Blog Talk Radio- have you done it?

Hi Kaya -

I've done quite a few podcast and Internet radio interviews - most recently for the radio program Inside Digital Design.

The biggest challenge is making sure you get your desired message across. Sometimes that involves steering the interviewer back to the primary topic. It's also important that you get your contact information out there.

It's kind of funny, but the only other major challenge I've experienced is excess unexpected background noise when doing an interview from my home. The cuckoo clock needs to be stopped. The chimes on the mantle clock need to be shut off. I have to make sure the ringer on the second phone line is also off. In addition, I've made a little sign to hang on my front door that says "Please do not knock - radio interview in progress." I now remember to deal with each of these things prior to going on the air due to past interview interruptions.

Good luck - you'll do great!

Jeff Fisher | Jeff Fisher LogoMotives | Tweet! Tweet!

Hi Kaya,

Try to listen to a couple episodes of the show to get a sense of the show, what you can and cannot do.

Have 3 - 5 key points in your message. Write them on an index card and keep it in front of you.

If the host is open to it, most are, send a list of 10 - 20 suggested questions.

Have a friend interview you with those questions for practice. Ask for honest feedback. Then practice it again. And again.

Have some water handy for your throat.

If you have call waiting, turn it off. Remember to turn it back on after the show.

When you start to do traditional radio, send the host, producer and person who answers the phone at the station your contact info. Make sure they have this info before the show. People often call after the show to try to reach you.

Always assume you on on the air from the time you dial the phone until the time you hang up. Better to be safe than embarrass yourself.

Be yourself.

Have fun.

Danek S. Kaus

Author of "You Can Be Famous! Insider Secrets to Getting Free Publicity."

Hi Kaya, I hope you know that Biznik Live uses Blog Talk Radio as their platform (if not, I'm really not doing something right).

Main challenges: 1. Audio quality --don't use, or have your guest use, a cell phone or skype. Try to stick to landlines.

1. People call in to listen sometimes, but not to ask questions. Both show up in your queue, but no way to distinguish them (they tell me that sometimes you'll get a version of their software which can ask the caller to press a button if they have a Q -which then notifies you -but this has not been implemented across the board yet).

2. Endings are awkward because you have to choose a 15-minute interval. If you go over --the live stream dies, but the recording continues (this was really embarrassing on the Timothy Ferris interview as we thought we weren't being recorded and I told him a login name and password!). Sometimes the lady's voice announcing time-remaining is also not accurate, so try to end your show a bit early. Either that or choose 15 minutes extra, stop early, download the file, edit out the blank space (it keeps recording for a while after you hang up) -kind of annoying.

Feel free to give me a call if you have any other Qs Kaya. -Leif

I have used Blog Talk Radio for several projects.

I agree with Leif on audio quality. Use Landlines. Coach those involved in getting a truly silent room: avoid laptop and electronic use, avoid wireless phones (including wireless phones attached to landlines), advise those nearby that a session is taking place.

Offer an incentive to participate. Like Leif said, a lot of people just listen and that doesn't create an exceptionally interesting call.

For commercial purposes: have an intro and ending clip. On blogtalkradio I break up previous shows into 60 second trailers to play at the end (it is called post roll advertising) and I have also used that time to have a pre-recorded plug to some partners.

I have been interviewed and it was fun! The tricky part for me was that you get only one chance - there are no do-overs :-)

For my interview, the interviewers were able to give me brief directions and instructions before the recording started. That was helpful. Also, something to think about - my interview started at 6:30AM so I had to warm up my voice by waking up early that day.

• Silent room - yep.
• Lock the door so the kids can't barge in - yep!
• Have some notes ready if needed - yep.
• Do a practice interview beforehand - yep.
• Practice talking & saying key phrases out loud to get comfortable & ready.

Also, get your message out, and in a way that you want to be heard. For example, talk about your website or whatever.... But do you want to seem humorous? Passionate? All business? Kind? Pay attention to tone as well.

I love Blog Talk Radio! I've personally spoken to the CEO, who is very helpful and innovative. It's a great service. KBWomen.com plans on starting a free station to interview Christian businesswomen from across the country.

Congrats on your first interview Kaya! Krista Dunk NWweddingplace.com

KBWomen.com

I'd also like to learn more about the intro clips and finishes. How do you make them?

Hey Barry, Would love to hear your BTR show --what is it? -Leif

I was a sales manager at a talk station, my husband and I had our own program, and have done some producing. Radio is great! If anyone needs help, let me know.

I've been co-hosting a Blog Talk Radio show for several months. We give our guests a list of ways to promote and make the most of their interview. Here's a few tips:

• Bring a list of questions you'd like to talk about, to help the interview run smoothly
• Give the hosts a short bio they can read. Otherwise you'll get what they give you (which might not be what you want!)
• Make sure they pronounce your name correctly ahead of time
• Give them your website to refer people to at the end of the interview so listeners can find you
• Promote, promote, promote your interview! Blog about it, put in your newsletter, put it on your website. Get as much mileage out of it as you can - it's free PR! :)

I'm sure it went great! If you want to hear how we run our show for some ideas, you can find us here: www.theomyth.com

Anyone know where to record a talk audio cd in the Northwest? I'd love a studio that specializes in talk audio.

I am recording a program "Write A Best Selling eBook] (http://www.thebestever.net/write-ebook/)" detailing my four step program that I have used to make $1M in lifetime ebook sales so far.

I love the tip about Biznik Live and Blog Talk Radio, also the points on this thread on how to interview. Thanks folks.

Lani

Wow, I feel lucky that I found this post! I just did a Blog Talk Radio interview a couple weeks ago and it inspired me to start having my own show.

These are some great tips and advice from those of you who have been there before. It looks like I definitely need to get a better landline phone!

And I really appreciate hearing, Leif, about the bugginess of BTR in the beginnings and endings. My first show is only planned for 15 minutes total, so I'm going to have to really be on it!

My ongoing show theme is Emotions in Small Business. If you want to check it out, my show will be broadcast on this coming Thursday, December 18th at 3pm PST.

I would love to have your support, Bizniks, and happy to answer your questions about a little discussed, but SO crucial topic.

Here's the url to tune in to the show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/RachelWhalley/2008/12/18/Small-Business-Owners-and-Emotions-Youre-Not-Alone

And you can check out my previous interview on this topic to hear a sample of what I'll be talking about.

Thanks, Kaya. :)

I'm taking questions ahead of time, so if there's anything in particular about emotions in running a business that you'd like discussed, please shoot me a message. That goes for anyone watching this Biztalk thread, too!

I hope you can tune in!