Speaker1: [00:02:00] Coming up next, Natalie Koussa and she’s talking podcast Guesting for Coaches, Natalie helps clients to grow their visibility through relationships based approaches like podcast guest. She’s a trauma sensitive visibility coach and strategist, and she supports leaders, healers and guides to grow their visibility without losing themselves in the process. Her work takes a human first approach, and she helps her clients to grow their visibility through relationships based approaches. This show is what I know many of you have been wanting to learn more about, and I cannot wait for you to hear more. Up next. Have you ever looked in the mirror and wanted something more? More business,

Speaker2: [00:02:47] Home life, relationship life? Say word if you agree. Word and 2019. I create a business for coaches to market in this wacky way. Virtual events, all with the seven to seven job. I’m a full time nurse, by the way, and like you, there were just not enough hours in the day. My partner was feeling alone, and generally this wasn’t fun anymore. But then I realized I needed to build myself back up. Mind, body, soul and even my business. So I created a show that does just that, interviewing all types of coaches. Life, wellness, fertility, career, financial, wealth and business. Join me on my journey with some of the best coaches who want to empower other coaches to live their best lives and build businesses that the film in my name is Nicole Beattie and this is Ben Bonner coach connection.

Speaker1: [00:03:41] Welcome to the show, Natalie.

Speaker3: [00:03:43] Hey, Nicole. Thanks for having me. Glad to be here

Speaker1: [00:03:46] For being here. I’m so excited for this episode because, you know, obviously this is a show repurposed into a podcast and people are listening to it. And I love the idea of talking more about how can people get on shows like mine. So I’m excited that you’re here to talk to us about it.

Speaker3: [00:04:05] Yeah, thanks. I could talk podcast guest all day, every day. So thank you for having me.

Speaker1: [00:04:10] Well, hey, we’re excited to hear about it. Look, how did you get into this specific niche? Because there’s all these different things, you know? But this specific way of coaching, how did you get into it?

Speaker3: [00:04:23] Yes, so I used to be director of partnerships for a non-profit, and so obviously in that role, it’s all about relationships, it’s all about. I spent, you know, I spent all day every day pitching for something, you know, whether it was funding for a non-profit, whether it was media slots and also in the relationship building that you need in order to be able to deliver a service that actually changes lives, you know, relationships with the people you’re serving, relationships with other organizations and communities, all of that. So. Yeah, so so that was like my my kind of old life. And it really podcasts kind of changed my life. I used to I used to on my commutes, to my job that I loved, but was also burning me out. And there was just this voice inside that kept saying, Come on, like there’s something else you’re supposed to be doing, you know, step towards the thing that is calling you. And I used to listen to these podcasts of women doing well, what we’re doing now. Yeah. And it created this possibility inside me and I thought, Oh, I, you know, I used to be a social worker earlier on in my career, I’ve done family therapy training. I’m a people person as we all are as coaches. And then I discovered this world of coaching and thought, Huh? Having this could be my thing. That’s the two kind of merge together. Yeah, yeah. Now I focus on visibility coaching.

Speaker1: [00:05:57] So I mean, it was a it was a natural because you built relationships. I know with sponsorship, you know, I’ve helped people get sponsors for their events or virtual events, so I know that relationships are key. You know where I go to sponsor, I would. They knew me. They didn’t. May not have known my client, but they knew me. So they said, OK, let’s let’s be a part of it. So yeah, I totally get that. And we connect in the sense of I did the same thing. I went to work listening to podcasts. I had an hour commute both ways. I listen to podcasts endlessly of people who did this, and I was like, There’s got to be more, you know, I don’t know if you know this. I’m a registered nurse. Every time I went to it, I was like, Man, there’s got to be more. There has to be more. And so I definitely relate to all you just said there. So I absolutely love it. So here’s one key thing that I really want to ask because you are the relationship based coach. So and building that what is when when you’re trying to build a relationship or connect with someone, what is one of the first things you do to make the connection?

Speaker3: [00:07:04] Yeah, so before I even reach out to try and make a connection, the very, very first thing that I do is get curious about who that person is. So one of the amazing things about so much of our work being online is people have their whole lives online for you to, you know, have an that you can do. So I’ll spend some time scrolling through their Instagram feed, or I might join their free Facebook group and check out, you know, and just see what their work’s like and contribute to that first. And then once I’m really clear on, you know, that we’re values aligned and I really believe that I have something to bring. Then I’ll DM them usually and say, Hey, I really love your work, and I’ll say something really specific that I know because I’ve been paying attention. It’s not just Hey, girl, I love your work. You know, hey, I know that you do this specific thing and I love your approach, and I love the difference that you’re making in the world. And you know, and then we go from there. So it’s really focused on what the other person needs and values and wants and loves and how you can contribute to that rather than never starting with. This is what I want it. It creates a totally different vibe and experience for both of you.

