So you're thinking about starting a podcast, are you? Good for you! You really won't go wrong by starting podcasting. You'll find that you'll be very happy with that decision and probably sooner that you think. But why?

What are the benefits of starting a podcast? Why should you start one?

In this article I'm going to share just four of the reasons - four of the benefits. But there are a lot more than just this.

1. You can sell your podcasts as a product. Most podcasts aren't sold. And there are a number of reasons why you might not want to. However, you can still make money from your podcasts. For example, there is no reason that they can't be combined into a set of CDs (or MP3s if you want the online equivalent) and sold as a collection of podcasts. Or even edited together into a short course on a common topic.

2. Podcasts help you to build a reputation. Because they are focused on you presenting knowledge, the content itself is an excellent way to build your recognition as an expert. But there's more than that. Podcasts are repeating media. Each week there is a new chance for you to show off your knowledge. A new chance for you to establish yourself as an expert. Because of this repeating over and over and over podcasts are an excellent tool to help you establish yourself as an expert. In fact, unless you are singularly incompetent it's almost inevitable that you'll be perceived as an expert in your field.

3. Podcasts help you to build traffic. One of the advantages of a podcast is that it is repeating. Every week people will return searching for your podcast. Why? Because they know that there is new, useful content that they want to experience. So rather than a single visit you are constantly adding new listeners to your existing listeners.

4. Podcasts take up less time and effort than other marketing tools. Videos are complex. Not only do you need to get the content and the audio correct but you also need to get the video correct. Producing a single 10 minute video can take up to two days. Writing articles is simple. But you need lots of them. In fact, you need so many of them that you really can't afford to do them yourself. But podcasts are simple. A complete month's worth of podcasts can be taken from concept to recorded podcast in less than two days of work.

Do you want to learn how to create information products (learning content)? Check out my new free eBook "7 Myths and Seven Tricks in Nine Steps": http://www.learningcreators.com/myths.htm

Do you want to read more free information like this? Go to my blog: http://www.learningcreators.com/blog/

Glen Ford is an accomplished consultant, trainer and writer. He has far too many years experience as a trainer and facilitator to willingly admit.

View the original article here

Today's Internet users are getting more and more familiar with the term "podcasting."

A podcast is an audio file that you can listen to while browsing a site. Usually, podcasts come with a subscription option, whereby you can download the latest updates to computers or MP3 players. Let us check out what exactly a podcast is and all the benefits of podcasting.

How does podcasting work?

One of the specialties of podcasts is that they allow you to listen to what you want as per your convenient time. If you are thinking that podcasts only relate to music, then you are mistaken. Podcasts cover a wide range of topics ranging from programming to health recipes. Some people might think that podcasts can only be heard through iPods. However, the truth is that you don't need iPods at all. All you need is either an MP3 player or a computer with Internet connection.

Before discussing about benefits of podcasting, let us learn about the technology behind podcasts. Podcasts are syndication of audio files using RSS feeds. Podcasts work in a similar fashion like the RSS feed reader. The difference is that the feed you are subscribing to have an audio file embedded within it.

The benefits of podcasting

From the business point of view, the benefits of podcasting can be extended to several areas. Firstly, you can reach a new section of web audience. People invite new, innovative media to reach them. Audio podcasts also allow people to surf other sites or work with other applications while they listen to it.

Podcasting is being used in the following areas:


Self-instructional walking tours offering informational content
Brand promotional clips and interviews
News coverage
How-to-operate training materials etc.
Storytelling to the visually challenged children

Building a lasting relationship with the visitors of your site is also one of the benefits of podcasting. Podcasts are your company's voice. As podcasts are optional, people who feel drawn to them must have genuine interest in your company's products and services.

By podcasting, you can beam seminars and conferences and portray your level of acceptance far and wide to your clients. You can also podcast your expertise in various fields, showcasing your depth of knowledge and a deep sense of business to your clients. The benefits of podcasting might also extend to bring you greater advertising revenues. If your podcasts become popular, advertisers might queue up before you to buy advertising slots. Podcasting also allow you to respond to customers' feedback and concerns promptly. This prevents depletion of your customer base in the long run.

How to run a successful podcasting program

So these were the benefits of podcasting; but before going for it, you need to do an assessment of your expectations and circumstances. First, determine your target audience. Will podcasting reach the right customer segment that you are eyeing at? Research shows that males between 34 and 54 constitute about half of the podcasting audience. While going for podcasting, give stress on what you are about to broadcast.

