Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in content creation but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joe Casabona, Founder of Podcast Liftoff, located in Downingtown, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a podcast producer and coach that helps podcasters of any size make their first $10,000 with their show. I focus on helping speakers, authors, educators, and consultants.
Tell us about yourself
I've always had a desire to start a business. I even charged people for mixed CDs in high school. Then my church came to me and offered to pay me to make them a website. I didn't know how, but I learned. After nearly 20 years of creating websites for everyone, from mom-and-pop shops to Fortune 100 companies like Disney, I decided to pivot into podcasting. Part of the reason was in 2017, when my business was on the precipice of failure; my podcast was what saved it. Today, I want to help as many podcasters as possible realize that their podcasts can be income and lead generators with the right tweaks. My main motivation is I want them to experience the same success I do and that I don't do anything particularly special (besides the actual work) to do it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Consistently earning 1/3 of my income from podcast sponsorship, followed very closely by publishing 3 books with the same publisher I learned my craft from.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Having to wear many hats -- especially the marketing one. Building stuff comes easy to me. But convincing other people that my product or service is the best one.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Vet your idea first. It's a lot easier to throw up a landing page with an email opt-in to gauge interest than to spend 3 months building something no one wants.
- Don't work in a vacuum. Find a close group of friends, business owners, and advisors to bounce ideas off of.
- Start a mini (less than 20 minutes per episode) podcast! It's a great way to showcase your expertise and build an audience.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
One of my biggest successes (and main income sources) comes from the realization that you don't need thousands of downloads to get podcast sponsors. You need great alignment, a loyal audience, and the courage to ask for money to support your content!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://podcastliftoff.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcasabona/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jcasabona
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcasabona/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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