Rachael Botfield helps women make their podcasting dreams come true. She has a fantastic podcast where she teaches the basics of starting a podcast and all the tips and tricks she’s learned along the way, and also provides a service as a Podcast Manager for busy entrepreneurs who are ready to outsource this task. I love her story, and the freedom and flexibility that she’s found as a business owner and a mum is inspiring. Check out her podcast – https://podcasting-101-rachael.captivate.fm/ and her website – http://www.rb-va.com/.
First things first – what would your walk-on-stage music be?
Escape (the Pina Colada song) Rupert Holmes
When did you start your business, and why did you create it?
I started my business in Feb 2021. I was made redundant due to the pandemic in 2020 and honestly felt a bit lost about what to do. A family friend was a VA (Virtual Assistant) and I talked to her and I felt this was something that I could do. It would also allow me to take my kids to school and generally be around a lot more than I was before. It took me a while to get started but when I did, a friend I was doing some work for had some podcast episodes to edit so I dove in! I loved doing it and pretty much got hooked on podcasts from then on! I pivoted my business to podcasting and I’m now a Podcast Manager. I love working for myself, having the ability to be there for my kids and earn money. I have the freedom to move my work around if I need to which is liberating.
Tell us about your business and what makes you unique in your field.
I help busy female entrepreneurs to add podcasting to their already awesome offering. I take all the stress of having the time to learn about podcasting – especially the tech! All they need to do is send me the audio and I’ll do the rest.
What do you feel makes your audience special?
They show up, for themselves and their clients and do their best. No one can ask for more than that.
If you could magically give all of your community members one thing in this world, what would it be, and why?
More time! Everybody could do with more time to get stuff done.
Has anything surprised you about starting a website?
How hard it is to get the layout and colour right!
Did you create your own website or hire it out? Do you use WordPress?
I use WordPress and I do it all myself.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting their own business?
To go for it! You can always go back and get a job if it doesn’t work out.
Do you have an email list? If so, did you start it when you launched?
I have a very small email list! This is something I’m working on right now.
Is this your only job? Did you launch your business while working another job?
I did have a part-time job when I started but I stopped after a few months to fully commit to my business.
How do you promote your site?
I put my links in my bio on Instagram using Linktree and on my contact info on LinkedIn.
It’s also listed on the show notes on my podcast.
Who are your favorite bloggers or podcasts right now? Or what is an influential book that you’ve read lately?
My favourite podcasters right now are Michelle DeNio and The Anti Diet Club Podcast with Tamsin Broster and Gillian McCollum.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Find your community. Put yourself out there and find the people you can connect with so you can support each other. I have found a couple of circles that are filled with amazing supportive women.
