FamousAshleyGrant

10 Things To Consider When Moving

This post is sponsored by Mt. Zion Moving and Storage, a moving company serving the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Bradenton and surrounding areas in Florida. Though I have been paid to write this post, all opinions below are my own.

I have written a lot about moving in this last year. Though my move was completed in January 2021, I still have so many thoughts about how the experience went. What went right, what went horribly wrong, and everything in between.

Aside from the emotions that surround a move, there were a lot of logistics that went into play that I honestly just didn’t think about when it came time to leave everything I knew for a completely new place…

With that in mind, here are 10 things to consider when moving. I hope they help you if you have a pending move and/or if you are thinking about moving.

Relocating? Then, you need this post! This post features 10 things to consider when moving that you might not have thought of.

1. You need more time than you think you do to prepare

We decided in January 2020 of last year that we were going to move. Though we didn’t find a place until December, we still were not ready to move. We still had a lot to declutter, so much packing to do, and a lot of logistics to work out.

2. Movers are critical – especially for the big things!

Before our move, we purchased our dining room and living room sets from my father in law because he too was moving up north and didn’t want to take those pieces with him. Now, those pieces are HUGE! We needed a mover to handle it because let me tell you – no amount of free pizza and beer would convince our friends to help us lift that crap. Especially in the middle of a pandemic.

Now, I’ve said before and will say again, we screwed up big time with who we chose to help us move our stuff in Florida – but we’ll get to that in a moment.

If we had chosen professions like the people at Mt. Zion Moving and Storage, we would have had a much better experience I’m sure. Not only are they the go-to Tampa hot tub moving company because they can handle the heavy lifting, but they have amazing reviews on both Google and Facebook.

3. Your movers matter

Don’t choose someone on price alone, and don’t feel like you can only choose from a recommended list from Uhaul. So – we had decided early on that we were going to drive our stuff ourselves from Tampa, Fla. to Richmond, Ky. That meant hiring a Uhaul. But, because we knew we needed movers to actually get the stuff onto the truck – that’s where hiring movers came into play.

We made two critical mistakes – choosing based on price, and only choosing from the list Uhaul provided. The Uhaul website only shows reviews of the company that people have left on their website. It doesn’t show Google or Facebook reviews. A little more research would have revealed to us that the people we chose were NOT the best choice. Oy! Hindsight is 20-20….

And, choosing based on price alone meant we weren’t guaranteeing quality work – and they nickeled and dimed us. But that is for another article.

Bottom line – do your research before choosing a mover!

Photo courtesy of MT. Zion Moving & Storage

Related: Learn more about Mt. Zion Moving and Storage LLC to see if they are the right movers for your family’s moving needs.

4. Start decluttering ASAP

Like I said, the time of the move crept up on us faster than expected. So, I recommend if you are even considering moving, you start selling stuff, throwing away, giving away, and downsizing everything possible as soon as you can. Otherwise, you will end up like us and give things away for free, and dropping off way more than you wanted to at the dump!

5. Make a bucket list for the place you are leaving

Okay, this one might seem silly, but there are lots of things I wanted to do before leaving Tampa that I didn’t do before we left. I wish we had thought it through a little more. In my case, many of the things I wanted to do before leaving were actually not possible because we got ready to leave during the pandemic. But still! I wish we could have done some of it differently. In truth, I’m writing a Tampa bucket list now so that we can visit on vacation someday and get some closure.

6. Get more boxes than you think you need

Just trust me on this one. And, get them all the same size. That is one thing we did do that we were actually grateful for because it at least made things slightly easier when packing the truck.

7. Wrap EVERYTHING

Don’t take chances. We got blankets to wrap our furniture and were talked out of wrapping it. BIG MISTAKE! There are scratches all over my furniture because we were told that it wasn’t that serious. If your stuff matters – oh yes it is that serious! Wrap stuff even if you feel like it’s overkill!

8. Don’t make your boxes too heavy

This one might seem silly too – especially if you have movers, but when you have to carry something even 5 feet, you will be glad you didn’t overload it. OY!

9. Make a plan for departure

Before you leave, plan out everything from the foods in your fridge you will consume before departure to where you have to go to drop off the cable box. The more planning – the better.

10. Make a plan for arrival

You will likely not have easy access to your kitchenware, let alone any food you have transported. And, you might not have access to toiletries or towels. Make a plan for how you will handle initial meals. And, I recommend packing a bag/box of essentials with clothes and stuff you will need when you first arrive – like toilet paper! We got this advice before we moved and I’m REALLY grateful we actually did this.

Seven Steps to Becoming Your Own Boss, From Business Experts

Seven Steps to Becoming Your Own Boss 
The following is a guest post from ZenBusiness. If you would like to have a guest post published on this blog, please contact me directly at famousashleygrant @ gmail dot com.

A staggering 4.3 million quit their jobs in August this year, according to new reports. 

Whilst this could be seen as indicative of Americans sensing both opportunity and better pay elsewhere, Gregory P Smith, an expert at business formation providers, ZenBusiness, believes poor management is the main reason someone would hand their notice in.

With ​​more than 4.4 million new businesses created in the U.S during 2020, entrepreneurship is perenially on the horizon. Therefore, Smith has put together a seven-step plan on how you can cut ties with the big boss, and become your own boss today. 

Step 1: Develop your business strategy

Once you have a solid business idea in your mind, it’s time to do some strategic planning. Doing research upfront will help you plan the details of your business. Establishing those details will help you avoid some costly mistakes and start seeing success quickly.

It is important to conduct some solid research into your target market and competitors. There are several ways you can conduct your research;

  • Online: These resources help find your competitors. Look at their online presence, advertising, and product pricing. Conduct keyword searches to find your customers. Narrow your search down to the right location and find the most popular terms in your area.
  • Surveys: You can conduct surveys online or in person. Use your survey to find your customer and get their demographic information, what they buy from your competitors, and how they feel about the experience. Make sure you carefully craft your questions to get the best information possible.
  • Focus Groups: You will need to recruit between 10 and 20 people to participate (remember, recruitment is easier with some form of compensation or remuneration for people’s time). Make sure you have plenty of questions to determine if your product will be useful, who they currently get the product from, how they feel about the experience etc.

Step 2- Create a business plan

Spending a good amount of time to create a business plan doesn’t just help you find  investors; it helps you find and keep to your path through each phase of opening, running, and growing a business.

When creating your plan, there are some key elements you will need to include;

A company description is important as it will help you provide details about your business, why consumers need your business, and who your consumers are. Here you can also include advantages and strengths you have over competitors.

Market analysis helps you establish what your competitors do, why it works or not work, and hot to avoid the ones that don’t.

Having a business structure and management will help you describe your plan to form a corporation, LLC, or sole proprietorship. If there are multiple people involved in your business, you should include each person’s role and responsibility.

A marketing and sales plan is key here and should be highly individualized for your specific business. Here you cant talk about how you will bring customers in keeping them coming back and repeat purchasing.

One of the most important elements to establish is your financial needs and projections, and here you can discuss the funding needed to start and operate your business and what it will be used for. Following this, establish your financial projections to show that your business can be successful. 

Step 3- Determine your start-up costs

Knowing your startup costs will allow you to prepare and avoid unexpected expenses that can cause early damage to your business. 

Your costs will be different depending on if you have an online presence or a brick-and-mortar space. The types of goods or services you offer will also impact your expenses.

