Podcast planning is one of the best strategies you can utilize on a regular basis. Most folks get to planning at the end of the year or the beginning of the year, but you can “plan” at any time.
With a plan in place, you don’t need to be reactionary or rushing about to achieve some last-minute goal.
Remember, podcast planning is not stagnant.
Nothing is written in stone, but if you have a plan, you always have something to turn to.
Tweak and adjust all you like!
Podcast Planning — Tasks
With just about seven weeks left before the year-end, now is a great time to return to podcast planning and look at what you still need to do to leave your podcast in a great place as the year comes to an end.
The following is a list of tasks, lists, to-dos, if you will, to get you ready to start your podcast planning journey.
What do you have left to do with your or your clients’ podcasts?
Think about actual things you need to accomplish and what those “things” entail time and effort-wise.
- How many episodes do you have left to record?
- Break that down into the tasks that go along with it, from shownotes, to artwork to promotion, etc.
- WHEN ARE YOU PLANNING TO STOP IN 2022 and WHEN ARE YOU PLANNING TO COME BACK IN 2023?
- Also, think about how you have addressed the “year-end” in past years. Is there something more you would like to do for your podcast? Is something missing from your last episode of the year? Do you want to be more deliberate about your end-of-year content?
What work/business/professional-related commitments remain?
- Podcast planning definitely involves events. Tally up any conferences, meetings, courses, etc. that you still have left to attend or to run.
- This list could also include special end-of-the-year compilations (harken back to last week’s blog on your 2022 inventory) looking at what you have planned for your show, your blog, social media, etc.
Personal/Family Commitments
- Think about the people in your life and how you want to enjoy them over the end-of-the-year holidays. Not so much commitments (OK, a bit of obligation), but how would you like to be free to spend time with friends and/or loved ones?
- And how do you want this to feel? I am guessing relaxed, fun and not too scheduled. But I could be wrong! Maybe you love the hustle and bustle and what to be part of all the holiday gatherings — plan for that.
- And if this is your very first year finishing out a podcast year, how do you wish to conclude it? This is your first universal landmark. Do you have a vision for what that looks like?
Podcast Planning — Time
Time is always of the essence, no? If there’s one thing you can count on, it is that there are only 24 hours in each day. Take a realistic look at how you want to spend those hours. Make some decisions to optimize efficacy (in other words, how much can you do)?
How much time will this all take?
- Look at the viable time that you have left — realistically.
- Think about where you can batch. Where can you double-up production to give yourself more free time? Maybe you can set up to do all your recording in one day, so you don’t spend time setting up and breaking down, checking connections, etc. for each episode — just once.
- What’s doable — truthfully. What needs to be shifted, re-assessed, or deleted?
How can you make the end of the year exactly what you want it to be?
- Be fiercely honest with yourself. What did you learn last year at this time? HOLD YOURSELF TO IT.
- Use whatever method works for YOU: mindmaps, online project management systems, a note in your Notes App, a physical planner or notebook, etc. Don’t let the tool get in the way. Use the easiest thing for you.
- What if you DON’T create as many episodes? What is the worst that will happen? Maybe you can give listeners a heads-up, so it is not a shock to them. Check out this advice in our Podcaster Holiday Vacation blog.
- What do you need to set yourself up for success? If you have difficulty remembering when you’re supposed to do something, use a digital calendar. If you are the type that can’t stay focused, start using the Pomodoro technique. If you feel like you can’t do it alone, find one or two friends that will keep you accountable. Look at your strengths and weaknesses and fill in the gaps for yourself.
Podcast Planning — Follow Through
Now that you’ve put some time into evaluating your end-of-the-year circumstances, goals and resources, commit.
Take one small step at a time. Even if it is only looking at the work that you’ve done to plan.
Yes, just looking at the list, reading the list, touching the list (if it’s analog).
Our lives are jammed packed. And sometimes unexpected things get in the way of our best intentions.
The work you put into planning has already gotten you further than you think. You’ve invested time and attention. You’d be surprised how clear you’ve become even if you don’t actually put a check mark on that to-do item.
Trust that whatever is meant to get done, will get done.
Take care of yourself. Feel it out. There is nothing that you will win or lose that will make or break your podcast at the end of the year.
The most important thing is that you keep podcasting in a way that helps you reach your goals your way. Make choices that will make that a reality for you — deliberately.
I can’t wait to see how it goes for you in 2023!
