THE BLOG
14
Mar
Mar
The difference between leveraging and pivoting.
After a safe and prosperous trip to Orlando, Florida where I attended the 2019 Podfest Multimedia Expo, I had a few new ideas on how to start profiting from my knowledge and skillset.
Pivoting is to turn from what you were doing and do something else. Leveraging is taking advantage of what you have and using it to move you further.
Podfest Multimedia Expo is an annual convention of online (digital) content creators. Experts in the YouTube, podcasting and social media mix and mingle with folks of all levels. This one was the fifth year and had over 1000+ attendees.
For me, it is like summer camp. I get to see people that are making 50K+ a month doing this stuff and encourage those that are newer than I at it. This year I got the opportunity to me the master of ceremonies for the keynote events and show off my skills.
FUN
I had a blast. I sang. I told stories and kept the keynote speakers on time. I presented them with sincerity and related to the audience. It was easy to do because I knew the audience really well. I know what it feels like to travel to a conference, sit for hours, anticipate and search for relevancy.
Podfest Expo is usually smaller than Podcast Movement which has grown exponentially. It has the same kinda of people in it with more sponsors and a corporate vibe. This year it will be in August, also in Orlando, Fl. I usually only attend one so they’ll have to miss me this year unless I get a special invite and a plane ticket.
The trip was prosperous for me because I got a chance to meet new friends, say hello to old ones and learn what I could do to “leverage” what I have and know to monetize a platform. It is my desire to use this to make Kenn Blanchard Co profitable.
I had a pivotal moment when I was explaining to my friend that I wanted to continue to grow my online ministry but was challenged by finances. He reminded me that God gave me everything I need to succeed. I had an aha moment.
I just need to focus my energy. I need to be deliberate in my social media post. I need to grow the audience where the business meets the media.
New Moves
I have a podcast editing business with no clients but that is ok. I am saving that skill set for the pastors and ministers I plan to help set up podcast under a new network called ApostleRadio.net coming soon. In the meantime, I am going to continue to edit and produce warriorcast.com my sons show and the new el Segundo Edicto (el2e.com) a Second Amendment and American Constitutional Rights podcast for Spanish speakers.
I pivoted from being a speaker at Podfest to being an Emcee. That was a complete change from the facilitator of learning, the sharing of ideas and passing on of knowledge I have gained from podcasting for 12 years. As the emcee I went straight into entertainment mode. This was entertaining with a purpose.
The leveraging part comes into play as I take my skills and experience as a recognized online media person known for gun rights and the Black Man With A Gun and start yet another show that will focus on sharing security information. It is a strength I never utilize. I’ve been protecting people all of my life.
Stay tuned as I build How To Prevail.
01
Mar
Mar
I caught the entrepreneurial bug early but have not been able to make a living from my endeavors. I have done amazing things. I have tried just about everything in my niches. I learned a lot. One of the most important things is that not all niches are profitable. I am passionate about business. If it weren’t for my love of the outdoors, motorcycles and blues music I would be on my computer 24/7 trying to do something to further my business.
My wife calls me
the most famous broke guy in America
I preached on the National Day of Prayer at the CIA. I have protected people my whole life. I’ve been an law enforcement officer, protective agent, and intelligence officer.
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;— 1 Timothy 1:12
I was licensed to preach at Mount Sinai Baptist Church in 2001. This was ten days before 9/11. I was ordained as a Baptist minister in 2007. I was called as the pastor of Historic Berean Baptist Church in 2008 where I served there faithfully for five years. I now pastor the Speak Life Church, Inc.
I’ve been married to the same person since 1991 and have two adult children doing well.
I’ve spoken at a rally in New York with 20,000 friends cheering me on. I’ve been on African television, CNN, Fox News, local news, and so many media outlets, I can’t remember them all.
I have sold six oil paintings. I’ve published five books. The Amazon.com links are on this site. Here are some of the links to articles I have published.
- http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/up-close-and-personal-with-the-daniel-defense-ddm4v9-5-56-new-gun-review
- http://blog.beretta.com/author/kenn-blanchard
- http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jun/25/book-review-how-the-cia-agent-became-a-pastor/#ixzz35gFx1EVE
I have traveled to over a dozen countries and have a great appreciation for life, and liberty.
