Meet Travis Chappell, Founder of Guestio

Travis Chappell is the host of the Build Your Network podcast and founder of Guestio, a platform that connects creators with guests to feature on their podcasts, Youtube channels, and more. In addition to running a Top 25 Business podcast, Travis also offers podcast coaching and consulting services to help others make the most of the platform.

What does your company do?

I’m launching a software called Guestio. For the past few years, my company has done podcast production for entrepreneurs. We noticed that getting high-caliber guests was one of the toughest parts, so we’ve built a marketplace to connect creators with guests. If you’re a podcaster, YouTuber, summit host, event organizer, blogger, author, or other creator and you want to get high-level interviews or high-level guests, you can connect with them on our platform. We even take it one step further by offering a free suite of tools to make the interview booking process easier on both sides through in-app scheduling, messaging, and easily downloadable press kits that include headshots, media bios, press links, and other relevant information. That way, even if you never use the marketplace, you can still use Guestio for free to replace your interview booking workflow whether you are a frequent guest on shows or you run your own platform.

Do you have a motto that you live by?

The one I always refer back to is from Steve Martin: “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” Everyone’s afraid of getting lost in the noise. But if you focus on being the best at what you do and you combine that with connecting with the best in your space, you’ll become the best and everyone will know you. That’s a powerful combination for success.

What was the biggest challenge in getting to where you are today?

Connecting with high-level guests was my challenge from the beginning. I knew that it would be the biggest way to move the needle for me — it might not lead to thousands of new downloads, but it would build credibility. With more credibility, I could get even better guests. And those guests would drive business to my coaching and consulting practice. But all of that was predicated on me being able to get good guests to begin with. I didn’t have any connections in the space. I was starting from scratch. That’s what led me to start Guestio.

What drives you to keep working hard each day?

My son. He’s about 17 months old now, and as he grows up I want him to know that his dad actually did what he said he would. When I tell him that he can do whatever he wants in life, I want him to see that it’s possible. We have a daughter on the way and that’s only made my conviction stronger. I want to prove to them both that you really can do whatever it is that you’re passionate about.

How do you define success?

Success is different for everyone, so I don’t think there’s a good universal definition. It comes from having the self-awareness to understand what brings you joy and how to pursue it. It also means challenging yourself to be a little better than you think you can be. As long as you’re challenging yourself, creating happiness in your life and the lives of those around you, and not settling for mediocrity, I think that’s success.

If you could start over again, what would you do differently?

Start sooner. Every year you wait, the market gets more saturated. I started my show in 2017. If I’d started in 2012, my show might be 10x the size because there were only a few thousand podcasts back then, not 450,000 like there were when I started or a million like there are now. If you want to get in on any industry, you can’t sit around and wait. It only gets more challenging the longer you do. 

What exciting projects are on the horizon? 

Launching Guestio! We’ve got some incredible guests already lined up who have agreed to be on the platform, including Manny Pacquiao, Jordan Harbinger, Lori Harder, and Sean Cannell. When the platform goes live, people will be able to book them and dozens (soon thousands) of others. I’m excited to finally share Guestio with the world!

Be sure to follow Travis on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.