Archive for March, 2007

Wanna Be Featured on the Meshcasts?

(Here’s a hint - When you see 4 or more posts on my blog in 1 day, it means I’m trying to avoid something. Like writing. Or something administrative. Or my mother’s persistent phone calls to tell me that fresh pineapples are on sale at Food Basics for $2.99.)

Mesh, which is 2-months away, is having an informal meetup on March 28, 2007 in Toronto. If the last Mesh Meet-up is any indication, this one will be a blast. Sign up here.

Because the Meshguys promised me drinks of the non-alcoholic variety all night long (or until my bladder burst), I agreed to record some interviews. So, if you have an opinion about anything Web 2.0, you’ll want to attend the Mesh Meet-up to network with others, share your opinions and to be recorded for an upcoming Meshcast.

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My Cell Phone Provider Suffers from Too Many Digits

This has nothing to do with podcasting, but I had to share. I’m on the phone with my cell phone provider trying to figure out why I’m paying way more than I’m supposed to each month.

At the end of the call, the customer service rep says:

“My name is Suriya.”

So, I’m thinking to myself, Well that’s new. They never remind you what their names are.

While thinking, Suriya continues:

“And my employee number is 667…”

And I’m thinking, Well, that’s easy to remember. What an added customer service touch.

“…2390071.”

Great, just like a phone company to make even their own employee numbers hard to remember. Similar to the contracts they put you under.

Podcast Advertising Is So Misunderstood

As I continue to interview podcasters for my book Podcasting for Profit, I’m discovering more and more that advertising and sponsorship can work in a podcast (although some do think they’re truly awful). So, it’s not surprising that eMarketer would release a report saying that spending on podcast advertising will reach $400-million by 2011.

While I don’t doubt these numbers, what concerns me is that many companies still don’t understand that advertising in a podcast has to be treated differently from advertising in other media, specifically television and radio.

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When’s a Podcast Not a Podcast?

I’m growing concerned with how loose people are becoming in defining what a podcast is. Plain and simple:

  • If it’s audio or video slapped on a webpage and there’s no syndication feed, it’s not a podcast.
  • If it’s a live webinar or seminar held over the phone and people can ask questions and participate in the interview you’re recording, it’s not a podcast. Don’t call it an interactive podcast either.

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Corporate Podcasting Summit & My Passport

I’m flying out in a few days to speak at the Corporate Podcasting Summit in London. It’ll be my first time in London and I’m so looking forward to it. I’m also looking forward to catching up with Paul Colligan, Anna Farmery, Jason Van Orden, and Karin Hogh and to finally meet 2 of my former clients face-to-face, Barbara Bradbury and Claire Raikes.

As I’m preparing for my trip, I’m double checking that everything’s in order. Since this is a corporate conference, I have to leave the jeans at home. So, I’m drycleaning stuff, buying a few things just so I don’t look all “campy” at the conference.

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Always Have Talking Points

No matter how much you know, you can always learn something new. A client of mine taught me a valuable tip. I was listening to her podcast and she typically interviews current and past clients who have applied her strategies to their working relationships. At the end of the interview, she sums it up by offering 3 to 5 key points her guest made.

What a clever idea and one that’s so overlooked. I did that with my most recent podcast episode, calling it Talking Points. While my guest was engaging and entertaining, what can be overlooked are the lessons learned from that person’s experience.

My tip to you is to provide a summary of the points you want your audience to take away with them after the interview is complete. This single step will provide more value to your audience and keep them coming back for more.

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Looking for Podcasting for Profit Case Studies

I’m interviewing podcasters who have made money directly or indirectly from podcasting for my book called Podcasting for Profit.

The direct methods are:

  • Advertising, Sponsorship, Tip Jars, Donations, Paid Subscriptions, Licensing, Consulting, Teaching

The indirect methods are:

  • Lead generation, Selling products & services, More speaking engagements or media interviews, Getting book deals, Getting jobs, etc.

I’ve interviewed alot of podcasters over the last few days, but I need more. Of the direct and indirect methods listed above, here’s the areas that I desperately need case studies for:
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Episode 009 - How to Sell Podvertising

Get your lesson in Podonomics with your host Leesa Barnes who explores ways you can use a podcast to open doors, generate leads and make money.

In Episode 9, Leesa Barnes speaks with Andy Walker (at left), co-host and producer of Lab Rats TV, a video podcast covering tips and tricks about the technology you already own. Andy discussed ways to secure your own advertising and sponsorship for your podcast, even if you don’t belong to a podcast network.

Don’t miss the 5 talking points, plus a new feature called Podonomics Pick of the Week. This week, Leesa Barnes reviews Skypecasts.

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Episode Resources

Guest - Andy Walker

Lab Rats TV

Skypecasts

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To leave your comments or feedback about this episode, type it up in the comments area or pick up your phone and call 206-202-0256 to leave your audio feedback (no live person will answer - it’s a voicemail system).

Podcast Frequency is Craptastic

Man, I’ve been itching to use that word ever since Tara Thompson, the lead singer from Uncle Seth, used craptastic while explaining something to me as we were hanging out at Podcamp Toronto.

I’m beginning to think more and more that having a set schedule as to when you publish new podcast episodes is the very barrier that discourages people from subscribing to your podcast. Podcast frequency is craptastic.

Here’s why…

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Podcast Mastery Station Launches on Podango

Jason Van Orden, author of Promoting Your Podcast, has launched a station called Podcast Mastery over at Podango.

Not only is Jason’s own podcast called Podcasting Underground a part of this station, but so too is Paul Colligan’s Profitable Podcasting & Podcast Tools, Charles Strickland’s Podcast Planning, John C. Havens Kick My Apps, as well as yours truly (and might I add the only gal on this network). My podcast cover for the Podnomics podcast is above.

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