The Characteristics It Takes To Be A Successful Online Talk Show Host In 2012 & Beyond

The other day RISE viewer Paula sent me this question:

“David, is there a specific personality type/characteristics that works best for someone that wants to create their own online talk show interviews people like you do?”

Very good question. Because, like everything worth doing…it isn’t for everyone. That being said after 275+ episodes and 600+ interviews in all kinds of mediums, let me tell what I believe it takes to be a successful online talk show host NOW in 2012 (and beyond).

A Quick History Lesson:

Times have changed. Pre-Internet days, the way (super simplified for the sake of illustration) to become a talk show host was to work your butt off doing lower level jobs in TV production or … Read More »

Stu McLaren

In his own words:

I’m the co-founder of an online start-up called WishList Products and our best-selling membership plugin (WishList Member) is now powering over 25,000+ online communities and membership sites.

I love helping people build a thriving community around their product, passion or hobby and regularly teach people how to do it for themselves. For some examples, go check out our free Training Videos.

The rest of my time is spent with my beautiful wife (Amy) and daughter (Marla) as well as raising money for our charity World Teacher Aid.

I like running, indoor soccer, t-shirts and of course zipping around in my MINI Cooper.… Read More »

Amy Porterfield

In her own words:

I BELIEVE in:

• Hard work, but that you have to be able to throw it all away for love and family.
• No drama. Really….not even a little!
• Acceptance. No judgment lives here.
• Wearing my heart on my sleeve.
• Embracing whatever’s next.
• But most of all, I believe that Social Media should be something you actually enjoy, not dread.

My “Credentials”:

• My marketing journey started with Harley-Davidson Motorcycles where I managed events and marketing campaigns.
• Six+ years directing the content and marketing behind Peak Performance Coach and Entrepreneur Anthony Robbins.
• Two years working with the online heavy hitters Traffic Geyser. I’m pleased to say that I project managed two of their largest Internet product launches ever.
• Was

… Read More »

Thoughts on Building a Passionate Fan Base, Monetizing Your Talent, and Much More

Today on The Rise To The Top: A little change up today on the show. Entrepreneur Mark Bland, creator of The Q Show, is in the house to pick my brain on how to build his audience and monetize his brand. Hope you enjoy the insights and pick up some ideas you can use for your delicious personality-based brand.

I use RISE partner Wistia for video hosting because they rock. Check ‘em out.

Audio Only Player:

Click here to download the audio file.… Read More »

Mark Bland

Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Mark Bland has been the soul of St. Louis television and in radio for many years. Beginning as an actor in his early youth, Bland graduated high school and went on to Community College in St. Louis which ultimately led him to his afternoon gig at the schools college radio Station, 89.5 FM, on which he hosted and produced the #1 weekly afternoon talk show, “The Friday Night Drive.”

The show lead to a shot at a local public access TV show in the fall of 1997, where he began to find popularity as the host of “Video Jukebox” (1997), a music video show that featured upcoming artists and interviews with national celebrities. … Read More »

From Pilates Instructor to Pilates Celebrity, Thought Leader and Entrepreneur: An Interview with ThePilatesBiz’s Gina Axelson

Today on The Rise To The Top: The #1 Show For Mediapreneurs: An interview with rockin’ entrepreneur, Gina Axelson, who shares her story of how she went from an overworked pilates instructor to a rocking personalitypreneur with her brand, The Pilates Biz.

I use RISE partner Wistia for video hosting because they rock. Check ‘em out.

Audio Only Player:

Click here to download the audio file.… Read More »

Jonathan Mead

In his own words:

I’m Jonathan. Nice to meet you. Since a young age, I’ve had a hard time doing things that I don’t want to do.

I dropped out of high school (I went to college instead to take classes I was actually interested in). I opted out of the typical life-template. And I left the corporate world to get paid to be who I am.

I started this blog to help others on their path, because I realized what we often view as “collective wisdom” is merely a big, collective assumption. I’ve also found out that a lot of ideas I thought were crazy and counter-intuitive actually produced the best results. It’s these non-standard strategies that I … Read More »

Pat Flynn on Blogging, Podcasting and Why He Discloses to the World How Much Money He Makes Every Month

Today on The Rise To The Top: The #1 Show For Mediapreneurs: Pat Flynn from Smart Passive Income is in the house talking blogging, podcasting and his super unique site where he actually discloses his income every month. How about that for transparency?

I use RISE partner Wistia for video hosting because they rock. Check ‘em out.

Audio Only Player:

Click here to download the audio file.… Read More »

Introducing RISE Fitness

So, since I put my fitness transformation out the world I’ve been getting a LOT (huge understatement) of questions (literally getting close to a thousand) ranging from the funny “Did you photoshop the fitness photo?” to the more practical such as “What the heck did you eat?” or “Can you share some fitness/tips/insights, etc.?”\

(NOTE: Before anyone freaks out, business content isn’t going anywhere. RISE Fitness is on top of…not replacing what you are used to on the site which is interviews, tips and more designed for mediapreneurs/bloggers/Internet Marketers. Cool?)

Beyond the ego boost of so many nice comments (and thanks for all the kind words, you have me so pumped up that sometimes I just high-five random people walking … Read More »

Recommendations On Recommending Products & Services On Your Website

Say the title of this post 10 times quickly. Anyway, a couple of quick recommendations on, um, recommending things.

I have a page on TheRiseToTheTop.com called RISE Recommends. On this page is a list of cool products, services, etc. that I recommend to you.

I’m a big fan of this page (not just on my site, but other sites that do something similar) and HIGHLY recommend you set up one as well for your site.

Why?

• I enjoy recommending awesome people creating useful things.
• I enjoy sharing things YOU will find awesome and useful.
• And hey, since some are affiliates, I make an extra dollar or two (which TRUST me adds up over time).

If you share an enjoyment … Read More »