The Power of Interviews: Why Interviewing Authority Figures Could Be Your Secret Weapon
Welcome to The Creatorpreneur Tips Newsletter! Every week, Marc and Lisa put on their thinking caps (or so they claim) and serve up some of the best tips to help you make extra money online. These tips are ridiculously simple to follow, and if you do… well, prepare to wave goodbye to that sad little wallet of yours and say a hearty “hello” to more traffic or side hustle income. Do we use these tips too? You betcha! 🤗
What Does It Mean to Interview Authority Figures?
So, what exactly does “Interview Authority Figures” mean? No, we’re not talking about interrogating your neighborhood superhero or convincing Elon Musk to promote your YouTube channel. This is about reaching out to respected figures in your niche—business owners, thought leaders, or that cool person who consistently pops up on your LinkedIn feed—and having real conversations with them. Get their insights, showcase their expertise, and share it with your audience.
In a nutshell, interviewing authority figures is like borrowing influence with a twist—they bring their clout, their audience, and maybe even their secret productivity hacks, and you gain content gold that’s useful for everyone involved. It’s like killing two marketing birds with one stone. Wait, is that analogy humane enough?
Why Is This Strategy So Darn Effective?
Alright, sit tight for a mini-lesson in online awesomeness (don’t worry, this won’t be on the test). Collaborating with authority figures opens doors to opportunities you probably didn’t even know existed. By featuring someone else in your niche, especially someone with a bit of online pizzazz, you’re hacking your way into their network. They are probably thrilled to share the content you create with their followers, adding your shiny new blog, video, or podcast to their existing fan base.
Here’s Why it Works:
- You gain immediate credibility: By aligning yourself with industry experts, some of their authority rubs off on you (like glitter, but less messy).
Audience access: Their followers now get introduced to you. Cool, right?
- You gain immediate credibility: By aligning yourself with industry experts, some of their authority rubs off on you (like glitter, but less messy).
- Content for days: Interviews make a TON of content. Quotes, snippets, tips—you name it.
It’s the networking jackpot. Who knew picking someone’s brain could help pick up your stats?
So… How Do You Actually Start Interviewing Authority Figures?
It’s easier than you think. You don’t need a fancy podcast studio or a journalist degree. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be chatting with the bigwigs in no time (maybe while sipping coffee in your pajamas—no judgment).
Step 1: Identify Key Players in Your Industry
Look for folks with influence in your niche. Think group leaders on Facebook, administrators of LinkedIn communities, or even popular content creators in your industry. Bonus points if they love to talk (a lot of them do)
Step 2: Slide into Their Inbox (Politely, of Course)
Don’t spam their DMs; this isn’t Tinder. Send a personalized email or message explaining why you’d like to interview them. Mention their work, shower them with genuine compliments—not the cheesy kind—and let them know how the interview could also benefit them.
Step 3: Keep It Simple
Set up a clear plan for the interview. Will it be a 30-minute Zoom chat? Pre-prepped questions via email? Speak their language and let them know it won’t take up their entire week. Even busy people like convenience.
Step 4: Make Your Content Shine
Once you’ve done the interview, edit it like a boss. Grab the best soundbites, highlight the super quotable moments, and package the whole thing with a neat little bow.
Pro Tip Alert: Group Owners Love Interviews
Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income fame has one clever trick up his sleeve: targeting group owners. According to him:
“Everybody who owns a forum or group is looking for ways to grow. Most humans (yep, we’re assuming they are human) will be happy to talk about themselves. Highlighting their community while also demonstrating leadership and authority is a win-win.”
And that’s not all. Group owners often have a loyal audience and fantastic reach, and interviewing them can indirectly send some of that engagement your way. It’s like getting an invitation to the popular kids’ table—without even asking.
FAQs: Cracking the Interview Code
What if they say no?
It happens. The trick is to stay polite, thank them for their time, and ask them if there might be a better time in the future. Or, move on and contact another expert. No biggie!
How much tech do I need?
Not much! A decent microphone, access to Zoom, and a solid internet connection are good enough. Fancy effects are optional.
What type of questions should I ask?
Ask about their journey, tips they’d share with beginners, and industry trends. Trust me; people LOVE talking about themselves.
What do I do if I feel nervous?
Deep breaths! Remember, it’s just a conversation. Prepare your questions ahead of time to boost confidence. Worst-case scenario? You politely laugh and keep going.
Final Thoughts on Interviewing Authority Figures
Interviewing authority figures is one of those sneaky strategies that makes both you and the other person look good. You gain visibility, connections, and killer content, while they get more exposure and validation. Everyone wins (cue applause).
If you’re ready to uplevel your online content and add some serious firepower to your Creatorpreneur journey, go ahead and start crafting those interviews. Oh, and if you need help with graphics or other cool tools, check out Laughing Bird Software to make your content as professional as your interviews.
Now go out there and be a Creatorpreneur rockstar! Just remember to send us an invite to your first TED Talk
