As businesses in Chester County and greater Philadelphia continue to pivot to online marketing and sales, many owners and leaders are exploring starting a podcast. We spoke with Kyle Rheiner to talk about how he started his own podcast, Beer Mighty Things, which is focused on the craft beverage industry. Links * ArthurHall.com* craftbrewinginsurance.com* instagram.com/beermightythingspodcast* facebook.com/kylerheinerinsurance* Anchor podcast hosting* Libsyn podcast hosting* Pat Flynn Notes What drove you to start your own podcast? * Kyle has worked in the insurance industry since college and has developed a niche in the craft beverage sector.* Kyle launched a podcast for a number of reasons:* While attending brewers’ guild meetings in PA in January 2020, Kyle realized that the presentations were sharing really great content – but none of the talks were being recorded.* As COVID-19 lockdowns began, Kyle had a webcam and microphone for Zoom meetings, and he realized that he had the tools he needed to start a podcast.* On April 7, he launched the show.* As of mid July (when we recorded this show), Kyle had 44 episodes and 2300 downloads.* Kyle turned to his business industry for guests How did you get the podcast off the ground? * Start with “Why?” – Why are we even starting a podcast?* Kyle is a firm believer in “niching” – do one thing and do it well* Podcasting goals:* Be a better speaker* Become a better listener* Get better at asking questions, i.e., to be a better interview* Kyle had to learn the basics of podcasting:* Where are podcast episodes hosted?* What sort of equipment is needed?* How should an episode be structured?* How should a show open?* How should a show close?* Kyle researched average commute-to-work times, and made sure that his show would be either that time or twice as long as that (to cover the commute home.)* Kyle made sure that he recorded a number of episodes before launching the podcast to make running it smoother. Has there been a payoff with clients since starting a podcast? * Kyle has grown a personal and professional network in new areas of the country.* The podcast has given him a non-sales reason to reach out to different craft beverage makers.* Through the podcast, Kyle has developed a better understanding of his clients needs, and those of the industry that he serves.* Becoming a better listener who asks better questions has helped both in the office and at home. How do you promote the show? * A podcast library does not expire, so if listeners catch episodes well after those shows are published, the content is still valuable.* Kyle has relied on his show’s guests to promote and share each episodes.* He promotes the show on Instagram.* The show’s audience has grown to about 50 downloads per episode.* It’s important to make sure that episodes are properly feeding into the different podcast listening apps: iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and more. What other goals have you achieved through the podcast? * Kyle is garnering positive feedback about his podcasting style, which reflects Kyle’s goals for starting the show.