Are you tired of having a social life that’s less exciting than watching paint dry? Want to network with people who are smarter and more successful than you? Then boy oh boy, do I have the solution for you: start a podcast.

That’s right, by mastering the art of podcasting, you can elevate your network to new heights. Gone are the days of mindlessly scrolling through social media and swiping on dating apps (unless, of course, you’re into that sort of thing). Say hello to a world where you’re hobnobbing with CEOs, influencers, and industry experts on a weekly basis.

But before you dive headfirst into the world of podcasting, let’s go over the basics. First, you need a topic. And I’m not talking about something mundane like “The History of Cardboard”. You need something that’s going to grab people’s attention, like “10 Ways to Transform Your Body Using Only a Spatula”, or “How to Convince Your Boss to Pay You in Donuts”. Trust me, nobody wants to listen to a podcast about something they could’ve learned from a quick Google search.

Next up, equipment. Now, you could spend thousands of dollars on fancy microphones, mixers, and headphones. Or, you could do what I do and record your podcast on your phone while hiding in the bathroom at work. It’s all about getting creative with what you have.

Once you have your equipment, it’s time to start recording. And here’s where it gets really fun: inviting guests. Do you have a friend who’s a marketing genius? Or a cousin who’s a world-renowned expert in llama grooming? Invite them on your podcast and bask in their glory. Plus, by featuring guests, you’re expanding your network exponentially.

Now, let’s talk about promo. You can have the greatest podcast in the world, but if nobody knows about it, what’s the point? That’s where social media comes in. Spam your Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn with links to your podcast. Tag your guests and make them do the dirty work for you. And if all else fails, buy a billboard. Hey, desperate times call for desperate measures.

But what about the actual content of your podcast? Here’s my best advice: be yourself. Unless you’re a complete nightmare of a human being, people will want to listen to what you have to say. Inject humor into your commentary, tell embarrassing stories, and make sure you’re providing value to your listeners. And if you have no idea what you’re doing, just fake it ’til you make it. That’s what I do.

So, are you ready to take your networking game to the next level? Start a podcast. It may not make you famous, but at the very least, you’ll have an excuse to talk to people who are. So grab your phone, lock yourself in a closet, and start recording. Your future network is waiting.