“You don’t need more leads. You need more meaningful conversations.”

The lightbulb moment was almost visible above his head.

I was chatting with a prospect that was having a challenging time connecting with a qualified and relevant audience..

It's a problem I see all too often.

Most businesses are drowning in leads but starving for genuine connections.

I learned this lesson the hard way myself.

Three years ago, I was obsessively focused on growing my email list. More subscribers meant more success, right?

Wrong.

My breakthrough came when I stopped chasing numbers and started inviting conversations.

And my secret weapon? My podcast.

Here’s the simple 5-step process I now use (and teach my clients):

1. Make a list of 20 dream prospects or partners
2. Invite them to be a guest on your podcast
3. Make the conversation 100% about them and their expertise
4. Record an amazing episode they’ll be proud to share
5. Follow up afterward from a position of relationship, not as a stranger

This works because people say yes to conversations they’d never agree to if pitched as a sales call.

Think about it.

When was the last time you eagerly accepted a “15-minute discovery call” from someone you didn’t know?

But an invitation to share your expertise on a podcast?

That’s flattering. That’s valuable.

The magic happens after the recording.

You’ve just spent 30-60 minutes in deep conversation. You understand their challenges. You’ve built rapport.

Now you’re not a stranger “checking in” – you’re the host who gave them a platform.

The conversation continues naturally.

I’ve seen this transform pipelines in as little as 30 days.

All from conversations that started with “Would you like to be a guest on my podcast?”

Stop chasing more leads.

Start inviting more conversations.

Your pipeline (and your sanity) will thank you.

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With gratitude,

Harry ‘Conversation Starter’ Duran

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P.S. When you’re ready to transform your podcast from a content channel into a business development machine, here’s how I can help.