Every day begins and ends with the same BIG question. podcasts and prospects often ask us "How can I expand my business and capture my fair share of market share?" Our answer is straightforward "Build yourself a base of prospects and work that pipeline relentlessly and efficiently."
A huge tip I'm able to offer you is take a look at my brief synopsis of todayis to learn how to become an effective PodCaster to watch your bottom-line increase exponentially!

In the last decade The Internet has brought about a variety of breakthrough marketing mediums. From the successful ezine publishing and distribution all the way to more pronounced SEO practices for search engines.

As a television and radio broadcaster/marketing consultant, I have had the sincere pleasure of understanding just how important both the radio and television marketing methods are to businesses and individuals in getting the word out to their prospective audience.

Our weekly radio show online, Net Talk Radio has been received well by listeners as well as advertisers. I'm sure I've been aware that over time, faster connectivity speeds and portable hand-held devices would allow for a more expansive target audience reach.

The day is finally here!

Though we started using our online talk radio format several years back, we're being able to make it more enjoyable by allowing listeners to quickly download our show (information and even entertainment) right into the iPod and iRiver platforms. Now our audience can listen wherever and whenever "they" like. Additionally, as an added benefit to us and our advertisers, we are able to track each hit (listener) at all times at the expense of the cost of a cup of coffee! We make all this happen with the help of one of today's most advanced audio/blogging technology, commonly known as "PodCasting".

Anyone is able to do this!

First, what exactly is podcasting?

Podcasting is a term was invented as a new way to refer to the technology employed to transfer (share) audio files from web sites down to the consumers (clients) of the content, who typically listen to it using the iPod (hence the term "pod") and any type of .mp3 player (iRiver) with their own choice, convenience and control.

PodCasting is a bit like the idea of time-shifted video software and devices like TiVo, which let you watch what you want exactly when you want it by simply recording and storing video however, PodCasting is typically used to record audio to date. (Universal use of videos is likely coming in the near future.) With that stated I should clarify, however, that this emerging and simple technology can be used to push (deploy) any type of files, such as photographs (images), video, software updates, or text.

PodCasting makes use of an XML-based system called RSS (Real Simple Syndication). Content producers (PodCasters) provide the latest content using the form of an XML RSS file which includes dates as well as descriptions, titles and specifics links to the .mp3 files. This "automatically" created file is referred to as RSS feed. RSS feed. Dave Winer is considered by many as the founder of RSS and an innovator in the field of applied XML. The component to making PodCasting function with RSS involves "enclosures" (remember that phrase) which is a feature supported in RSS 2.0.

If you are a user or consumer one can simply run an "aggregator" (remember the word, too) program like Adam Curry's iPodder program from MTV installed on your personal computer, which allows you to sign up to RSS feeds. Programs like Adam's will either by schedule or by random design download the RSS files, and check for new information is in. If the content is updated and the audio files are instantly downloaded and saved to the appropriate folder (of your preference) on your hard disk or directly routed to your mp3 player.

I added an asterisk to the words stated above to create this an honest and sometimes painful disclaimer. When I stated that "Anyone Can Do This" I could more precisely say, "Anyone that properly learns (from an experienced professional) and then activates their own PodCast process can benefit from the substantial harvest of more people by building and nurturing their own thriving community. For a business owner who is online, this is a huge benefit and must be done! This strategy for marketing won't only ensure your financial stability, it can even make you become a "STAR"!

Integrating the PodCast Magic into Your Arsenal

Here's a checklist of what you need to do to prepare before your initial PodCast presentation.

1. Research The PodCast Element

Learn precisely the details of what PodCasting is and how it functions. I recommend visiting http://www.google.com and typing, "PodCast Radio" into the search field.


2. Physically Search Out Only The Professionals You Believe In. Professionals

Make a list of the PodCasters that undeniably know exactly what they're doing. Find the most reliable. From this list, you can call them on the phone and ask them to pick the brain(s). If you are unable to locate any actual phone number for contact, I strongly urge that you remove them off your list. You want to do business with those that believe in "touching" their clients with an intimate and personal touch instead of just sending an email. Remember, you're seeking a partner. A mentor. Not necessarily someone to take your money and be off. A solid partnership (friendship) is the aim here.

3. Discover Your Passion

What passion do you share with others? What is the real value your audience glean from you? Who is your audience? Learn Your "WHY"!

4. Develop Your Plan & Work Your Process

What are you required to be able to learn? What do you need to do? What is the date you will be readyfor? Who will provide you with the assistance you need in order to achieve your goal. What equipment is needed?

5. Start Your Podcast!

As you roll out this "new-to-you" adventure do not expect perfect perfection the first day. Be gentle with yourself and realize that you'll grow. All of us started at the beginning. You've probably heard my first aircheck during my initial radio show in Bakersfield, California. I sounded exactly like someone who was a bumbling knucklehead. :-) Enough effort and dedication can make you nearly perfect, but take your time and give yourself time to improve.

You can listen to the other pro-PodCasters. Listen to your local radio stations. Read books and articles such as this one on a daily basis. (I do this every day!)

6. Finally... No Excuses!

If you "really" need to crank up the heat on your marketing efforts, PodCasting will give you the huge advantage in the marketing.

Do you know this...

Others will talk about it, but never take their decision.

On the other hand, will except no excuses at all and start started on your first PodCast right away! (At the very minimum make sure you put PodCasting towards the top of your "TO-DO" list!

To conclude today...

I've only illustrated some of the things you must know before you begin your PodCast initiative full-force. Be sure to identify and try out all the angles of marketing when it comes to creating an ongoing revenue-generating PodCast production for the entire world to listen to and be aware!

We wish you a Happy and a Proud PodCast!