If the content is of some value (say, informational or an insight into your product's underlying technology or a product demo) to viewers, then only it is likely to be accepted. Lastly, you need to update your podcast periodically. If you want your subscribers to be happy, you need to update that on a regular basis with fresh, insightful content.

Tania is an experienced business mentor. If you are just starting out with your online business, a seasoned IM Pro, have an MLM or network marketing business, then Tania can show you how to have Success using The Six Figure Mentors as your building blocks platform and together with her personal mentoring and coaching, would make all the difference.

To find out more about Tania & The Six Figure Mentors Click Here.

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Podcastingis a novel and potentially powerful mode of advertisement. It is basically an audio broadcast that subscribers can download from websites and listen to at their convenience through desktops, laptops, iPods, and MP3 players. It provides information on products and services, presenting content on a regular basis to help keep customers abreast of the latest in the market. The length of a podcast could range from a few minutes to an hour.

Benefits Of Podcasting

Creates a Positive Recall Value:

The quality of the speaker in the podcast can influence the listener significantly. Staying alive in the customer's mind is a very challenging task. A podcast has the advantages of audio effects and manages to hold customers' attention more effectively than the published text. The spoken word appeals to the subscriber's senses in a way the written word may fail to do.

Podcasts act as important sources through which subscribers gain information on new products, technologies and services. The manner in which information is presented can also influence the customer positively enough to drive sales. Additionally, registering in a podcast directory will help customers find you when required.

Direct Access to the Customer's Mind:

There are many people who dislike reading texts and messages. A podcast can successfully sidestep this issue by reading the information out loud to the subscriber, keeping them informed and interested.

With a very low initial investment (it could be as low as a few hundred dollars to own a podcast), you can reach a wide market base. Once you have garnered a sizeable subscriber base, you may even consider selling advertising space for revenue. So, it also presents another avenue to earn revenues.

Advertising Supplementary Products:

Regularly updating your podcasts keeps customers interested in all that you have to offer. This will ensure that the subscribers regularly tune in to your site and give you an opportunity to introduce a new line or add to your existing line.

Increases Traffic to Your Site Through Networking Sites:

A high-quality podcast is bound to be forwarded, especially with the abundance of social networking sites; the speed with which information can be spread is remarkable. This will generate interest in the company's products and services, increase subscriptions, and in time, sales as well.

One of the best features of a podcast is that it can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Customers have access through their computers and laptops as well as through iPods and cell phones. So, while traveling on the train to work or jogging in the park, subscribers can listen to the podcasts and gain information on your services.

How To Run A Successful Podcast

Ensure that you keep the podcasts free for subscribers to download, especially at the beginning. Over time, if you manage to attract a regular audience and prove the usefulness of your content, then you may start charging a fee. But, till you make a name for yourself, it would be wise to keep it free.

In today's electronic world, podcasting is a very essential marketing strategy that will help you enter new markets. New technologies always fascinate customers. Businesses in all fields, from music to manufacturing industries, would do well to exploit this means of reaching out to the public.

View the original article here

Podcasting is a powerful way of giving your network a more personal connection. Why should you be using podcasts in your business? Well there are a number of reasons; I'm going to give you six.

1. Relationship marketing

The most important reason for doing podcasting is because it's about relationship marketing. Business is still about creating strong, long-term relationships with your prospects, your customers and your clients. And podcasting is a very effective way of doing that.

Like an e-mail newsletter, because you're publishing it regularly, it's a great way to keep in touch while delivering value to the people in your network, the people who are important to you. You deliver value and you get to promote yourself as well. My rule is always 80/20: That is, at least 80% value in every message that you send out and at most 20% self promotion.

2. Prospecting

That leads to the second point, which is about prospecting.

If somebody visits your Web site and they are not in a position to buy yet, you would like to stay in relationship with them. You can do that with an e-mail newsletter, and you can also do that with a podcast. Invite them to subscribe to your podcast and then you get to stay in touch with them. You keep delivering value to them so that when they're ready to buy, yours is the first name that come to mind.

3. Personal connection

The third reason is that it is audio rather than text, which creates a more personal connection. Your listeners hear your voice - your real voice, not the imaginary voice they hear when they read what you've written. Some writers are good at projecting their voice in their writing, but many aren't. A podcast solves that problem, because people really do hear you.

The personal connection really does make a difference. You engage more with your audience and with your subscribers. Don't under-estimate its power.

