A guest-driven show by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs telling business secrets so many small business owners need!

R. Kenner French, a former Forbes.com small business contributor, is a naturally inquisitive guy and simply has very casual conversations with such business leaders as Sharon Lechter (of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" fame), Jonathan Cronstedt (Kajabi.com), and Loral Langemeier ("Millionaire Maker") about various elements of entrepreneurship like marketing, running a business, taxes, finances, and the list goes on. Some listeners that enjoy the show are US-based investors and entrepreneurs who want little nuggets from people who are fighting the same battle they are - running a small business. To wit, running a small business is a lonely deal and with a show like Vast Voice - it makes the struggle a little bit less so.
 

We started "Vast Voices: Telling Business Secrets to Entrepreneurs" because we saw a real gap in the market. So many aspiring entrepreneurs have brilliant ideas but struggle with the practical, often behind-the-scenes aspects of building a successful business. They need actionable advice, real-world examples, and insights from those who've been there. "Vast Voices" provides exactly that – a direct line to experienced entrepreneurs willing to share their "secrets" to success, from navigating funding to building a team to scaling operations. We wanted to create a resource that cuts through the noise and delivers tangible value, empowering entrepreneurs to turn their visions into reality.

We chose podcasting as the medium because of its accessibility and intimacy. It allows us to connect with our audience on a deeper level, fostering a sense of community and trust. The conversational format is perfect for sharing personal stories, exploring complex topics, and offering nuanced advice in a way that resonates with listeners. And yes, we are avid podcast listeners ourselves! We appreciate the on-demand nature of the medium, the ability to learn while multitasking, and the diverse range of perspectives it offers. We're inspired by podcasts that deliver real value to their audience, and that's exactly what we strive to do with "Vast Voices."

Our initial goals were simple: to provide valuable content, build a community of entrepreneurs, and amplify the voices of experienced business leaders. We were motivated by a genuine desire to help aspiring entrepreneurs succeed and contribute to a thriving business ecosystem. We wanted to create a platform where knowledge is shared openly and honestly, demystifying the entrepreneurial journey and empowering individuals to take the leap.
 

We release a show every single day. Every single day. It takes a long time to produce each and every episode but the end result is totally worth it! This is turning into a full time job :). As for our spend on the show, well, we have not added it up. Call it a "passion project."
 

We currently do not take sponsorships for "Vast Voices: Telling Business Secrets to Entrepreneurs." Our primary focus is on delivering valuable, unbiased content to our listeners. We believe that accepting sponsorships could potentially compromise the integrity of our interviews and the advice shared on the podcast. We want our audience to trust that the information they receive is authentic and solely focused on their best interests.

As we don't have sponsors, we don't have any direct revenue from the podcast itself. Our focus is on building a valuable resource for the entrepreneurial community, and we measure success by the positive impact we have on our listeners. We are exploring alternative revenue streams that align with our values and don't compromise the listener experience, such as offering premium content or workshops in the future.

Since we don't have sponsors, the questions about how we found them, our download numbers at the time, and how we find them now are not applicable to "Vast Voices."

Podcasting has been an incredibly rewarding experience for us in several ways. First and foremost, it's a fantastic learning opportunity. We get to engage in in-depth conversations with incredibly successful entrepreneurs, gaining first hand insights into their strategies, challenges, and triumphs. This continuous learning process is invaluable. Secondly, podcasting has allowed us to expand our network significantly. We've connected with inspiring individuals we wouldn't have otherwise met, fostering valuable relationships within the business community.
 

For "Vast Voices: Telling Business Secrets to Entrepreneurs," we prioritize quality audio and a smooth production process. Our setup is designed to be efficient and produce professional results. For recording, we primarily use our computer microphones and RiversideFM.

Finding great guests is a continuous effort. We leverage a variety of methods. Networking is key – we attend industry events (virtual and in-person), connect with people on LinkedIn, and tap into our existing network of business contacts. We also actively research entrepreneurs whose stories and expertise align with our audience's interests. We look for individuals who have demonstrated success, are willing to share their insights openly, and have a compelling story to tell. We also encourage our listeners to suggest potential guests.

Preparing for each episode is a multi-step process. First, we thoroughly research our guests, delving into their background, their company, and their area of expertise. We want to understand their journey and identify the key takeaways our listeners can benefit from. Next, we develop a list of thoughtful and engaging questions. We aim to go beyond the surface level and explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout their entrepreneurial journey. We also tailor our questions to the specific guest and their area of expertise, ensuring a relevant and insightful conversation. Finally, we create an outline for the episode, ensuring a natural flow and a clear narrative.
 

We're still in the early stages of growth for "Vast Voices," and we're taking a multifaceted approach to marketing, primarily focused on organic reach and building a strong community. Word-of-mouth has been instrumental so far, and we encourage our listeners to share the podcast with their networks. We believe that authentic recommendations are incredibly powerful.

Our listeners find "Vast Voices" through a variety of platforms. Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes) is currently our largest source of listeners, followed by Spotify and Google Podcasts. We also see traffic from other podcast directories like Overcast, Pocket Casts, and directly through our website. We're actively working to expand our presence on these platforms and explore new avenues for discovery.
 

One of the biggest things we've learned on our "Vast Voices" journey that wasn't immediately obvious is the sheer amount of time and effort required to produce a high-quality podcast. It's not just about recording a conversation; it's about the pre-interview research, the post-production editing, the marketing, and the ongoing community engagement. We knew it would be work, but the depth of that commitment became very clear, very quickly. Another key takeaway is the importance of building genuine relationships with our guests and our listeners. Authenticity shines through, and people can tell when you're genuinely interested in their stories and their success. Focusing on building those real connections has been crucial. Finally, we've learned that consistency is key. Regularly releasing episodes and consistently engaging with our audience is essential for building momentum and growing our listener base.

As far as helpful podcasting resources I would say that RiversideFM has been huge in that realm. It is incredible how many resources they have.
 

Personally, you can learn about the main host, R. Kenner French, here https://rkennerfrench.com/ and you can learn more about our podcasts here https://vastsolutionsgroup.com/podcast. In fact, we hope you do learn a little bit more about both Kenner and the podcast. We figure you will be impressed.