Startup Corner: Sara Parrish, Podcast Pilot LLC

Photo provided by Podcast Pilot LLC

Minimally viable product …
Podcast Pilot provides podcast production services, including audio/video editing, show notes writing/optimization, publication/syndication, artwork, coaching and on-site training. We have a virtual staff, from around the world, who are experts in their field.

Problem solving …
Podcasting takes time and a high level of expertise. Using our production services, the client records their episode, and we take care of the rest, start to finish.

Seed money …
Podcast Pilot is a bootstrapped company created upon the need to produce our own podcast, “Stop Riding the Pine” – now known as “Culture Eats Strategy.” The knowledge and expertise we gained grew into our own company.

Hurdles overcome …
The toughest part of podcast production is finding good team members. I take pride in the fact my team works together with an end goal of satisfying the client.

Also, I’ve learned it’s OK to fire a client. If they are not a good fit, they won’t receive the quality product they deserve. Oftentimes I can help them find that person/company that would better suit them.

Next phase …
We are currently revamping our website with new logos, colors and branding. We’re focusing on the client that wants full production as opposed to one-off services. We’ll continue to offer those services, but we’re not actively marketing them.

Pivot …
Staff organization. It’s critical to have systems and processes in place to ensure fluid task completion. We’ve taken each client and each product and broken them down into the minutest of steps. This eliminates wasted time; everyone knows exactly what is expected for each task.

Biggest mistake …
Under-valuing my services. Also, allowing “scope creep.” Some clients are easier than others with few special requests. Some have recurring special requests. I have to make sure I charge for the additional services.

Worst advice received …
If you don’t know it, you can learn it. To a point, this works, but when it becomes so time-consuming that I’ve wasted hours or even days, it becomes a time vacuum. That’s time I can never get back.

Food for thought …
Create a network. There are so many networking groups to choose from in almost every niche. I find lots of help in Facebook groups and the connections I’ve made from attending niche specific events, such as the annual Podcast Movement.