Speaker1: [00:08:28] Please take heed. So you know, you know, Natalie is in podcast guesting. I’m in doing virtual events and creating virtual events through my clients, and that is one of the key things is that we’re not automatically going saying, Hey, I need you to be on this event and you do this for me. It’s more How is this? How can I contribute to you and your life and then say, I love for you to be a part of this and you know, that sort of thing. So reaching out, but knowing them having a sense of, you know, knowing them, it’s super important when you’re doing any pitching. So thank you for that tip. I hope everybody actually listens to that because it’s super important to have that connection first, getting to know them before you just latch on to them. In other words, so let’s go into why podcast casting because you know, you could do this, you could do that, you could do that. And a lot of people they know podcast guessing is something they want to do. But you know, they’re kind of like, Oh, OK, you know, it’s one of many. So why podcast guesting is super important for growing visibility as a coach?

Speaker3: [00:09:33] Yeah. So I love podcasting. I think that so as coaches, we’re all people, people, right? Like this is why we’re coaching. We want we’re good listeners. We we’re curious about other people. And, you know, beyond anything else, we want to connect with other people. So podcasting lets you do that. And if you’re a coach, I’ll put any money on podcast guest playing to your strengths. It will help you market yourself and grow your visibility in ways that let you just show up as yourself in ways that so, so often I hear people say, You know, I know I need to grow my visibility, you know, not enough people know about my work and all of that. But I hate social media and social media just makes me feel icky. It feels really broadcasting. I don’t know how to share the nuance of my work in ways that make sense, and I think that podcast guesting can solve loads of those problems. You know, when when you’re guesting on a podcast, it’s not just that you’re allowed to talk in your work, you know, to talk about your work with a bit more nuance is that you’re expected to. That’s what makes the interview really interesting. And that’s what helped listeners understand what makes your work distinct and how they can. You know, you can provide a mindset shift for listeners and invite them to think about something in a new way or to take action in a slightly different way. So in some ways, it’s almost like you’re already coaching just by being a podcast guest.

Speaker1: [00:11:14] Absolutely. And then people can also hear how you coach. You know, how you vibe with them, people. I mean, you vibe with people as you’re listening to them on podcasts. So it definitely I could see being really a client attraction system based on, you know, how people are able to vibe with you on these shows, for sure. So, you know, let’s go to the next one where you say how to create the internal safety, to support you, to grow your visibility without burning out or losing yourself in the process. What does that mean? How do I create an internal? What is internal safety mean? I guess is my question the first time? Yeah, yeah.

Speaker3: [00:11:51] So what I mean by internal safety is emotional safety and a nervous system that is staying within your window of tolerance. So, you know the kind of. Show ups and downs of of experience that basically you feel grounded, you feel secure in who you are. And I think that when when coaches, especially newer coaches or coaches that are kind of moving to the next stage in their business when they think about growing their visibility very often, I hear people jump to the how they jump to the strategy. They’re like, Oh, I’ll I’ll do a challenge where I go live on Facebook every day for 30 days, or I’ll learn reels or, you know, any one of these things. And what I always say is that any of those strategies can work for you. Absolutely. I don’t think any are better or worse in our kind of objective way. But starting strategy first sets you up to fail. It sets you up to work against yourself because you’re putting all of your faith in the strategy instead of the way that I support clients and the way that I work in my own business is I move human first. And what I mean by that is I support clients to understand what their particular core needs are, how we can meet their core needs in in their business and how they show up and how they grow the visibility. What they find really fun. How do they naturally communicate? How do they, you know, how do they want to show up for their business? And when we understand those things, then the strategy really effortlessly often just fits in to to that human first approach.

Speaker1: [00:13:39] Yeah, I love that. I love that, you know, really focusing in on your clients and and their needs. And then we start developing some sort of strategy based on that particular thing. I absolutely love that. So, you know, as you are going through the process of pitching and we’re going to talk about that power pitch that you have and I’m excited to go through that. But how do we not lose yourself with, you know, just trying to get on everything? You know, how do we, you know, when do we say enough is enough? Because, you know, some people are just like one after another, like trying to get all these podcasts. When do we say, OK, I’m doing too much and this is not going to be good for us?