It is important to use something like Google sheets or Excel to map out all of your expenses so you can see exactly where they will be going, allowing you to make any necessary changes as you go.

No matter what type of business, these are the most common types of expenses you need to prepare for:

  • Equipment and supplies
  • Website design
  • Fees for filing, licenses, and permits
  • Insurance
  • Marketing services/materials
  • Utility costs
  • Professional services like a lawyer or accountant

Step 4- Raise startup capital

Once you have determined how much funding you need, you will need to determine how you will put that funding together. Here are three basic ways to fund your business startup, including self-funding, investors, and loans:

  • Self-funding: Choosing to self-fund your business means you will be using your own resources and/or those close to you. The advantage of self-funding is having full control over your business. The downside is that you are taking on all the risks. If you choose to self-fund, plan out how much you are willing to invest and, if you are thinking about using retirement income, make sure you consult with a financial adviser.
  • Obtaining outside investment. Investors will provide funding for your business in exchange for a share of the ownership and, sometimes, a role within the organization.

To find investors you can firstly research potential investors or a venture capital firm. Once you have your list, let them review your business plan. 

Investors want to make sure your business fits with their priorities. They will also want your organizational chart, products, and financial statement. If they are interested, you will work with them on the agreement’s terms before receiving the investment.

You can also get a loan from a bank or credit union. A loan, like self-investing, will allow you to maintain control over your company. If you decide to go this route for funding, it is helpful to put together your business plan, expense sheet, and financial projections. 

These documents need to be looked at over the next five years. Approach several banks about the loan, then compare and contrast the offers to get the best deal for your business.

Step 5- Choose a business structure

Deciding on the type of structure of your business is an important decision and you need to look at the pros and cons of each option before selecting one. 

The structure you choose will determine your tax liabilities, how you organize and run your business and the amount of liability protection available to the owners.

There are six main structures to choose from and ZenBusiness have weighed the pros and the cons of each one.

Sole Proprietorship

Also known as a sole tradership or individual entrepreneurship and is a type of enterprise owned and run by one person and in which there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business entity.

Pros of a Sole Proprietorship

  • Startup costs are lower
  • Taxes are filed on individual returns
  • Simpler financials

Cons of a Sole Proprietorship

  • High personal liability
  • Lack of accounting controls
  • More difficult to raise funding

Partnership

If you have at least two people starting a business together, you can form a partnership. A partnership allows for a company’s profits to be passed through to the owners, which means taxes are reported on the individual tax returns only.

Pros of a Partnership

  • Less red tape to start
  • Fewer state fees
  • Collaborative, easy decision-making

Cons of a Sole Proprietorship

  • Varying degrees of personal liability
  • Conflicts between partners
  • More difficult to raise funding

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC is set up as its own legal entity, but its profits pass through to the owners or members and are taxed only on their individual tax returns. There are no shareholders and no stock.

Pros of an LLC

  • Individual taxation
  • Member liability protection
  • Less red tape than a corporation

Cons of an LLC

  • More fees than a partnership or sole proprietorship
  • Does not have all the benefits of a corporation, like selling stock

C Corporation

C corporations are owned by shareholders who elect a board of directors. The board leads the decision-making. C corporations are separate entities from the owners, protecting their liability.

Pros of a C Corporation

  • Owners’ personal assets are protected from liability
  • Benefits may be deducted as expenses
  • Ownership is easily transferred

Cons of a C Corporation

  • Requires more funding than other options
  • More red tape
  • Taxation on both the business and its shareholders
  • Slower decision-making as the board has to be involved

S Corporation

An S corporation is different from a C corporation in an important way; taxation. S corporations are taxed more like most LLCs, with the income distributed to its shareholders, who are then taxed individually; the business itself is not taxed.

Pros of an S Corporation

  • No double taxation
  • Shareholders can reduce their tax liability depending on the amount the company retains in income each year

Cons of an S Corporation

  • Must have strict management of cash flow
  • Built-in gains tax

B Corporation

B corporations are for-profit companies that are also driven by a mission to benefit the public. Often they have B Corp certification which shows they meet a certain standard of ethical and sustainability responsibilities.

Pros of a B Corporation

  • Structured requirements
  • B corporations have a strong brand identity and can use their public benefit as a marketing tool
  • Investor interest

Cons of a B Corporation

  • Accountability standards and scrutiny
  • No tax breaks
  • More resources needed to incorporate as a B corporation and maintain annual reporting requirements

Step 5- Choose a business name and location

Deciding on your business’s name and location is one of the most important decisions you will make. You want a name that helps you build and then protect your brand and the wrong location can make it difficult to attract customers. 

When choosing a business name, you want it to be unique and descriptive. There are a few requirements you will need to meet when selecting a name and you need to make sure you aren’t mimicking another business name too closely. 

That can be avoided by researching available names in your state. Visit your Secretary of State’s website and use their searchable database.

When searching for a location, there are a few things to consider. Does the location meet the operational needs of your business and growth strategy? What will the location cost (think about rent, utility, and any other costs you will incur from being in the space)? 

Some businesses need to consider things like demographics, for example, retailers will want to consider the kinds of foot traffic and parking that a location affords. 

Step 6- Register your business in your state

Before you can officially begin your business, you need to file formation documents with the state where you will do business.

For most states, this will require visiting the Secretary of State website, but before you do, there are a few decisions you need to make.

First, get a registered agent, a person or entity who is the point of contact between your business and the state. They accept legal notices on behalf of your company and make sure you get them on time.

Filing the Articles of Organization, again you can visit your Secretary of State’s website and find the correct form and information on filing fees. Most application will include:

  1. The name of your business
  2. The address of your business
  3. Your registered agent and their contact information
  4. The start date of your business
  5. Signature

Step 7- Register for Federal and State Taxation

Businesses must know and follow the laws around federal, state, and local taxes, therefore to make sure you are collecting and paying the right taxes, start by obtaining your identifying numbers.

The first thing you need is an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is usually assigned to your business by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). You can apply for this number online here.

Next, you need to get a State Tax ID Number. What taxes apply to your business and the tax system will vary from state to state, therefore you will need to register with your state.

Different types of businesses may be required to pay different taxes. Some of the most common taxes include:

  • Income tax
  • Sales tax
  • Property tax
  • Excise tax
  • Industry-specific taxes
  • Environmental-impact taxes
  • Employment taxes, such as unemployment insurance and employee withholding tax
  • Self-employment tax on business shares for sole proprietors, partners, and LLCs

To learn more about the taxes your business is subject to, reach out to your state Department of Revenue or its equivalent.

Feelings Are Hard To Teach

What is compassion? Compassion is a deep feeling you have for the suffering or discomfort of others. Can a feeling be taught?

I recall my father saying, “Smile until you mean it”. Sometimes it actually worked. In fact sometimes we would end up laughing because we were trying so hard not to smile. So, how do you teach a toddler about compassion?

It starts by treating your child with compassion. It’s important to use compassion and yet not take away individual responsibility. Let’s look a little closer at the difference.

“Brian, I am so sorry you hurt your knee. Let me help you clean it up and get a Band-Aid.” Using this phrasing showed compassion, however it doesn’t point out the responsibility.

“Brian, I am so sorry you hurt your knee. Let me help you clean it up and get a Band-Aid. Maybe we can remember not to run down that big hill. You get hurt.” This verbiage suggests compassion and yet reminds the child of their responsibility in the problem.

There many situations during the day of a toddler that you can point out and help him/her complete acts of compassion. Think of it as being kind and it may make it simpler to find those teaching moments.

Sharing is a good way to teach compassion. Point out the feelings of the child that doesn’t have the toys or food. Talk about the way that child probably feels. Give your child the chance to share. Let your child know how proud you are of his/her actions. It makes everyone happier when you share.

While traveling with a mother of an 18-month-old recently the traffic was horrendous. She pointed out to her child every time she was kind in traffic and let some one pull in or she moved over to let some one go by. She followed it up with commenting that now the people in both cars were happy. Teach by example and make the examples clear.

Simple words like please and thank you are the beginning of compassion. Use these words with your child and praise her/him every time they do it without you reminding them.

I am one of those random acts of kindness freaks. I do something every day. I had my niece out and we went to a vending machine to get a treat. Then we “hid” at a nearby table. We have left the change in for the next person and we wanted to see them be happy. They didn’t know it was us, but Tristen learned a little bit about happiness and sharing.

Bottom line, if you want compassionate children, be compassionate adults.

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide For Podcasters

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide For Podcasters 
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Maybe you’re known to be a great gift giver. Or, maybe you’re known to be a not so great one. Either way, getting a gift for a podcaster can be difficult. I mean, where do you even begin to look?

Well, I’m here to make things a bit less stressful and more clear. In the honor of the soon-to-be holiday season, here are some great gift ideas for podcast hosts.

Whether the gift recipient is just interested in podcasts, has recently started a podcast, or is a podcasting veteran — let’s put a smile on their face. Without further ado, here is the ultimate 2021 Christmas gift guide for podcasters!

Gifts Around $30

FIFINE USB Microphone

Let’s be honest, the sound quality from a phone just isn’t that great. To start off podcaster’s Christmas, why not gift your favorite podcaster a FIFINE USB Microphone ? These microphones are affordable and provide professional sound at shocking prices.

No other gadgets are required to use this microphone — it’s just plug and then play! Let the podcaster’s Christmas begin!

On-Air Sign

What can I say? It’s a sign, but this sign is the perfect podcaster gift idea. Say goodbye to interruptions and let the podcasting begin!

This On-Air Sign is durable, vibrant, and will ward off family members, children selling candy, and delivery people alike. Plus, it’s oh-so-simple to use. Put the universally compatible sign up on your door and the problem is solved.

Snowman Bath Bombs Box Sets

Podcasters need to eat, sleep, and relax too. After a long day, podcasters deserve to smell roses, vanilla, and lavender as they relax in a warm and colorful bath. This Snowman Bath Bombs Box Set is wrapped elegantly, and ready to be gifted at a moment’s notice. Podcaster’s Christmas shouldn’t be stressful for you either!

Plus, we all know that tubs are the best places to come up with new ideas.

Penguin Stainless Steel Vacuum Thermos

Cute, practical, durable, and memorable — what more does a podcaster gift idea need? Throats get dry during and after podcasts, and now, your podcasting friend can have an adorable assistant. Water, tea, and more will stay warm for hours in this Penguin Stainless Steel Vacuum Thermos!

Podcaster’s Christmas won’t be complete without a new adorable (and helpful) friend.

Adobe Audition

Adobe Audition is one of the leading podcasting and editing software programs for podcasters. Buy the podcaster in your life a month in just minutes. If you purchase this subscription through Amazon, you can share the serial code as a gift. Otherwise, just set up an account for your friend and voila!

Gifts $31 – $100

The Podcast Journal

From idea to launch, The Podcast Journal will be a valuable tool for your podcaster friend. Written by podcaster superstar John Lee Dumas — the book details the ins and outs of starting a podcast (along with some very helpful tips).

If your podcaster friend talks about podcasting but won’t take the leap, this book is even more suitable. Ideally, a podcaster’s Christmas should start before the holiday season ends. No more waiting!

While you’re at it, go ahead and grab The Freedom Journal and The Mastery Journal. These books are AWESOME because they help you break your goals and dreams down into chunks that feel MUCH easier to accomplish. Trust me! In fact, you should get these books for yourself as well as your friends. Everyone deserves help achieving their dreams.

Sony Digital Voice Recorder

Think your podcaster buddy will want to move around and about? Then, this is the best podcaster gift idea for them. The Sony Digital Voice Recorder has a built-in mic, noise-cancellations features, and easy editing.

This recorder’s impressive size-to-usefulness ratio should be feared! P.S. Make sure you grab one that has a USB connection for easy transferring to your editing software of choice!

Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield

You’ll notice the difference right away when it comes to the Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield. That’s why it’s the perfect podcaster gift idea. This miracle worker works on-par with much more expensive brands, and provides great results. Say goodbye to echoes and say hello to crisp and clear tones!

Guys – this is one I WANT for Christmas. I’ve been good. Er I mean I was good most of the year. Er – never mind Santa – I’ll buy it myself!

Audio Technica ATH-M30x

The Audio Technica brand is hailed for excellent headphones, but can be quite pricey. Fortunately, the ATH-M30x offers near-perfect sound and comfort at a reasonable price. There’s no need to break your bank for a podcaster gift this season!

With everything online right now, the ATH-M30x will come in handy in and out of podcasting too.

P.S. I use the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headphones. They are a little pricier than the Audio Technica ones, but they come with a detachable microphone and I LOVE using it for gaming. When I’m editing audio, I just remove the microphone and get the audio in surround sound. It’s pretty awesome, and the noise cancellation is very good!

I got mine in Red and Black because I’m a Deadpool fan.

Gifts $100+

Flexispot EC1 Electric Standing Desk

Did you know that standing makes you sound more confident and offers better respiratory support? Both of these benefits go a long way if your podcaster wants to take podcasting seriously. Flexispot EC1 Electric Standing Desks is a great podcaster gift idea that comes in a variety of sizes and stylish designs.

Plus, this present can help loved ones stay healthy and well.

Flexispot M2B Standing Desk Converter

And, Flexispot strikes once again! That’s just how great their products are. The M2B Standing Desk Converter offers all the traditional benefits of a desk and then adds so much more value.

This desk converter provides spacious work space without taking up much space, a handy keyboard tray, and ergonomic benefits. Get this, it can even be folded up to reduce the already small amount of room it takes up!

Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (3rd Gen)

This gift is a bit techy — but oh so practical. If your podcaster is serious about making it big, chances are that they’ll need a Focsurite Scarlett 4i4 in the near future. This tool is often necessary for high-end XLR microphones that the professionals use. For any aspiring progression, this is a great podcaster gift idea.

HeartCast Media Course On Podcasting

The HeartCast Media Course On Podcasting is one program that fits all podcasting needs. Watch as your podcaster racks up 5-star reviews and propels into the podcasting spotlight (all thanks to you)!

Oooh, and this course comes with a FREE Trello board that nails down the necessary steps towards a flawless podcast. Podcaster gift ideas that add freebies — that’s even better!

Rode Podcaster Booming Kit

The Rode Podcaster Booming Kit is a 3-in-1 gift that is going to blow your favorite podcaster away! The kit comes with high-quality equipment such as the Rode Podcaster USB microphone, Rode PSA-1 Boom Arm, and the Rode PSM-1 Shock Mount.

Don’t know what to get your podcaster friend? You don’t have to worry about that with this kit!

IPad Pro

An IPad Pro is the perfect size for note-taking, researching, and looking up resources on the fly. Combined with an apple pencil and smart keyboard — it’s better than a traditional computer. Being pricey, this podcasting gift idea should only be pulled out for your favorite podcaster!

An IPad Pro is also the perfect unwinding/entertainment gadget after a long day of brainstorming and recording.

To Wrap Up

Getting a gift for a podcaster can be hard. But, I’m glad you’re making an effort. I mean, you’ve read this far and I’m glad you did!

At the end of the day, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Christmas isn’t really about giving — it’s about spending time with those that make you the happiest person on Earth. Hopefully, this list has helped you a bit though.

I’m excited for the holiday season, and I hope you are too!

How to Protect Intellectual Property Online

How to Protect Intellectual Property Online - Famous Ashley Grant

If you own a podcast, you owe it to yourself and your business partners to protect your intellectual property online.

Even if you’re not a podcaster, you probably still have some intellectual property to protect online – even if it’s just your posts on social media.

Podcasting has grown exponentially in recent years and will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. Podcasts range from comedy shows and news programs to talk shows about various topics relevant to today’s society.

Every day people are creating new podcasts or expanding current podcasts into commercial enterprises. These podcasters need to understand how to protect their intellectual property online.

This article will discuss the most common ways that intellectual property can be compromised online and avoid them. It will also discuss how to protect your intellectual property online if you are a podcaster.

What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property is defined as any intangible asset created by human beings.

Some examples of intellectual property may include:

  • Trademarks, logos, and brand names
  • Commercial names and slogans
  • Copyrights for literary works (including music), artwork, films, television shows, podcasts, video games, etc.
  • Patents for inventions and devices

It is essential to protect intellectual property because it can provide economic value. The protection of intellectual property also encourages people to create new works and inventions by giving them an incentive (ownership) for their creations.

Types of Intellectual Property

There are several different types of intellectual property. For your purposes, the most important type is your podcast’s brand name and logo. However, you should still know what qualifies as intellectual property and how it all relates to your podcast.

Trademarks: A trademark is a word or phrase that distinguishes a business from its competitors.

For example, Nike is a trademark for athletic shoes, and Microsoft is for computer software.

Your podcast’s brand name and logo are both trademarks because they distinguish your podcast from other podcasts.

Copyrights: A copyright is a form of protection for original works such as songs, artwork, videos, and broadcasts.

For example, the song “We Will Rock You” by Queen was released in 1977, and it still enjoys copyright protection today. Copyright laws vary from country to country, so you should always be aware of any copyrights that pertain to your business.

Patents: These are defined as a form of legal protection for new inventions. Patents are costly to apply for, and you don’t need to have one to run your podcast business.

Intellectual property can also be used to protect how you operate your business. Email, customer lists, social media accounts, and podcasts are all assets that fall under intellectual property.

It is crucial to protect your online assets to ensure a healthy bottom line for your podcast enterprise. Even if you don’t have a large following yet, it’s good to establish these policies from the start so that you can avoid disputes in the future.

Why is Intellectual Property Important?

Intellectual property is protected for a reason. The internet has made it easier than ever to share information with people around the world; however, this also opens the door to widespread theft of intellectual property.

Protected intellectual property promotes innovation and can provide economic benefit to individuals or businesses who create or license them.

Intellectual property can also include trade secrets, which are confidential business ideas and concepts. These must be protected at all costs to prevent others from stealing your ideas.

Online Intellectual Property Theft

The internet may be the single most significant driver behind the popularity of intellectual property theft. Internet users worldwide use peer-to-peer sharing services to share illegally copied movies, music, and other copyrighted material.

Intellectual property theft is a massive problem on the internet, and it’s essential to take steps to protect your own from being stolen as well. This is particularly true for those who have monetized their podcast with an advertising or sponsorship model.

Some of the ways people may use peer-to-peer sharing services to steal your intellectual property include:

  • Download your copyrighted podcast episodes, share them online for free, and collect advertising revenue without paying you.
  • Uploading your podcast episodes onto another service or website and claiming the content as their own.
  • Claiming they are the original content provider by using your podcast’s brand name, logo, or even host’s image.

Accidental and Unintentional Violations

Sometimes people will mistake your podcast for something else because of a similar name or shared artwork. We’ve all heard of cases where an artist sued another musician over copyright infringement, but this could also happen to you.

For example, if your podcast is named “Podcast Hangouts,” it could be mistaken for the other similarly titled product called “Hangouts On Air.”

The risk of people accidentally using your intellectual property without proper authorization can increase even further if they’re doing something illegal in the first place.

If someone is illegally streaming copyrighted movies and music, then it can be challenging to prove that your product was not involved in any way. The same thing goes for podcasters who get into disputes over using other people’s images or artwork.

Avoiding such disagreements before they happen is a good strategy, especially if you’re working with other businesses or people who have a significant online presence.

How can Podcasters Protect their Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property can be protected by filing for copyrights and trademarks. However, there is no way to protect your business’s trade secrets or customer lists from theft unless you invest in some kind of intellectual property protection software.

You should also be aware that the moment you start using your podcast’s name, logo, or other information in any marketing materials, this will constitute public use. This means it can no longer be considered a trade secret and may not be protected by law.

You will want to file copyrights for the podcast itself and any promotional materials you use in your marketing efforts.

For example, you would want to register a copyright for your logo, website header images, and website banner images to prevent them from being used in a way where they don’t give proper credit. Additionally, you will want to protect all of the photos you use on your website from being used in any other context without your permission.

Trademarks are also important to protect because they place the public on notice of the intellectual property owner. You’ll want to file for a trademark if you use specific names, phrases, or slogans in connection with your business.

For example, the phrase “podcasting made easy” could be considered a part of your original branding if you use it frequently in your marketing efforts. This would give you exclusive rights to that slogan and prevent others from using it without permission or giving proper credit to you for its origin.

Protecting your intellectual property is extremely important if you plan on monetizing your podcast. It’s also essential if you want to own any domain names that might be similar to your product or service name.

With the proper intellectual property protection, you can avoid disputes with others using your business’s name and logo.

There are plenty of resources online that can help you learn how to protect your intellectual property. You should also consider hiring a lawyer who has experience in this area if you’re worried about people stealing your podcast’s information.

What Should You Do If Your Intellectual Property Is Stolen?

If you suspect your intellectual property has been stolen, then there are some steps you can take to resolve the situation.

To start, make sure it’s actually happening in the first place. You shouldn’t jump to conclusions if someone else’s website uses a similar phrase or slogan. They may be using it in an honest attempt at following your branding strategies.

If you’re confident that your intellectual property rights are being violated, then you will want to send a cease and desist letter as soon as possible. This gives the person or company you’re accusing of stealing a chance to stop doing so without getting authorities involved.

Once they agree to stop using your intellectual property, you’ll want them to send you a signed statement saying they understand why it was wrong for them to steal your information. This is a crucial step because not having this documentation could prevent you from taking legal action in the future.

If the party is unresponsive or uncooperative, you will want to talk to an attorney about filing a lawsuit against them. Intellectual property protection lawsuits can be quite expensive and time-consuming, so you will want to make sure you have a strong case before trying this approach.

If your intellectual property was stolen through contributory infringement, then you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible. This type of claim is often associated with peer-to-peer sharing services, so you could lose a ton of revenue if the lawsuit gets decided in favor of the defendant.

It’s imperative to take action against contributory infringement lawsuits because there is no statute of limitations associated with them. This means you can always recover damages even after many years have passed since the incident occurred.

There are many benefits to protecting your intellectual property rights. Not only does it help you prevent losses, but it also gives you the power to pursue legal action against people who violate your copyrights.

If someone steals your podcast’s information or uses an unfair business practice related to your trademark, you can benefit by filing a lawsuit against them. You might need to hire an attorney to take this step, but it can prevent future disputes and help you increase your brand’s reputation.

Do What’s Best For Your Podcast

Protecting your intellectual property is relatively easy if you take the proper steps. It isn’t always cheap, but it’s usually worth it when you consider all of the benefits that come with strong intellectual property protection.

If you find yourself in a situation where someone is stealing from you or infringing on your copyrights, then you should strongly consider filing a lawsuit against them.

You also have the option of contacting an intellectual property lawyer if you aren’t sure what your options are or don’t want to handle them on your own. The most important thing is that you protect yourself now so you can avoid problems in the future.

How to Get Famous on TikTok

How to Get Famous on TikTok

TikTok is one of the most rapidly expanding social media platforms out there. Since its launch in 2016, the app has gained more than a billion active users worldwide. If you’ve been wondering how to get famous on TikTok, keep reading.

Although TikTok is relatively new in the social media world, it operates much like Instagram and Facebook. Users post video content to a sharing platform where other people view it, then they’re able to leave hearts and comments. The more engagement a TikTok post receives, the higher it gets placed on the lists of featured content.

However, a few relevant differences make the approach for how to get TikTok famous somewhat unique. Since the platform mainly features short 15-second videos, you have to grab your viewer’s attention immediately.

So, exactly how do you get famous on TikTok? Here are some of the best tricks for going viral and getting recognized on the internet’s hottest video-sharing app.

How to Get Famous on TikTok

If you want to get famous online, you’ll need to put in consistent effort and know how to use social media trends to their full potential. On TikTok, that means posting videos at least once per day and coming up with creative, original content that entertains viewers in a short timeframe.

Although TikTok originally started as a lip-synching app, it has expanded to include comedy, dancing, tutorials, and more. Users can choose from a wide selection of songs and pre-recorded sounds or use original audio.

With so much content on the platform already, it’s essential to think outside the box when coming up with new videos in order to get noticed. Use these reliable strategies to take your TikTok account from a fun hobby to becoming the next big online sensation.

Choose a Niche

When considering how to get famous on social media apps like TikTok, it’s highly beneficial to establish a target audience from the start. Focus your TikToks on a specific area of interest where you’ll be able to showcase your unique talents and skills.

Consider who will be watching your videos. How can you provide something new and valuable through your content?

The majority of TikTok users are young people who appreciate the unrestrained and innovative nature of the platform. Don’t be afraid to take risks and get a little weird. That’s what gets you noticed.

Post New Videos Regularly

Unlike Facebook and Instagram, the TikTok algorithm doesn’t penalize users for posting too frequently. In fact, posting as much content as possible is one of the best tactics for how to get famous on TikTok. The more videos you post, the greater your chances are of them going viral.

Even though the creators of TikTok are fairly secretive about exactly how their algorithm works, it’s well-known that users appreciate regularly seeing new posts from their favorite accounts. In addition, your future followers will want access to plenty of your amazing content once you do achieve TikTok fame.

Participate in Viral Trends

While it’s important to be unique and creative with your content, participating in current trends is an excellent way to get famous online. The key is to adapt the trend to your own distinctive style.

Incorporate significant trends in your TikToks by using new songs from popular artists, taking part in hashtag challenges, and monitoring your “For You” page for the latest trends in your niche. It’s crucial to jump on new trends while they’re still exciting in order to get noticed and stay relevant.

Take Advantage of New Features

TikTok, like other social media apps, is constantly coming out with new effects, filters, and features for its users to enjoy. There are several excellent reasons to take full advantage of them right away.

People love seeing new things in action. If yours happens to be among the first videos they see with a new effect or filter, you’ll gain a reputation for being interesting and innovative.

In addition, TikTok’s algorithm rewards content creators for using the latest app additions. As such, trying out the new features as soon as they come out will work wonders for helping you get internet famous.

Engage with Other TikTokers

One of the many reasons people use social media is to be part of a community of people who share similar interests. Networking with other TikTokers by liking and commenting on their posts is an outstanding way to build relationships with potential followers and fellow creators alike.

It’s also helpful to collaborate with influencers who align with your image and personality. A great way to do this is by engaging with their posts on TikTok, as well as other social media platforms, and starting conversations with them through comments or messages. Once you form a connection, you can explore tagging them in your posts and reposting content with their permission or working together to create new TikToks.

Make Your Videos Shareable and Re-watchable

Another phenomenal way to get famous online is when people re-watch and share your videos. Other TikTokers can also tag you and remix your video, use the audio, or duet with it. These are all immensely helpful in gaining exposure and increasing your audience.

Individual TikTok videos have a maximum length of 15 seconds, but users can link the videos to create a 60-second story. Since they’re relatively short, it’s helpful to put a surprise moment or plot twist at the end of the video. Doing so keeps your viewers engaged and coming back for more.

Do you ever find yourself scrolling through videos, wondering, “How do you get TikTok famous?” The answer is that it takes a decent amount of effort and persistence. Getting internet famous isn’t an exact science. Research the current trends and influencers in your chosen niche, and go for it. You never know which video might go viral, and the more you post, the better the odds are. By using these tips on how to get famous on TikTok, you’ll be able to reach a wider audience and build a community that supports your ideas and creativity.

How to Get Famous on Instagram

How to Get Famous on Instagram

Instagram boasts over one billion monthly users and one of the highest follower growth and interaction rates of any social media platform. It’s easy to see why many influencers rate Instagram as their preferred channel. Read on to discover how to get famous on Instagram using these expert tips and tricks.

When it comes to getting internet famous, overnight success isn’t usually how it goes. Just like any other new endeavor, it takes dedication and effort to get famous online. However, rest assured that there are numerous ways to make the process quicker and easier. Here are the best practices to adopt if you’d like to grow your following, increase your audience engagement, and achieve all of your Instagram goals.

How to Get Famous on Instagram

Before diving right into revamping your Instagram profile, take a few moments to reflect on your interests, passions, and goals. Examine who your target audience is and how to engage with them. What sort of story are you trying to tell?

Having a clear focus makes it considerably easier to hold your audience’s interest and make your personal brand recognizable. Once you’ve built this foundation for your future efforts, you’ll be ready to start telling your story and creating amazing Instagram content.

Find Your Niche

Many people use Instagram to find inspiration, keep up with trends, and learn about specific topics. As such, your content should provide value to your followers in some way.

Whatever your niche might be, you’ll have much more success by creating a consistent brand image for your Instagram account. That way, your content reflects your personality and aesthetic in a professional way.

Make It Personal

Most Instagram users want to get to know the face behind the brand. In general, photos and videos that feature people in them get significantly higher engagement levels.

Similarly, the influencers who stand out the most have figured out how to convey their authentic self in a relatable way. Share stories, ask your followers questions, and show them that you genuinely care about what you’re posting.

Using a profile photo of you instead of a logo is one of the easiest ways to make your Instagram profile charismatic and approachable. Your bio is another crucial piece of the puzzle. It’s often the first thing people see, so make sure it grabs visitors’ interest and communicates what you’re all about clearly and concisely. Remember to regularly refresh your bio with relevant information like new promos or updates.

How to Hashtag

Hashtags are one of the absolute best tools for increasing discoverability and reaching a broader audience on social media. However, when considering how to get famous on Instagram, there are various approaches for making the most of your hashtags.

Some influencers use as many popular and relevant hashtags as possible. In contrast, others only use a few in each of their posts. Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer. While researching your target audience and gaining inspiration from other accounts in your niche, take note of which hashtags are profitable and how your competition is using them.

Creating your own brand-specific hashtag is also helpful. Using a personalized hashtag an excellent way to distinguish your account from other influencers and build audience engagement.

Be sure to track the performance of the various hashtags you’re using. That way, you’ll be able to see which hashtags and posting styles are working for your account and audience and which ones aren’t.

Be Consistent About Posting

Another crucial element of how to get famous online is posting regularly. Once again, there’s no set formula for instant success. It’s helpful to research your target audience to find out when they tend to be online the most.

Generally speaking, Instagram accounts that post daily have considerably higher engagement levels than those posting just once or twice per week. Using all of the available media styles on Instagram also makes your content more engaging. In addition to posting photos and videos, take advantage of stories, reels, and IGTV to reach more followers.

Engage with Your Audience

Instagram’s algorithm is based on engagement levels. As such, it’s vital to actively build a relationship with your followers by replying to comments, fostering discussions in the comments section, and including a call to action in your posts.

Remember to keep your tone personable and authentic in your calls to action. Show your followers that they’re part of a community by asking and responding to questions or telling personal stories and inviting followers to share theirs.

Hosting occasional product giveaways is another effective tactic to boost your following. Choose a desirable, niche-related prize and have people enter to win by engaging with your account. Steps may include liking your post, following your account, and tagging others in the comments. Giveaways are also an outstanding opportunity to partner with other brands and influencers.

Collaborate with Other Brands and Influencers

Working with fellow influencers and commercial brands on Instagram is incredibly useful. Just remember to ensure that you’re maintaining your authentic voice and adhering to your goals so that your brand image remains consistent.

For beginning influencers, brand collaborations often begin with receiving free products in exchange for featuring them in your posts. As your Instagram following continues to grow, these often turn into paid partnerships.

Observe Your Competitors

Stay up-to-date on current trends in your niche by routinely checking your competitors’ accounts. By doing so, you’ll be able to learn what’s working for other people, find out more about your target audience, and gain inspiration from high-performing accounts. Make sure to stay true to your brand image while being flexible and adapting to an ever-changing online marketplace.

Have you recently been wondering how to get famous on Instagram? Remember that the keys to progress lie in keeping your content authentic, posting consistently, using hashtags strategically, and taking advantage of collaborations with other brands and fellow influencers when appropriate. Just like any other worthwhile goal, it takes commitment and focus to get famous online. By following these practical steps, your path to getting internet famous will be a whole lot smoother.

How to Create a Popular Podcast

How to Create a Popular Podcast

So you want to be podcast famous, do you?

If you’re ready to become a podcast sensation, it will take more than just being able to talk. Anyone can start a podcast, but not everyone has what it takes to make a popular one.

If you’re interested in creating a popular podcast, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step.

Coming Up With an Idea For Launching

First, come up with an idea for your podcast. Everyone has an idea for a show, but not all good ideas are created equal.

A popular podcast must provide value to its listeners or viewers. If you can’t think of anything new or inspiring to talk about, find something interesting and ask questions on the topic instead. Your listeners will want to know the answers to your questions.


How Much Does It Cost To Start a Podcast?

Next, you’ll need to come up with some startup costs. Podcasting is becoming so popular that many people are entering the market with new shows every day.

Someone doesn’t need to spend a lot of money anymore to start their own podcast.

Many podcasters simply use an old computer or laptop connected to a small USB microphone to create their shows.

Equipment Costs

Anyone can go online and purchase a USB microphone for around $30-$60 that will work well enough to start a podcast with.

Although a basic mic will work, you might consider investing in something better if you want to be podcast famous.

You should expect to pay around $100-$400 for a decent mic.

Many people will suggest you purchase an XLR microphone and shock mount because they can help with audio quality; however, stick to the USB models if you want to start your podcast as cheap as possible.

You’ll also want to buy sound dampening foam panels that attach to your mic stand and help lessen the echo from your surroundings. This will set you back about $80-$120.

A boom will help you adjust your mic to any position you want. You can usually pick one up for around $30-$60.

Of course, you’ll need a computer to capture the audio from your microphone and convert it into an MP3 file that you will upload to your hosting service.

Any room can double as a studio space. Large foam panels attached to anything will help absorb echo and eliminate background noise from opening a door in the other room.

Taking your recording process to the next level isn’t very expensive these days if you use a professional recording studio.

You’ll need some type of recording/editing software if you don’t already own one. This doesn’t mean you need to purchase something costly like Logic Pro or Adobe Audition CS6.

Many podcasters have used Garage Band in the past, which comes free with every Apple computer. Several options are available, including Audacity, which is available for Mac or PC and costs about $50 bucks.

It’s also recommended to use an external hard drive to keep your recordings safe in the event of a computer crash. These are relatively inexpensive these days. You can find one with 1TB of space for $60 bucks online.

Choosing a Podcast Hosting Service

Now that you have a microphone and sound dampening panel, it’s time to find a professional podcast host.

Many podcasters will use the free version of a podcast hosting site to get their shows out there for people to listen to or watch. This is fine if you’re just starting out, but eventually, you’ll want something more.

A paid podcast hosting service will offer you advanced customization options, better storage space for media (graphics, audio clips, video clips), and more bandwidth. This means your listeners won’t deal with the dreaded buffering while listening to your show.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $5-$20 per month, depending on the length of your show. I personally use RSS.com Podcasting because they allow unlimited episodes, and unlimited duration.

In fact, you can use code RSSFREEMONTH at checkout for a full free month of podcast hosting with RSS. Get started for free here.

In full disclosure, I’ve been on their content creation team for a while now, and I’m even hosting some of their podcast episodes for Podcasting 101 with RSS.com!!!

Picking a Podcast Name

Now it’s time to pick your podcast name. Keep in mind that if you want people to come back for more episodes, you’ll need a catchy title that describes what your show is about.

Also, think about how listeners will find your podcast in search engines like Google. Will someone be able to find it when they look up information about your topic?

When you search “podcast” or “gaming podcast,” there are hundreds of thousands of results that will make it hard for listeners to find you when they do this search.

A good podcast name should also let listeners know what type of content they’ll find on your show. Will it be a comedy podcast, news show, educational program, etc.?

The best way to figure this out is to list several ideas for names and ask friends and family which ones they think would attract more listeners.

Choosing Topics & Segments

Now that you have everything ready to go (hosting account, website domain name), it’s time to develop your show’s format.

Most shows will include multiple topics or segments which allow you to cover different things within your niche while still providing listeners with consistent content over time.

A podcast name should provide some insight into this, but it doesn’t hurt to add more detail about what each topic/segment is all about just in case someone looks at the title and doesn’t understand precisely what they’ll find on your show.

If you want to stand out, use terms like “The Best,” “#1,” etc., in the description of your podcast. If you don’t want to be as bold, you can use a word like “Informational” or “Reviews.”

Also, remember that people can be picky when picking out new shows for them to listen to, so keeping the segments simple will make it easier for them to follow along. If you get too complicated, they may give up before even starting to listen!

Searching Your Niche For Ideas

Now that you have a topic in mind, it’s time to search your niche for existing talking points and popular ideas.

This might be a “best of” list or a roundup where you highlight several different things within your niche.

In some cases, you can look at social media posts to find common questions people have about something, which is another excellent way to draw from the crowd when coming up with new segments.

Remember that talking about current events within your niche might lead to more exposure as well.

Newscasts are always looking for guests who can talk about breaking news stories, so don’t be afraid to reach out if something big happens in your area of expertise!…

Recording Your Podcast

Now that you have a solid idea for a show, found a mic and podcast host to work with, and recorded your feed’s intro and outro, it’s time to get started recording.

Most people use an audio interface rather than their computer’s built-in sound card to record their shows.

The best option is usually going with something that has XLR inputs since they will provide the best quality possible over USB microphones.

Be sure you get one with at least two preamps so you can plug in more than one microphone if need be.

Preamps are essential for getting the cleanest sound from your mics because it prevents noise from being introduced into the signal chain when they are plugged in.

For the best results, you should use a condenser mic for your podcast.

You’ll also need to get some boom arms and cables to connect everything.

If you’re not comfortable making all these connections, I would recommend getting a mixer that has everything pre-wired.

Mixers will come with additional features such as EQ knobs and effects units, so they cost more than an audio interface; however, they will still be cheaper than purchasing individual pieces of equipment separately.

Recording software can also help clean up your sound if it starts to get too noisy during the recording process. Sounds from different sources can be plugged into one input on your computer and end up in one track when you listen back.

Recording software will help make these types of issues easier to manage post-production. You can usually find a free recording program or download Audition from Adobe, their audio editing suite.

Editing Your Podcast Made Easy

Once you have your show recorded, it’s time to edit out any mistakes or unwanted sounds.

Depending on the software used for recording, some minor cleanup may be needed before you can import your audio into an editor.

If nothing else, always use noise reduction on your tracks to remove any background noise that might have been picked up while speaking into a microphone.

Sounds from your computer fan whirring away in the background can probably be picked up during a recording session. Using background noise reduction is a great way to get rid of annoying hums and buzzes that would distract from the actual content of the episode.

Noise reduction should leave your voice sounding clear and let you focus more on what you’re saying rather than anything else.

Be sure to cut out all dead air, too, because there is nothing worse than going back and listening to an awkward pause for several seconds.

Mixing Your Podcast

Once your podcast is ready for release, you may need to mix it down at a much lower volume level so listeners won’t blow their speakers when they play it back.

Some people like to boost their podcasts’ overall sound, which can be helpful if you want them to seem more high-end; however, most prefer not to boost or distort vocals unless absolutely necessary.

A compressor can help level off dynamics, so everything sounds consistent no matter what the volume is.

Most podcast hosts will have a maximum file size that they can upload, so be sure to keep it under the limit, or you may lose listeners if their connection gets cut-off before your show is done uploading.

You’ll also want to know what type of audio codecs are being used on your host. Most hosts generally support mp3 format without any additional necessary conversion.

AAC formats tend to provide better quality, but some podcasting services are not compatible with them…

It’s best to check with your host first and see what they recommend before deciding which one works best for what you’re trying to accomplish.

Be sure to save all your files as uncompressed waveforms (.wav) if you need to go back and make changes later down the road.

Mixing music into your podcast can be a tricky process and will require someone who has experience doing these types of edits before.

If you don’t want to pay for pro mixing services, several sites will help match musicians with podcasters for little to no charge.

Some Creative Commons-licensed songs that fit within your target audience can also come in handy when trying to add spice to an episode without spending any cash.

Creating Artwork

Now that you’ve got your audio recorded and edited, it’s time to make some artwork.

People like pretty things, so make sure your podcast’s cover is something that captures attention.

If nothing else, show off a nice headshot of yourself with a decent-looking microphone in the background. Keep the focus on you and what you do best!

Check out this post on RSS.com on how to create your podcast artwork.

How to Market a Podcast

Once your podcast is finished, you’ll need to get the word out there, so everyone will know it’s available.

Your website is the perfect way for you and your podcast to grow. You can use it as an extension of yourself, showcasing what you have in store for listeners and building excitement with key details about new episodes!

Remember that every time you guest on another show or mention what you’re working on in some capacity, that’s an opportunity for more people to discover what you do.

You want to make sure that you are building others up and supporting them before asking for support from them yourself!

An excellent place to start promoting your podcast would be podcast directories, such as iTunes.com. If people can find your podcast on their site, you will receive a substantial amount of traffic at little-to-no cost. Here are some awesome posts on how to upload your podcast to a few of them:

Utilize some smaller social media sites that you can create an account on and post about your show regularly.

Posting your podcast on related forums is another wonderful way to get more people interested in what you have to say because most of them are very active. You’ll likely get plenty of new listeners this way if the forum’s moderators don’t mind having links posted within their threads too.

Writing guest posts for other people’s websites can also help bring attention to your podcast, so it may be something worth looking into if you’re willing to trade promotion with others.

If you still haven’t landed any big-name guest appearances, then don’t worry because you can always create a mini-resource page with a list of related topics that your listeners might be interested in.

You can also try reaching out on social media platforms such as Facebook group pages (which tend to grow more relevant over time).

Lastly, creating a mini-resource page with links to related episodes is the perfect way to let your listeners know what they’re missing out on while providing them helpful information.

Be sure to add lots of links and social media buttons to this page for anyone interested enough to check it out after reading about something interesting they stumbled across while browsing through your site.

How To Become A Guest On Other Podcasts

Making a guest appearance on another podcast is a great way to get your name out there and create more exposure.

Reaching out to other hosts is relatively easy, thanks to the abundance of contact forms available on many sites.

There’s no reason why you can’t be on a whole bunch of shows, even if you’re just starting out.

If you want to become a regular guest on multiple podcasts, it will take some effort on your part.

Here are some tips for getting more exposure from your guest appearances.

  1. Know The Type Of Show You Want To Be On

Podcasts vary in topic and tone, so make sure you research the show and make sure your episode will not only fit in but add to the conversation.

Not only should the topic of discussion be something you’re comfortable talking about, but it should also come naturally to you.

If you feel forced or uncomfortable to participate in such discussions, it will likely come off as such for listeners.

  1. Prepare Ahead Of Time

You don’t want to send your appearance to the bottom of someone’s to-do list.

If you have some notes or ideas ahead of time, it will make your appearance on a show feel more special for both hosts and listeners.

For example, you could plan out some of your talking points or come up with some questions to ask the host and their guests.

  1. Be Prepared To Bring Your Best Game

If you’re going to be on a show, make sure you’re bringing your A-game.

That means you should practice talking about the topic beforehand and be able to handle any curveballs that come your way with ease.

  1. Make Sure To Follow Up

After you’ve had your appearance, follow up with the host and let them know how it went.

They will be more likely to have you on again in the future.

If you had a positive experience, let them know how much you enjoyed being a guest.

This will encourage them to have you back or invite you to other shows.


Pro Tips For Getting Famous Podcasting

Here are some of the top tips you will need to get famous podcasting.

Pro-Tip #1

Promote your podcast everywhere. This is the only way to ensure you’ll get more listeners.

Pro-Tip #2

Your podcasting topic should be interesting and informative enough for people to bother with it. If not, listeners will drop off very quickly.

Pro-Tip #3

Try to find a topic that hasn’t been covered yet online, then cover this topic on your show every week or whenever possible.

Pro-Tip #4

You need some social media followers if you are going to expand your listener base fast. It’s always better to have 100 true fans than 1000 who don’t engage with you.

Pro-Tip #5

Optimize your podcast for Google by including keywords in your show notes and episode descriptions. Keywords are essential to get high rankings on Google, YouTube, and other platforms. This will help you to get more listeners organically instead of spending a boatload of cash on ads for your podcast.

Check out this awesome post from Congruent Digital on exactly how you should be optimizing your show for search!

Pro-Tip #6

Never give up. Everyone gets discouraged from time to time, but if you keep going, listeners will appreciate whatever you can offer them.

Pro-Tip #7

Make sure your show is well documented. This will attract more listeners and also help you to communicate with your audience effectively.

Pro-Tip #8

Have a great email list for your listeners if you want to build a strong community and monetize at some point. If people can’t contact you, then what’s the point of podcasting?

How to Get Famous Podcasting?

The answer is to have patience and keep practicing.

Podcasting isn’t something that you learn overnight; everyone has to start somewhere.

If you are determined, it’s just a matter of time until you can create something extraordinary for yourself.

If you love something enough, people will listen. So make sure that your show stands out from the crowd by offering real value for listeners!

In Conclusion

Getting your podcast to climb the “top podcasts” lists is not an easy task. It will take some work, but with determination and genuine connection (to both topics AND audience), you’ll be sure to get there soon enough!

The best way to get famous podcasting is by staying on topic and engaging listeners as much as possible while also personalizing your show in a way that’s different from your competitors.

And most importantly – never stop learning! The more you know, the easier it will be to come up with something that people love.

Chicken Tikka Masala – My Take on a Classic

Y’all! I LOVE me some Indian food, but since moving to Kentucky, there are not as many places to find it as there were in Tampa, Fla. So, I went on a mission to recreate one of my favorite dishes, and modified it to my tastes.

In other words, this may not be the 100% authentic recipe you will find on other sites, but it hit the exact spot I had a craving for.

Though I confess it does take a while to make this recipe, I was so happy with how it turned out. And, my husband and I have added it to our meal plan rotation! Best part is you could easily double it to have plenty of leftovers!

Active time: About an hour

Total time: About 90 mins

Servings: 4-6 depending on portion sizes

Ingredients Chicken Tikka Masala (Modified)

For the Chicken Coating:

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (I totally used a bottle of concentrate, but you could juice 1 lime and get about 1 tablespoon)
  • Generous 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (Note: the more you add, the spicier this dish will be!)
  • 3/4 teaspoon paprika (I used smoked paprika, but many Indian recipes call for sweet paprika)
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala (spice blend)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 cup plain, full-fat Greek yogurt or full-fat sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (I used the minced garlic stir-in paste, but you could use about 3 cloves and mince it yourself)
  • 1 tablespoon of stir-in ginger paste or you could use one 2-inch piece peeled fresh ginger root, minced

For the Tikka Masala Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 8-ounce cans of plain tomato sauce (Make sure you don’t make the mistake of grabbing the one with oregano and basil like I’ve accidentally done in the past!)
  • 6 bay leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (Again, if you add more it WILL kick up the heat level!)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala (spice blend)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Additional Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 tablespoon of baking soda
  • 1 tsp approximately of garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala (Modified)

Step 1

In a 2 qt saucepan, start melting your butter on medium heat, but don’t brown it! Then, add your tomato sauce, and give it a stir. Then, add your other sauce ingredients, stir, and when it begins bubbling, add a lid and turn your stove down to simmer so it can cook while your chicken is velveting and then baking.

You’ll need to stir it roughly every 15 minutes just to make sure the sauce isn’t burning.

Step 2

For the chicken: Using thawed chicken breasts, velvet the chicken with your baking soda

To velvet the chicken you will sprinkle the baking soda all over it and rub it in. Then, let it sit a full 20 minutes.

Pro tip: Set a timer because you don’t want this to sit longer than 20 minutes as the chicken will become mush!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees while you are velveting the chicken.

Step 3

Wash the chicken and then pat dry with paper towels. Then place the breasts in a greased 9X13 pyrex or equivalent glass baking dish.

Step 4

Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika onto both sides of the chicken. I eyeballed this, but it ended up being about 1 tsp of each spice across the chicken.

Step 5

Place the chicken in the oven for 12 mins, and get to work on your sauce. In a bowl, combine the lime juice, cayenne pepper, paprika, garam masala, salt, yogurt/sour cream, garlic and ginger in a mixing bowl until evenly mixed.

Step 6

Pull out the chicken, spoon on half of the chicken coating to the top of your chicken, then flip it over, and spoon the other half on and rub it all over the top

Step 7 

Place it back in the over for another 10-15 mins or until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees

Step 8

When your chicken is cooked through, cut it into 1 inch cubes and place the cubes back in the pan.

Step 9

Pour your Tikka Masala sauce onto the chicken and give everything a good stir to ensure all those yummy bits of your chicken coating are fully incorporated throughout.

Step 10

Serve with Basmati rice and Naan. I like to pour some of the sauce into the rice and chicken so I can dip the Naan into it. Damn tasty!

To give the sauce a little heat, you can add more cayenne pepper, red chili powder, or Kashmiri chili sauce. We felt the flavor was just fine without extra heat, but we did add salt and pepper to taste.

How To Have A Stress Free Family Thanksgiving Dinner

It’s that time of the year again. Time to be grateful and give thanks for all the blessings God has bestowed upon you. It’s Thanksgiving! And we all want to celebrate it with the least amount of stress possible.

First stop and think about of the preparations you would like to do yourself, or should I say, feel up to doing yourself. Don’t plan to over exert yourself, by having to cook for a huge crowd.

By anticipating how you will feel, will help you determine how many people to invite. We know that we are expected to invite family, so do so. But also know that not all of your family will show up. Some of them, who might be married, or engaged or whatever, may be having Thanksgiving with their inlaws or friends.

Be understanding, and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving, and besides it makes less work for you. The less work, the less stress. Now make a list of those who are coming, and let’s move on.

Now you want to decide on the menu. Do you want to do a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, or something totally different? I suggest doing a traditional dinner. It would be a lot less stressful. Now don’t plan on doing the entire meal yourself, by all means get some help.

By that I mean, do a pot luck. Let the family know that you will be taking care of the turkey and dressing, cranberry sauce and the mac and cheese. Ask them to bring something, and you should give them suggestions, so they don’t all bring the same thing.

This will eliminate some of the pressure off you. They can bring a salad, some desert, beverages, even some paper plates and utensils. That’s right, I said paper plates, it’s family, they won’t mind. And it will make clean up so much easier for you. Now that’s a stress buster in itself.

Don’t leave out your husband and kids, they should help too. Since you are doing the preparations of food, have one of them, set the table for you. Maybe your husband should do that, if the kids are small.

Let kids help you with clean up. If you used paper plates, they can gather the trash together and take it out for you. They can clean the table off for you, husband can mop floor if needed and the work is done quick and easy. And if family volunteers to help, by all means say yes.

Now that dinner has gone well, and everyone is happy, before family leaves, say a prayer together. Thank God for allowing you all to assemble together once again, and pray that everyone makes it home safely. After they leave, put your feet up and enjoy the rest of your holiday relaxing, no stress.