4. Leading edge technology

The fourth reason for publishing a podcast is because it is (relatively) new technology.

If you're seen as an expert, it's important to be using the latest technology. So if you're a speaker, a trainer, a consultant, a coach, or an author, this is another way of delivering your message. And because it is leading edge, it helps position you in the marketplace as well.

5. Portable devices

The next reason is the iPod - and, more recently, iPhones and other smart phones.

You don't require an iPod to be able to do podcasting, and your listeners don't need an iPod to be able to listen to podcasts. However, the people who do have iPods are able to take their material that they download off their computer and listen to it elsewhere. Podcasting allows you to deliver your message to people not just in their normal work environment, but at the gym, when they're driving, when they're riding a bike, and in other non-work environments.

6. An uncluttered space

The final benefit of podcasting is that although it's very popular, it's still relatively new. So there's an uncluttered space.

In the early days of the Web, there were very few e-mail newsletters. You could go to any Web site that asked for any e-mail address and anybody would give their e-mail address to that Web site. Now, of course, it's the other way around. You have to really work hard to get subscribers to your e-mail newsletter because there is so much spam.

But podcasting is at the stage that e-mail newsletters were a decade ago. You could go to Web sites with podcasts and people will subscribe to podcasts. There are thousands of podcasts on the Internet, so there are certainly far more then any one person would ever subscribe to. However, it's nowhere near as competitive as other things are like e-mail newsletters. So it's still a fairly uncluttered space. You can get a clear competitive advantage by being in that space because you'll still be one of the few.

Gihan Perera is an Internet coach for speakers, trainers, consultants and other experts. He's the author of "Get Active: Web Sites for Speakers, Trainers, Coaches and Consultants" and "Fast, Flat and Free: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead in a Connected World". Visit http://gihanperera.com/ and get your complimentary copies now.

View the original article here

Are you trying to find ways to reach a bigger audience with your podcast? Maybe you've already got a great listening audience and you're looking for ways to repurpose your podcast into other forms of content? Podcast transcripts are the easy solution and a logical next step.

There are so many benefits to having your podcast transcribed after the episode has aired. These are just a few of the ways transcripts will help you....

Search engine optimization love - You can take your transcript and add it to your website or blog, feeding the search engines loads of good content to crawl and bring new traffic, new readers, and new listeners to your site.

Free stuff to give away - Offer your podcast transcripts to your newsletter subscribers as an extra bonus for subscribing.

Easily create new products to offer for sale (or give away for free) - If you've done a series of podcasts on a particular topic you can take the transcripts and with a bit of editing you'll have a brand new ebook or ecourse ready to sell in no time at all.

Reach people you might not have before - Not everyone is able to listen in, so offering transcripts of your podcast episodes allows those folks to get the information your sharing in a way that is right for them.

Instant articles and blog posts - A podcast transcript can easily be broken down into bite sized pieces and used as articles for article marketing or blog posts to schedule for your blog. Additionally, all of this content can point people to your podcast for more information, there's that search engine love again.

Make a brandable report fast - If you use a PDF brander with affiliate links your podcast transcripts can be used by your listeners and guests to make extra commissions on their favorite products.

Something extra for your guests - Speaking of podcast guests, offering them a transcript of the episode they were on is a great perk to include when asking them to join you on the air.

Make a video - Your podcast and transcript can be combined into a Power Point presentation or slide show style video quickly and easily.

Those are just a few of the things you can do to benefit from a podcast transcription. It's a great way to repurpose content you've already created and use it to reach a wider audience and even improve your search engine rankings.

Teleseminars Transcribed offers accurate and reasonably priced transcription services including podcast transcripts. We currently serve Internet marketers, work at home folks, bloggers, podcasters and others who need transcription services. Additionally we offer e-cover design services and other customized services to your transcript for a complete ready to go product package. We can create a custom package to meet your needs today.

View the original article here

So you're thinking about starting a podcast, are you? Good for you! You really won't go wrong by starting podcasting. You'll find that you'll be very happy with that decision and probably sooner that you think. But why?

What are the benefits of starting a podcast? Why should you start one?

In this article I'm going to share just four of the reasons - four of the benefits. But there are a lot more than just this.

1. You can sell your podcasts as a product. Most podcasts aren't sold. And there are a number of reasons why you might not want to. However, you can still make money from your podcasts. For example, there is no reason that they can't be combined into a set of CDs (or MP3s if you want the online equivalent) and sold as a collection of podcasts. Or even edited together into a short course on a common topic.

