Founders Circle FAQ
Who is the Association Serving?
Podcast Service Professionals include but are not limited to experienced podcast producers, audio engineers, marketing specialists, and podcast managers, coaches, and consultants. Podcast Production Agencies, Hosting Platforms, Guest Booking Agencies, and other firms whose mission and values are dedicated to supporting podcast service professionals to advance their careers, expand their professional network, and stay updated with the latest industry trends
Why was I selected to join the Founders Circle?
Founders Circle members were curated based on their proven track record of success in the podcasting industry, their dedicated and passionate focus on the future success of the industry, their willingness to engage in constructive conversations, and their commitment to paying it forward so others can benefit from their expertise.
Why is this association needed in the industry?
There is no industry organization whose primary purpose is to serve Podcast Service Professionals. The PPA is committed to setting and maintaining the standard of what it means to be a successful podcast service professional who serves podcasters. The PPA believes collaboration is the key to success in the podcasting industry. We’ve collected specific feedback around the following fundamental needs for this association as a way to:
- Support qualified freelancers and independent contractors to scale and grow their businesses
- Provide a resource directory based on an established vetting hiring criteria,
- Develop future thought leadership in the industry
- Streamline industry standards
- Eliminate the feeling of working in a vacuum and be a “go-to” resource for business development tools, best hiring practices, and more
- Unite podcast service professionals for extended collaboration and connection
How is the PPA different from other organizations, like The Podcast Academy, for example?
The existing organizations focus on the Podcaster most specifically, podcast hosts and indie podcast creators. The Podcast Professionals Association is dedicated to supporting Podcast Service Professionals as a way to advance their careers, expand their professional network, and provide resources and data to stay updated with the latest industry trends.
There are also organizations that focused on serving the business of podcasting. Their partners are those who primarily work for larger companies investing in podcasting to serve their brands. While these organizations can benefit podcast service professionals, their primary focus is not designed to support their personal or business development.
The goal of the Podcast Professionals Association is to work alongside organizations such as the Podcast Academy, Sounds Profitable, and other groups such as BIPOC and She Podcasts to elevate the industry as a whole.
What’s required of Founders Circle Members?
We look at Founders Circle members as our board of advisors to help direct the organization and by extension the industry. We are committed to working within your availability. FC members can commit as much or as little as their schedules allow.
After a kick[-off virtual meeting in Q4 of 2023, we will have six FC meetings in 2024 (every other month, fully virtual), along with opportunities for FC members to lead and/or sponsor live and virtual events including social and educational programming.
Our first order of business for the Founders Circle is to finalize the qualification criteria for each category (i.e. audio engineers, producers, marketing specialists, etc.) and potentially review member applications.
Is the $500 one-time? & Is it a lifetime membership?
The $500 FC commitment is a one-time payment and offers a lifetime membership in the Founders Circle.
What issues will the PPA address:
- Support freelancers and independent contractors to scale and grow their businesses
- PPA Official Badge offers a stamp of credibility to service providers in podcasting as an at-a-glance differentiator between them and the countless people across platforms who claim to be “podcast professionals.”
- Establish an Industry standard for vetting qualified podcast service professionals
- Public directory for podcasters to find qualified podcast service professionals for hire
A portal for PPA members to access education, collaboration, and business development resources - Support in developing future thought leadership in the industry
- Streamline industry standards
- Community networking live and virtual events
