“Different strokes for different folks.”
This is the saying that Heneka Watkis-Porter keeps in mind when she speaks with various guests on her podcasts. Not only is Heneka juggling The Entrepreneurial You podcast but she’s also helping novice podcasters through coaching sessions and her book, Podcast Power.
Heneka has had amazing guests on her show namely, Richard Branson, Seth Godin, John Lee Dumas, Paul Carrick Brunson, Les Brown and so much more.
As Heneka mentioned, “ every single person that has been on my show is of value, quality and they’re worth their grain of salt.” Heneka learns a different strategy on how to approach every guest she’s had on the podcast.
By having these awesome guests, Heneka was able to amp her relatability. Her show became an avenue to show beginner podcasters that it’s possible to have big names in your show if you know how to connect and nurture relationships with them.
Upon starting her podcast, she became interested in John Lee Dumas and what he was doing. She genuinely formed a connection with him telling him how she loves his content and John would respond to this. Heneka stated, “when I started, he became a very low-hanging fruit because we already formed a connection.”
When she reached out to John Lee Dumas and he came to Heneka’s show, this gave her social proof and she was able to reach out to other people. Heneka believes that not all guests on her podcasts are the same that’s why she’s careful about the initial connection she makes with them.
Instead of directly telling them to be a guest on her show, she adds value by explaining what she does, how she can be of help, and what the listeners will get in case the person agrees to be on her podcast.
These basic things may seem like a no-brainer for some but some podcasters fail to form and maintain meaningful relationships with their guests.
A lot of podcasters go through Imposter Syndrome and think they’re not worthy to have certain names on their show. But Heneka counters this by saying, “actually, who are you not to be talking with this person?”
She advises that it’s best to go with the openness that there’s a level playing field in podcasting. Heneka adds, “you have access to the internet, you have access to everyone.”
All of us have issues with our self-esteem and confidence but once we get to a point where we recognize our worth and values, then it becomes easier.
If you constantly tell yourself that the guests you want on the show will turn you down, you’re basically telling yourself that you’re not worth it. You have to affirm yourself and believe in what you’re capable of doing.
For Heneka, the ultimate goal for podcasting is to touch the core of humanity which is being relatable. It’s not always about the guests bringing value to the table, it’s about having a collaboration that can add value to all the people involved.
Podcasting brings people together, regardless of status, race, and beliefs. Although it takes hard work to showcase a single podcast episode, no one can deny how fulfilling each episode can be.
