Before you buy a microphone or plan your first episode, answer me this: why should anyone choose to listen to you?

In this first episode of the Podcast Beacon, I will break down the one thing that decides whether your show lasts, and it's not your credentials. I share how my own path from customer support to marketing to podcast strategy, and explain why credentials alone won't hold your audience's attention.

In this episode, I cover:

- Why credentials build trust, but your why builds connection

- Why listeners hear it in your voice when you're not fully invested

- How your why doubles as the material for your bio, your speaker sheet and your positioning

- Why you don't need permission or perfect credentials to start a show

👉 Download your free Podcast Clarity Blueprint to track every decision you make this season with me: https://harbour32.kit.com/podcastclarityblueprint

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ABOUT ME:

Hi, I’m Imogen Jones 👋🏼, a podcast strategist who works with subject matter experts to develop and launch a show which excites them, is powerful for their listeners, fun to deliver, and focused on reaching more of their ideal people.

With two decades of human-centered work, I am highly tuned to supporting hosts to embrace their unique gifts, strengthen their voice and understand their expertise from their listeners’ viewpoint.

I co-run a strategic consultant-led agency, Harbour 32, with my talented friend Shelley Rostlund, where we focus on personal brand strategy and podcast shows for subject matter experts.

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All episodes are video recorded and can be watched on my website in the show notes at www.imogenjones.co.uk/podcast or on YouTube.

If you've ever wondered whether you'd run out of things to say by episode seven, this episode explains why that happens and how to avoid it before you record a single word.

I explain why "more customers" is not a purpose for your podcast. It’s an outcome. I walk through how to find the real reason your show exists, for you and for your listener, and why that reason is what keeps you going when your download numbers might not be moving in the direction you hoped.

Key takeaways:

• An outcome is what you hope will happen. A purpose is what you hold onto until it does.
• Ask yourself what made you start doing this work in the first place. The answer is usually your real purpose.
• Your listener presses play for one of a few reasons: to learn, to feel inspired, to solve a problem, or to feel understood. Pick two or three and build your show around them.
• A show built on strategic decisions will not run dry by episode seven.

👉 Download your free Podcast Clarity Blueprint to track every decision you make this season with me: https://harbour32.kit.com/podcastclarityblueprint

- - -

ABOUT ME:

Hi, I’m Imogen Jones 👋🏼, a podcast strategist who works with subject matter experts to develop and launch a show which excites them, is powerful for their listeners, fun to deliver, and focused on reaching more of their ideal people.

With two decades of human-centered work, I am highly tuned to supporting hosts to embrace their unique gifts, strengthen their voice and understand their expertise from their listeners’ viewpoint.

I co-run a strategic consultant-led agency, Harbour 32, with my talented friend Shelley Rostlund, where we focus on personal brand strategy and podcast shows for subject matter experts.

==================

All episodes are video recorded and can be watched on my website in the show notes at www.imogenjones.co.uk or on YouTube.

A lot of people describe their ideal listener as a demographic: an age bracket, a job title, a location. That description won't get anyone to press play.

In this episode, I show you how to move from a vague category to a real person, the kind of listener who recognises themselves in your show within the first couple of sentences.

You'll learn:

- Why a demographic tells you nothing about what makes someone hit play

- How to find your ideal listener by starting with a past client you loved working with

- Why narrowing your description gets you more attention, not less

- The difference between your ideal listener and your ideal client, and why both matter

- How knowing your listener shapes decisions about your show's length, pace and format

By the end of this episode, you'll have a homework task: describe your ideal listener in three sentences, covering their role, their situation and what they're trying to get from listening to you.

👉🏼 Download your free Podcast Clarity Blueprint to track every decision you make this season with me: https://harbour32.kit.com/podcastclarityblueprint

- - -

ABOUT ME:

Hi, I’m Imogen Jones 👋🏼, a podcast strategist who works with subject matter experts to develop and launch a show which excites them, is powerful for their listeners, fun to deliver, and focused on reaching more of their ideal people.

With two decades of human-centered work, I am highly tuned to supporting hosts to embrace their unique gifts, strengthen their voice and understand their expertise from their listeners’ viewpoint.

I co-run a strategic consultant-led agency, Harbour 32, with my talented friend Shelley Rostlund, where we focus on personal brand strategy and podcast shows for subject matter experts.

==================

All episodes are video recorded and can be watched on my website in the show notes at www.imogenjones.co.uk or on YouTube.