Each day usually concludes with the same question. Prospects and clients often ask us "How can I grow my business and gain my fair share of the market?" Our answer is very simple "Build your own base of potential customers and then work the pipeline relentlessly and efficiently."
One tip I'm willing to share with you as you read my short synopsis todayis to learn how to become an effective PodCaster and watch your bottom line increase exponentially!

In the last decade The Internet has created many new groundbreaking marketing methods. From ezine publishing that has been successful and distribution right through to more prominent 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 online radio show, Net Talk Radio, which airs every week, Net Talk Radio has been received well by listeners as well as advertisers. I think I've known that in time, high-speed connectivity and hand-held devices will eventually allow for a more expansive target audience reach.

The day is finally here!

Though we started using our online radio format several years ago, we're now able to sweeten the pie by allowing our listeners to virtually download our program (information and entertainment) right into the iPod and iRiver gadgets. The listeners are now able to listen whenever and wherever "they" want. Additionally, as an added advantage to us and our advertisers, we are able to track every hit (listener) around the clock at the price of the cost of a cup of coffee! We achieve this by deploying one of today's best emerging audio/blogging technologies popularly known as "PodCasting".

Anyone can do this!

First, what exactly is podcasting?

Podcasting is a term that came up as a novel way to describe the technology utilized to deliver (share) audio files from websites to the consumers (clients) of that content. They typically listen to it through the iPod (hence the term "pod") as well as any .mp3 player (iRiver) at their command as well as their convenience and control.

PodCasting is somewhat similar to the idea of time-shifted video devices such as TiVo. These devices let you enjoy what you want at the time you want it, by simply recording and storing videos, except that PodCasting is primarily used for audio that is up-to-date. (Universal use of videos is most likely to be just around the corner.) As such, I'll clarify, however, that this new and easy-to-use technology can be used in order to distribute (deploy) any type of file such as images (images) as well as software updates, videos and/or text.

PodCasting utilizes an XML-based technology known as RSS (Real Simple Syndication). The content publishers (PodCasters) explain the latest content using an XML RSS file which includes dates and descriptions, titles, and links to specific .mp3 files. This "automatically" generated file is known as the RSS feed. Dave Winer is considered by many to be the inventor of RSS and a pioneer in the environment of applied XML. The main component that makes PodCasting function with RSS can be described as "enclosures" (remember that term) an element that is supported with RSS 2.0.

If you are a user or consumer the user simply runs the "aggregator" (remember this word also) application like Adam Curry's iPodder from MTV installed on your personal computer, which allows you to subscribe to RSS feeds. Programs like Adam's will either through a schedule or random design, download the RSS files, and then check to see if fresh information is in. If any new content is available then the audio files will be immediately downloaded and stored in a folder (of your choice) to your disk or directly transferred to your mp3 player.

I utilized an asterisk like mentioned above to create a very honest and often painful-to-some disclaimer. If I had said "Anyone can do this" I would more precisely say, "Anyone that properly learns (from a real professional) and then activates the personal PodCast process will benefit from the substantial harvest of larger numbers by developing the and nurturing of their own growing community. If you are a business owner online, this is HUGE and required! This marketing solution can not only help you become financially secure, it can even turn you into an "STAR"!

Fitting The PodCast Magic Into Your Arsenal

Here's a checklist of things you can do to prepare for your first PodCast presentation.

1. Research The PodCast Element

Find out the details of what PodCasting is about and how it works. I recommend visiting http://www.google.com and typing, "PodCast Radio" into the search field.

2. Physically Search Out Only The True Professionals

Make a list of the PodCasters that undeniably know exactly what they're doing. Make sure you are aligned with the best. From this list of names, call them by phone and ask them to pick their brain(s). If you are unable to locate an actual telephone point of contact, I strongly suggest you to remove off the list. It is best to work with those who believe in "touching" their market with greater intimacy and personalization and not just an email. Keep in mind that you're searching for a friend. A mentor. Not necessarily someone to steal your money and make you feel off. A solid relationship (friendship) is your goal here.

3. Find Your Passion

What is your love for sharing with other people? What true value will your viewers gain from you? What is your ideal audience? Be aware of Your "WHY"!

4. Develop Your Plan & Work Your Process


What do you have to master? What do you have to do? What time frame will you be able to meet? Who will give you the support you will need to complete your plan. What equipment is needed?

5. Start Your Podcast!

When you embark on your "new-to-you" adventure, don't expect total perfection in the beginning. Be patient with yourself and realize that you'll grow. All of us started at the beginning. You've heard my first aircheck in my debut radio gig located in Bakersfield, California. I sounded just like someone who was a bumbling knucklehead. :-) Enough practice and desire can make you nearly perfect, but do be fair with you and allow yourself the time to grow.

Connect to Pro-PodCasters. Listen to neighborhood radio stations. Read articles and books such as this one on a daily basis. (I do it all the time!)

6. Finally... No Excuses!

If you "really" desire to crank up the heat on your marketing efforts, than PodCasting gives you the significant marketing advantage.

Know this...

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

You, on the other hand, can accept any excuses you can make and begin going on your first PodCast immediately! (At the very minimum ensure that you move PodCasting to the top of "TO-DO" list!

In closing podcast bookmarking service ...

I've illustrated just some of the things is required to know before you start putting your energy into your PodCast initiative full-force. You must be aware of and try out all the angles of marketing prior to creating an ongoing income-generating PodCast production for the entire world to listen to and take notice!

Thank you for your support!