New entrepreneurs face a unique challenge: they have an enormous amount to learn in a short amount of time. They need to determine efficient ways to take their business from level zero to newer heights. And gaining knowledge and guidance from an experienced professional can benefit.
But finding the energy to read educational resources may be challenging after a 10-hour (or maybe more) workday. So how can solopreneurs make time in their hectic schedules? The answer is listening to podcasts.
These prerecorded talk shows are easy to stream. People can listen to them while driving to a client meeting, working out, or even cooking dinner.
And if you’re an aspiring business owner, freelancer, or just a big dreamer, pop in your earbuds. It’s time to go to “class.” Here’s our list of the 10 best entrepreneur podcasts you can’t miss to educate yourself.
But first, what are entrepreneur podcasts?
There’s a podcast for virtually everything. Research estimates project there are around 5 million (at the time of writing). While some exist to entertain, others, like entrepreneur podcasts, serve to educate.
Entrepreneur podcasts contain advice on launching a start-up, fostering a business mindset, boosting sales, and improving strategies — any information that helps you run a successful company.
Often, these podcasts’ hosts and guests have vast experience building businesses and innovating. So listening to these shows is like taking a master class with the most qualified subject-matter authorities in the industry. And it doesn’t even need your focused attention. You can multitask and be a passive listener, simultaneously learning the tips and tricks to better marketing while cooking up some comfort food.
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The top 10 entrepreneur podcasts
The right podcast awaits within that vast library of millions, but how can you find it? We’ll save you the browsing time. Jump into some of the most popular and valuable casts on entrepreneurship with the following selection of the 10 best small business podcasts:
- My First Million with Shaan Puri and Sam Parr: What entrepreneur wouldn’t want to land on an idea that brings in millions? This podcast offers unique business tracks for those ready to take the plunge but unsure where to start. Plus, the show gives listeners strategies for keeping their operations afloat.
- Entrepreneurs on Fire with John Lee Dumas: This podcast gathers expert guests to cover every topic a business owner could possibly want to explore, making the show’s archive an excellent resource for entrepreneurs seeking specific help. Listen to field advice about scoring higher conversion rates or bringing in a 7-figure paycheck.
- How I Built This by NPR: This podcast by National Public Radio (NPR) explores the real-life stories of entrepreneurs who turned an excellent idea into a successful business. There’s an inspirational tale for every niche, from fashion to publishing.
- Online Business Owner: This digital entrepreneur podcast is for anyone circumventing the brick-and-mortar model for an online one. This show is a great listen for aspiring coaches, with tips on attracting new clients, future-proof your practice, and balancing wellness and work.
- The 10-minute Entrepreneur with Sean Castrina: This podcast’s 10-minute episodes are perfect for busy entrepreneurs who want a quick but comprehensive introduction to a topic. The host walks business owners through life-changing habits, growing confidence, becoming better decision-makers, and strategizing new ideas.
- EmpowerHER with Kacia Ghetmiri: This female entrepreneur podcast understands work-life balance. Part business tips, part wellness motivation, the show’s content covers everything from navigating tough decisions (such as infertility) to dealing with overwhelming situations (like relationship problems). This is an important listen for those learning the essential art of juggling self-care and running a business.
- HBR IdeaCast with Alison Beard and Curt Nickish: This podcast from the Harvard Business Review gathers leading minds and goes deep on topics such as artificial intelligence, anxiety, and accounting. All episodes are around 30 minutes — perfect for a drive or jog.
- The School of Greatness from Lewis Howes: Lifestyle entrepreneur Howes focuses his cast on becoming your best self. Expert guests instruct listeners on how to revamp eating habits, manifest wealth, and improve relationships. This is another show that understands that both an entrepreneur’s personal and professional lives must be healthy to maintain balance.
- Side Hustle School: Some people aren’t ready to quit their day job. They just want to make some extra income on the side. This business entrepreneur podcast explores how to do just that by exposing hyper-niche side hustles — from writing fish tank reviews to helping others improve their dating profiles.
- The Tim Ferriss Show: Serial entrepreneur Ferris is a best-selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek. On his podcast, he reverse-engineers successful initiatives, explaining the tools, strategies, and skills he used. He also brings in an all-star line-up of guests — from neuroscientists to investment coaches — to speak on their specialty areas.
Continue your learnings beyond the cast
Listening to podcasts is a great way to scratch the surface of entrepreneurial topics. One cast may help you dream up a unique side hustle idea, and another may give you essential tips for business planning. But when it comes time for a deep dive, turn to books and courses.
But where do you start? Many podcast hosts have authored books, so if you enjoy their content and voice, pick up one of the texts they’ve penned. As for courses, check out the following sites for affordable or free classes and training.
- Udemy: This platform hosts little-to-no cost classes on every topic. Entrepreneurs can learn public speaking skills, how to mitigate conflict, and how to tap into their creative side.
- edX: This online education portal from Harvard and MIT gives participants access to world-class content from some of the world’s most prominent institutions. Learn entrepreneurial leadership skills from Babson College or database administration from IBM — all from the comfort of your home office.
- Masterclass: This site offers brief, impactful classes on everything from cooking to acting, along with a niche for the business-minded. Check out courses on sales, leadership, and self-made entrepreneurship.
Practice: another excellent resource
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We’ve also compiled a library of educational resources to help you launch your business. On The Practice Blog, you can learn how to establish a brand voice, reach your full potential with a business coach, and find the right insurance. Try Practice today.