The coronavirus pandemic has touched the lives of entrepreneurs across the globe, and sometimes it can feel isolating to navigate this crisis as a business owner. One way to feel connected to the startup community at large is to listen to podcasts that discuss the most timely issues that businesses are facing right now. We’ve rounded up a few of the ones we’ve found most helpful during the pandemic — hopefully they provide you with some effective solutions to issues you’re facing.
1. Entrepreneurs Vs. Coronavirus
The Entrepreneurs Vs. Coronavirus podcast series from Clearbridge showcases business leaders who are innovating to overcome challenges related to coronavirus. So far, the firm has shared six podcast episodes, each of which spotlights a different entrepreneur who has found a way to keep money coming in during the COVID-19 epidemic.
One installment that was particularly inspirational profiled Jordan Kettner, founder of Kettner Creative, who lost $300,000 in contracts overnight and had to change his mindset to survive the pandemic. During the episode “Moving Your Business Forward After Losing 300K,” Kettner outlines how he shifted from focusing on live event production to a content marketing strategy using his existing content library.
2. Dear HBR: Working While Distancing
The Harvard Business Review hosts a variety of podcasts on different topics related to the business world, but Dear HBR has covered some of the most timely issues in terms of the coronavirus pandemic. In each episode, the hosts answer questions submitted by HBR readers, and the most recent installment (“Working While Distancing”) covers common questions that many of us have faced during the last month-plus of quarantine.
Topics that might pique your interest include how to be productive when working remotely, managing a remote team, and adapting to face-to-face interactions that are required for your job. You’ll also get some useful tips on how to deal with the fear and anxiety inherent to our new normal.
3. NPR’s The Indicator: The Coronavirus Pivot
NPR’s Planet Money series hosts a podcast lineup called “The Indicator,” which covers the latest from the business world. In the April 2 episode, “The Coronavirus Pivot,” the hosts discuss how some businesses have changed their operations via reconfigurations or new products. For instance, General Motors’ foray into ventilator production is featured, as is Essations, a company that typically makes hair products sold via a business-to-business model.
During the pandemic, the company’s owner, Stephanie Luster, decided to begin selling her products directly to consumers for the first time, and also launched a home hair care video series so people could figure out how to take care of their hair at home, since they can’t visit salons. She notes that online sales rose about 20 percent after the pivot took place.
Bonus Idea: Launch Your Own Podcast
Some companies are launching their own podcasts exclusively for internal staff members. These allow colleagues to make connections, answer frequently asked questions and be transparent with staff. Quartz notes that employee-only podcasts are on the rise, and can become part of an internal communications strategy for businesses that are hoping to stay in close touch with their teams.
