Unlocking Profit Potential: The Art of Product Creation Through Interviews

The Three Main Avenues for Conducting Interviews

Interviews can be conducted in various formats, each with its own set of advantages:

1. In-person (face-to-face interviews)
2. By telephone
3. By email

For the purpose of this guide, we will focus on telephone interviews, which offer a balance of convenience and personal connection.

Overcoming Interview Jitters

Many novices shy away from interviews due to nervousness. To gain confidence, practice interviewing with family and friends. This rehearsal can help you refine your technique before you conduct your first professional interview.

Essential Tools for a Successful Interview

Before you dive into the interview, ensure you have the following tools ready:

• A reliable recording device (such as a digital recorder or an online seminar service with recording capabilities)
• A notebook and pen for backup notes

Conducting Thorough Background Research

Pre-interview research is crucial. Utilize search engines, libraries, and professional directories to gather information about your interviewee. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also enable you to ask more insightful questions.

Crafting Your Interview

Interviews can range from a quick 10-minute chat to a series of conversations over a month. Aim for at least 30 to 45 minutes to ensure a depth of content. Encourage your interviewee to choose a comfortable setting, as this can lead to a more relaxed and open dialogue.

Preparing Questions

• Rule #1: Avoid asking irrelevant questions. Base your inquiries on your research and topics that emerge during the conversation.
• Prepare a list of questions in advance, using them as a reference rather than a strict script.
• Maintain a relaxed questioning style, listening attentively and allowing the conversation to flow naturally.
• Be adaptable, ready to explore new topics that arise during the interview.

Recording the Interview

• Test your recording equipment beforehand, checking batteries, tape, or digital storage, and sound levels.
• Always request permission to record before starting the interview.
• A recording device can facilitate a smoother conversation, as it reduces the need to take extensive notes.

Respecting the Interviewee

• If your subject provides "off-the-record" information, respect their privacy and stop the recording.
• Guide the conversation, but avoid dominating it. If the interviewee strays off-topic, gently steer them back.
• Keep the recording on file for future reference, especially if the content could be contentious.

Using Photographs

If you plan to use the interviewee's photograph, obtain a signed agreement and a model release consent form to avoid legal issues. Respect any requests not to use their image, especially online.

Asking Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions, starting with who, what, when, where, and how, elicit more detailed responses than yes/no questions. They are essential for uncovering substantial information and ensuring you have plenty of material to work with after the interview.

Post-Interview Protocol

Transcribe and process the interview content promptly while it's still fresh in your mind. As a courtesy, offer to send the interviewee a copy of the final product, whether it's an article, eBook, or recording.

Learning from the Experts

For those looking to master the art of profitable telephone interviews, consider investing in resources like "Other People's Info" (NichExplosion). Such guides can provide in-depth strategies and tips to enhance your interviewing skills and product creation process.

By following these steps, you can create valuable products through interviews, tapping into a market that appreciates expert insights and real-life experiences. With practice and the right approach, interviews can become a cornerstone of your product creation and monetization strategy.