This is our Radio Guest FAQ – it should answer most of your questions about being a guest on our network.
Preparing for the Show – Promote, Bio, Questions
Promote: Do share with your friends and associates that you’re going to be on the program, and send them the link to the show’s page. (They can even call in if they want to, though I very rarely take calls during shows.) They can listen live from the show page. If you typically send out a press release when you’re making a radio appearance, then do so. Link to the show page from your blog or news bulletin page on your web site. If you send a regular newsletter, mention your appearance and link to the show page. If it’s worth 30 minutes of your life to come talk on the show, it’s worth another 5 minutes to share it with people who want to know about it.
Bio: Send me your bio as you want me to read it live on the air, at least 24 hours in advance.
Questions: If there are questions you’d like me to ask you about the topic, send them at least 24 hours in advance.
What to Talk About
Don’t feel any need to ask about or talk about my work. The purpose of the radio show is to expose the listeners to the unique expertise and perspective that each guest brings. I’d like to start out with your world view, what your approach is and how you came to develop it, and what it does. If you have questions you’d like me to pose that will help bring out your points, then please send them. If I have questions specific to the day’s topic, I’ll share them in advance.
You should have brief stories or experiences to illustrate your key points. If you have a recent book, tell me so I can link to it from the show page.
Call In Time
The show airs live each Friday. All show times are Pacific Time. Each guest is typically on for 15-30 minutes, with one to two guests per show. I’ll tell you which slot is yours. If you’re not sure, ask. If you are still not sure, call in for the first slot and listen — if I introduce you, then you’re up first. (This should never happen.)
Call In Number
The call-in number is (347) 838-8279 — just call in and wait. If you EVER have problems getting in with that number, send a text message containing your name and the phone number where you can be reached, to 503-577-1349 — I can have the producer call you there and conference you in.
Please Call In Early
Do please call in about 10 minutes early. I’ll chat with you before the broadcast starts and get us both on the same mental page. At the start of each segment I have an opening monologue, then I’ll introduce you. (If you’re the second guest, calling in 10 minutes early lets you catch the thread of the conversation so you can come in smoothly.)
Structure of the Show
There are no commercials and no built-in breaks in the show.
Technology
Everything streams out live and is also recorded. Once we’re done, the recorded show is available to stream or download on-demand from the show’s main page. You’re more than welcome to take a copy. The show’s home page — and your dedicated episode page — include a link to the podcast that can be downloaded from Apple’s iTunes. (Or try this link: itpc://www.blogtalkradio.com/Tom-on-Leadership.rss)
Each episode has its own dedicated page, like this:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Tom-on-Leadership/2009/03/27/Essence-of-Leadership
Blog Coverage
I almost always blog about each show after it’s over, usually within 24 hours, extracting a few key points. I’ll typically link to your web site, book (if any), and to the show page. You should cross-post, back-link, comment, etc.
Show Transcription and Inclusion in my Next Book
You can purchase the transcript for $25. After you purchase it, your show will be transcribed within a week. All shows will be considered for inclusion in my next book.
(If for any reason you don’t want to be included in the book, please let me know. Standard practice is to confirm your inclusion before finishing the book manuscript. I cannot offer you any ability to revise or edit the interview. Please take heart that I only include positive stories and examples – I don’t play gotcha games.)
After the Show
If you want to share just a portion of the program, you can:
- Click “download” from the show home page and pull down the MP3 file to your local machine (if you have trouble, I can email the file to you),
- Edit it down to just your 30 minutes using a free program like Audacity (please keep the intro music intact), and
- Post that audio file anywhere you like (such as your own web site) and
- Point people to the link to that audio file
- Send me the link, and I’ll point to it from my blog posting where I talk about your interview.
Unanswered questions? Write me, or call me at 503-616-2865.
