Each day starts and usually is ended with the exact same question. Our clients and potential clients are constantly asking us "How do I increase the size of my business while capturing my fair market share?" Our answer is straightforward "Build your base of potential customers and then work the pipeline constantly and efficiently."
One tip I can offer you as go through my brief synopsis today, is to discover how you can become a successful PodCaster and watch your bottom-line rise to the sky!

Over the last decade in the last decade, the Internet has provided a number of groundbreaking marketing methods. From successful ezine publishing and distribution straight through 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 online radio show, Net Talk Radio, which airs every week, Net Talk Radio has been received well by listeners and advertisers alike. I guess I always knew that over time, faster connections speeds and portable handheld devices would ultimately allow for an expanded target audience reach.

The day has finally come!

Even though we started using our online radio format some time ago, we're now able to sweeten the pie by allowing our listeners quickly download our show (information or entertainment) right into the iPod and IRiver devices. Our audience is now able to listen where ever and whenever "they" want to. Additionally, as an added advantage to us and our valued advertisers, we're able to monitor every hit (listener) all day long at the price of a cup of coffee! We accomplish this with the help of one of today's most advanced audio/blogging technology, commonly called "PodCasting".

PodCast Marketing: *Anyone Can Do This!

First, what is podcasting?

Podcasting is a term that emerged as a brand new term to define the technology that is employed to transfer (share) audio files from websites to the users (clients) of that content, who generally listen to it through the iPod (hence the word "pod") or some other type of .mp3 player (iRiver) at their discretion, convenience and control.

PodCasting is in a way similar to the concept of time-shifted videos devices such as TiVo, which allow you to enjoy what you want when you want it by simply recording and storing video, however, PodCasting is primarily used for audio up to date. (Universal video deployment is most likely just around the corner.) With that stated I should clarify, however, that this new and easy-to-use technology is able to transfer (deploy) any type of file like photos (images), videos, software updates and/or text.

PodCasting utilizes an XML-based technology known as RSS (Real Simple Syndication). Publishers of content (PodCasters) provide new content in the form of an XML RSS file which includes dates as well as descriptions, titles and specifics links to the .mp3 files. This "automatically" generated file is known as RSS feed. RSS feed. Dave Winer is considered by many to be the creator of RSS and an innovator in the realm of applying XML. The main component that makes PodCasting work with RSS is "enclosures" (remember that phrase) An element that is that is supported by RSS 2.0.

As a consumer or end-user it is easy to run an "aggregator" (remember the term as well) application like Adam Curry's iPodder program from MTV on your computer which allows you to subscribe to RSS feeds. Programs like Adam's will either according to a set schedule or random design download the RSS files, and then check to see if new media is currently available. If there is new content then the audio files will be automatically downloaded and placed in a folder (of your choice) on your hard drive or directly routed to your mp3 player.

I added an asterisk previously mentioned to provide a extremely honest and often painful disclaimer. If I had said "Anyone can do this" it is better to accurately state, "Anyone that properly learns (from a real professional) and activates their own PodCast process can profit from greater numbers by establishing an and maintaining their personal growing community. As a web-based business owner, this is a huge benefit and must be done! This method of marketing can not only ensure your financial stability and profitable, but it can also make you an "STAR"!

Installing podcast bookmarking service into Your Arsenal

Here's a list of things you can do to prepare in advance for the first PodCast presentation.

1. Do some research on the PodCast component.

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

2. Physically Search Only For The Real Professionals

Create a list of those PodCasters who have proven to be experts in what they are doing. You should only be aligned with the most reliable. From this list, you can call them on the phone and get the brain(s). If you cannot locate an actual telephonic point of contact, I would strongly advise you to eliminate them from your list. You'd like to be doing business with businesses that believe in "touching" their customers with more personalization and intimacy rather than just an email. Rememberthat you are searching for a friend. A mentor. Not necessarily someone to take your money and be off. A strong partnership (friendship) is your goal here.

3. Discover Your Passion

What are your greatest passions with other people? What value can your audience glean from you? Who are your ideal customers? Know the "WHY"!

4. Develop Your Plan & Work Your Process

What are you required to know? What do you need to do? What time frame will you be ready? Who will provide you with the assistance you need to implement your plan. What equipment is required?

5. Create Your Podcast!

In the course of your "new-to-you" adventure Do not expect to be perfect on day one. Be patient with yourself and realize that you'll grow. We all started from scratch. I'm sure you've heard my first radio air check at my very first radio gig at Bakersfield, California. I sounded just like a bumbling knucklehead. :-) The right amount of effort and dedication can make you near perfect, but do be fair with you and give yourself time to improve.

Take a listen and connect with other Pro-PodCasters. Listen to favorite local stations. Read articles and books like this one on a daily basis. (I do it everyday!)


6. Finally... No Excuses!

If you "really" would like to turn up the intensity of your marketing efforts, than PodCasting can provide you with a substantial advantage in terms of marketing.

Know this...

Other people will talk about it, but will never make their decision.

You, on the other hand, should make no feeble excuses and get started on your first PodCast immediately! (At the very minimum ensure that you move PodCasting to the top of your "TO-DO" to-do" list!

To conclude today...

I've shown only some of the things you need to know prior to begin your PodCast initiative full-force. Make sure you identify and experiment with all angles of marketing prior to producing an on-going profitable PodCast production for all the world to listen to and be aware!

We wish you a Happy and a Proud PodCast!