasts hosted and produced by women.
Unlike other networks, we aren’t focused on building a platform of celebrities and influencers. We believe that every woman who is dedicated to producing a podcast that offers meaningful, educational and entertaining content deserves access to tools and resources designed to fuel her success.
Ossa podcasters have access to a wide range of free members-only resources for podcast growth & development, including: promotional opportunities, networking, guest booking, e-courses, and monetization on our ad booking platform. – ossacollective.com
2. Buzzsprout
It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been connected to Buzzsprout — my podcast host — since 2018. And they’ve provided some incredible opportunities for me to grow my podcast, my business, and my influence in the podcast space by:
- Having me as a guest on their podcast
- Sponsoring content
- Mentioning my podcast in virtual webinars, podcast episodes, YouTube videos, newsletter segments, and so much more! (They even featured The Proffitt Podcast in a trailer they put on their website!)
Buzzsprout has been a crucial strategic podcast partner for me and I’m grateful to have connected with them. You can learn more about Buzzsprout and snag a 90-day free trial here.
My Strategic Podcast Partners
3. Squadcast
Squadcast is a remote recording platform I started using in early 2020. It was recommended to me by a fellow podcast host and I haven’t looked back since!
Some of the perks I’ve had being connected with the team at Squadcast are:
- Getting to interview the Co-Founders, Zach & Rock (You can listen to that episode here.)
- Being featured in their newsletter, ads across social media, and the podcast hosted by Zach & Rock, Between 2 Mics
- I’ve also been a beta tester for their product where I get special access to some of the newest features their working on before they’re released to all users
While some of the perks of working with strategic partners are measurable, working with companies like Squadcast are priceless. The relationships I’ve honed and created with the team over there (especially after meeting most of them in-person at Podcast Movement 2021) make working with them — and promoting their incredible product — that much more fun!
4. Amy Porterfield, Inc.
You probably already know who Amy Porterfield is, especially if you listen to the podcast on a regular basis. But she’s my mentor that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in person, getting direct business coaching from, and someone that I’m constantly looking up to.
Amy is also a strategic partner for my business in how we’ve worked together over the years.
I’ve purchased and participated in many of her online programs; not limited to Digital Course Academy, her BSchool Bonus Experience with Marie Forleo, Systems That Scale, and her Bestseller Masterclass Bonus Experience with Gabby Bernstein.
Amy has also talked about my journey on her own podcast Online Marketing Made Easy, submitted a glowing endorsement for my book Start a Binge-Worthy Podcast, and asked me to teach inside her Momentum Membership.
The reason why my connection with Amy makes her a strategic partner is because she’s a trusted educator in the online space and her endorsement of my work in the podcast space means a lot.
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