It's Not Me, It's You - When to Say Goodbye - Firing Your Podcast Team

Episode 65 - It's Not Me, It's You - When to Say Goodbye - Firing Your Podcast Team

Here’s a comprehensive guide for podcasters considering when and how to end a working relationship with a virtual assistant, podcast editor, or support person, including key indicators of a broken relationship, how to initiate a difficult conversation, and important considerations for a smooth transition.

Key Indicators of a Broken Relationship

Work Isn’t Getting Done

• Missed deadlines, lack of deliverables, or work not appearing in shared trackers are clear red flags. If you’re still being billed but not receiving results, it’s time to reassess the relationship

Work Isn’t Done to Your Liking

• After multiple rounds of feedback and opportunities for improvement, if the quality or style doesn’t meet your standards, the fit may not be right

Lack of Transparency

• Inconsistent time tracking, unclear billing, or unexplained absences erode trust. Transparency is foundational for remote working relationships

Unreliable Communication

• If your assistant or editor becomes difficult to reach, goes MIA, or fails to respond in a timely manner, the relationship is likely breaking down

Negative Attitude or Unprofessionalism

• Sassy, negative, or uncooperative behavior can create unnecessary stress and friction, making collaboration unsustainable

Ghosting or Disappearing

• If your support person suddenly stops responding or working, this is a clear sign the relationship is over

How to Initiate a Difficult Conversation

Acknowledge the Situation

• Start by acknowledging the current state of the relationship and any specific issues. For example: “I’ve noticed some challenges with our workflow and communication lately. I’d like to talk about how we can move forward or if it might be best to part ways.

Advocate for Your Needs

• Clearly express your perspective and needs without minimizing the other person’s efforts. Use “I” statements: “I feel that the quality of the edits hasn’t improved despite our feedback, and it’s impacting our podcast’s consistency.

Problem-Solve or Decide to Part Ways

• Offer to brainstorm solutions if there’s room for improvement. If not, communicate your decision to end the relationship professionally and respectfully

Sample Conversation Openers

• “I have something I’d like to discuss that I think will help us work together more effectively—can we talk?”
• “I’d like to talk about our workflow and see if we can find a better way forward, or if it’s time to make a change.”

Considerations and Pre-Planning

Contractual Obligations

• Review your contract for notice periods, payment terms, and any deliverables owed. Always honor your obligations, even if the other party does not

Password and Asset Management

• Secure all passwords and access to podcast assets (e.g., editing software, hosting platforms, social media accounts) before the transition. Change passwords if necessary to protect your content

Asset Transfer

• Ensure all files, project backups, and documentation are transferred to you before the relationship ends. Request a final handover of any outstanding work or assets

Gap Between Service Providers

• Plan for a potential gap in support. Have a backup plan or interim solution to avoid disruption to your podcast schedule

Professional Offboarding

• Maintain professionalism throughout the process. Thank your assistant or editor for their work and wish them well, as you may cross paths again in the industry

Documentation and Communication

• Keep records of all communications and...