Episode Transcript
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(00:01):
You are listening to the Social Hotelier Show,
a podcast that inspires hoteliers to create meaningful
and memorable experiences
for their customers
in pursuit of their passion.
We share our views and experiences experiences relating
to hospitality,
technological trends, and also relating to humanity.
Here is your host, Sam Eric Rutman.
(00:25):
Hi, everyone. Welcome back to the Social Hotelier
podcast with me, Sam Eric Rutman.
Have you ever wondered how a single podcast
interviewed
could transform your business and establish you as
the thought leader in your industry?
Today, we are diving into the world of
podcasting
as a powerful tool for entrepreneurs with Noemi
(00:46):
Beres, the co owner of Podcast Connections.
With over 11 years of experience as a
content creator and online marketeer,
Noemi has mastered the art of helping entrepreneurs
share their expertise and growing their business
through the magic of podcast interviews.
Her passion lies in creating engaging valuable content
(01:06):
that leaves a lasting impact.
Let's uncover her insights and strategies that could
redefine your approach to business growth.
Welcome, Noema. Thanks very much for joining us
today.
Thank you so much for having me on
your show today, Sam Erik. It's an honor.
1st, I think for our audience to get
some background, can you tell me about your
(01:27):
professional experience and why you founded Podcast Connections?
Yes. I I try to, you know, put
it in a nutshell. It's a long story
to make it a little bit shorter.
So I became an entrepreneur in 2007
and up to 2020, I worked in the
online travel industry with my husband and we
had a company.
(01:47):
And I, as as you mentioned, I was
doing content creation, social media marketing,
you name it, wearing many hats at the
same time. And,
unfortunately,
because of the pandemic,
we had to pivot and we had to
figure out a new business model, and that
was Podcast Connections. Thanks to our, Irish Irish
(02:08):
mentor
who helped us to create our podcast booking
agency in 2020.
And, basically, that was the time we, you
know, started our company and started to work
with amazing entrepreneurs
worldwide,
especially
female entrepreneurs from the ecommerce industry, that they
were our first clients.
Since then, we, yeah, we have we are
(02:30):
very versatile and we have so many different
clients, across the globe.
But, yeah, it was a pivot. It was
thanks to a pivot, and that's why we
started our podcast booking agency.
I have noticed
there there are quite a few agencies
these days who are
engaging in this business. And I was wondering
(02:50):
how do you see yourself
being
standing out because I have noticed I've been
contacted myself by several
agency, mostly US based, in fact. But,
what are your thoughts? What are the things
important for you as a as the agent
to stand out and
and find,
to reach out to your clientele?
(03:11):
It was very interesting when we started because
as you mentioned, most of the podcast booking
agencies are US based.
And, we have a few European,
agencies out there, not too many. So it
was interesting to, you know, reach out to
people and tell you who you are and,
you know, from Cyprus and originally I'm from
Hungary.
So they they had to just put 2
(03:32):
and 2 together. What are they doing in
this market? So it was really interesting.
But I think we bring a unique perspective
into the podcast booking agency world because first,
we're European.
So we we we see things a little
bit differently than our, you know, the podcast
booking agencies in the US. And also, I'm
also an artist so that kind of brings
(03:54):
my creativity
into the game. So I think
these things, they're, like, kind of we we
stand out out of the crowd. And everybody
has its unique flair and unique story, and
I think that makes us
stand out and being maybe more interesting to
them. Yeah. You said you were focusing on
helping entrepreneurs
grow.
Can you tell talk a little bit more
(04:15):
about it,
and also what was your journey evolved since
starting the podcast Connections?
Yes. It was a long journey and,
you know, when you have to reach out
to people, like,
purely, like, cold emails, cold messages,
and you have to tell them why they
(04:35):
have to pick you, why they have to
choose you. So that was very interesting. And
it wasn't easy because it's never easy to
it's like quote unquote say yourself to people
and to, you know, and make them trust
you
with their with their money
and with with the the way we provide
service to them. Many of the people, they
didn't even hear about this guy this type
(04:55):
of service. They still, you know, they still
ask me, like, is this a real job
or is this a real thing that you
do? It's basically a PR agency, but we
solely focus on on podcasts.
And,
I I really enjoyed the journey because I'm
doing different things than before. I'm connecting people.