Speaker3: [00:14:21] I love this question. I think this is it’s in two parts. The first part is only pitching two or appearing on podcasts. Or, you know what, any other opportunity that is really deeply, deeply aligned with you. So for instance, me guesting on this podcast, a really significant chunk of my clients are coaches and I’m a coach myself. So that automatically makes this both really interesting for me. It makes it valuable for the listeners. It ticks all your boxes, Nicole, of what you were saying you wanted from from guest, you know all of that. Yes. Yes. Beyond that, I’ve been following you for a long time now. Nicole, I know about your work. Yeah, we’re actually at the end. I don’t know, maybe a year ago or something about appearing on events and things, and you were so generous in your response. So it’s kind of all of those levels of making sure that the opportunities that you’re going for are really aligned. And when you do that, you can do far less of them because you’re not taking this scattergun approach of let me just be on everything and I’ll talk to anybody that asks and I know it’s worth a try. I’ll just chat you doing much less of that and what you’re actually doing is just taking a breath, doing your research, showing up exactly as you are knowing that your ideal clients and collaborators are very likely to be in the audience listening to you. So I would prefer that you’re on three podcasts, 10 podcasts instead of 50. But oh, I love very much my

Speaker1: [00:16:00] Yeah, I love that. I love that. And quite frankly, when you start, you know, looking out there and you say, What truly has my audience who really what? What show really has my audience? You’ll find that you’ll probably take off a lot of people that originally you’re like, I’m going to, you know, I’m going to I’m going to try to get this one. I’m trying to go this one and then you really dive into it and realize, Oh, that’s not my audience. And I’ll also say this your pitch will be much better. Whether you’re applying to be on the show or you’re pitching the show, it will be much better if you’re completely aligned. And really, you know, the audience is match. So I totally I totally feel that, OK, let me show that because this is the part that I know that people are like, Shut up, Nicole, let’s get to the power pitch. I know that, you know, I’m excited to hear this. I know the audience is excited to hear the three elements to craft an unforgettable pitch. So I’m going to be quiet so Natalie can just do her thing now.

Speaker3: [00:16:58] So before we get into this, I don’t believe that there is such thing as. Perfect pitch. That’s not what you’re going for.

Speaker1: [00:17:06] Gotcha.

Speaker3: [00:17:07] Well, I believe the three elements are so we want to and I’ll talk about what they are and a bit more detail. But just to give you the outline. No problem. The first one is you want to open your pitch with connection, which will be no surprise because that’s what we just talked.

Speaker1: [00:17:23] Exactly.

Speaker3: [00:17:25] The second one is in the middle of your pitch. You want clarity both on what you’re asking for. So, you know, you want to be really clear. I’d love to be a guest on your podcast. And secondly, what you would like to talk about and how it’s valuable for their listeners. Mm-hmm. And then finally, the third element you want to close with consent. Hmm. And what I mean by that? Well, yeah, so I’ve kind of I’ve got into detail as I’m going now, but that’s fine. What I mean by closing with consent is not emailing somebody or deeming somebody and assuming that they’re going to say yes to you being on their podcast or being included in their event, but ending your your, you know, guest invitation request or your pitch with a sentence that offers goodwill and that says, you know, whether or not I’m going to be included, I’ll continue to be, you know, a dedicated listener, if that’s true or whether or not I’m a great fit for you at the moment, please keep me in mind for future opportunities, something like that that lets the host say no or say not now, if now is not the right time for them without it being awkward. And what that does is it builds in connection again that we keep talking about, but it also opens the door for a longer term relationship. It switches the pitch from being a transactional Hey, I’d love to be on your podcast, what do you think to being more of a relationship based? I’d love to be on your podcast. This is what I could bring. And also, that’s not quite right now. No worries. Like, let’s let’s stay in touch and see how we can support each other in the future.

Speaker1: [00:19:14] Yeah, I love that. I love because as soon as you said that, quote that, please quote that, y’all, she literally gave you the blueprint right there. That piece, it has the feeling of, I want to continue this relationship, no matter the outcome of this moment or what I’m saying, or yes, you know, being on your podcast or something I’m interested in, but it goes beyond that. It goes, I want to continue this, this whatever developing I want you in my inner circle. It’s a great way and vice versa. Podcasting. This works also with events. If you’re trying to be on somebody else’s event or try to get somebody else’s on your event, it’s all about leaving the door open for future of anything, not just this one moment. So I love that quote that, y’all. I love that. I love that. So, you know, at that point, you know, if someone you kind of make this, you make this pitch to someone you’ve made a relationship prior. Am I right in that? Or you talking about this being kind of a cold thing?

