Table of Contents
for Podcasters
Want to level up your podcast? Here's how to analyze potential guests' networks:
- Spot VIPs in their circle
- Check network size and diversity
- Observe online interactions
- Ensure topic relevance
- Find common connections
- Review past collaborations
- Measure online influence
- Monitor recent activity
- Track network growth
- Assess connection quality
Why it matters:
- Find perfect-fit guests
- Boost your show's reach
- Gain credibility
- Open doors to new opportunities
Tools you'll need:
- LinkedIn (primary platform)
- Network analysis software (e.g., Gephi, NodeXL)
- AI research assistants (e.g., GuestLab)
Quick comparison of network analysis tools:
| Tool | Best For | Key Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gephi | Complex visualizations | Open-source flexibility | Free |
| NodeXL | Excel integration | Social media analysis | Varies |
| PARTNER CPRM | Community partnerships | Relationship insights | Contact for pricing |
Remember: Quality beats quantity. A smaller, engaged network often trumps a large, inactive one.
Pro tip: Create a research checklist and use a pre-interview questionnaire to streamline your process.
By digging into your guests' networks, you'll uncover unique angles, ask better questions, and create more engaging content for your listeners.
Related video from YouTube
Getting Ready
Before you start digging into your podcast guest's network, you need to prep. This groundwork helps you find the good stuff that'll make your show pop. Here's how to get set:
Setting Your Goals
First, figure out what you want from your research. Ask yourself:
- What do I want to know about my guest's connections?
- How will this info make my podcast better?
- What shows me I've done a good job researching?
Maybe you want to find three potential future guests from your current guest's network. Or maybe you're looking for common connections to chat about during the interview.
Required Tools
You'll need some tools to help you analyze and manage connections. Here's a quick look at some LinkedIn tools that could help:
| Tool | What It Does | Cost Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| LeadDelta | Organizes connections, lets you tag | $34 (or $22/year) |
| AuthoredUp | Helps create content, tracks engagement | $19 (or $16/year) |
| Aware | Shows network visually, maps relationships | $39 |
| Dux-Soup | Automates outreach, generates leads | $11 (Pro plan) |
| Crystal | Gives personality insights, communication tips | $49 |
Pick tools that fit what you need and what you can afford. Most offer free trials, so you can test them out before you buy.
Making a Checklist
Create a plan to guide your network analysis. This keeps you on track and makes sure you cover all the important stuff. Here's a sample:
- Figure out the guest's main industry and job
- Map out their key work connections
- Look at how big and diverse their network is
- Find any mutual connections or shared interests
- Check out their recent activities
- Look for any joint projects or shared work history
- See how influential they are online
- Jot down potential talking points or areas they know a lot about
- Spot chances for cross-promotion or future team-ups
- Sum up what you found and prep interview questions based on it
The point is to find useful info that can make your podcast better and maybe open doors for future opportunities.
"Networking isn't just about connecting people. It's about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities." - Michele Jennae
10 Steps to Check Networks
Want to dig into your podcast guest's network? Here's how to do it in 10 steps:
1. Find Key Contacts
Start with LinkedIn and other social platforms. Look for:
- Industry leaders they know
- People they work with often
- Their mentors or advisors
Also, spot mutual connections. They're great for starting conversations or making introductions later.
2. Check Network Size
A big network can mean more reach. But remember: quality beats quantity. Here's a quick guide:
| Network Size | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| 500+ | Well-connected, probably been around |
| 1000+ | Influencer with wide reach |
| 5000+ | Big name in the industry |
A smaller, active network can be worth more than a huge, quiet one.
3. Look at Interaction Patterns
See how they engage:
- Do they comment on posts?
- Do they share others' stuff?
- How often do they post their own ideas?
Someone who's active and thoughtful is more likely to promote your podcast and share good insights.
4. Check Industry Match
Make sure their expertise fits your podcast. Look for:
- Job titles that match
- Certifications in your field
- If they go to industry events
This fit is key for content your listeners will love.
5. Find Common Connections
Shared contacts are great for topics and future team-ups. Use LinkedIn to find mutual friends and maybe ask them for more info or introductions.
6. Review Past Work Together
Look at what they've done with their connections:
- Papers or articles written together
- Speaking at the same events
- Business partnerships
This can help you ask unique questions and find cool stories for your show.
7. Measure Online Impact
Check their influence:
- Social media followers and engagement
- Website traffic (if you can find it)
- Mentions in industry news
Tools like Followerwonk or BuzzSumo can help you get a better picture.
8. Monitor Recent Activity
Keep an eye on what they're up to lately:
- New jobs
- Recent publications or interviews
- Upcoming talks
This helps you ask timely questions and make your interview more relevant.
9. Track Network Changes
Use LinkedIn's "Notifications" to see how their network's growing:
- Fast increase in connections
- New big-name followers
- Shifts in industry focus
These trends can show rising influence or new expertise to explore.
10. Check Connection Quality
Look for signs of real relationships:
- Endorsements and recommendations
- Good conversations in comments
- Long-term work history together
Strong connections often lead to better discussions and future chances for your podcast.
By following these steps, you'll get a solid grasp of your guest's network. This helps you prep for a better, more engaging interview. The goal? Find unique angles and opportunities that make your show and your audience better.
"Your network is your net worth. The people you spend time with and learn from can dramatically elevate your podcast and open doors to new opportunities." - Lisa Nicole Bell, CEO of Inspired Life Media Group
These steps might take time, but they're worth it for a better podcast and more growth. Tools like GuestLab can speed up your research, letting you focus on crafting a great interview while still getting deep insights into your guests' networks.
