LTVO talks to Tina Dietz, Audiobook Publisher, about her role, what she sees happening in the audiobook business, how she educates her authors about audiobooks, and tips for VO talent who may want to work with her.(Podcast on Love That Voice Over, April 14, 2017)
LTVO Guest Tina Dietz has a long history with the microphone. When she was 2 years old, someone handed Tina Dietz a tape recorder – and that was that! Today, Tina is an internationally acclaimed audiobook publisher, podcast producer, and Creative Business Expert who has been featured on ABC, Inc.com, Huffington Post and Forbes. Her company, StartSomething Business Solutions, helps clients who want more than just a business and more than a routine life – they want a “Business Oasis,” and Tina herself splits her time between the US and Costa Rica.
I was a guest at the Moms With Dreams Show, hosted by Erica Blocker where we talked about how you can Start Something and finish it. Tune in(Podcast on Moms With Dreams, March 28, 2017)
This week on the podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tina Dietz, owner of Start Something Business Solutions. Tina and I met last September when she was speaking at Mid-Atlantic Podcast Conference here in New Jersey. I knew from the moment that Tina shared her story that I wanted to invite her to be a guest on my podcast. I just knew that her story would inspire and excite YOU to start something brilliant.
Tina Dietz is an internationally acclaimed business coach, audiobook publisher and launch specialist, podcast producer and a bestselling author who has been featured on ABC, Inc.com, Huffington Post and Forbes.
Her podcast, The Start Something Show, was named one of the top podcasts for entrepreneurs on Inc.com. Her company helps clients who want more than just a business and more than a routine life – they want a Business Oasis. I LOVE that!
One of the things that we jump into during this interview is the idea that so many creatives and entrepreneurs struggle with avoiding shiny bright objects and staying focused. It’s because they have brilliant ideas and love starting new projects but often have a hard time finishing them. (I know this is one of my own personal challenges.) Tina sheds light on this topic and shows you how to redirect your excitement of “starting” so you can finish what you’ve started. It’s powerful!
Tina shares lots of great tips during our time together and suggests that you read the book, Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert.
It’s hard to believe that this is my 87th episode, but it is. And that means that I’m only 13 episodes away from my next big milestone as a podcaster! I’ll share more about what I’m planning as we get closer.
For now, I want you to think about one thing that you learned from my interview with Tina and how you will implement it in your life.
Let me know what you’re going to start. You can leave me a note in the comments or send an email to Erica@momswithdreams.com.
I hope this was valuable to you in some way and that you now have a different outlook on your life, your business or both.
I’ll be back next week with more inspiration and education.
Get out there, do what you love and make a difference!
xoxo,
Erica
Wondering how you can Start Something and finish it? I can help you – Let's talk
Podcasting is one of the fastest and easiest ways to establish authority – Let me show you how you can leverage it for thought leadership marketing.
It’s no longer only insider knowledge — podcasting is one of the fastest and easiest ways to establish authority. Whether you’re just starting to build a business or you and your company have long-established credentials, this online audio platform can catapult your influence beyond the capabilities of many other expert-building marketing platforms. Since there are now 65 million people in the U.S. listening to podcasts every month, thought leaders have an exciting opportunity before them to engage new audiences and build their brand.
Getting featured on TV or publishing a book still serve as gold standards for having achieved expert status, but podcasting has made it possible for even budding business owners to share their knowledge and expertise with a wide audience.
The advantage of this modern platform is that it’s open publicity — meaning the host has the freedom to generate the message and control the content. Podcasting also requires fewer resources and is more accessible because audio is available to consumers when text and video are not. The convenience of listening to downloadable audio files on smartphones or tablets has allowed for a new wave of attentive, on-the-go listeners.
The opportunity to reach your target market by using your personal voice offers an additional layer of communication to convey your company values and brand authenticity. Doing so deepens trust and develops loyalty. By using a conversational format, leaders have the freedom to articulate what makes their business unique, without using typical marketing jargon.
As you may have gathered, podcasting isn’t just for entrepreneurs. Bigger brands, industry leaders and corporations often miss a big opportunity by not taking advantage of this trend.
Below, we’ll focus on leaders who are looking to establish themselves as experts and develop their spheres of influence.
How Can You Get Started With Podcasting?
You don’t need to be a host yourself. One of the best ways to introduce yourself to a new market is as a guest. Hosts are hungry for content. They are searching for people like you to feature on their podcasts to keep their shows fresh and to provide value to their audience. Libsyn, one of the largest commercial podcast hosting companies, reports an increase from 16,000 hosted shows in 2013 to 22,000 shows in 2014 to 28,000 shows in 2015. These numbers are expected to continue to increase as more people become exposed to the platform.
The key is to connect with the hosts of shows most appropriate for your subject niche, and to do so in a way that’s personal — your chance of getting a response lowers dramatically if you have an assistant send an email.
Podcast hosts want a good fit on their show; if they decide to have you on as a guest, they will take the time to give you ideas on how you can most effectively reach their audience. One way to find podcasts that are looking for guests is to do a keyword search in iTunes or Google for shows with topics that appeal to your ideal clients or target market. iTunes is to podcasts as what Amazon is to books; it is the premier platform for broadcasting your audio message to an eager audience.
