Writer or Talker?
Writer or Talker?
There is no question that I can be rather verbose. That I like a good conversation, and have been known to debate or a subject or two. Philosophy, religion, public policy. They are all on the table for any good discussion. Yet, I have always aspired to be a writer. Day in day out. Since childhood, I have imperfectly woven this craft. I never said I was good at it. But it is what I aspired to. Until lately. The success of the podcast has made me ask an important question. Am I a writer or a talker? Or both?
You could argue that the question is somewhat moot, but I would disagree. Do I devote more time to public speaking and podcasting? Or do I double down on blogging?
I’m not sure I want to spend equal time to both.
Writing
I have written over a thousand blog posts. Authored two books and a chapbook of poetry. I have spent countless hours and years on my writing. Although the monetary benefits have been minimal, there have been many upsides to the hobby.
I have been able to establish myself as a credible speaker about medicine and our healthcare systems. I have been invited to talk outside of the country and share my knowledge.
My writings have been published in several places both online and in print. I have been noted and quoted in several books. These are all extraordinary privileges.
Yet, I find it extremely hard to find a greater audience for one’s writing. I have never had the stamina to truly promote myself or push a book. It takes a fountain of time and energy that I have always been lacking.
I never wanted it bad enough. Writer or talker? Maybe I am barking up the wrong tree.
Talker
Our recent podcast episodes are getting more traction than my blog posts. I may receive 2-3 x the number of downloads for any given episode than I will for pageviews for a blog post. My blog traffic is only higher because of the shear number of posts.
Granted, the guest panelists are often what drives people to download an individual episode. The shows we have done about ourselves, however, have been just as popular.
Writer or talker, the plot thickens when I consider public speaking. Since working with a speaker’s bureau, my keynote speeches have been pulling in thousands of dollars for less than an hour of talking. I have at least four scheduled for this year already, and I have gotten great feedback from my past events.
Final Thoughts
Am I a writer or talker? Although the debate sounds relatively academic, it has consequences for how I spend my time. With the success of The What’s Up Next Podcast and my keynote speech side gig, I am realizing that I have more resonance when my audience hears my voice.
This doesn’t mean that my days of writing are over. I need to keep blogging to clarify my thoughts, scheme about future plans, and hold myself accountable.
I might, however, spend more energy developing my skills as a public speaker. Should I put more time and effort into the podcast? Maybe I should broaden my range a little to discover other aspects of my talent stack.
Let’s see where the road leads.
I think you do both well. If I were starting over I would spend more time on Podcasts. Blogs are still around but are becoming a bit passe. As is reading of any kind.
Podcasts can be tough to monetize but can be done if the audience is big enough. You could always put your podcast transcripts on your blog if you don’t have time to write extra stuff.
Either way, keep at it!
Thanks. It is true podcasts are newer and shinier. But then there is live video….
If you’re going to create a sustainable business you need it all, and more. The blog gives the podcast credibility, and the podcast gives you practice at developing speaking expertise. You are addressing a nitch subject with low marketability without any professional credibility except your personal narrative, so your currency IS your narrative. Most of the media financial guru’s have minimal “finance chops” in terms of academia but long years of experience honing their “rap”. You need a few “as seen on CNBC” type credentials and ALL of it is the predicate to success. It’s almost like a multi-level marketing gig. If you want to build a house of cards the first thing you need is cards. In the end it’s going to completely come down to how bad you want it. Suze O is a moron full of double talk, but she wants it. Dave Ramsey isn’t much better from a financial insight perspective but he wants it. WCI is 10% information 90% marketing. He wants it and he makes no bones about wanting it.
Dancin’ and singin’and movin’ to the groovin’
and just when it hit ya someone turned around and shouted:
Play that funky finance white boy, play that funky finance right
Play that funky finance white boy, lay down the boogie and play that funky finance till ya die.
I agree. Very insightful. I think my problem has always been, when it comes down to it, I never really wanted it that badly.
Doc G , You seem very chill and at ease with the podcasts. Also someone who can quickly think on their feet to steer the conversations , as needed. This in itself is a a strong skill.
After reading the other comments …. Don’t know if I’ll be able to get that Wild Cherry song out of my head though !
I think podcasting fits my personality. Editing also makes everything sound better!
Absolutely!