Episode 100: My ROI From Long-Term Podcasting

Filed in All Episodes, Business Strategy, Collapsing Time, Leadership Development — July 4, 2023

Welcome back to Shamelessly Ambitious the podcast — Episode ONE HUNDRED. Are you freaking kidding?! This is the one where I delve into the world of entrepreneurship and share my valuable insights and experiences specifically as a podcaster. Today’s episode marks a significant milestone, as it is my 100th episode, and I’m ecstatic to celebrate this achievement and reflect on what I’ve learned throughout my podcasting journey with you.

Join me as I take you behind the scenes and share the lessons I’ve gained as both a podcaster and as a Shamelessly Ambitious entrepreneur.

My Desire to Start Sooner

For years before I actually started, I had a burning desire to create a podcast. I thought I needed to have everything perfectly planned and executed. But looking back, I wish I had started sooner. Funny story… I actually had all of the equipment I needed to start, but I allowed fear & perfectionism & overwhelm to hold me back. So I’m here to remind you…if you have a dream within you, don’t wait. Whether it’s to start a podcast, launch a program, or anything else — embrace the imperfections and start now.

Embracing Imperfections and Pivoting

Starting my podcast wasn’t a smooth journey. I didn’t start out with a beautiful studio or a fancy mic… As a digital nomad, I recorded episodes in pillow cocoons for months (IYKYK) because it was the best I could do at the time. It wasn’t perfect, but I made it work. Through this, I learned the importance of embracing imperfections and being willing to pivot. This year I hired a podcast professional to audit & evaluate my show and guide me on necessary changes. Through this process, I discovered the types of episodes that resonated most with you, such as solo episodes and shorter, coaching-type content. So that’s exactly what I’m bringing to your ears now.

The Importance of Delegation

I’ve also realized that I can’t do everything on my own. I sought support from talented people to help with various aspects of podcasting and my business as a whole. Delegation became essential for growth. By following my infamous “do dump delegate” approach, I identified tasks that brought me joy, moved the needle forward, and required my unique touch for me to “do.” Everything else was outsourced or dumped, allowing me to focus on my zone of genius and deliver high-quality content to my listeners with the help of my team.

Monetization and Long-Term Impact

While many podcasters aim to make money through sponsorships and ads, that wasn’t my primary focus when starting my podcast. Shamelessly Ambitious was designed to create impact and build trust with my audience. Not to say I’ve never done ads, because I have, but I’ve had limited success with sponsorships. Although, I’ve generated a minimum of $50,000 directly from the podcast through coaching and program sign-ups from clients who have stumbled across my content. Because of this, I’ve witnessed the power of the podcast as a platform for building relationships and connecting with potential clients for indirect income.

The Value of Repurposing

Podcasting also provides a wealth of content that can be repurposed across various platforms. With each episode, my team creates an IG reel, YouTube short, blog post, Pinterest pins, IG stories, 3 email assets, and more. Something that takes approximately 30 minutes of my time then creates a majority of my content for the week. On top of that, my episodes have become a valuable library of knowledge that I often refer to when answering questions or providing additional value to my audience. Repurposing content allows me to reinforce key concepts and enhance the learning experience for my listeners.

As I celebrate my 100th episode of Shamelessly Ambitious, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey so far. The lessons I’ve learned as a podcaster and entrepreneur have shaped my approach to content creation, delegation, and long-term impact. Starting sooner, embracing imperfections, and being willing to pivot were key factors in my business’s success. && While monetization is possible, the true value of podcasting lies in the connections made, the impact created, and the opportunities for personal and professional growth. So, if you’ve been contemplating starting your own podcast, remember that the perfect time is now. Embrace the journey, learn from your experiences, and continue to be shamelessly ambitious.

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I’m Ash—therapist, business mentor, rule-breaker. I’ve built three multi-6-figure businesses by blending therapy with strategy. I’m here to help you scale a business that aligns with who you are and how you want to live. Around here, we break rules and build businesses that feel damn good.

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