You don’t have to start with cold leads, however. The easiest opportunities for guest spots may exist under your nose, via your colleagues. Ask people you know who have been podcast guests to introduce you to the hosts of those shows. Referrals can go a long way in establishing credibility and building relationships.
If you have the resources, you can also use a booking service to acquire guest spots; there are several excellent companies that can take care of placing you on the perfect shows.
How To Leverage Podcast Interviews
Once you’ve secured a podcast spot, there are an extraordinary number of ways you can use, and re-use, this valuable material. You can now post audio clips on your website or blog; include audio clips in your media kit or feature them on your company profile page or LinkedIn page. You can share the audio across social media, or use the transcribed content for new articles or blog posts. A wealth of marketing assets is available at your fingertips when you have podcast content.
As thought leaders, experts and business owners, we’re always looking for ways to increase our exposure and to grow our communities of loyal followers. Podcasts are free to access, there are so many shows to choose from, and it takes virtually no technical know-how to get started as a guest. These characteristics make being featured on podcast interviews one of the best “New Expert Platforms” available today.
Want to learn more aboutpodcasting for your business?
Tina Dietz is coming to unleash the voice of your business!
Internationally acclaimed business coach, world class audio-book publisher and launch specialist, popular podcast host, and bestselling author Tina Dietz brings passionate vision, perspective and attention to detail for her clients. Tina’s company, StartSomething Creative Business Solutions, helps clients who want more than just a business, they want a ‘Business Oasis!’
Get Tina’s checklist for producing your audiobook and demystifying the process, click here.
When Tina Dietz was two-years-old, someone handed her a tape recorder – and that was that! A lifelong love affair was born. Today, she is an internationally acclaimed business coach, audiobook publisher and launch specialist, podcast producer, and a bestselling author who has been featured on ABC, Inc.com, Huffington Post and Forbes.
Her podcast, The Start Something Show, was named one of the top podcasts for entrepreneurs on Inc.com and her company, StartSomething Business Solutions, helps clients who want more than just a business and more than a routine life–they want a “Business Oasis.”
As part of her own business oasis, she herself splits her time between the US, Canada and Costa Rica. Tina Dietz, welcome to the show!
Icebreaker
When I go to conferences I like to organize what I call “transformational karaoke” outings ????
Think Like A Journalist Quote
“When you read a book, the story definitely happens inside your head. When you listen, it seems to happen in a little cloud all around it, like a fuzzy knit cap pulled down over your eyes.”
―Robin Sloan, Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore
Success Quote or Tip
FOMO…fear of missing out.
Career Highlight
Tina grew up in a small town where her parents sold fireplaces. Their home was upstairs and the business downstairs. When she grew up, find out why Tina was unemployable and how that actually benefitted her and the world.
When It Didn’t Work
Hear what happened to Tina when she first started her business with partners. Find out what this difficult lesson taught her.
Top Tips 10X Your Book Sales With Audiobooks
Bestsellers are created every day.
Publishers don’t always act in the best interest of authors.
1.5 million audiobooks were downloaded more than ebooks in 2015.
The cost of production of an audiobook has dropped 50 percent in the last seven years.
Don’t narrate your own audiobook. It’s not the best use of your time.
Leverage the power of your book by distributing it in the audiobook world.
Audiobook listeners listen to, on average, 20 books a year. The average book reader reads 12 books per year.
Self-produce your audiobook by using ACX.com audiobooks exchange.
Did you know that 1.5 million MORE audiobooks were downloaded than ebooks in 2015? Audiobook publishing is growing at a rate 3 times faster than any other format. Walk down any street and you’ll see people soaking in information through their phones–will your book be available to the millions of listeners looking for content?
-Discover how to get your audiobooks produced for 50% less than what it costs the big publishers
What is one piece of technology, video or multimedia equipment, or app that you just can’t live without?
High-quality mic. Blue Yeti and Audiotechnica 2100.
One book, documentary, blog, podcast, or Internet Channel to watch?
Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert (Get a free audio book when you try Audible free for 30 days)
OR to get a physical copy of the book…click the book title.
When she was 2 years old, someone handed Tina Dietz a tape recorder – and that was that! A lifelong love affair was born. Today, Tina is an internationally acclaimed business coach, audiobook publisher and launch specialist, podcast producer, and a bestselling author who has been featured on ABC, Inc.com, Huffington Post and Forbes. Her company, StartSomething Business Solutions, helps clients who want more than just a business and more than a routine life – they want a “Business Oasis,” and she herself splits her time between the US and Costa Rica. Tina Dietz, welcome to the show!
Interested in learning more about audio marketing?
When she was 2 years old, someone handed Tina Dietz a tape recorder – and that was that! A lifelong love affair was born. Today, she is an internationally acclaimed business coach, audiobook publisher and launch specialist, podcast producer, and a bestselling author who has been featured on ABC, Inc.com, Huffington Post and Forbes. Her podcast, The Start Something Show, was named one of the top podcasts for entrepreneurs on Inc.com and her company, StartSomething Business Solutions, helps clients who want more than just a business and more than a routine life – they want a “Business Oasis.”
