You Can’t Please Everyone: The Double-Edged Sword of Professionalism

In this episode, I reveal the reality that starting a podcast—just like starting something challenging, like football—comes with a few bruises. I share how, no matter what you do, you can’t please everyone, and that's perfectly okay.I recount my own experience growing up, relating how being comfortable with myself, regardless of whether people liked me, set me up to handle audience feedback as a podcaster. I mention how, as a musician and fan, I observed that fans often love a band when they’re small and scrappy but sometimes move on once the band becomes more polished and successful. I explain that podcasting is much the same: as your show grows and improves, you might lose some early fans but connect with new ones too.I tell the story of my friend, Jim Harold, who hosts the Paranormal Podcast. Despite working hard to improve his studio, add video, and upgrade his setup, some listeners complained it looked “too professional,” even though most of us strive to look and sound our best. I also mention the experiences of YouTubers Colin and Samir, who received harsh comments as their show became more successful.Handling FeedbackI reassure you that it’s normal for people to not like changes—or even to just not like you and your show. The key is to remember your target audience; if constructive feedback comes from them and makes sense, it’s worth considering. Otherwise, it’s okay to ignore the noise.I discuss how feedback—from the right people—offers a huge opportunity to improve. But at the same time, any change you make (adding a co-host, new music, more episodes) will always please some and upset others. Most importantly, you’ve got to enjoy making your podcast, because if you don’t, you’ll likely burn out and quit.Thanks for joining me! If you’d like help with your podcasting journey, visit schoolofpodcasting.com/join and use coupon code LISTENR to save on your subscription.Mentioned in this episode:Ready To Grow Your Podcast?Starting August 19th (So sign up now) a cohort class at the School of Podcasting will lead members through the process and steps of growing your audience. You will receive feedback, and action steps to take to make your show in downloads, reach, and influence. Use the coupon code listener to save when you sign upSchool of PodcastingPodcasting in Six Weeks - Free CourseWe are bringing back Podcasting in Six Weeks and this time we are running an experiment and that is IT's FREE. Meeting weekly and go step by step and launch your podcast (it's designed for someone who does have a podcast, but wants one). Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeksPodcasting in Six WeeksThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy