Whether you work for a large company or are on your own, every podcast starts with a story. But how do you decide what story you want to tell? How do you make sure you stay original and don't tell the same story over and over again?
In this article, we take you through various methods of boosting your creativity. Because being creative sometimes takes a bit of practice. And practice makes perfect 😉 So are you stuck? Take this article and you're good to go!
#1 The brainstorming session
The brainstorming session is an excellent method for generating ideas for your podcast. Brainstorming can be done on your own, but is also very effective with your team. There are different ways to brainstorm. Here are four proven effective methods.
These are just four methods, but of course there are many more.
#2 Be like Monica
Ever watched the TV series Friends? In it, Monica insists more than once on the importance of a notebook. So that you can write down important information immediately. This tip is the same. Make sure you have a notepad with you where you can write down your brainwaves.
But you can do that on your phone, can't you? Sure! There are countless paid and unpaid apps that make it very easy. Especially the ones with voice-to-text notes are great. You speak your idea and the app sends you back your memo in text. Very handy for the quick ideas.
So why a notebook? It is proven that your creativity gets going faster when you write by hand.
And that brings us directly to the next tip...
#3 Go Write
Writing by hand puts your brain to work. Research shows that students who write by hand learn better. They remember information longer and come up with new ideas faster than students who use their laptops.
Writing makes you smarter and more creative. And that is what you want. So band looking for inspiration for your podcast? Be like Monica! Grab a notepad and write down whatever comes to mind. Bet there's a good idea in there!
#4 Listen to other podcasts
Another effective method of generating ideas for your podcast is to listen to other shows. Not to copy these shows, but to find out what works and what doesn't work for you. Write down what you like and start brainstorming how that might work for your podcast.
Just make sure you stick to your story, or the story of your business. For example, use one of the brainstorming methods to put your own spin on an idea you get from other podcasts.
#5 Read a book
And not the umpteenth new thriller or novel. I am talking about professional literature, of course. An effective method par excellence to gain more knowledge about your professional field.
This also applies to the phenomenon of podcasting. The more you immerse yourself in the world of podcasting, the more likely you are to get ideas about what you want to do with your show.
There is an increasing amount of professional literature available on podcasting. I am currently reading Make Noise, A Creator's Guide To Podcasting And Great Audio Storytelling by Eric Nuzum.
In this guide, Nuzum takes you into the world of podcasting and how to create a good postcast show yourself. I'll be sharing more about that here soon.
What I am trying to say is: look for literature on podcasting. Or read articles and blogs like the our 😉
#6 Go Walking
Walking is the solution to everything. Are you tired and want to feel more energetic? Go for a walk. Do you want to exercise but not go all the way? Go for a walk. Is nothing coming out of your hands? Is your head full? Have you run out of inspiration? Go for a walk.
Research shows that our memory works better when we are in nature. We worry less, are more creative and more solution-oriented. In addition, walking in nature boosts your immune system. Your blood pressure drops, as does the stress hormone cortisol.
So are you looking for a new idea for your podcast? Right 😉 Go for a walk.
#7 Observe
You probably know it. You are sitting on a terrace - or on a bench in the park - and you see the most diverse people pass by. And you just keep looking. Wonderful', you think. Just watching people.
Stories are everywhere
One of the best ways to get ideas for your show is by watching and listening to other people. Observe them. What do they do, how do they move, what do they talk about... It is an important skill to get to know people, to learn to recognise patterns. And then to transform them into a workable idea.
So find a coffee shop. Go to a museum, to the library, or to your favourite café. Observe what is happening around you. Listen to the conversations. Talk to people. And don't forget: be like Monica 😉 .
#8 Talk about it
Sometimes the best ideas are born at parties or during a casual conversation with friends, family or colleagues. By discussing your plans and ideas, your brain is stimulated and not only your own ideas are generated, but there is also a good chance that your discussion partner(s) will come up with creative ideas.
#9 Ask your listener
This method has several benefits. Your listener feels heard, because you put him or her first. In addition, in the best-case scenario, it will provide you with a laundry list of new content.
There are many ways to ask your audience for input. We list them below.
#10 Build a community
Connect with other podcasters. Talking to peers gives you new ideas. You understand each other because you usually speak the same language. That's how you help each other find inspiration. And who knows, maybe even great collaborations will arise!
You can connect with colleagues via social media (Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook Groups). Perhaps you know podcasters in your area or fellow companies in your industry who also podcast.
At Springcast, we have built up a nice community over the years. Come take a look!
So...
Whether you're looking for new angles for your corporate podcast or are a small business owner making a podcast about your greatest passion, these ten tips will help you put your brain to work.
We at Springcast like to keep you informed about our story: the podcasting world. Check out our blogs or our socials for current updates on podcasting. And be sure to share them with your community. Let's spread the word together ;D
Happy Podcasting!
