Get Paid to Speak

8 - Why Speakers Need a Podcast NOW!

Bill Corbett

Speakers are subject matter experts, and in today's crowded digital landscape, simply being a speaker or a subject expert isn't enough. You need to be seen, heard, and understood. While articles, webinars, and social media all play a role, there's one medium that stands out for its intimacy, reach, and ability to build genuine connection: the podcast.

If you're a subject matter expert (SME), a podcast isn't just a trend; it's a strategic imperative. Here’s why stepping up to the microphone can transform your influence and impact.

1. Establish Unmatched Authority and Credibility
Think of your podcast as an ongoing, in-depth conversation where you get to shine. Unlike a quick social media post or a brief interview, a podcast allows you to explore complex topics, share nuanced insights, and demonstrate your expertise over time. Listeners get to hear your thought process, your unique perspective, and your command of the subject. This consistent delivery of valuable content naturally positions you as a leading voice in your field.

2. Build Deep Connections and Trust
There’s something uniquely personal about audio. When someone listens to your voice directly in their ears, whether they're commuting, working out, or doing chores, it creates a bond that visual content often can't replicate. They hear your passion, your enthusiasm, and your personality. This consistent, intimate interaction fosters trust and loyalty, turning casual listeners into dedicated followers and potential clients or collaborators.

3. Expand Your Reach Beyond Traditional Channels
Podcasting offers a new avenue to reach audiences who might not engage with your other content.
Many people prefer audio for learning and entertainment because it fits seamlessly into their busy lives. By having a podcast, you tap into a global audience of active listeners specifically seeking out information and insights in your niche. You become discoverable on platforms where your ideal audience is already spending their time.

4. Create a Hub for Evergreen Content
Unlike fleeting social media posts, podcast episodes have a long shelf life. A well-produced episode on a foundational topic in your field can continue to attract new listeners for years. Each episode becomes an evergreen asset that can be repurposed into blog posts, social media snippets, email newsletter content, and even form the basis for future courses or books. It's a highly efficient way to maximize your content creation efforts.

5. Open Doors to Networking and Collaboration
A podcast is a powerful networking tool. Inviting other experts, thought leaders, or industry influencers as guests on your show can lead to invaluable connections. It's a mutually beneficial exchange: they get exposure to your audience, and you gain access to theirs, while also deepening your professional relationships. These collaborations can lead to new opportunities, joint ventures, and a broadened professional circle.

6. Monetization Opportunities
Beyond direct influence, a podcast can open up various monetization avenues. This could include sponsorships and advertising, selling your own products or services, offering premium content through subscriptions, or even using the podcast to drive traffic to your consulting, coaching, or speaking engagements. Your podcast becomes a direct channel for converting listeners into clients or customers.

For more help with professional speaking, get the book FROM THE SOAPBOX TO THE STAGE, available on Amazon. Copyright 2025 Bill Corbett and The Get Paid To Speak Podcast. All Rights Reserved.

SPEAKER_01:

Whether you're a subject matter expert or an already rising professional speaker, and you're looking to elevate your presence, deepen your connections, and truly own your space, then it's time to stop thinking about starting a podcast and actually start one now. In this episode of Bill Corbett's Getting Paid to Speak podcast, you'll learn how and why you should get started now. Here is Bill Corbett.

SPEAKER_00:

Speakers are subject matter experts. And in today's crowded digital landscape, simply being a speaker or a subject expert isn't enough. You need to be seen, heard, and understood. While articles, webinars, and social media all play a role, there's one medium that stands out for its intimacy, reach, and ability to build genuine connection, the podcast. If you're a subject matter expert, a podcast isn't just a trend, it's a strategic imperative. Here's why stepping up to the 1. Establish unmatched authority and credibility. Think of your podcast as an ongoing, in-depth conversation where you get to shine. Unlike a quick social media post or a brief interview, a podcast allows you to explore complex topics, share nuanced insights, and demonstrate your expertise over time. Listeners get to hear your thought process, your unique perspective, and your command of the subject– This consistent delivery of valuable content naturally positions you as a leading voice in your field. Two, build deep connections and trust. There's something uniquely personal about audio. When someone listens to your voice directly in their ears, whether they're commuting, working out or doing chores, it creates a bond that visual content often can't replicate. They hear your passion, your enthusiasm and your personality. This consistent, intimate interaction fosters trust and loyalty turning casual listeners into dedicated followers and potential clients or collaborators. Three, expand your reach beyond traditional channels. Podcasting offers a new avenue to reach audiences who might not engage with your other content. Many people prefer audio for learning and entertainment because it fits seamlessly into their busy lives. By having a podcast, you tap into a global audience of active listeners specifically seeking out information and insights in your niche. you become discoverable on platforms where your ideal audiences already spending their time Four, create a hub for evergreen content. Unlike fleeting social media posts, podcast episodes have a long shelf life. A well-produced episode on a foundational topic in your field can continue to attract new listeners for years. Each episode becomes an evergreen asset that can be repurposed into blog posts, social media snippets, email newsletter content, and even form the basis for future courses or books. It's a highly efficient way to maximize your content creation efforts. Five, open doors to networking and Thank you. These collaborations can lead to new opportunities, joint ventures, and a broadened professional circle. Six, monetization opportunities. Beyond direct influence, a podcast can open up various monetization avenues. This could include sponsorships and advertising, selling your own products or services, offering premium content through subscriptions, or even using the podcast to drive traffic to your consulting, coaching, or speaking engagements. Your podcast becomes a direct channel for converting The bottom line for subject matter experts, a podcast isn't just about sharing information. It's about shaping narratives, building communities, and cementing your legacy. It's an investment in your personal brand, your professional growth, and your ability to make a meaningful impact. Suppose you're a rising professional speaker or SME looking to elevate your presence, deepen your connections, and truly own your space. In that case, it's time to stop thinking about starting a podcast and actually start one. Your audience is waiting to hear from you.

SPEAKER_01:

We hope you enjoyed listening to this episode of Bill Corbett's Get Paid to Speak podcast. For more help on getting paid to speak, check out Bill's book, From the Soapbox to the Stage, How to Use Your Passion to Start and Grow a Speaking Business. You'll find it on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audio formats. The audio version was read by the author, Bill. To learn more about Bill, check out his website, BillCorbett.com. The Get Paid to Speak podcast is the property of Bill Corbett and CK Publishing. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.