I I network a lot with people,
(05:16):
and that's just so refreshing compared to the
job I was doing before. So for me,
it was really, really,
an eye opening experience that, I can work
with people across the globe, thanks to Zoom,
and text text thanks to technology
and
establishing a business in the past 4 years.
We also reached a 6 figure,
(05:37):
this year, so it was it was a
big thing for us,
because we just started, you know, in 2020.
So and, usually, like many companies, they, you
know, they finish after 3 years or 2.
So it was it was a good sign
that we have a future ahead and we'll
be around for some time for sure in
this market.
Wonderful. I'm I'm I'm glad to hear that.
(06:01):
I'm just curious about, when you make the
connection
with someone, that
they trust you to find the right interview
host and so on,
what expectations do you have on
the,
the interview the guest, for example. And, also,
then I want to know, of course, what
(06:21):
expectations do you have on the on the
host also?
We help our clients to be prepared, and,
that's really important because once you appear on
a show, you have to be prepared for
for anything that's happening there. And also being
unique, being genuine, I think that's really important
when it comes to a podcast guest.
(06:42):
And you also need to know the host
and you also need to listen to a
few episodes in order to understand
the host's side, the vibes there. So and
and you always have to bring value to
them because podcast interviews are not about promoting
yourself and your business, but it's about sharing
your story, sharing your knowledge, and bringing value
(07:03):
to the table, bringing value to the conversation.
And then on the other hand, when it
comes to the podcast host, it's very important
that podcast host learn to listen
and they ask very thoughtful questions.
And,
and for guests, like, share your story in
a way that resonates with your audience, with
the host audience. I think that's really, really
(07:25):
key and for
we all should focus on that.
And and, plus, enjoy that conversation because it's
all about it's all about
kind of having fun and having a genuine
friendly conversation between 2 people.
Yeah. I noticed that those
interviews,
because I like to call them conversations rather
than interviews.
(07:46):
Yes. I think the once we get a
kind of a chemistry going over during that
podcast interview, it actually becomes a lot of
fun because you you are an you're kind
of a mostly not a ping pong table
tennis game, but you're kind of exchanging ideas.
And and as a host, I'm always curious,
(08:06):
what are the
what are the questions that the the the
audience would ask
my guest? And I'm thinking along those lines,
not so much
always, but I mean, of course, I fall
into that trap that I'm trying to ask
the question what I'm interested in, but I
also do very important, I try to
think about what would be something that the
audience would be interested in and why they
(08:28):
are listening to the podcast.
But, yeah, we talked about the strategies.
Maybe there are just,
maybe three tips
that a guest should think about
that would make the
podcast interview,
successful for them. What are the what do
you think they should be paying most attention
(08:48):
to?
Coming prepared. I think that's that's a must.
It's really important. Never wing an interview because
you need to be prepared. You need to
prepare your topics. You need to prepare your
talking points and, you know, just mentally, emotionally,
physically being present.
Maybe that's the second one because we all
have jobs, we all have clients, and we
(09:10):
are many things, you know, going in our
lives. But once you are
with the host in that space,
you know, just do a few breathing exercises
before you start to reinterview just to relax
and just to ground yourself and be 100%
present with the podcast host. So that was
the second one.
And, the third one for me is being
respectful
(09:31):
with the host time
and
the whole space, and don't treat this an
as an advertisement because this is not clearly
not. It's I always emphasize this.
And, of course, there are a few other
things like, you know, being,
punctual and promoting the episode after the interview.
There are so many things that a great
podcast guest should should focus on. Yeah. Absolutely.
(09:54):
There are in one way, there are 2
kinds of pod video podcast because it's becoming
also,
expected that you are you are
multipurposing to as a video, for instance. That's
what I do on on YouTube.
Have you come across that, there are hosts
that are saying that, well,
I give you a choice for your guest
(10:16):
to either do a live
live,
live stream or do a prerecorded.
Do you come across that, or are there
certain things that,
that maybe you noticed that the guest would
be,
preferring one to another?
Yes. I came across those, definitely.
I had a few interviews myself when we
(10:38):
had live interviews or even live radio show,
but that's a little bit different. Yeah. We
had that and there was also prerecorded version.
