We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Misty Phillip a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Misty, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
I was entering a new season of life. After leaving my corporate job consulting at Enron, I spent the next 15 years at home, homeschooling my boys. As my boys began to graduate, I prayed about what was next for me. I prayed a very specific prayer: where does my gifting and calling line up in the next season of my life? The answer to my prayer was to start the first Christian podcast conference. I realized no one was serving Christian podcasters. I decided to bring the best of what was happening in the industry to my friends. I also noticed a significant gap in resources available, especially to help Christian women launch, grow, and monetize their podcasts.
The idea of Spark Media became a burning passion inside me. I saw a unique opportunity to create a conference and community to connect and equip podcasters. I hosted my first event on February 21-22. 2020. A few weeks before, the entire world shut down. Starting Spark Media was a journey filled with uncertainty, excitement, and determination. I knew I was entering uncharted waters, but the conviction that I offered something unique and necessary propelled me forward. The satisfaction of seeing creators connect, and the realization that we were providing a service that people loved and needed, made all the challenges worthwhile.
Spark Media represents my belief in innovation, creativity, and community. It’s a testament to what one can achieve with a clear vision and unrelenting passion. We’ve created something I’m incredibly proud of by identifying a genuine problem and providing a unique solution. The journey continues to be thrilling and inspiring, and I look forward to the future for Spark Media.
Misty, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Our attention then pivoted to tackling other challenges prevalent in the podcast industry. I fashioned resources that eased the growth and cross-promotion of shows. These endeavors lead to a magazine, a podcast network, and a radio collaboration. My commitment to crafting spaces where people can flourish, connect, and grow sets me apart from others in the field. I lead by unswervingly delivering high value, ensuring the success and satisfaction of those under my guidance.
All while creating three highly successful shows of my own. “By His Grace” is an interview podcast that ranks in the top 1.5% globally. I co-host “Spark Influence” with my husband, where we explore intentional living in various aspects of life, including marriage, family, business, and leadership, ranked top 10 percent of podcasts globally. Lastly, we launched a branded podcast live from our 2021 conference, entitled “Spark Media Conversations.”
Coaching individuals on strategies to position and expand their podcasts and influence brings me great joy. Through the Spark Media Podcast network and Spark Collective we make a global impact serving millions of people around the globe. I love fostering a sense of community and collaboration with peers within the industry.
I’m eagerly preparing to host the Spark Media Ignite Conference, our fourth annual podcast conference and awards ceremony, which celebrates excellence in Christian podcasting. Our conference will take place in Houston from September 28 to 30, 2023. We have gathered a star-studded lineup of industry authorities, such as former MTV VJ Adam Curry and over thirty-five nationally recognized speakers. We have worship with Shane & Shane & Kezia Alford. You can learn more about our event at https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/spark-ignite.
Beyond the insights and expertise that our esteemed speakers will provide, we’ve carefully planned exclusive networking opportunities that will allow attendees to connect and collaborate with like-minded professionals. We also offer hands-on workshops meticulously designed to empower podcasters to elevate their shows to unprecedented levels, and LIVE podcasting. All these elements are aligned with our mission to foster growth, innovation, and excellence within the podcasting community, and we look forward to welcoming participants to what promises to be an inspiring and transformative experience!
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
When I embarked on the journey of building my social media audience, I had a clear vision and passion for sharing my thoughts and values. My journey was not an overnight success but a process filled with determination, patience, and thoughtful strategy. I began with an understanding of my target audience, and ensured my content resonated with the people I wanted to reach. This alignment between my voice and my audience’s interests was crucial to the initial growth.
Early on, I recognized that consistency is vital to social media growth. Creating a brand people could trust and engage with by posting regularly and maintaining a unified voice. But it wasn’t just about being consistent; authenticity mattered too. I’ve shared my personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings. This authenticity helps to foster a genuine connection with my audience.
Rather than simply broadcasting my content, I took the time to engage with my followers. I responded to comments, asked questions, and participated in discussions. This active engagement helped to foster a community that felt connected to me and my mission. I didn’t work in isolation. Instead, I leveraged partnerships and collaborations. Seeking collaborations and partnerships with like-minded individuals and brands. These collaborations expanded my reach and brought new perspectives to my content.
The world of social media is ever-changing. Continuing to learn, adapt, and evolve my strategy to keep up with new trends and platforms. I’m fearless in trying new things and always look for ways to improve and grow.
Advice for Those Starting Out:
Understand Your Audience: Know who you want to reach before you start. Tailor your content to resonate with that audience.
Be Consistent but Authentic: Post regularly and maintain a consistent voice, but keep your authentic self in the process.
Engage,
Don’t Just Broadcast: Take the time to interact with your followers. Build a community, not just a following.
Collaborate and Network: Be bold and reach out to others in your field. Collaboration can be a powerful way to grow.
Learn and Adapt: Stay informed about new trends and be willing to adapt. The social media landscape constantly changes, and flexibility can keep you ahead of the curve.
Patience and Perseverance: Building a social media presence takes time and effort. Stay patient and keep working at it.
My journey to building a social media presence is a testament to the power of perseverance, authenticity, and strategic thinking.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Striving for excellence and creating quality content has helped me build an impeccable reputation in the industry. I’ve invested in good equipment, thorough research, and engaging guests to ensure each episode meets a standard of excellence. Taking time to understand my audience’s needs and interests. I’ve crafted my podcasts and other content to provide valuable insights, inspiration, and information my target listeners care about. My ability to connect authentically has likely played a significant role in my success. This alignment helped me to build a loyal fan base.
I’ve ensured my podcasts reach a broader audience by utilizing various channels to promote my podcast, including social media, collaboration with other podcasters, and attending events. My strategic partnerships and alliances with other companies and influencers have helped expand my reach and enhance my reputation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.SparkMedia.Ventures
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mistyphillip/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misty.phillip/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mistyphillip/
- Twitter: @MistyPhillip
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkmedia-mistyphillip
Image Credits
@SaraJanePhotography @4theonestudios