Constructing a Community: 5 Initial Steps Towards a Solid Foundation
Sarah Peck, the creator and executive director of the Startup Pregnant podcast, embarked on an inspiring journey that began during her own pregnancy. Feeling lonely and in need of advice about being a working parent and an ambitious mother, Peck found herself struggling to find honest information that wasn't black and white. This was her Aha! moment, and it sparked the idea for a podcast that would share stories of women business founders and leaders navigating their pioneering journeys through both entrepreneurship and parenting.
Initially, Peck started promoting her podcast by emailing people one by one, aiming to reach 100 people every week. She remained persistent and never lost faith, even when her Facebook Group for the Startup Pregnant community had little engagement or member activity for four months.
Peck's determination paid off when she secured sponsorship for the podcast. She announced the opportunity on her personal blog and reached out to friends in businesses related to motherhood and startups. One of her most significant guests so far has been Danielle LaPorte, who was very generous about sharing her interview on the Startup Pregnant podcast with her own network.
LaPorte's interview marked a significant milestone for the podcast, which was launched in August 2017. Peck views her project as her personal MBA, trusting that through a methodical process, there will be a powerhouse hit in the next couple of years.
Peck encourages listeners to share the podcast with friends, mothers, or anyone they think may find it helpful. She devotes a lot of time and energy to the Facebook Group for the Startup Pregnant community, recommending a three-month experimental process for ideas to gain traction or see results.
Despite not having 300,000 listeners, the podcast serves a targeted, niche audience. Peck's initial audience was a thousand pregnant entrepreneurs, but the podcast has since grown through network effects. Peck has 12 core values, a mission, and a vision for the Startup Pregnant company and brand, reflecting her unwavering commitment to supporting women in business and parenthood.
- Sarah Peck's podcast, Startup Pregnant, originally focused on providing authentic advice for working parents and ambitious mothers, delving into topics such as lifestyle, relationships, and fashion-and-beauty.
- As the podcast gained traction, Peck expanded its scope to encompass other aspects of women's lives, including food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and pets.
- Travel and cars, too, have found their place in the Startup Pregnant podcast, with Peck believing that every woman's journey, whether it's entrepreneurial, parental, or around the globe, is unique and worth sharing.
- Shopping, a popular interest for many, is also a recurring theme in the podcast, as Peck emphasizes the importance of balancing work, family, and personal growth through wise shopping choices.