So
I don't think it's In my opinion, it
doesn't really make a huge difference because once
you are prepared and once you know what
you want to talk about, it doesn't really
matter if it's live or not. I guess
for some people it can be a little
(10:59):
bit intimidating that it can be edited
So you have to give your, you know,
your best shot for the first time because
there's no place for prerecording and people can
watch you online live.
But you don't have to think about that
once you are once you are there. You
just focus on the conversation and that that's
my, you know, best advice I can give.
And the other thing is just when you
(11:20):
have a pre call with the host,
even if it's a live interview or even
a prerecorded one, it's it's always a good
start for the conversation because you already know
each other a little bit. Just like we
had a pre call before our conversation, I
think that was really important, to get to
know each other a little bit, to follow
each other on LinkedIn and check out each
other's posts. So that's kind of, like,
(11:42):
podcast guesting is all about building relationships,
not just interviewing someone and not just, you
know, giving questions back and forth. As you
said, like ping ponging questions and replies. So
it's it's about building relationships and it building
relationships can start before the actual interview. So
I think that's important.
Very good. In your work with entrepreneurs, what
(12:03):
trends have you noticed in how podcast is
shaping business growth
and personal branding in recent years? The reason
I'm interested in this because suddenly,
I mean, podcasting has been around
since radio more more or less, but now
suddenly lately,
I'm I'm reading that, oh, it's not too
late to start podcasting.
(12:24):
I heard the same same line
a few years ago when I start myself.
No. It's not too late to start, but
I
it is not too late to start. Right?
No. It's not. It's it's never too late
to start anything. As Gary Vaynerchuk or, you
know, AKA Gary v says, I mean, it's
never late anything to start. Like, you know,
whenever you are in, you know, in your
life, it's never late. I know that a
(12:46):
lot of podcasts who started podcast in 2020
during the pandemic because it was
yeah. Everybody was just at home and they
wanted to do something so many people just
started a podcast.
But it,
like step by step gradually it became part
of a longer term marketing strategy and it's
very, very interesting to see this. So it's
(13:08):
not just about Google Ads or not just
about Facebook, Instagram Ads, but it's about
building your authority, building your brand with the
help of podcast interviews.
And it's it's fascinating because you create a
lot of content. So it's it's a form
of content creation
and you're creating evergreen content which you can
use,
for the upcoming years because
(13:29):
the information you're sharing with your audience, it's
it's evergreen. So it it's valid next year
and in 2 years' time. But it's also
a very great branding option for your company
because,
you you are becoming
basically
a reputable figure for your for your company.
(13:50):
You're appearing on this podcast. People Google your
name. You pop up everywhere. So people will
will trust you, and we trust you with
your knowledge.
Because if this person, you know, having podcast
interviews weekly and they are there everywhere,
I mean, that means that they know something
well and not just talking about something,
(14:10):
whatever stuff. But they they know their stuff.
They know what kind of information they want
to share. So that's really important. And and
it's also a very cost effective way of
brand yourself and market yourself
because you are just a guest. The the
hard work is with the host because they're
doing the editing, they're doing the recording, the
scheduling. So yes.
(14:32):
Very good. Now in terms of,
equipment
or technology,
what are the sort of the minimum,
that you expect that a podcast guest should
have on hand so they they can shine
on the podcast?
We don't need many things, and they they
don't have to be extremely fancy. And once
(14:53):
you have a great camera on your computer
or on your laptop, I mean, that usually
works.
What we usually advise to our clients to
buy an external mic, like, I wouldn't say
something like this, but you can buy something
for, you know, 20, $30 on Amazon, and
they work perfectly. So an external mic, I
think it's important. Also, good lightning,
(15:13):
having a ring light, it's also important. And
but I think it's all about the quality
of the sound because many people still just
listen to the podcast, so the sound quality
is really, really important.
So, yeah, ring light, a good camera, and
a mic, and off you go.
You can start it.
A friend of mine who when he did
(15:34):
this podcasting,
he was sitting in the in the closet
where his cloth coats are because in that
way, he would, not have any echo in
in well, during the recording. So I haven't
dared to try that, but I think that
is actually a very good tip if somebody
has a big enough closet where they can
sit in during the podcast. It's actually a
very nice comfortable
space to sit in. You feel it kind
(15:54):
of cozy there.
