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I’ve been doing a lot of reading on the back deck this summer during some beautiful weather here in Canada, and one of the books I went back to is Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port. There’s a chapter in there, just the first one, maybe 10 pages out of over 300, that I’ve had bookmarked for years and gone back to more times than I can count!Â
It’s called the “Red Velvet Rope Policy”, and re-reading it this summer got me thinking about how it applies not just to business, but to podcasting too. That’s what this episode is all about.
What Is the Red Velvet Rope Policy?
Michael Port asks you to think about your business like an exclusive establishment, a nightclub or restaurant with a red velvet rope out front and a bouncer deciding who gets in. His point is simple: stop saying yes to every available lead or opportunity and instead be intentional about who you let in.
He puts it this way: the people you spend time with will make a significant impact on your state of mind and how you feel about yourself. Choose your clients as carefully as you choose your friends.
I’ve followed this in business since 2015. Early on, we’d work with just about anyone who had a podcast and a pulse, if I’m being honest! That’s nothing against those past clients; I appreciate their trust in us and the opportunity we were given, but It didn’t take long to realize that an approach like that is not sustainable. That’s not how I operate anymore, and applying this policy is a big reason why, but “tightening” our red velvet rope is a constant work in progress.
As I sat with it on the deck this summer, I kept thinking this really applies to podcasters too. Here are three specific areas where I think the red velvet rope policy can protect your show and your sanity.
1. Guest Selection (Including the Hard Part)
There’s a tendency I see in newer podcasters to feel like they have to say yes to every guest who asks to come on their show. I’ve experienced this myself in the 7 or so months I’ve been podcasting myself. People I know through different circles have asked to come on, and I’ve had to keep this policy in mind. It’s nothing personal;Â they’re experts and would be great guests on so many shows. But my podcast is very specific, and they just weren’t quite the right fit so I had to be upfront and decline.Â
You don’t have to say yes to every guest. Protect your show, your message, and your mission, and professionals who guest on podcasts frequently should understand this.
Then there’s the harder part. Sometimes you bring someone on thinking they’ll be a great fit, and the interview just doesn’t go the way you hoped. I’ve seen this happen over the years. The temptation is to sit on the episode, drag your heels, and hope the person forgets about it.
If you’re really applying the red velvet rope policy, I think you owe it to yourself, your listeners, and that guest to be upfront. Tactfully let them know you’re not going to air it. It’s an awkward conversation, but it’s the right one.
2. Sponsors and Collaborators
Last episode I talked about sponsorships and what I’d do if I was looking for one. The red velvet rope applies here too.
Yes, it can be hard to turn down money. But if someone approaches you about sponsoring your show and it’s not a good fit, or it could actually be detrimental to your listeners, that’s completely your right to say no.
And this extends beyond just sponsors. Be equally selective about collaborators, recurring guests, and co-hosts. Letting someone into your show on a regular basis is a much bigger commitment than a one-off episode. The rope applies there too.
3. Who Gets to Influence Your Content
This one is close to my heart because I’ve seen it go wrong.
In the past we worked with a few clients who were approached by podcast consultants making big promises and wanting to make drastic changes to their show. In those couple of cases, it just didn’t work out. In one situation I’m thinking of, I’d say the consultant actually did considerable damage to the podcast without getting into specifics.
I’m not saying all consultants are bad, not one bit! I know some terrific ones who specialize in offering high-level strategy and marketing services for podcasters. Please know that’s not what I’m saying. But be very careful about who gets a voice in your show’s direction. Stay true to your why. I did a whole episode on that and I’ll link it below.
It’s your show. You get to decide who gets past the rope.
Your Permission Slip
I’ll let Michael Port close this one out, because he says it better than I can!
“Just make sure you know what is ideal and what isn’t ideal about the people you’re letting into your VIP room.”
Think of your podcast like a VIP room. Be intentional about who you’re letting through that red velvet rope.
If you’re a current podcaster, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Do you have any non-negotiables or boundaries you’ve put in place to protect your show? I’m planning a fall mailbag episode and would love to feature your experiences. Reach out on Facebook, LinkedIn, or drop me a note at matt@podassist.com.
Remember, it’s YOUR show and there are NO RULES!
Ready to launch your podcast in as little as TWO weeks, stress-free? Or need help with your current show? Book a no-obligation call with me at https://calendly.com/mattpodassist.
LINKS:
Book Yourself Solid by Michael PortÂ
15: Listener Mailbag: Summer 2026 EditionÂ
14: The VERY First Thing I’d Do If I Wanted a Podcast Sponsor For My Show
10: Your Podcasting Anchor: The One Thing That Keeps You From Drifting