What does all this mean? What’s the point of this post. To me, it is a reminder what Socrates said.
“An un-examined life is not worth living”
I’m writing this to remember the past so I can continue on.
I have a few rules.
Rule #1- Everything we do is equal.
The size of your obstacle, challenge, or the length of your journey all begin with one step.
Rule #2- We all need a lot of small victories before your finish.
If you are stranded on an island and were able to make a raft that floated that is a big deal. The second is making sure it could sustain your trip for a few days at sea. Next that you could actually get it into the big surf. Everything is steps. The keys to success here are patience, and perseverance.
Rule #3- Failure is not final.
We can be really hard on ourselves when we fail on the first attempt. I am. I am learning it is actually good to fail fast, and start again. Sometimes your data is wrong, your map is out of date, or your destination needs to change. It’s ok. It’s not over until you give up your last breath. Every day you get up is a new chance to get it right. Almost all the great inventions and machines of our day took years either to be invented or accepted. You might just be too early. If so, be patient with yourself.
Rule #4 – Keep Going
Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.– Dorothy Thompson
18
Feb
Feb
As a content creator and editor of podcast, I have seen shows come and go. I have created over a dozen myself that have faded away into the ether. A friend of mine started a podcast based on his niche of being a professional oyster shucker. Before I met him, I didn’t even know that was a thing. I want to share some things Gardner Douglas also known as the Oyster Ninja has done right and identify some things you can do to fix or avoid the rookie mistakes all new podcasters make.
Let me share a little about Gardner.
He is a married US Army veteran and a devoted family man. Gardner has been shucking oysters for ten years and can be found in the DC metropolitan area. Gardner learned the art of shucking from his father, and fellow oyster champion, Samuel “Sam Sam” Fisher. Gardner has shucked at the best raw bars in DC including Whaleys, Rappahannock River Oysters, The Local Oyster, and The Walrus & Ale Oyster bar. He has also shucked at DC’s most premier events include Chef for Equality, the DC oyster Festival, The St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival, Shuck-n-Suck, and The Oyster Riot at Dc’s Historical restaurant, Old Ebbits Grill. As a business owner, running his own oyster catering service and mobile raw bar, Gardner has shucked for some of DC’s most elite.
He is also a champion oyster shucker.
• Ranking 6th place in the 2016 National Oyster Shucking Championship.
• 2017’s Best Shucker in Philly,
• Ranked 2nd place at the 2016 Best Shucker in Baltimore and Baltimore Rotary Competition
• Ranked 5th place in the Boston Seafood Expo Shucking Competition.
Currently, Gardner can be heard sharing his knowledge about oysters and shucking skills with the world via his podcast The Oyster Ninja, which centers around oysters, oyster shuckers, farmers and other oyster related things. The Oyster Ninja can also be spotted in the Eating Oysters: Chesapeake Style a Maryland PBS documentary.
Whether on camera or behind an oyster bar, Gardner Douglas’ personality is infectious. He draws you into the art of oyster shucking as if you were watching a performance. Gardner Douglas’ shucking skills are a work of art. There is no wonder that they call him the Oyster Ninja, as his techniques make shucking oysters look as easy as eating them. The art of oyster shucking is lost on most until you decide to try opening an oyster yourself. Gardner is a sought after expert that works with caterers, bars, parties, and special event to provide the seafood delicacies.
How do you not screw up?
Here are are things to help you avoid making rookie mistakes in podcast. Everybody is selling something. so you have to specialize in this crowded world in order to survive. Gardner’s niche is in the seafood industry. He prepares and presents oysters for bars, cocktail parties and high end events. He was born almost with a oyster knife in his hand. He learned from his father who passed an Eastern Shore tradition to him. Gardner is also concerned about the environment. His niche is as deep as the ocean. He has a lot of things to pull from, he just didn’t know it at first.