Yeah. It's true. And you need some, like,
cushions in the room where you are or
a carpet.
And, also, let's not forget about the earbuds
or headsets because of
avoid echo. I mean, most of the podcast
host will ask you specifically
to use earbuds or something so to stop
echoing so the sound quality is much, much
(16:15):
better.
Yeah. I mean, I I always always recommend
because it's when I do the editing, it's
quite
the the guests do me a big favor
if they are prepared from
tech point of view.
If they're high hardwired, that also
reduces any chance for the Bluetooth
(16:37):
creating any echoes. And also
daylight is obviously the best light if possible.
But if not, then having some
prepared and just looking in in the camera
and checking themselves that there is enough light
and also the background,
that the background kind of fits. It's usually
some of the guests who are publishing book,
(16:57):
they they never forget to put their book
that they're publishing
in the background.
But but also, yeah, the camera,
one of the solutions I'm using now is
that I'm I'm not using I'm using my
my
mobile device
or my iPhone, if you will, because I
think the quality I can get with the
mobile device has saved me,
(17:19):
quite a bit of money not having to
buy a a separate camera for this purpose.
But,
that's that's
now the technology is so good. I mean,
the only thing that you need to have
a pretty good tripod or somehow how the
how how the where the camera or the
the iPhone is set so that you have
kind of a secure secure setting.
(17:41):
Absolutely. I mean, the iPhone, you can do
everything nowadays. Yeah. And it is perfect for
sure. For sure.
So,
what role do you think storytelling
is in creating compelling podcast
interviews?
How do you help entrepreneurs tap into their
unique stories?
I mean, storytelling is is a is a
must for sure. I mean, because so many
people think, oh, I don't have a story
(18:02):
to share. Everyone has a story to share.
They don't even know about it they have
a story. So when we meet them, we
always try to get the the most of
the information out of our clients
and tell their stories to us because once
they start to tell their stories and craft
their stories, it will be just so much
easier when they get on a podcast.
And you always have to be conscious about
(18:24):
how long the story is because an average
broadcast interview is about 45 minutes long. So
you can't create just a monologue about you,
your life, your business. So it have to
be in a condensed but very enjoyable sweet
form to share with people.
That's that's really important. And also I have
to emphasize that when it comes to storytelling,
(18:44):
be open, be vulnerable, and be honest about
your story because people will realize or will
notice that if it's not.
So and they can really connect, align with
you, and understand you better
if you have a great story to share
with people. And
you have to take time for that too
as, like, preparing your topics, preparing your talking
(19:05):
points. You need to prepare those that story
that really just your genuine story that you
want to share with the listeners. And you
will share this story so many times,
by being a guest on podcast interviews that
it it will become so much easier.
Yeah. Yeah.
How do you tail tailor your approach when
matching entrepreneurs and podcasts to ensure the collaboration
(19:28):
benefits both parties
and aligns with their goals?
I I tried. It's a great question, Samirik.
So, yeah, I'm
I focus on understanding both parties, focus on
understanding both the guest and the host point
of view because,
what we do is we we like matchmaking
(19:49):
company. I mean, we match match
people
what they want to share and does it
align with the host message? Does it align
with the host style? I think that's really
important.
So we
when we start to work with someone, we
really need to get to know them. And
that's why we have a strategy call with
them AKA coaching session
(20:10):
where we,
learn a lot
so we can present them the best possible
way to the podcast host. And I think
that's the most, that's the most fun part,
what we do, is just to find the
right fit for people because it's just so
amazing when you realize it's like, oh my
gosh, this person is just perfect for their
podcast. And
(20:30):
because interviews are not just podcast interviews, but
as I mentioned before, building relationships, So it
can be start of a great business relationship
or friendship
even.
So I think that's that's that's an important
part when it comes to podcast guesting.
Yeah. I mean, you are so right. I
mean, I have
several of
guests that have have been in my on
(20:51):
my podcast show.
