I have written about the benefits of being a guest on podcasts. What about being a podcast host, though? Sure, it can take some work to get a podcast started and keep it going, but technical professionals hosting a podcast can offer a myriad of benefits, too. Hosting a podcast can take your visibility, networking, and expertise to new levels. I should know.
I’ve hosted the Teach the Geek podcast, for a few years and now have over 300 episodes! Here are three reasons to consider becoming a podcast host.
Enhance Your Visibility Inside and Outside the Organization
One of the most significant advantages of hosting a podcast is the visibility it brings. Being the host of your employer’s podcast positions you as a key representative of your organization, making you the face of its communication efforts. This visibility can lead to recognition as a leader and open doors to new opportunities, such as presenting to clients or representing the company at events.
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Hosting a podcast can also amplify your brand. Podcasting allows you to showcase your communication skills and build an audience that associates you with expertise and professionalism. Broadcasting live from conferences or events is another great way to boost both your visibility and your company’s presence. Podcasting wasn’t as popular when I worked as an engineer. I have since guested on company podcasts and have seen other podcasts live from conferences.
If your organization doesn’t have its podcast, consider starting your own. With just a hosting platform, a good microphone, and some editing software, you can create a platform that elevates your career and connects you with a broader audience.
Grow Your Professional Network
Podcasts are powerful networking tools. Inviting guests to your podcast provides a structured way to engage with industry professionals and decision-makers. While arranging virtual coffee chats can be challenging, many are willing to participate in podcast interviews. These interviews can evolve into meaningful connections that lead to speaking engagements, consulting opportunities, referrals, or more.
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My podcast focuses on interviewing STEM professionals about their public speaking journeys. Through these conversations, I’ve built relationships with people who work for organizations that later partnered with me. For instance, a program director at AAAS was a guest. Afterward, she invited me to be a speaker at a conference she organizes. This eventually led to me being a judge at a subsequent conference she organized.
Opportunities can also come from listeners. The head of the professional studies department at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County came across my podcast and reached out, which ultimately led to me teaching a communications course in their engineering management program. Similarly, a program leader at the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineering connected with me through the podcast, resulting in a partnership to offer my public speaking course to their members.
Position Yourself as a Subject Matter Expert
A podcast provides a platform to demonstrate your expertise in a relatable and accessible way. As a host, you have the opportunity to share your insights, break down complex topics, and engage in thoughtful discussions with guests. This positions you as not just a technical expert but also an effective communicator.
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If you host an interview-style podcast, your expertise shines through the questions you ask and the commentary you provide. You can even include an introductory segment before each episode where you summarize key takeaways of the interview and offer your perspective. Over time, your podcast becomes a testament to your thought leadership, further cementing your reputation as a subject matter expert. Since my podcast is about public speaking, the goal is always to intersperse my thoughts on the topic when speaking with my guests. It leads to rich discussions and useful information for the listeners.
Being a podcaster is a powerful way for technical professionals to elevate their careers. It enhances your visibility, helps you build a strong network, and establishes you as a subject matter expert. While you can get all these benefits from being a guest on podcasts, you don’t control whether you’re a guest (podcast hosts have to accept you as a guest). By hosting a podcast, it gives you control and more opportunities to reap these benefits.
If you’ve been considering ways to advance your career, starting a podcast might just be the step that sets you apart.