Tools You Need
To evaluate guest network connections effectively, you need the right tools. Let's look at some software options that can help with your research.
Network Research Tools
LinkedIn is the main platform for professional networks. But these specialized tools can take your research further:
| Tool | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| LeadDelta | Custom organization, tagging | Building relationships |
| Aware | Curated feed, engagement tracking | Finding content |
| Dux-Soup | Automated lead generation | Growing sales pipeline |
LeadDelta ($34/month or $22/month annually) lets you import 2nd and 3rd-degree connections. This expands your network analysis beyond direct contacts.
Aware ($39/month for individuals) is great for finding relevant content and people in your industry. It's useful for spotting potential guests and their expertise.
Dux-Soup's Pro plan ($11/month) offers automated outreach to help you connect with potential guests more easily.
Networking Software
For deeper network analysis, consider these tools:
1. Gephi
This free, open-source platform can handle large networks (up to 100,000 nodes and 1,000,000 edges). It's great for complex network visualizations.
2. NodeXL
NodeXL works with Microsoft Excel. It's good for social media analysis and mapping organizational networks.
3. PARTNER CPRM
This tool is designed for community organizations and public health departments. It's excellent for mapping and analyzing partnerships.
Software Comparison
Here's a quick comparison of top network analysis software:
| Software | Best For | Key Strength | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gephi | Complex visualizations | Open-source flexibility | Free |
| NodeXL | Excel integration | Social media analysis | Varies |
| PARTNER CPRM | Community partnerships | Relationship insights | Contact for pricing |
| Auvik | Network monitoring | Cloud-based management | 14-day free trial |
| SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper | Detailed mapping | Multiple export formats | 14-day free trial |
The best choice depends on your needs and tech skills. Many offer free trials, so test them out before you buy.
"Your network is your net worth. The right tools can help you uncover the true value of your connections and identify opportunities for growth." - Lisa Nicole Bell, CEO of Inspired Life Media Group
Tips for Success
Want to nail your guest network connections? Here's how to do it right, what to watch out for, and how to speed things up.
Research Methods That Work
1. Dig deep into social media
Don't just skim. Really dive into your guest's LinkedIn, Twitter, and other pro accounts. Look for:
- How they interact with industry big shots
- What they're sharing (and how often)
- The pro groups they're active in
Tim Ferriss, for example, spends hours on a potential guest's Twitter feed. Why? To get inside their head and figure out what they're really good at.
2. Listen to their past interviews
This helps you avoid asking the same old questions. Stephanie Judice, an author and podcast host, says:
"Checking out other podcast episodes with your guest helps you find a fresh angle and avoid repeating what's already been asked."
3. Use the '3 Who's Framework'
This networking trick works great for guest research too:
| Who | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Who can I reconnect with? | Find 2-4 mutual connections | Build stronger relationships |
| Who's new I can connect with? | Spot 2-3 new folks in your guest's network | Grow your own network |
| Who can I introduce to each other? | Look for potential matchups | Create value for everyone |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Sending cookie-cutter pitches
Many experts bomb their podcast interview chances by not doing their homework. Tailor your approach to each show and host.
2. Forgetting about the audience
Kathleen Gage, a business whiz, puts it this way:
"When you nail your pre-interview research, you'll feel more confident and deliver a conversation that really clicks with the host AND the audience."
3. Only caring about work stuff
Sure, career highlights matter. But don't ignore personal interests and hobbies. They can make your chat way more interesting.
Ways to Work Faster
1. Use AI-powered research tools
Tools like GuestLab can seriously speed things up. They can crunch LinkedIn profiles and spit out personalized intros, topics, and smart questions. This lets you focus on making the interview great.
2. Make a research checklist
Create a system for guest research. Include key areas like:
- Work background
- Recent stuff they've published or talked about
- Social media presence
- Other podcasts they've been on
3. Use a pre-interview quiz
Jason Rigden, a podcast pro, suggests:
"Have the guest fill out a quick questionnaire. It gathers important info and helps the whole process run smoother."
This saves time during your research and gives you insights straight from the source.
Wrap-Up
Let's recap the key points about evaluating guest network connections and outline your next steps.
Key Takeaways
Research is the backbone of a great interview. Spend 1-2 hours digging into your guest's background. It shows respect and helps you avoid asking basic questions.
Don't just stick to one source. Use your guest's website, social media, and past podcast appearances to get the full picture.
Look beyond the resume. Your guest's personal interests can add flavor to your conversation.
Tools can make your life easier. Networking software and AI research assistants can speed up your prep work. For example, GuestLab can whip up personalized intros and questions based on LinkedIn profiles.
Listen to other podcast episodes with your guest. It'll help you avoid asking the same old questions and find fresh angles.
Next Steps
Here's how to put these ideas into action:
1. Build a research checklist
Create a system for guest research. Include key areas like work history, recent publications, and social media activity.
2. Use a pre-interview questionnaire
Take a page from podcast pro Jason Rigden's book. Have guests fill out a quick form to gather key info and smooth out the production process.
3. Start small, then scale
Pick one upcoming guest and go all-in on research using these methods. See what works, tweak your approach, then apply it to future guests.
4. Try out some tools
Give networking software or AI research assistants a spin. Many offer free trials, so you can test-drive before buying.
5. Sharpen your listening skills
As you research, jot down potential questions and topics. It'll help during the interview and train you to spot unique angles.
"Great podcast guests are often experts in their field and can share their knowledge with your audience." - Lower Street