We became friends. I mean, online friends, we
don't really,
have a chance to meet personally at
unless we we are here, the person travels,
visit my country or or vice versa. But
then,
there's that collaborative. In fact,
I found that some of my guests are
doing podcasts
themselves, and so we are basically,
(21:14):
swapping guests or I'm introducing someone I know
who are an expert in the the kind
of field or topic, and then they can
have
interesting conversations. So that is part of that
relationship,
that we are sharing. And then we're looking
at
but I usually look at if we have
had a very good conversation,
and then we are exploring maybe another episode
(21:36):
a year from now because that kind of
builds that opportunity
and kind of finding a different angle to,
the topic that they are expert in.
Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely.
So
and now we need to ask you about
the memorable success stories where a podcast interview
significantly
impacted
an entrepreneur business or personal grower. Someone you
(21:57):
want to that you remember that has
made a very big difference in in during
your career as a as an agent.
Yes. I have two examples.
One of our clients, she's from the US,
and she's a, like, a famous ecommerce expert,
and she started to work with us. When
we started our podcast booking agency, I I
I used to think she was the first
(22:17):
client. And, she just started her podcast
and,
you know, it wasn't really a a famous
podcast or anything because she just started out.
And after a few years, she's been with
us. I mean, she ended up in the
top, like, you know, 1%, 0.5%
of, ecom podcasts. So that was a big
thing for her because she went on other
people's podcast to to promote her show, basically,
(22:39):
and it really worked well for her.
And the other thing is it's basically me.
I can talk about my example because I'm
doing a lot of podcast interviews and
it's just amazing what when you get on
podcast and you talk to people, talk to
different hosts,
and when we finish the interview, they want
to hire me to work with me. And,
you know, like, proof is in the pudding.
(23:01):
So it was it's just a great example
that with the help of podcast interviews, you
can be even hired by the host. And
it happened many times with my clients
because they could help with something that the
host needed in their businesses.
So that's I think that's pretty amazing.
Yeah. Yeah.
So looking ahead now,
you know, we're almost at the end of
(23:22):
2024,
and,
a lot of things have happened during
2024
and
before that, during the COVID period where
a lot of people have had time on
their hand.
But how do you see the podcasting,
landscape evolving? And what strategies are you implementing
to stay at the front forefront of these
(23:43):
changes? And also maybe some tips for people
who want to become
podcasters or podcast, guests.
Yes. I mean, that's very complex and great
question.
Well, I mean,
world is changing. AI is here and it
will be around for a very, very long
time. So what I can see first that,
implementing
(24:04):
AI and implementing technology
or video interviews and the video,
part of interviews into podcast guesting, it it
will be very, very important.
And also,
many podcasts are becoming more and more niche
focused.
Not just about, like, they they talk about
everything they want, but they are very precise
(24:26):
about what they want to cover during their
interviews. So
I think the podcasting world is changing, like,
by being niche focused and by using more
AI and more video content
than before.
And,
yeah, and that's what we try to do
as well to implement our business, obviously AI
and new technologies to make our, you know,
(24:46):
life and work easier
and to serve our client better.
So, yeah, tips for clients,
for the future.
Yes. So if you if you're struggling, for
example, to come up with ideas, what kind
of topics you want to talk about, or
how to create your bio, your own bio
first. I mean,
(25:06):
AI is there to help you. It's I'm
not saying that you have to just copy
and paste everything that come through JetGPT
or any other tools, but it's a great
way to start with it and it's a
great
base for for anything.
We we should use technology to our advantage
and also for podcast hosts, I think, on
the other way around and, because there are
(25:27):
transcripts and you can now make video content
and audio content so much easier
even if you don't hire anyone.
So I think the key for the for
the upcoming years will be AI for sure
and the way technology changes.
Yeah. I mean,
I have noticed that, I have used different
platforms
(25:47):
over the years that have done.
I started with
video and live streaming initially,
and, then,
I ventured into the podcasting. And now I
now I'm doing exclusively
video podcasts because I find that,
there are people who obviously want to listen
to
audio feature when they're walking or they
(26:09):
are, doing something else or or some people
just enjoy watching the,
to looking at the expressions of the
the interviewed and interviewer
on on a TV screen while they're watching
it on YouTube. So they're it's it's evolving.
But, also, I think now,
with the, mobile devices,
(26:29):
I mean, they are they are so good
that you
can actually conduct your podcast interview with your
with your mobile device and just make sure
you have a,
not relying on the built in microphone, but
you have a separate microphone. And and then
you don't have to meet in person. It
can just be online. So, I mean, I'm
testing all those things to just to try
(26:50):
new things and new ideas.