The first goal for a successful podcaster is preparation. You have to know where you want to go. You don’t have to have all the answers but you have to know that you are providing a service, or a reason for us to listen. How long is your show going to be? What persona are you going to portray? What does your album art look like? These are just a handful of questions that will frame your show before you even find a microphone you want to buy in Amazon. I suggested Gardner get a notebook and write his vision down. Something happens when you put it on paper. For me, its more concrete and fluid than coming from a keyboard. I am very proud of my brother Gardner. He actually listened to me on more than one occasion and is doing well.
The second goal is to figure out who wants what you are selling. In other words, you have to identify your target audience. This one takes a little time. Everybody does;t want what you have. Everybody won’t like your voice, your delivery, your accent, your graphics, or something. The good news is those that do, will love you to pieces. They might not look like you or live near you but the good news is, they are somewhere on this big blue marble. Your job is to find them, connect with them and deliver.
The third goal we all must take after we get going is to actually take action. It is easy to get a paralysis of analysis. There is always something else to buy. There is always something just not quite right. One of the great things about social media and tech today is that you fix it on the go. Gardner did that and has made connections already that he will use when the time is right. Yoda said it best, “Do or Do Not, There is No Try.”
The fourth thing you should be working on is to solve certain problems for specific people. When someone invest their time with you, do something for them. Teach them. Inspire them. Make them laugh, think, moan or cry. Whatever you do, just don’t be boring.
The fifth and final goal of this blogpost is to do what Gardner is doing well. Create a “tribe” and tap into a more loyal and highly engaged audience. Even though he isn’t creating a podcast episode every week he is still working on building his base. He is working social media and good old fashion networking to share what his show will be. He has enough episodes for newcomers to listen to and a lot of upcoming shucking events where he meets potential clients, guest and listeners. He is not resting even though you don’t hear him.
oyster ninja podcast knife by gardner douglas
The Oyster Ninja podcast is going to be successful. Right now, Gardner is being a good Christian father and husband so the podcast creation has not been as regular as maybe required to grow exponentially but he knows it. He chooses to do the right things, and I am positive that when the time is right, you’ll see and hear a lot more about and from the Oyster Ninja. This is his new knife he created to get a buzz going.
If you can’t wait, you’ll find him on social media:
instagram: oysterninjapc
Facebook: The Oyster Ninja Podcast
Email: oysterninjapc@gmail.com
Remember there are five things you can do to avoid the rookie mistakes I made. Prior proper planning prevents piss poor performance. (plan) Figure out who your audience is going to be. After you get and idea of what your show is going to be — do it. To be successful, solve a problem. Have a reason for your show that is of more interest than you just being cute. Create a tribe from your identified audience and change the world; or why else do this?
The world is your oyster, shuck it! – Kenn Blanchard
10
Feb
Feb
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19 (KJV)
If you feel as if you didn’t preach you would bust, read on.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is larger than the four walls of your church. It was not designed to hindered by well meaning “boards,” Trustees and Elders that have “always done it this way.” The Lord led me to podcasting and I discovered a way to reach people without leaving my house.
Jesus was the best communicator ever. His precepts are still going viral. As His ministers, yours need to also.
If you were called by God to share the Gospel or communicate the Gospel News of Jesus Christ, there is no better platform than podcasting.
Jesus didn’t just teach in “church”. He taught outside, all over Galilee. The Sermon on the Mount is probably the most famous outdoor classroom. Whether speaking to thousands of followers or sharing a quiet setting with just a few people, his instruction was on point, and personal.
If you want your congregation to know your heart; talk to them through your new podcast You want them to see your vision? You want to give them a hint of where you want the church to go, allow them to hear it not only on Sunday morning but on the way to work, while on the treadmill or watching the kids at home.
I have seen too many pastors miss their blessing of connecting to the members chasing after everything else. You above anyone else knows what really matters. You know who is accountable to for what you do or don’t’ do with the “talents” you have been given.
I believe the world is messed up because the Gospel is not going out. Too many of those called by God are not really going anywhere. We have become trapped in a system. If you agree you can get you back on track.
10
Feb
Feb
You have dreams. You are talented. And you may be in a bucket of crabs pulling you down mentally and spiritually. I know because I just got out. It took me almost thirty years to realized I was blessed with everything I needed to prosper in this life but was missing a few key elements to make it. Is that you too? Sometimes we don’t know what we don’t know. I know that I was missing something. I created things. I sold things. I have made money off of my art, services, and products but I didn’t realize that it was like I was holding a handful of sand.
