Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Gillikin.
Jason, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always wanted to run my own business, but I wasn’t really sure what that business would be. Career happened, life happened, three kids happened… and all of a sudden I had been in the same job for 12 years and I was wondering what my professional story and legacy would be. And in 2017, I found it. I found my passion – podcasting. I love the storytelling and how podcasting can be the foundation for brand marketing strategy. My first podcast launched in 2017, then another one in 2018, and ultimately founded my new company – Earfluence, in 2019.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The initial challenge was convincing companies that they needed a podcast – when it was never a line item in their marketing budget before. Personally, the pandemic hitting when in the initial phases of getting the company moving forward – while raising three kids at home and having a partner who’s also an entrepreneur – that moment in time was a huge mental challenge.
We’ve been impressed with Earfluence, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We build brands, one conversation at a time. Specifically, we amplify our clients’ expertise through podcasts, both in building podcasts for our clients and getting them on already existing podcasts.
I’m proud that our clients are leveraging their podcasts for so many reasons – for networking and business development, for building a content engine that can be repurposed on so many platforms, for recruiting talent and simply to get reps in public speaking.
What does success mean to you?
Our mission is four parts, and if we are doing these, we are successful. 1) Tell Amazing Stories. Everyone has a story to tell, and it’s our job to put those stories together in an interesting way and get people to listen. 2) Amplify Expertise. Our clients are incredibly educated in their field – and everyone reading this is incredibly knowledgeable – and we need to showcase what they know so they can monetize their expertise.
3) Celebrate Diversity. We do this through amplifying diverse voices and making sure we produce content that moves the diversity, equity, and inclusion conversation forward so we can celebrate our differences to win both personally and professionally. 4) Dare to Fail. We want to create an environment at Earfluence where everyone is willing to take chances – in podcasts produced, in episodes, in guests, in questions to ask – and whatever happens, it’s ok to make mistakes because that’s how we grow. That culture is how the company thrives.
Contact Info:
- Email: jason@earfluence.com
- Website: https://www.earfluence.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earfluencemedia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earfluencemedia/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/earfluencemedia/