Something that is coming up
quite soon is that
there's
I'm concerned about the
downtown of Helsinki. Like many of the cities,
downtowns are kind of being not deserted. Maybe
that's too strong of a word, but a
lot of businesses are leaving because people are
(27:12):
working from home,
and then they are going doing the shopping
on
in suburbs, in shopping centers, and so on.
But now there's our businesses
that are
becoming
interested in doing pop up events in in
downtown area. So I'm gonna cover one of
those pop up events in Helsinki, and I'm
gonna just bring my mobile device and a
(27:33):
microphone and and do a a live stream,
and that is becoming a podcast. So I'm
testing that. How is that gonna be worked.
So I'm looking forward to this little test.
Yeah. So this sounds like very interesting and
fascinating for sure. Yeah. Yeah. But I have
2 more questions before we wrap up. One
question that I like to ask all my
guests besides what we have talked about.
(27:54):
As you're you mentioned you're living in the
beautiful island of Cyprus, which is famous for
hospitality
and tourism. What trends do you see happening
in hospitality
that the Hoteliers should be should take note
of?
Yes.
The trends that, like, should happen here, it
is more about, like, eco friendly approach when
(28:15):
it comes to when it comes to hoteliers
and also,
like, using technology to to to
to the fullest when it comes to booking.
So to provide seamless booking for for the
customers, I think, or for travelers,
that would be really, really important.
And also sustainability.
I mean, we are, I think, Cyprus, unfortunately,
(28:35):
still very behind when it comes to sustainability
compared to other European countries. It's more about
package holidays, more about
quantity than quality, so I think, yeah, sustainability,
eco friendly options, I mean, that would be
just so crucial,
in Cyprus
and because there Cyprus has so many things
(28:56):
to offer, so many natural beauties,
but and it's not just about, you know,
dinners and and pubs and it's more about,
like, you can you can bike, you can
hike, you can swim in the sea. There's
so many opportunities here,
and the weather all year round is, like,
350
something days sunny. So we can definitely use
that, or hoteliers can definitely use that to
(29:17):
their advantage when it comes to, you know,
improving their businesses.
Yeah. I've been a few times to to
Cyprus
from work, and I I I for for
me, going to the mountains is, to me,
very special,
in in the Trodas mountains. I think that
that's a very special
place with a microclimate and,
(29:37):
that is to me I mean, beaches are
beautiful, but I think going beyond the beaches,
there is so much more that
I I was very surprised. Did you know
a really famous person
many 100 years ago already
went to went to Cyprus because
and Leonardo da Vinci. Can you believe it?
I didn't know about that. No. I didn't
(29:59):
know. We always learn new things. Very interesting.
Yeah. I mean, he went to buy some
lace because they were very famous at that
time Yes.
Creating handmade lace. I mean,
we're talking about many 100 years ago, but
so he he he was a man of,
he was a renaissance man and he also
knew that the Cyprus is a special place.
(30:20):
It is indeed. And I remember that we
visited some, you know, like these hidden villages
up in the mountains. And these old ladies,
they're still sitting outside in front of their
front doors and and they're still making those
beautiful laces
and you can still buy them. Yeah. It's
yeah. And it's still they're still around.
That's very good. Good. That is also a
good reason to
(30:41):
to visit Cyprus. So lastly, people want to
find out more about podcast connections and
the I think the we have in our
conversation with their appetite now, oh, I want
to be a guest on the podcast. So
how can they find you and, how the
how does it work to connect with you?
Sure. Please visit our website. It's
podcastconnectionsinplural.co.com.
(31:05):
And you can always find me on LinkedIn
if you type my name in, Noemi Beres.
I will pop up there with a little
microphone sign next to my name
and yeah. And I'm happy to connect with
anyone.
Naomi, I appreciate you joining today in this
episode. It has been a very it's a
wonderful conversation with you, and thanks very much
for your fantastic insight.
(31:26):
Thank you so much for having me today,
Samirik. It was a it was a pleasure.
Thank you for tuning in to The Social
Hotelier. If you enjoyed this episode, please take
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(31:48):
thought provoking
conversations. Until next time, take care and keep
exploring.