Following on from my post last week about the first episode of our new regular podcast, this week I thought I’d tell you about the segment which actually crops up first in the programme – ‘Fresh From The Pod’.
This is my chance to introduce a recent client and let you hear some snippets from their programme. This month, the feature is all about Essex-based Network Marketer, John Parker.
I’ve got to know John reasonably well over the last year or so, since we met on the 4Networking circuit. His background is interesting – born in Yorkshire, emigrated to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) as a toddler, returning to the UK as a young man.
When his 30-year career in the City came to an end, he had to think again. Growing up in Southern Africa had made him resilient and self-sufficient, so he took a leap – into a second career, as part of the Forever Living Network – which meant a leap from the corporate world, into self-employment.
I interviewed him at his home – which is always fun! Phil, our producer in London, has described turning someone’s living-room into a studio as being ‘like building a fort when you’re a kid’ – and he’s not wrong! John’s room had a big advantage – lots of carpet, cushions and curtains to deaden the sound. Although he still had to close the window, remove the phone, stop the clock and switch off the fridge! We then set up the equipment, with the mic stands perched on a footstool – and went for it. John did the interview in one hit, which was great for me – it doesn’t always happen that way!
The finished product is an audio FAQ section for his website, covering everything from how he got into network marketing, through what stops other people considering it as an option, to what they can expect if they make contact with him. It even deals with the elephant in the room – the distinction between pyramid selling and what John does. I didn’t realise before, but there is a big difference. One of the great aspects of my job is that I so often learn something new from the people I interview.
You can listen to or download this episode of ‘Get PodSavvy’ from our site, where you can also listen to or download John’s interview in full. If you’d rather listen to each question and answer individually, you can do that via John’s website.
Next week, I’ll tell you the story behind our ‘Technically Speaking’ slot, with David Hardstaff – ‘from a couple of old anoraks, through a mattress cover – and beyond!’