If you do anything online, you need your own website. Your website will be a home and wiki of all that is yours. This website is an example of the many facets that are possible. I have elements of everything I have done on it. There are blog post, feeds to my podcasts, examples of my style, influences, services, thoughts, etc. And it is not limited to this. Yours is going to be and should be unique as you.
If you want to start a business these days or are business minded, you need your own real estate on the web. Having a website or blog is required if what you do or provide can be searchable on GOOGLE. Search engines, look for text not your pictures. You need to do more than just being on Facebook, IG, Snapchat, etc.
Facebook is great for finding your audience, communication and development but you need your own site. If you don’t you are just renting space from Mark Zuckerberg. He can change the terms of his free service at anytime and delete your page or go off on some grand pursuit, taking your data, phone numbers, pictures, bio, everything you post there anywhere he wants to.
Does your site have to be flashy and hard to maintain? No, it does not. Today websites are almost synonymous with blogs but they are different. In my opinion, websites are usually static. They are information hubs. Blogging encourages community, reviews, comments, etc. Blogging is time consuming but worth the trouble. It can be like journaling, a magazine or almost whatever you think about. If you find a niche, you can be the mayor of your own online town by providing information, insight, inspiration, direction, commentary, education, or a bunch of mess, but it is all your choice. Either way, people that like you and what you write will/can subscribe to your postings, which is kinda cool.
I am a fan of WordPress sites. I have a few. They are easily customizable and adaptable to almost anything you can need. If you don’t have the time to create one, I can help set you up. There are probably millions of templates that fit your needs. I can help you find the one for you. They are also customizable. So it can be unique like you. I can help write post for you to get you going. The Black Man With A Gun website has been around since 1999. I am just starting to benefit from it. I have made decades of mistakes with it. You can benefit from all that I have learned.
I’ve been podcasting since 2007. I am a big fan of podcasting because it can accentuate your blog and all that you do. It can give you a voice online. It can grow your reach. I can help there too. I can make it easy as you recording, and sending me the files.
I have seen and stay in the know about trends, techniques and new tech. Putting together a great show requires editing. Editing takes time. Time is money. Spend your valuable time promoting your podcast, not editing it. I make your show sound great. Depending on the level of editing you want, I can make you and your guest sound better by removing, audio glitches like mouth ticks, clicks, excessive ahhhs, breaths and things that make you sound unprofessional. If you prefer not to do it, consider my services.
I’m working with a couple of friends that (1) do graphics (logos, banners, etc) (2) code for websites (3) and I help with WordPress sites, provide podcast producing, editing, media training.
I love this stuff. Call or email me today to discuss what you want and how we can work together.
29
Jan
Jan
The Pandora app made a difference in my podcast. In October 2017, I created the Speak Life Podcast. I implemented every organic strategy I could to make it a success. The best thing I did was give it to God. All the other so called strategies didn’t help that much.
With God all things are possible.
Some time in November 2018 the podcast received about 800 downloads a month. At the time that was its’ zenith. Then something incredible happened.
I was asked if I would like to have my show placed on the online music platform known as Pandora. The streaming music giant was getting into podcasting and wanted to beta test a few podcast. It was a win that only could have come from the Lord.
This is a podcast of encouragement. It a show to restore peoples relationship with God. It shares that we have the freedom not to sin. The same power that crushed death and raised Christ from the dead; is now at work in us through God’s energizing Spirit. This podcast seeks to build faith, produce joy and point out God’s work in our lives.
After being on Pandora, in December 2018, the show statistics reached 3000 downloads that month.
As of this post in January 2019, we are over 4200 downloads.
Pandora is now the leading aggregator for this podcast.
The Apostle Paul was known for his missionary journeys. His work laid the foundation for the spread of the Gospel. he launched churches near port cities that helped the good news go viral. This is the power of podcasting today.
Recognizing the influence of tech and mobile computing the Lord has called me to provide a way to feed the Spirit. In my heart, Paul would use podcasting to spread joy, encourage, and strengthen the people. Remember to:
get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. To be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you -Ephesians 4:31-32
Through the Speak Life podcast I seek to spread the love of Christ and the Gospel message to the world.