Speaker3: [00:20:22] So wherever possible, it’s great to build a relationship first. That’s always the best way to do it. And that can be really simple. It can be a DMs relationship on Instagram, or it could be somebody that you know through your networks or that you know, through, you know, you have a mutual contact in your network. Something like that is always the preference. But if you’re pitching for a podcast that you think would be a great fit and there’s no obvious way to get to know the host, you know, maybe they have a huge Instagram following and you have the end and never heard anything back. You know, it’s likely they just get way too many DMs, too. Yeah, exactly. You know, it’s nothing personal to you at all. Then I think you absolutely can send in a pitch without them knowing you. But that’s when that opening of building connection becomes really, really important because the first thing that you want this person to feel and to understand is, Oh, this person you are sending in the pitch isn’t just sending out 100 pitches and, you know, crossing their fingers and hoping to get someone. This is a person that values my work and my contribution and who I am, and they know a bit about what my podcast is and who my listeners are and all of that good stuff. So then they’re more likely to read the second paragraph. And you know, that’s it’s just step by step by step. This is a kind of one and done or winner and loser type situation. It’s it can’t be if you’re focusing on relationships.

Speaker1: [00:21:56] Absolutely. Are you? Once you send that initial pitch, are you following up? Are you maybe sending a DM? Hey, I sent an email or whatever the case. How do you kind of do that follow up?

Speaker3: [00:22:09] Yeah, I personally always follow up and I encourage clients to as well, I’d say, can follow up twice. And you want a balance between, you know, sometimes as humans, we are just overwhelmed or we have great intentions and forget or things drop to the bottom of our To-Do list, whatever. So it can actually be really caring to receive a follow up, you know, and you think, Oh, I did want them on as a guest. Thank you so much for reminding me, let me come back to you. You know, it doesn’t have to be. I kind of nagging, you know, sort of feeling to it, it can be really friendly and caring. And then if you still haven’t, so I’d leave it maybe a couple of weeks between initially putting in the pitch and then following up. And then if you haven’t heard, still, a couple of weeks later, I would follow up once more. And I perhaps do it in a different way. So if initially you emailed, you know, maybe it’s gone into spam for, you know.

Speaker1: [00:23:08] Absolutely. And that happens. Absolutely.

Speaker3: [00:23:10] It does. It’s annoying, but it really does happen. So maybe try and defend them on Instagram or, you know, just just try to mix it up a little bit so that perhaps you’ve picked a like a communication channel that doesn’t really work for them. Try another one. And that might just work a lot better.

Speaker1: [00:23:28] Absolutely. I love that. I love that. So, you know, I know that you guys out there listening and watching you have more questions that I possibly could even ask on this. So make sure you get in the comments and ask Natalie. We’ll make sure she is there to add so she she can receive all those questions or DM her. We’ll talk more about how to get a hold of her. How do you work with clients, Natalie? How does how does that work? How do people get into your sphere and have you coach them?

Speaker3: [00:23:58] Yeah, I’ve got two ways at the moment. One is a podcast guesting VIP Day, so that’s just you and me. Just the two of us for a full day and that takes you through is the leadership designs in my work, which are a trauma aware way of understanding who you are, how you communicate at your core, what your core needs are, all of that good stuff. So we always start there, and that’s what I mean by moving Human First as well. So we start there and then together we work through, we develop your core conversation topics. We develop a bespoke pitch for you. I show you how to find aligned podcasts. We get to know your ideal client slash listener. We think about how podcast guesting can weave into your client journey. All of that good stuff. And then coming out in March, I also have a self-paced version of what used to be Alive Group program, which takes you through the same elements, but you know, much lower cost offering. And it’s it’s self-paced self study that’s coming out in March. It’s called the Pod Squad, and there’s also going to be hot seat coaching that goes alongside it to help people with the implementation and to give a space. You know, if you’re working through and you’ve got a question or you want my eyes on your pitch or you’re wondering whether or not this podcast might be aligned for you, they’ll be hot seat coaching that you can come and bring those questions to to support you as you’re moving through the content.

Speaker1: [00:25:34] I love the pod squad is what you just call that I love. That’s so cute. Ok, so you know, definitely, you know, especially that VIP day I’m telling you like VIP days are where it is and having somebody for an entire day or for a period of time really focusing in on you. I think that’s an awesome deal right there.

Speaker1: [00:33:24] Awesome. Where can we find you? Because I, you know, I want people to easily get to you.

Speaker3: [00:33:29] Yeah. So the easiest way is come find me on Instagram. It’s just at Natalie Cusa, which is my name and then an underscore. Or if you are wanting to know what your leadership design is. Come over to my website. Or if you’re wanting to join my email list to know about future offers coming up, it’s W-w-what Uncommon Dash, People.com and everything will be really clear how you know how to do things when you’re on the home page.

Speaker1: [00:33:57] Awesome. Awesome. Thank you so much for being a part of this.

I’d like to thank you for listening and we’d love to have you as a guest if you are a coach, any kind. Go to fempreneuronline.com/guest to apply to be on the show. And at the end of every episode, we say, who’s next?