Help small businesses sell products and services to the US military creating new revenue.
Help small businesses sell products and services to the US military creating new revenue.
"They do not have to be perfect and if you are being honest and trying to help people others will start listening!"
Today Ricky Howard, the creator of DoD Contract Academy shares his story of making the entrepreneurship podcast.
► Tell us about you and your podcast
Lt Col (Ret) Ricky Howard is a leading authority on US federal government contracts. As a former military acquisitions officer he oversaw $82B+ in DoD contracts. Ricky is the President of Richard C. Howard & Associates & Founder of DoD Contract Academy which guides, trains and mentors small business owners and sales executives through the defense sales process.
Ricky is host of the "DoD Contract Academy" podcast which helps small businesses sell products and services to the US military and other federal agencies. The government spends over $150 Billion a year on small business services and products, yet less than .5% of US businesses are selling in the public sector. This podcast is increasing the number of small businesses selling to the government and helping them navigate this complex process.
Our listeners are small business owners that want to understand the opportunity and the process for successfully winning defense & government contracts.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I love the podcast medium and I'm an avid listener of both podcasts and audio books. I believe this gives the ability to deep dive into complex subject matter while making it fun and interesting.
My initial goals with the DOD Contract Academy were to increase the number of small businesses selling to the US military and other federal agencies. As a former Defense acquisitions officer I know how important small businesses are to a strong, healthy military. Yet, despite the fact that we were mandated to put small businesses on contract, very few actually participated (or were even aware) of the defense contracting process.
I started the podcast on 3 May 2021. It did not take very long to release my first episode, however, it does take time to gain listeners. Sticking with it and being consistent has helped me to improve and gain listeners.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I typically release at least 1 episode a week. It takes about 90 - 120 minutes to record edit and post each episode. If coordinating guests that can take additional time which I now outsource.
I schedule the podcasts into the work week. As I run a training and coaching business by the same name it becomes part of the work day.
I spend about $200 a month on podcasting. That includes the podcast host (Libsyn), podcast editing applications (Alitu) and a virtual assistant that books guests and often edits and posts episodes.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
I do not allow sponsors on the DoD Contract Academy podcast. However, many listeners have become members of the DoD Contract Academy which is a revenue stream for my business.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I use Libsyn to host my show, although I may be moving to Kajabi so I have my courses, website and podcast all in one place. I record my podcasts & interviews on Zoom, import into iMovie for initial editing then send to Alitu to add music and adjust audio levels.
At this point I receive requests to be on the show but I also use a VA to arrange guest appearances.
► How do you market your show?
Most of my listeners come from a mix of organic search, appearances I've made on other podcasts like the Side Hustle Show (see link below), email list distribution and posting on Linked-in
Side Hustle Show: 536: Selling to the World’s Largest Customer: How to Win Government Contracts
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Best thing I can say is post an episode once a week for a year and don't worry about download numbers. They do not have to be perfect and if you are being honest and trying to help people others will start listening! Also, a great way to increase podcast awareness is by appearing as a guest on other peoples podcasts!
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
Website: https://www.dodcontract.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickychoward/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RichardCHoward1