Speak Life Podcast now available on the Pandora App.
You can listen on Pandora too.
30
Dec
Dec
This picture it’s about “attitude.” What is it that you have to say? Don’t waste your listeners time. Don’t fill your show with what you think is cute. With a podcast you can say whatever you want but one of the unwritten rules is; don’t be boring.
If you’re interested in podcasting but not sure where to start let me know. If you’re already doing it but want help, let me know. If you want to just record and let me edit and produce, let me know.
It’s not about equipment. It’s about good content and quality audio.
You can get these Attitude shirts and cups by clicking below.
Coffee mug
T-shirt
long sleeve
17
Dec
Dec
If you are serious about your business, then you want it to be fierce. You want it to be intentional and powerful. Think about that for a minute. If your podcast, which represents your brand, you, is not intentional or powerful then what is it? Why would anyone want to waste their time or money with it?
The American singer, songwriter, actress, record producer, and dancer from Houston, Texas that you either love, hate or are indifferent about has been fierce in her rise. Even if you are not a fan, you know her name.
She rose to fame in the late 1990s as lead singer of the R&B girl-group Destiny’s Child. In 2014, she became the highest-paid black musician in history and was listed among Time’s 100 most influential people in the world for a second year in a row. Throughout her career, Beyoncé has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the world’s best-selling music artists.
Mrs. Knowles – Carter is baaaaaaad.
To make your podcast as fierce as Beyoncé you need to do four things.
- Know Your Why
- Find your audience
- Be IntenseB
- Be Consistent – (Beyoncé has sold over 100 million records worldwide)
It’s hard.
One of the things that podcasters struggle with after they start is why they are still doing this. It is really easy to meander through until you realize you are lost. You start asking yourself what am I going to talk about next. Who cares if I miss an episode? And you wonder if you are even being heard. If you know your why. You can chart a course. You can plan your show. You will know who you are trying to reach. The why of your podcast is your content.
You got this.
Let’s say you have a podcast called Warrior Cast. You are a martial artist and a nerd. You can talk DragonBall Z-speak, like you were related to Vegeta. Talk about those two things in your show. Got deep with it. Share the nerd knowledge. Geek out on the anime. Also make sure you talk about the fight game, interview fighters, give your audience the benefit of your fails, your successes. Help the person just starting. Talk about the differences of the styles. Talk about a form in Tae Kwon Do and how it was stupid or how you incorporated it into a real fight. There is power in the niche.
Knowing your why will help others find you. There are people looking to hear what you know, hear the people you know, laugh, cry, groan, disagree and agree with the stuff you know. The funniest site at a wedding is to see “single ladies” jump up when they hear Beyoncé song. You have to see a seventy-five-year-old grandmothers twisting their wrist like “Queen Be.”
Be U
Your audience is just like you. Or the you that you are presenting. (Be careful there) you can’t be someone else. You are you. You are unique and have your own talents and experiences. Use those talents and experiences to get what you want, but don’t sacrifice yourself to do it. And you also have to live your life for you.
Fierce is not lukewarm. Take a side. People will put you on one whether you take one or not. Embrace it. Be critical of a form, a fighter, a technique, so others can either agree or disagree with you. Fierce means intensity. Don’t be boring. Don’t talk me to sleep. Have some energy in your show. Don’t scream at me but keep my attention. Podcasting almost has no rules. The main one is be trustworthy. If I take the time to listen to you, don’t make me sorry I did.
Now that you have my attention. Now that I like you. I am going to fit you in to my schedule. The successful podcasters don’t quit after seven shows. They know who they are talking to, even though they don’t see them. They are talking to friends. They are talking to people from their gym. People just like them all over the world. If you say you are going to be somewhere every week on Thursday, be there. Consistency is a good thing. They can listen to your show anytime they want but it should come out and be available the same day of the week. I know it’s tough. It’s a commitment. Podcasting is dope but it ain’t easy.
