You're about to launch a podcast. How can you make sure you don't miss a deadline?

To ensure an on-time podcast launch, begin by setting a realistic launch date and outlining all necessary tasks, breaking them down into manageable deadlines. Use tools like calendars or project management platforms to track progress and set reminders for each milestone. Incorporate buffer time to handle unexpected delays, and prioritize essential tasks like content creation and editing. Regularly check progress, adjust deadlines if needed, and stay organized by centralizing all podcast-related resources. Delegate tasks if you have a team, and maintain accountability and commitment to meet deadlines. Be adaptable, allowing flexibility for adjustments without compromising the overall launch schedule.

If you can't do it forever, don't do it for a day - Alex Hormozi Make sure you have a genuine passion and interest in what you're pursuing and will be speaking about. Set some intentions, and be prepared to experience the benefits of starting a podcast!

Being honest with yourself is probably the most important thing - 1. Why do you want to have this podcast in the first place? To educate, inform, or upskill yourself? Perhaps it's just a hobbyist piece. Depending on your purpose, the resource allocation will differ accordingly. Introspectively, it's very helpful to understand whether we have the discipline to stay consistent and on the path. If not, perhaps getting an "accountability partner" to help (aka co-host) maintain schedules and progress.

I like to use Trello to help me get my podcast organized. I publish two podcasts a month and I have lists in Trello that shows the status of all my episodes. I have lists for: -Outline Written -Podcast Recorded -Podcast Scheduled -Published Podcasts With these lists I can see at glance and make sure I have enough episodes in the "queue" so I'm never scrambling at the last minute! Each month I create 2-3 podcasts and I try to have at least 6 scheduled and ready to go.

Asana is a great project management system to keep yourself on task. Its calendar systems can be just a simple tool to keep track of your production or it can allow you to delegate and communicate with team members. You can upload files, tackle multiple projects, and keep track of all the work in one place. It connects to Google Drive, Canva, Youtube, and more! It is a great way to keep your content organized and your podcast on track.

For me, batching is key for never missing a deadline. If you are about to launch a podcast, make several episodes before and launch only a part of them. Record and edit always time before the publish day and programm it. Finish each part of the process, I mean that your batched tasks have to be completed and your episodes recorded, edited, uploaded and programmed to publish, all of this before you continue with another episodes. Batching allows you be more efficent and get better results. For example, if there is a week day that your enviroment is less noisy, you can batch the recording of several episodes that day instead of using time for editing, and edit all of them another day. Planning and batching are huge tools, no doubt.

Talk to another podcaster or find a good resource that has the repeatable tasks required to go from idea to produced episode. Take these tasks and create a template in a project management software (i.e ClickUp or Trello). This should be a good place to start!

Outsourcing is a great way to keep things on track. Although we want podcasts to be extremely cost efficient, is it always equivalent to the time that could be saved by outsourcing? Quality of production and technical skills also come as an investment in outsourcing. If you're not technically savvy in podcast production and want to bring it to a certain level, it's best to share your ideas with those who can help, despite the cost that it may bring you.

What's worked for me has been organizing "Watch parties" with colleagues, friends of the industry and even clients - to hear where we can improve the podcasts further. Key areas that I personally focus on are: 1. How did the podcast make you feel? 2. Which areas kept you listening, and which ones made you want to skip the track? Why? 3. What would you like to hear more of in the podcast? 4. Who else would you like to have on the podcast?

One piece of advice that I've heard from a number of podcasters - just get started, and stay consistent with recording. Even when you don't feel like recording, just put yourself in front of that microphone and record. It may not always make the cut, but you're getting better and staying consistent with every minute of air time. Good luck and keep podcasting!