The Podcaster’s Guide to FinCon

Are you thinking about starting a podcast? Perhaps you’re not a newbie; maybe you’re a veteran podcaster or somewhere in between. Podcasting is an essential part of FinCon and helping you get the most out of your experience is extremely important to us.

So we created this Podcaster’s Guide to help you navigate the event for podcasting-specific opportunities and learning experiences. Here’s everything you need to know to get started creating content, snagging sponsors, and more at FinCon.

The following 10 things should help podcasters squeeze the most out of FinCon:

1. Get Sponsors for Your Show

Sign up for a Pro Pass and participate in Pro Networking to connect with brands for advertising deals. It’s kind of like speed dating…but there’s no dating involved. With a Pro Influencer Pass, you’re able to schedule 10-minute one-on-one meetings with brands so you have the potential to come to FinCon with your appointments already booked.

And if you run out of time to meet with all of the brands, you can network with the remaining ones during the Speaker/Pro Mixer that evening. Attendees tell us the Pro Pass pretty much pays for itself in relationships made during Pro Networking.

Check out other ways to maximize your ROI on attending FinCon here.

Plus, you can meet more potential advertising partners in FinCon Central as you strike up conversations with key brands that could turn into future revenue for your show.

A pro tip is to pack more than just a business card for these introductions. If you want to snag a sponsor, consider bringing a media kit.

A medit kit for podcasters might include:

• One page of highlights about your show
• Stats about downloads
• Insight to who your listeners are

This media kit is also great for follow-up emails.

2. Create Content On-Site

One thing you might be reluctant to do is to actually create content at the event. Don’t be! In fact, you might be surprised how many people ask you for a sound bite or a quote for their own podcasts. In addition to contributing to other people’s work, you can create your own content, too.

During the event you’ll see podcasters setting up and recording interviews in many of the event’s common areas, such as FinCon Central, hotel lobbies, and hallways outside the breakout sessions.

In addition to recording, you can create your marketing collateral at FinCon. Throughout the event, snap pictures of your brand at work and share them on social media. You can also tag other influencers who are in the photos, and there’s a possibility they will share them with their audiences as well.

Even if you aren’t creating content at FinCon, you can make connections and gather useful information from other attendees at the event. Ask people to give you quotes or establish connections and follow up with them later when you get home.

3. Record an Episode of Your Podcast Live at the Podcasting Stage

We set up your mics, provide a digital recorder, and give you the chance to record your podcast LIVE at the conference. All you’ve got to do is show up to the Podcasting Stage and start recording. Special thanks to National Endowment for Financial Education for sponsoring this area.

While you might not need much in terms of equipment, make sure you have an SD card. Use it to record, and then make sure to take it with you afterward.

Spots are limited, so make sure you sign up in advance. Information on sign-ups will be released in advance in the FinCon Facebook groups, both the general one and the group specifically for podcasters, the FinCon app, and will be sent out in event update emails. After you’ve secured your spot, make sure you remind any guests that are coming on the show with you of the timing as well.

4. Connect with Experts to Serve as Guests on Future Episodes of Your Podcast

Discover new podcasters from the FinCon community! A conversation in the hallway or during a meetup could turn into a future podcast episode on your show. Create key relationships that will potentially get your foot in the door as a guest on other shows.

It’s true that big names drive big downloads, but what really matters are interesting conversations. Try to find someone who shares a story that will pique your listeners’ interest. It’s an excellent way to differentiate your podcast from everyone else’s.

5. Join the FinCon Podcast Network Facebook Group

Money Nerd Podcasters UNITE! There are some great podcast-focused groups on Facebook, but none are as niche as the FinCon Podcast Network Facebook Group. It’s also a great way to connect with other podcasters both before and after the event. You’ll also find help on other podcasting-specific questions like, “What new mic should I buy?” or “Where can I find a guest to cover a specific topic?”

Join the community and get your questions answered by people just like you.

6. Attend Sessions about Podcasting, Podcasting, and More Podcasting

We have an entire breakout session track dedicated to podcasters. (Shoutout to Steve Stewart Productions for sponsoring it!) Learn from the podcasting experts who will cover topics on workflows, securing sponsors, and increasing downloads. The sessions on this track will be delivered digitally after the event, so you’ve got plenty of time to work through all the content.

In addition to accessing top-notch information, you also have a chance to meet other podcasters who are attending FinCon at the Platform Meetups. You can make plans to brainstorm, collaborate, and troubleshoot together. This is a great opportunity to start a mastermind and form new friendships.

7. New to Podcasting? Create Your Podcast Launch Plan

Give yourself a chance to learn to podcast. Don’t get so hung up on equipment. Get started, go, make mistakes, and then act on them.

FinCon is the perfect opportunity to create a launch plan. You’ll definitely want to take notes and ask plenty of questions. Veteran podcasters who are both leading sessions and simply attending the event are likely more than happy to share with you what works and what didn’t when they got started.

8. Hire a Podcast Production Assistant at the Freelancer Marketplace

So, I can meet a virtual assistant in person before I even hire them?

YES!

The Freelancer Marketplace will help you create business relationships that will carry your podcast show to the next level. Find niche-specific professionals that already understand your needs and our community.

At FinCon, you can find people who will help with editing your podcast, writing your show notes, and so many other things. By outsourcing some of this work, you can focus more on your podcast and creating a long-term system. In addition to using the Freelancer Marketplace, you can also connect with other podcasters, asking who they use for show support.

9. Meet with a Podcasting Mentor through One-On-One Mentoring

Get paired with seasoned podcasters that will keep you reinventing the wheel when it comes to podcasting. Go to lunch with them while you’re in Austin or set up a time to chat virtually, if not. Spend time learning from their mistakes and successes as you discuss the goals of your show with someone who has been where you are.

10. Go to FinCon with the Heart of a Podcaster

FinCon isn’t your typical conference, so don’t approach it that way. Approach FinCon as a chance to tell your own story and find other people’s stories.  Instead of sharing generic podcast traits, explain your podcast (and yourself!) in a way that really lets your story shine.

Take that same storytelling mindset and apply it to others. There are thousands of people at FinCon, and each person has a positive money message. As you interact with people, get to know their stories and find ways to bring that storytelling to your audience.

Ready to take action? Sign up for FinCon or upgrade your pass to a Pro Pass.