The Power of Networking: How Guy Raz Used Relationships to Grow His Show

Networking can be a daunting task for many, but for Guy Raz, it’s the key to success. As the host of popular podcasts like “How I Built This” and “TED Radio Hour,” Raz has become a household name in the podcasting world. But how did he do it? The answer lies in the power of networking.

The Early Days: Building Connections

Raz started his career in radio, working for NPR as a foreign correspondent in Berlin. During his time there, he built relationships with other journalists, producers, and experts in various fields. This would prove to be the foundation for his success in podcasting.

When Raz transitioned to podcasting, he relied on these relationships to book guests for his new show, “How I Built This.” He reached out to people he had met during his time as a reporter and asked them to share their stories on his show. This helped him to not only build a content library but also establish a network of like-minded individuals who supported his work.

Growing His Show: Leveraging Connections

As Raz’s show gained popularity, he continued to use his network to grow his audience. He would share new episodes with his contacts, asking them to share it with their own networks. He also reached out to other podcasters and industry experts, appearing as a guest on their shows and collaborating on joint projects.

Raz’s ability to leverage his network helped him to attract high-profile guests to his show, including Sarah Blakely, the founder of Spanx, and Ben & Jerry’s co-founder, Jerry Greenfield. By tapping into his network, Raz was able to create a snowball effect that helped to grow his show exponentially.

Key Takeaways: Network Like a Pro

The success of Guy Raz shows us the importance of networking in the podcasting industry. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Build genuine relationships: Raz’s success is rooted in the authentic relationships he built with journalists, producers, and other experts. Focus on building genuine connections rather than just exchanging business cards.

2. Use your network to create content: Your network can be a great source of content. Reach out to contacts and ask them to share their stories on your show.

3. Leverage your network to build your audience: Share your episodes with your contacts and ask them to share it with their networks. Collaborate with other podcasters and industry experts to create buzz for your show.

In conclusion, Guy Raz’s success is a testament to the power of networking. By building genuine relationships and leveraging his network, he was able to grow his show and become a leading voice in the podcasting industry.