Did you know that 1.5 million MORE audiobooks were downloaded than ebooks in 2015, and in 2016 sales are up 34% over 2015 numbers?
Tina is going to share these nuggets:
Why you don't have to narrate your own book to get the best results.
How authors can protect themselves from royalty scammers and the hidden pitfalls that scare away readers.
How you can get your audiobooks produced for 50% less than what it costs the big publishers.
Audiobooks can make you money even when your book is free!
As part of her own business oasis, she herself splits her time between the US, Canada and Costa Rica. You can find her online here:
There’s something to be said for studying the habits and processes of great writers and artists and how they kept their creative juices flowing over time.(Podcast on Writer On The Road, November 6, 2016)
There’s a lot of burnout happening in the field of writing right now, especially among Indie authors trying to manage both their writing and their business. Tina is a mentor and coach, and she’s my kind of crazy. With a focus on values as well as mental, emotional and spiritual well being, Tina guides us to be the best we can be. She’s also damned funny at times. We chat about being in the writing game for the long haul and how it’s got to be about pacing ourselves as our energies change as we grow and mature as writers. Self-care is at the top of the list, being flexible with our schedules and putting thought into those high priority creative endeavours to actually get the work done. We chat about how 80% of our results come from 20% of our efforts – it’s Tina’s job to help us focus on the 20% – and how the transitions in our lives open us up to new potentialities. And we just wouldn’t be creatives if we didn’t delve, just a little, in the fear factor that has derailed every one of us at some time or another. You can find out more about Tina and her work here.
At only 2 years old, Tina Dietz was already interviewing people on her tape recorder. She STILL has that tape and has never put the microphone down.(Podcast on Reinvention Radio, September 22, 2016)
At only 2 years old, Tina Dietz was already interviewing people on her tape recorder. She STILL has that tape and has never put the microphone down. Born to entrepreneurial parents, she started answering their business phones at 4 and was going to trade shows by 6.Now she is an internationally acclaimed business coach, speaker, dedicated audiobook publisher and podcasting mentor.
As a therapist (with an MS in Counseling and Educational Development), early in her career while working in the public school system that dealing with bureaucracy was not her thing. She has a “students-come-first” approach, which grew into something new as she worked with a grassroots group and developed two teen leadership centers. She showed kids how to make ideas a reality. Many of those seeds that were planted still live in her programs and her approach to coaching to this day. She developed transitional training programs for colleges and some of the nation’s largest utility providers, as well as serving as the co-founder and Director of Business Development for the Nayada Institute of Massage.
Tina is also a bestselling author and has been featured on Million Dollar Mindset, ReLaunch, ABC, Massage Today, Money for Lunch and Tropical Entrepreneur, to name a few. She has worked with and provided small business help in more than 20+ industries and 6 countries (and counting) around the world, watching them grow and transform.
TUNE IN to this episode to hear Tina chat with Steve and Mary about audio marketing and how to take advantage of the booming audiobook trend.
In This Episode
Spanish & Italian; The Audio Extravaganza; They Put A Mic In Her Hands At 2 Years Old; 1.5 Million More AudioBooks Than Ebooks Consumed In 2015
3 Ways To Create An Audiobook; No Book, No Audiobook; Time & Costs Of Producing An Audiobook; Steve’s New Book
Skype – Pants Optional; Best Call To Action For An Audiobook; Wade’s Mic Drop; Podcasting Isn’t Being Throttled The Way Other Media Are
Episode from the Copy Chief where I was a guest. We talked about the truth about marketing and how to walk your talk. Tune in(Podcast on Copy Chief, April 3, 2016)
In This Episode
(2:30) How to choose the fitting social media app without tediously testing every shiny new platform.
(3:20) Tina’s first words out of the womb and how she consistently grows her audience – even with subpar copy.
(5:00) The unusual VA task for creating new ideas. Kevin shares his technique to turn a single interview into weeks of future content… A strategy that may lead to your next premium offering.
(9:00) “You might be an Internet Marketing Idiot if”…. you have any of these tell-tale signs of “shenanigans” or “general jackassery”. Learn why creative people don’t wear dumb “pants”.
(13:05) Tina’s conclusive 2-minute walkthrough of “blab”… and why it’s the #1 choice for mature marketers who want to put Periscope’s “video selfie… millennial-vibe” to rest.
(19:10) How to write “quick-sloppy-copy” for a 2-minute VSL that converts enough to “earn your entire salary in one go”.
(23:00) Why you’ll want to “decrease your client conversion” using Tina’s “Nightclub Bouncer Tactic”.
(25:50) Tina reveals the real trigger for her clients that moves them to double their income AND double their free time in 12 months or less.
(26:20) Why your preferred coach/client won’t willingly work you through your toughest challenges so you can reach lasting results…
(28:25) Tina’s ONE profound tip to avoid “bed-ridden burnout” and “success sabotage” even if you’re 10+ years into your business and think you figured it all out already.
