Coach Chris’ Passion for Podcasting & Personal Branding Will Inspire You to Get in the Game too!
By Kendra Toner
Look who has stepped into our Sound Business Spotlight…
Meet Chris Hines (a.k.a Coach Chris)! He calls the PNW home, is building a name for himself as a podcaster, has published a book, and loves the freedom that being a business owner (check out his Elite Podcast Marketing Agency and Castocity) has brought to his life. From a young age, he had an entrepreneurial spirit and has a lot of great insights to share. Read on to learn more about his journey and his love for podcasting.
PSMS: Tell us a little about yourself (Where did you grow up? Where do you live now? What do you love the most about your day job? What are a few fun facts that you can share about yourself? What is your professional title?).
Chris: I grew up in Los Angeles, and now, I live in Federal Way, Washington. I love podcasting and personal branding. It’s been life changing for me! As for fun facts, I can play a few instruments. I played sports in high school, and I was in the band. The nickname “Coach Chris” was given to me years ago when I coached basketball. The name has stuck with me so it’s part of my brand now.
PSMS: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Chris: Entrepreneurship has always been within me. I used to sell candy in school. I grew up generating revenue in various ways.
PSMS: Tell us what you do professionally now and the name(s) of your business(es).
Chris: I work with podcasters. My business is my personal brand and the Elite Podcast Marketing Agency. I do lots of public speaking, and I have software tools for podcast hosts with my partner, Tony Guarnaccia, at Castocity.
PSMS: How long have you been working in this industry?
Chris: I’ve been in podcasting for at least six years. It’s been years of podcasting, producing, and managing shows.
PSMS: What inspired you to choose the career path that you are on now and start your own business?
Chris: I was invited on a live radio show to talk basketball. I hadn’t been prepared for the conversation, but no one could tell. People just loved my presence. Then, everything changed, and I was invited on more shows and people started asking if I had a show of my own. That’s when I launched my podcast and everything began.
PSMS: We’d love to hear more about your professional journey including schooling, courses, trainings, certifications, etc. that helped you get from where you began to where you are now.
Chris: I’ve taken tons of courses and watched hours of YouTube videos to learn about podcasting. I know that investing in myself was never something to debate about.
PSMS: What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Chris: I was struggling to generate revenue and earn money in my early days of podcasting. It took time for me to learn how to create great content that would earn money. In time, everything worked out because I trained like a professional podcaster.
PSMS: What advice do you wish you had been given when you were starting out in your career?
Chris: I wish I had known the importance of building an email list! Early on, I built amazing connections and community, but I didn’t build my list effectively, which slowed down my revenue generation.
PSMS: How have you had to pivot your business and your offerings in 2020-2021 given the global pandemic and subsequent changes to our day-to-day lives?
Chris: We’ve shifted to create software for podcasters to plan their shows and brand their platforms at an efficient level. Now we’re going to have the best tools at the best price for podcasters to create better content.
PSMS: What advice can you share with other business owners on how best to grow their businesses and brands in the current economy?
Chris: Go with your ideas. Whatever you get inspired to create, do it! That creative energy comes to you randomly, and then, you need to execute.
PSMS: What do you love most about being a business owner?
Chris: I love the freedom and control. It’s been fun podcasting and connecting with other CEOs around the world. I’ve had over 30 jobs, and now, I couldn’t imagine going back to being an employee.
PSMS: What are you most excited about with regard to the future of digital marketing and podcasting?
Chris: I’m excited for more companies to see the power of lead generating and branding through podcasting.
PSMS: What professional networks/groups are you a part of?
Chris: I’m currently part of a few Facebook groups, but that’s about it. I’m constantly searching for new mastermind groups to be a part of.
PSMS: What do you read and listen to in order to stay up to date and continue growing as a business owner at large and an expert in your industry?
Chris: I do this thing where I switch up my list of YouTube videos, podcasts, and books every six weeks when I want to learn something new. The process helps me evolve and learn new things with consistency.
PSMS: Do you have any parting advice or insights for current and future podcasters?
Chris: Have a goal for your show. Buying a microphone isn’t enough! Make sure you know who you’re creating content for and have a good reason as to why they’ll listen to you.
PSMS: Please provide a link to your company’s website, product offerings, etc. as well as your social channels that we can share with our readers.
Chris: I create A LOT of content. Check out my websites and social channels!
- Personal website: thecoachchris.com
- Social presence: https://www.spreaker.com/show/podcast-profit-club
PSMS: Chris, thank you for sharing part of your story with us. We are lucky to have you on our team and excited to see where your love of podcasting takes you!