How to Turn Podcast Conversations into Business Connections: Insider Tips for Success with Noemi Beres

In a digital world saturated with noise, how does an entrepreneur truly stand out? The answer isn’t a louder megaphone but a more resonant voice. It lies in the power of authentic human connection, a principle that feels both ancient and revolutionary. For entrepreneurs in the African diaspora and beyond, mastering this art is the key to moving from roots to relevance. It’s about more than just marketing; it’s about building a life and legacy.

Learn How to Leverage Your Story through our Story To Asset Framework. 

Podcasting has emerged as one of the most powerful platforms for forging these connections. But the real opportunity isn’t just in hosting a show, it’s in becoming a memorable guest.

See the full episode with Noemi Beres

In a recent episode of The Obehi Podcast, host Obehi Ewanfoh sat down with Noemi Beres, co-owner of Podcast Connections, to uncover the secrets of impactful podcast guesting. Their conversation revealed a clear blueprint for transforming your personal story into your greatest business asset, a cornerstone of Obehi’s Story to Asset Framework.

Leverage Podcasting as Your Ultimate Networking Tool

Many entrepreneurs see networking as a series of cold calls and formal meetings. But what if there was a better way to build rapport? Noemi Beres argues that podcasting has become “the best way to do networking in the 21st century.” Why? Because it transforms a sales pitch into a shared conversation.

Think about it. A potential client might hesitate to accept a “discovery call,” seeing it as just another sales meeting. However, an invitation to be interviewed on a podcast is different.

As Noemi explained, people say yes to a podcast interview much more easily. “Everybody has obviously an ego and they love everybody loves to talk about themselves,” she noted. “It’s a great way to connect.”

This approach shifts the dynamic from a transaction to a relationship. It’s a modern application of the African philosophy of Ubuntu, the idea that “I am because we are.” Business growth isn’t just about individual success; it’s about the strength of the community and the collaborations you build.

A podcast interview isn’t just a 40-minute recording; it’s the beginning of a potential partnership, friendship, or client relationship.

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It allows you to build a one-on-one rapport with influential individuals in your industry, creating opportunities that a simple LinkedIn message could never achieve. By focusing on genuine connection and shared value, you build a network that is both powerful and sustainable.

Your Story is Your Signature: The Power of Vulnerability and Heritage

In a world of polished business-speak, your personal story is what makes you unforgettable. Noemi’s own journey illustrates this perfectly. Growing up in a small town in Hungary, she felt a pull to see the world.

At 16, she became an exchange student in Denmark, an experience that she says was “eye-opening” and helped her become the person she is today.

Though she has lived abroad for over 20 years, she remains deeply connected to her Hungarian roots. “Deep down in my heart and my soul I am Hungarian,” she shared. “We should never forget where we come from.”

This sentiment is the driving force behind The Obehi Podcast, which consistently empowers people of African descent to connect with their heritage and use it as a source of strength. When you own your story, you own your power.

This is the most critical lesson for any aspiring podcast guest. According to Noemi, the best guests are those who are willing to be vulnerable and share their authentic experiences. “Once you share your story… the listeners will align you so much better and so much easier than if you’re just selling your product,” she advises.

An interview filled with only business jargon and sales pitches will fall flat. But an interview where you share your challenges, your triumphs, and the lessons you’ve learned along the way creates an emotional bond with the audience.

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They begin to see you, trust you, and remember you. Your story becomes your signature, distinguishing you from everyone else in your field.

The Guest’s Blueprint: 4 Steps to Becoming an Unforgettable Guest

Being a great podcast guest doesn’t happen by accident. It requires preparation, intention, and a focus on providing value. It requires a level of self-mastery. Based on her extensive experience booking guests on thousands of shows, Noemi shared a practical blueprint for success.

1. Do Your Homework

Research is non-negotiable. Before you even think about pitching a show, listen to a few episodes. Understand the host’s style, the show’s format, and, most importantly, the audience. Who are they talking to? What are their pain points? “You need to do a lot of research,” Noemi emphasizes. “That’s why people hire us because research takes time.”

This preparation ensures your message is a perfect fit for the listeners, making your appearance valuable for everyone involved. Don’t just show up; show up informed.

2. Craft Your Narrative

Once you’ve identified the right podcasts, it’s time to shape your story. This is where Obehi’s Story to Asset Framework becomes invaluable. You must consciously craft your bio, your key talking points, and the core stories you want to share.

This isn’t about creating a rigid script but about having a clear understanding of the value you want to deliver. As Noemi says, “I always tell people not to wing it… come always prepared.” Your preparation is a sign of respect for the host and their audience.

3. Engage in a Conversation, Not a Monologue

A podcast interview is a dance, not a solo performance. The best interviews have a natural “ebb and flow.” Your goal is to be a conversational partner, not just a speaker. “Try to be engaging and try to treat a podcast interview as a friendly conversation between two people,” Noemi suggests.

This means listening actively to the host, responding thoughtfully to their questions, and speaking with genuine enthusiasm. Be present. Listeners can feel your energy, even through their headphones. If you’re bored or tired, they’ll know.

4. Give Value Generously

Finally, remember that a podcast is a platform for sharing knowledge, not just a promotional tool. While you will likely have an opportunity to mention your business, your primary goal should be to educate, inspire, or entertain the audience.

“Be respectful,” Noemi warns. “It’s not about [being] just a promotional material… it’s about sharing stories, it’s about sharing knowledge.”

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When you focus on giving value freely, the audience naturally becomes curious about who you are and what you do. The promotion becomes an organic extension of the value you’ve already provided.

Own Your Story, Build Your Legacy

Mastering the art of podcast guesting is more than a marketing tactic; it’s a strategy for building a lasting legacy. It’s about leveraging the power of conversation to create genuine human connection, establish your authority, and grow your business with integrity.

Your journey, with all its unique twists and turns, is your most compelling asset. It’s time to learn how to tell it effectively. As you prepare to share your voice with the world, remember the principles of preparation, authenticity, and generous value.

If you are ready to take the next step and master the art of storytelling for your business, you can explore Obehi Ewanfoh’s educational resources and frameworks designed to help entrepreneurs transform their narratives.

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To hear more inspiring conversations with leaders and innovators from across the African diaspora, subscribe to The Obehi Podcast, with its library of over 1,000 interviews. For further reading and insights on business, culture, and personal growth, be sure to visit AClasses Media, where over 2,000 articles await.

Your story is waiting to be told. When you own your story, you connect with your audience, you build your brand, and you create a legacy that lasts.