I’ve been in business for a long time, and I’m out there selling every day. Just like anyone else, I get told NO a lot. But over the years I’ve learned not to take it personally or make it a reason to quit. That in itself has been one of my most significant achievements.
But I’m not the only one who has learned how to power through the slings and arrows of rejection. Countless others have been down the same road and have eventually found their groove.
Still, even though the “hero’s journey” itself is similar, everyone brings their unique perspective to the table.
That’s why I started my podcast, Success Unfiltered. I wanted to create a space where I could give others the opportunity to share their experiences on surviving rejection and also share my stories on that same topic.
Why do I take the time to let others have the spotlight on my show?
First, my audience gets a fresh perspective on the things I talk about all the time. Second, hearing it both from me and from someone else gives additional credibility to my message: that NO is a part of life in business, and it doesn’t mean you should quit.
These are all the positive effects of what I like to call “guesting.”
What is “guesting?”
Guesting is featuring outside experts on your personal platforms. It’s also being featured for your expertise in another person’s space. And the mutual benefits are astronomically rewarding.
When you’re a host, it takes the heat off of you to perform every single week by giving someone else center stage. When you’re a guest, you have a chance to get your message out to a whole new crowd. And it doesn’t cost you anything but a few moments of your time.
Most of all, guest is fun! It’s a great way to strengthen relationships with your peers as well as make connections with new colleagues. It helps you expand your horizons and lets others do the same.
With technology as it is today, the opportunities for guesting are limitless. As a host, you can start a podcast. You can share live interviews on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. You can record and share conversations using Zoom or Skype. As a guest, there are numerous opportunities to connect with potential hosts using your relationship and rapport building skills, too.
No matter what version of guesting appeals to you the most, there’s no shortage of ways to both see and be seen.
But why would you want to bother with it all in the first place? Isn’t it just one more thing to take up your time? The answer is no. There are many reasons to work guesting into your business, and all of them are well worth the effort.
I’ve narrowed it down to the top three ways that guesting can skyrocket your business. We’re going to talk about the perks of featuring guests on your show, what’s in it for your guests, and the benefits of being a guest on someone else’s platform.
What’s in it for you?
Why would you want to let someone else be the star of your show? Here are three reasons why letting someone else take the wheel will ultimately help your business.
Someone else provides the content (and reduces your stress). Does coming up with content for your show, blog, or podcast wear you out? Let someone else help! Bringing in a guest not only brings a burst of new energy to your show, but you also get to take a break from the grind of content creation. That alone is worth letting someone else take the mic for a day.
Guest clients can give live testimonials. Do you have a loyal client who had a significant breakthrough working with you? Let them share it on your favorite platform! Your client gets a chance to share their success. They also boost your credibility by testifying that you’re the real deal. It’s a genuine win-win for both of you.
It adds credibility to your message. Sure, I like to talk about my experiences in sales and rejection. But my audience doesn’t just have to take it from me! Hearing someone else’s stories not only provides a fresh perspective for my audience, but it also adds to the validity of my message.
What’s in it for your guests?
In sales, it’s all about the other person. And when you’re reaching out to potential guests, it’s a lot like selling. You’ve got to give them a compelling reason why they’d want to spend 30 minutes hanging out with you on a Facebook Live or a podcast. Luckily, it’s a pretty easy pitch to make!
They’ll reach a new audience. Making an appearance on someone else’s show is sure to get your guest in front of new people, and potential new prospects. Let them know what your show is about and why your audience is the perfect place for their message. Now, who would turn down an opportunity for free exposure to potentially new ideal clients? Put it that way, and you’re likely to get an enthusiastic YES!
They’ll have a chance to share new stories. On my podcast, Success Unfiltered, I don’t hold back. I ask the real and raw questions. I encourage my guests to tell it like it is and to get real. It’s an opportunity for them to share another side of themselves, get vulnerable and honest, and ultimately kick that “know, like, and trust” factor into high gear on a new platform.
They can promote their business to a new crowd. Take my client, Sara. Her business is for mid-level entrepreneurs who are seeking high-level masterminds. By being a guest on my podcast, she’s getting her business in front of a pre-qualified tribe. And without having to pay for expensive ads or agonize over complicated sales funnels. All she has to do is show up and share. What could be easier?
What’s in it for you to BE a guest?
I’ve done several guest stints on podcasts in the recent past (ten interviews in the last few months, to be exact!). It has helped me grow my audience and get exposure in all kinds of new places, just like I’ve done for my guests on Success Unfiltered. That’s the most evident benefit.
But what else can you get out of making an appearance on someone else’s show?
It’s a chance to test out your ideas in a new forum. Let’s say that you’re toying with the idea of a new product or service. How about throwing it out there on someone else’s show and seeing what happens? Sharing a fresh idea with a new group is quick, easy, and it doesn’t cost you a thing.
It helps you perfect your elevator pitch. Every time I give an interview on a podcast, the host asks me what I do, how I help people, and where can people find me. It’s up to me to have a quick, concise, and memorable answer. The more shows that you’re on, the more you get to practice your big line. And of course, the more you say it out loud, the more refined and dazzling it becomes.
“An expert gives an objective view. He gives his own view.” ~ Morarji Desai
The more experts you feature, the more views that you share. The more often you share your point of view, the more you expand your message. That is the best part of guesting, in the end.
It’s all about sharing your mission, adding credibility to your message, and ultimately helping more people. Guesting accomplishes this not only for you but also for your peers and colleagues. And the more you share the love, the more it comes back to you. Guaranteed.
Ready to start making guesting a part of YOUR business? Click HERE and download “The Ultimate Guesting Checklist: 3 Ways To Use Guesting To Skyrocket Your Business” and let guesting work for YOU!