2. Podcasts help you to build a reputation. Because they are focused on you presenting knowledge, the content itself is an excellent way to build your recognition as an expert. But there's more than that. Podcasts are repeating media. Each week there is a new chance for you to show off your knowledge. A new chance for you to establish yourself as an expert. Because of this repeating over and over and over podcasts are an excellent tool to help you establish yourself as an expert. In fact, unless you are singularly incompetent it's almost inevitable that you'll be perceived as an expert in your field.

3. Podcasts help you to build traffic. One of the advantages of a podcast is that it is repeating. Every week people will return searching for your podcast. Why? Because they know that there is new, useful content that they want to experience. So rather than a single visit you are constantly adding new listeners to your existing listeners.

4. Podcasts take up less time and effort than other marketing tools. Videos are complex. Not only do you need to get the content and the audio correct but you also need to get the video correct. Producing a single 10 minute video can take up to two days. Writing articles is simple. But you need lots of them. In fact, you need so many of them that you really can't afford to do them yourself. But podcasts are simple. A complete month's worth of podcasts can be taken from concept to recorded podcast in less than two days of work.

View the original article here

Podcastingis a novel and potentially powerful mode of advertisement. It is basically an audio broadcast that subscribers can download from websites and listen to at their convenience through desktops, laptops, iPods, and MP3 players. It provides information on products and services, presenting content on a regular basis to help keep customers abreast of the latest in the market. The length of a podcast could range from a few minutes to an hour.

Benefits Of Podcasting

Creates a Positive Recall Value:

The quality of the speaker in the podcast can influence the listener significantly. Staying alive in the customer's mind is a very challenging task. A podcast has the advantages of audio effects and manages to hold customers' attention more effectively than the published text. The spoken word appeals to the subscriber's senses in a way the written word may fail to do.

Podcasts act as important sources through which subscribers gain information on new products, technologies and services. The manner in which information is presented can also influence the customer positively enough to drive sales. Additionally, registering in a podcast directory will help customers find you when required.

Direct Access to the Customer's Mind:

There are many people who dislike reading texts and messages. A podcast can successfully sidestep this issue by reading the information out loud to the subscriber, keeping them informed and interested.

With a very low initial investment (it could be as low as a few hundred dollars to own a podcast), you can reach a wide market base. Once you have garnered a sizeable subscriber base, you may even consider selling advertising space for revenue. So, it also presents another avenue to earn revenues.

Advertising Supplementary Products:

Regularly updating your podcasts keeps customers interested in all that you have to offer. This will ensure that the subscribers regularly tune in to your site and give you an opportunity to introduce a new line or add to your existing line.

Increases Traffic to Your Site Through Networking Sites:

A high-quality podcast is bound to be forwarded, especially with the abundance of social networking sites; the speed with which information can be spread is remarkable. This will generate interest in the company's products and services, increase subscriptions, and in time, sales as well.

One of the best features of a podcast is that it can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Customers have access through their computers and laptops as well as through iPods and cell phones. So, while traveling on the train to work or jogging in the park, subscribers can listen to the podcasts and gain information on your services.

How To Run A Successful Podcast

Ensure that you keep the podcasts free for subscribers to download, especially at the beginning. Over time, if you manage to attract a regular audience and prove the usefulness of your content, then you may start charging a fee. But, till you make a name for yourself, it would be wise to keep it free.

In today's electronic world, podcasting is a very essential marketing strategy that will help you enter new markets. New technologies always fascinate customers. Businesses in all fields, from music to manufacturing industries, would do well to exploit this means of reaching out to the public.

View the original article here

Podcasting is a powerful way of giving your network a more personal connection. Why should you be using podcasts in your business? Well there are a number of reasons; I'm going to give you six.

1. Relationship marketing

The most important reason for doing podcasting is because it's about relationship marketing. Business is still about creating strong, long-term relationships with your prospects, your customers and your clients. And podcasting is a very effective way of doing that.

Like an e-mail newsletter, because you're publishing it regularly, it's a great way to keep in touch while delivering value to the people in your network, the people who are important to you. You deliver value and you get to promote yourself as well. My rule is always 80/20: That is, at least 80% value in every message that you send out and at most 20% self promotion.

2. Prospecting

That leads to the second point, which is about prospecting.