You got the floor
On a stage (your podcast) you can act like someone you are not. We have all done it. One of the problems is that you can’t sustain it. You also will become a people pleaser and eventually will not like who you have become. Being yourself is important because you will not be happy otherwise.
The good news is someone is looking for you. They are looking for a tribe to belong to where the people are like you. They are most likely not next door. You may have to search to find them but they exist. They are looking for the real you.
Be fierce!
14
Dec
Dec
President Donald Trump is different. The one thing the current POTUS does better than anyone is break the rules. Podcasting is like that too. Podcasts are not radio broadcasts. There are unwritten rules in podcasting but rules are open to interpretation.
Your podcast doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s template. Just like President Trump is not following any of the templates before him. It is obvious that President Trump is used to doing whatever he wants. He says whatever he wants. While as a public figure it is entertaining, as a leader, he has made it hard to follow him.
You on the other hand want people to follow you.
Entertainment works in the short term unless you stay in that lane and everyone knows it, i.e. comedy show. Unfortunately, people will queue up for a train wreck, a street brawl and a cat video. They won’t stay long for either of those. You are looking for long term relationships to be successful. You do so by breaking the rules in marketing and doing the opposite of what POTUS is doing with social capital.
Social Capital is “those tangible assets [that] count for most in the daily lives of people: namely goodwill, fellowship, sympathy, and social intercourse among the individuals and families who make up a social unit”. Lyda Hanifan
Real estate mogul and former reality TV star Donald John Trump was born in 1946, in Queens, New York. In 1971, he became involved in large, profitable building projects in Manhattan. In 1980, he opened the Grand Hyatt, which made him the city’s best-known developer. In 2004, Trump began starring in the hit NBC reality series The Apprentice, which also spawned the offshoot The Celebrity Apprentice.
A lifetime Democrat and supporter, Trump turned his attention to politics, and in 2015 he announced his candidacy for president of the United States on the Republican ticket. After winning a majority of the primaries and caucuses, Trump became the official Republican candidate for president on July 19, 2016. That November, Trump was elected the 45th President of the United States, after defeating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
To obey a rule is a choice.
To disobey a rule is to choose to deal with the consequences of doing so.
Authors note: Our President has said things that are flat out disrespectful for a person in the Highest Office of the Land IMHO. As an entertainer, that works (what the POTUS is doing) As a leader of the United States of America, history will tell.
“If Hilary Clinton can’t satisfy her husband, what makes her think she can satisfy America?” (deleted Twitter post, 2015.)
“We won with poorly educated. I love the poorly educated.”
–Donald Trump on his performance with poorly educated voters who helped him win the Nevada Caucus, Feb. 23, 2016
As a podcast you can say whatever you want too. Your choices has consequences. There are at least 13 countries that won’t let your show in, if you are not family friendly (blue).
But that is not all. You can choose the length of your show, the frequency of it, the tone, and color of it.
If you are not monetizing your show to the general public then you really can do and say what you want. The currency is social capital.
Pod- people get paid indirectly today for their work. My wife asks me after every speaking invitation I receive the same question. “Did you get paid for this?” When I was speaking in the gun world yes, in podcasting no. To be remunerated in benefits and social capital isn’t the same.
Maybe that is what the President is working towards, social capital with some group.
As stated before, social capital is a form of economic and cultural capital in which you are paid by gaining trust, cooperation, and services and sometimes products for volunteering for the common good. The big plus of social capital is reciprocity, which encourages bargaining. Podcasting is a long game. People will do business with you after they trust you. It’s not like politics where people that don’t like you will still stand next to you.
Although I have missed the mark on this post with the “craziness;” here’s the purpose of what I was really trying to share:
- It’s more important to understand the purpose of a rule than it is to follow it.
- A very famous man has gotten very far not obeying the rules. You can too.
- Podcasting can be amazing for you if you are true to yourself, and your audience.
- Gain social capital before you look for riches.
Money is made in podcasting through affiliates, training, speaking, and selling to people that have an affinity with you. It’s more than “likes.” You can’t buy a sandwich with a Facebook “like.” The President is teaching you what not to do for long term success in podcasting.
Be unique but don’t be an ass.
“It’s freezing and snowing in New York – we need global warming!” – Donald Trump