“How to Hustle Your Way to the Center of Influence Through Podcasting” with Ben Anderson of The Hustle Podcast
As part of my series of interviews about “How to Become the Center of Influence Through Podcasting”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ben Anderson. Ben is known as the 3 Billion Dollar Man. He is a Top U.S. Loan Officer, Best-selling Author, Key Note Speaker and Mortgage Originator Coach. He hosts a podcast called The Hustle which includes a series of inspirational stories with celebrities, entrepreneurs, athletes and industry leading professionals. The Hustle will allow you to learn from his story, a kid from the Bay Area Slums, where nobody gets a chance, to a mortgage mogul.
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Can you tell us the “backstory” about why or how you got started as a podcaster?
I created a podcast because I’m a huge fan, being that I always looked for that little extra motivation. Most of the motivational podcasts were the host trying to motivate his or her audience. I am personally motivated by the motivating stories of others. I saw a gap in the podcast space where there wasn’t a podcast that was 100% focused on the behind the scenes of what motivates someone to hustle and be successful. That’s when The Hustle began. I wanted to tell the where were they before they were successful people, what makes them tick and what did they have to overcome to get to where they are today, what real challenges do they still face, and what are the hoping to accomplish in the future. This gives a real look into the lives of those that made it and in most cases the will to succeed and drive to win is what we all need. I love hearing that successful people weren’t just handed success, but that it was earned. The process makes the creation of this podcast very special for my team and I.
Can you share a story about the most interesting thing that has happened to you since you started podcasting?
What I didn’t realize would happen, is I would become friends and develop strong bonds with my guests. Many people know their story today and what they are doing today, they can be followed or googled. But what you don’t know about them is where they came from, what makes them tick and what was their true journey like. Having them open up to me, has connected me and my guests in a special way where we leave with a special bond.
Can you share a story about the biggest or funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I was doing a podcast with Burrell Wilks who is Floyd Mayweather’s Business Partner. I was very excited and a little nervous to introduce him, when I did I thought I nailed it. I went on and on about how great he was, that he was the chairman on Mayweather boxing, gave him a glowing introduction and I thought I killed it. After I finished he was quick to let me know that Floyd was the chairman and he was only the VP. We had to laugh it off, and we don’t edit our podcasts so we just let it be. Lesson is always know your guests title, and don’t blow them up too much, you may be over selling them.
How long have you been podcasting and how many shows have you aired?
5 months, we have aired about 20 episodes, and have recorded about 30, we are averaging about 1–2 per week.
What are the main takeaways or lessons you want your listeners to walk away with?
To be successful, its not the smartest, wealthiest, best looking, or most talented. Those that are successful face adversity, have grit, and are focused on getting to their goals, and the don’t let minor setbacks get in their way. We all can be a success and reach our goals, and our show allows the audience to see into the lives of successful people so they’ll see if they can succeed then I can too. Here are some additional tips:
- Create a name that is synonymous with your messaging. Mine is The Hustle as I want to show that it takes Hustle to succeed. You don’t need to be all things to all people, develop 1 key theme and keep it consistent
- Be real, have your message be authentic, and transparent.
- Teach something, a principle or a strategy. Give the recipe away. People will listen when they learn.
- Be consistent, your listeners need to hear you on a regular basis.
- Be patient, don’t expect a magical instant ROI from doing podcasts, it’s a long game, and it brand development
Check out the full interview in Tracy Hazzard’s Authority Magazine article about Ben Anderson!
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Podcaster Influencer, Ben Anderson of THE HUSTLE Podcast shares the best ways to:
1) Book Great Guests. Create a wish list of who would be a great guest, send them a DM with a request to be on your podcast, call them, call their agent and team, don’t give up keep messaging, emailing, calling or texting. You may have to ask 10 times, don’t quit. Let them know the theme, who the target audience is, and how they can add value to them.
2) Increase Listeners. Have guests on your podcasts who have podcasts, and you can tap into their networks
3) Produce in a Professional Way. Make sure you have a professional setting, if you need to rent day space, rent day space in a studio or office, presentation to your guest is everything.
4) Encourage Engagement. Ask your audience to share with others. Running Ads is a great idea too. Post a short sizzle on social media and tag your guest, as well and take a photo with your guest, post it and tag them.
5) Monetize. Have great guests on and do business with them, once you get your podcast going and growing, you can advertise products on your podcasts.
What makes your podcast binge-listenable? What do you think makes your podcast unique from the others in your category? What do you think is special about you as a host, your guests, or the content itself?
Check out the full interview in Tracy Hazzard’s Authority Magazine article about Ben Anderson!