If somebody visits your Web site and they are not in a position to buy yet, you would like to stay in relationship with them. You can do that with an e-mail newsletter, and you can also do that with a podcast. Invite them to subscribe to your podcast and then you get to stay in touch with them. You keep delivering value to them so that when they're ready to buy, yours is the first name that come to mind.

3. Personal connection

The third reason is that it is audio rather than text, which creates a more personal connection. Your listeners hear your voice - your real voice, not the imaginary voice they hear when they read what you've written. Some writers are good at projecting their voice in their writing, but many aren't. A podcast solves that problem, because people really do hear you.

The personal connection really does make a difference. You engage more with your audience and with your subscribers. Don't under-estimate its power.

4. Leading edge technology

The fourth reason for publishing a podcast is because it is (relatively) new technology.

If you're seen as an expert, it's important to be using the latest technology. So if you're a speaker, a trainer, a consultant, a coach, or an author, this is another way of delivering your message. And because it is leading edge, it helps position you in the marketplace as well.

5. Portable devices

The next reason is the iPod - and, more recently, iPhones and other smart phones.

You don't require an iPod to be able to do podcasting, and your listeners don't need an iPod to be able to listen to podcasts. However, the people who do have iPods are able to take their material that they download off their computer and listen to it elsewhere. Podcasting allows you to deliver your message to people not just in their normal work environment, but at the gym, when they're driving, when they're riding a bike, and in other non-work environments.

6. An uncluttered space

The final benefit of podcasting is that although it's very popular, it's still relatively new. So there's an uncluttered space.

In the early days of the Web, there were very few e-mail newsletters. You could go to any Web site that asked for any e-mail address and anybody would give their e-mail address to that Web site. Now, of course, it's the other way around. You have to really work hard to get subscribers to your e-mail newsletter because there is so much spam.

But podcasting is at the stage that e-mail newsletters were a decade ago. You could go to Web sites with podcasts and people will subscribe to podcasts. There are thousands of podcasts on the Internet, so there are certainly far more then any one person would ever subscribe to. However, it's nowhere near as competitive as other things are like e-mail newsletters. So it's still a fairly uncluttered space. You can get a clear competitive advantage by being in that space because you'll still be one of the few.

Gihan Perera is an Internet coach for speakers, trainers, consultants and other experts. He's the author of "Get Active: Web Sites for Speakers, Trainers, Coaches and Consultants" and "Fast, Flat and Free: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead in a Connected World". Visit http://gihanperera.com/ and get your complimentary copies now.

View the original article here

Are you trying to find ways to reach a bigger audience with your podcast? Maybe you've already got a great listening audience and you're looking for ways to repurpose your podcast into other forms of content? Podcast transcripts are the easy solution and a logical next step.

There are so many benefits to having your podcast transcribed after the episode has aired. These are just a few of the ways transcripts will help you....

Search engine optimization love - You can take your transcript and add it to your website or blog, feeding the search engines loads of good content to crawl and bring new traffic, new readers, and new listeners to your site.

Free stuff to give away - Offer your podcast transcripts to your newsletter subscribers as an extra bonus for subscribing.

Easily create new products to offer for sale (or give away for free) - If you've done a series of podcasts on a particular topic you can take the transcripts and with a bit of editing you'll have a brand new ebook or ecourse ready to sell in no time at all.

Reach people you might not have before - Not everyone is able to listen in, so offering transcripts of your podcast episodes allows those folks to get the information your sharing in a way that is right for them.

Instant articles and blog posts - A podcast transcript can easily be broken down into bite sized pieces and used as articles for article marketing or blog posts to schedule for your blog. Additionally, all of this content can point people to your podcast for more information, there's that search engine love again.

Make a brandable report fast - If you use a PDF brander with affiliate links your podcast transcripts can be used by your listeners and guests to make extra commissions on their favorite products.

Something extra for your guests - Speaking of podcast guests, offering them a transcript of the episode they were on is a great perk to include when asking them to join you on the air.

Make a video - Your podcast and transcript can be combined into a Power Point presentation or slide show style video quickly and easily.

Those are just a few of the things you can do to benefit from a podcast transcription. It's a great way to repurpose content you've already created and use it to reach a wider audience and even improve your search engine rankings.

Teleseminars Transcribed offers accurate and reasonably priced transcription services including podcast transcripts. We currently serve Internet marketers, work at home folks, bloggers, podcasters and others who need transcription services. Additionally we offer e-cover design services and other customized services to your transcript for a complete ready to go product package. We can create a custom package to meet your needs today.

View the original article here