Over the last few years, podcasting as a media channel has been growing pretty much exponentially. Although entertainment podcasts arguable lead the charts in terms of popularity, business podcasts have also been making their presence felt.
BW TechZone caught up with Gofaone Modise, host of "Conversations with Gofaone" which is one of the most popular business podcasts in the country. Our conversation (pun absolutely intended) ranged from how she got into podcasting, what challenges she has faced and what vision she has for her platform!
In your own words, please tell us who Gofaone Modise is
Gofaone Modise is an ambitious and God-loving young digital entrepreneur. I’m the founder and director of digital marketing agency called Inbound Media and podcaster.
Your professional background is in business innovation. What inspired the pivot into podcasting?
Pivoting into a new field or industry is often driven by a desire to explore new opportunities and broaden one's horizons. While my professional background may be in business innovation, I've always been interested in exploring different ways to connect with people and share ideas.
For me, podcasting was a natural progression in my entrepreneurial journey. It allows me to reach a broader audience, share my knowledge and expertise, and build a community around my ideas and passions. Podcasting is an exciting and dynamic field that combines technology, creativity, and storytelling to create a unique and engaging experience for listeners.
In today's digital age, technology is constantly evolving, and there are endless possibilities for entrepreneurs to explore new opportunities and pivot into new fields. Whether it's podcasting, social media, or emerging technologies like blockchain and AI, the key is to stay curious, stay open to new ideas, and be willing to take risks and try new things.
Please tell us more about your podcast, Conversations with Gofaone?
Conversations with Gofaone is a podcast that contains a series of interviews with people who are considerably experts in their fields and/or industries, about the work they do and provide ways in which listeners can benefit. Targeting young professionals, entrepreneurs and individuals with a knack for knowledge and personal development - various topics are featured on this show to cater for this wide range of listeners. This includes real estate, finance, marketing, personal development and more.
What challenges have you faced in scaling the podcast?
As a podcaster in this region, scaling the podcast has been quite challenging. One of the major challenges is the limited access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet, which affects the ability to upload and download podcast episodes efficiently. This can also limit the audience reach, especially in rural areas with limited internet connectivity.
Furthermore, there's also the challenge of standing out in a crowded field of podcasters. With so many podcasts available online, it can be challenging to attract and retain listeners. As a podcaster, one needs to develop a unique brand and style, engage with the audience, and produce content that resonates with the target audience.
Lastly, finding sponsors and advertisers can be challenging in Sub-Saharan Africa, as the podcasting industry is still relatively new and hasn't yet fully matured. As a result, monetizing the podcast can be a significant challenge, which can make it difficult to invest in equipment, marketing, and other resources needed to grow the podcast.
How have you been approaching those challenges?
Regarding connectivity issues, I’ve resorted to consider using compressed audio files or publishing in lower quality formats to enable faster downloads and streaming. In terms of uniqueness and standing out, developing a unique brand and style, engage with the audience through social media, and produce content that resonates with their target audience has been my go-to solution.
What has also helped is collaborating with other podcasters, guest speakers and influencers to expand my reach and exposure. Lastly, while monetizing podcasting may be challenging - building a loyal following and creating value for listeners has been attracted sponsors and advertisers, leading to monetization opportunities.
Compared to entertainment podcasting, business podcasting is not as popular. What's your opinion on this?
Entertainment podcasts have a more universal appeal. People often listen to podcasts to unwind and be entertained, and therefore they are more likely to gravitate towards shows that offer humor, pop culture, or storytelling. On the other hand, business podcasts tend to be more specialized and appeal to a smaller audience that is specifically interested in entrepreneurship, marketing, or finance.
Moreover, entertainment podcasts tend to have a more established following and celebrity hosts, which can make them more appealing to listeners. In contrast, business podcasts may be hosted by lesser-known industry experts, which can limit their reach.
However, I believe that the popularity of business podcasting is increasing as more people become interested in entrepreneurship and finance. In Botswana, for instance, there is a growing interest in small business development and entrepreneurship, and this has led to the emergence of podcasts that cater to this niche audience.
Furthermore, as more people turn to online learning and personal development, business podcasts have become a valuable source of information and advice. Many entrepreneurs and business professionals listen to podcasts to learn about industry trends, gain insights from experts, and develop their skills.
How important do you think platforms like yours are in growing business/entrepreneurship in the country?
Because my podcast is business-based targeting young professionals and entrepreneurs, I believe it is highly valuable in growing business and entrepreneurship in Botswana. The content discussed serves as a source of inspiration, education, and guidance for individuals who are interested in starting their own businesses or advancing their careers. In Botswana, where unemployment rates are high, business-centered podcasts can be an effective way to promote entrepreneurship and provide opportunities for individuals to create their own jobs.
By sharing success stories and providing practical advice, these podcasts can inspire and empower young professionals and unemployed youth to pursue their entrepreneurial goals. Therefore, By providing education, inspiration, and practical advice, these podcasts can empower individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial goals and help to drive economic growth in the country.
What has been the proudest moment with the podcast so far?
My proudest moment is gaining recognition in countries beyond Botswana. It’s truly humbling to see the extents that which a dream can be fulfilled.
What vision do you have for it in the next 3-5 years?
To ultimately have my podcast broadcasted on a reputable television broadcasting channel and to be one of Africa’s top emerging.
What advice do you have for other people who would also like to into venture podcasting?
Starting a venture podcast in Botswana requires careful planning, quality equipment, effective promotion, and consistent engagement with your audience. By following these tips, you can create a successful podcast that appeals to your target audience and helps to promote entrepreneurship and business development in Botswana.