Podonomics

A few days ago, I recorded a virtual roundtable with about 8 podcasters from Europe. I wanted to get their perspective on podcasting for profit because one of the chapters in my upcoming book will present a global viewpoint on the subject.

Many on the call shared with me that the constant upselling found on websites, blogs and podcasts are actually a turn-off for many Europeans. In other words, they were not really attracted to the integrated way of making money podcasting and instead, felt very comfortable with the direct and indirect methods of podcasting for profit. (See an explanation of all 3 methods here)

This is a conundrum for me. I make it no secret that I make money podcasting. I made money early through podcasting using the integrated model - that’s where I used the upselling technique to sell thousands of CDs. On the other hand, podcasts are not an infomercial and if you use it to sell, no one will listen.

What a dilemma. Until I came across this article.

(more…)

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…

(more…)

By way of Jason Van Orden’s podcast, I was reminded about the different coloured feed buttons that are now available.

Most of us are familiar with the orange feed button as you see to the left. And some of us will tell others to look for that button if they want to subscribe to a feed.

Well, I have to burst your bubble as the feed button is now available in several select colours. I saw a blue one on this site. You can grab the entire package of lollipop colours from this site.

So, if you’re telling your client, colleague or friend to look for the orange button, you’ll have to change your tune. It can now be pink, blue or green.

Just read that Scott McNealy totally skipped over the blogging thing and launched a podcast instead.

I’m not surprised. I don’t think his strength is in writing. In the 5-years I worked at Sun Microsystems, I sent 2 emails to Scott. He always replied, usually the same day, however, I can count on my 2 hands the number of words he typed up in his email responses to me.

(more…)

I’m participating as a presenter in the 3rd (and final) ACCPOW Telesummit organized by Milana Leshinsky. It’s a fabulous event and brings together some really smart people who are coaches and consultants.

I was on a panel discussion with a few coaches and the one panelist who stood out was Ramon Williamson. Milana facilitated the discussion and when she asked Ramon what are the 3 tools he used to build traffic, he didn’t just talk about the tools, he talked about the strategy.

(more…)

Paul Colligan and his family has committed to getting their entertainment on the Internet only. He’s allowing us to follow his pursuits through his blog called Year Of Living Digitally.

I applaud their efforts. Kind of similar to what the dotcomguy did back in 1999(?) when he holed himself up in an apartment for a year and bought everything he needed from the Internet.

While both my radio and TV consumption have severely decreased every year since 1994 due in large part to the Internet, I do indulge in old media entertainment every once in a while.

(more…)

I got an iPod for Christmas and it’s a formidable portable listening device. While everyone keeps preaching that you don’t need an iPod to listen or view podcasts (and you still don’t), ever since getting one, my podcast consumption has increased 100%.

What I realized is that while I use my computer for work-related tasks, the last thing I want to do is spend my leisure time in front of said computer to listen to podcasts.

Podcasts - no matter the subject - are leisure items to me. When I want to laugh, cry or discover new trends in my industry, I tune into podcasts.

(more…)

After listening to 680News this afternoon, I discovered Career Path’s Top 10 Career Resolutions. You can read the entire list here, but I especially liked this one:

Learn more about new technology: Technology is here to stay. If you’re a novice, shame on you. Communication is essential for business success. Take stock of where you’re the weakest and change that.

I highly recommend that you learn everything you can about podcasting. At least learn the basics because you can easily hire someone out to do all the techie stuff.

There are many ways to learn about podcasting and there’s no better way then attending an event. Check out the Podcamp wiki to find out if there’s a Podcamp happening in your city.

• If there is, put your name on the registration list and attend for free.
• If there isn’t, organize one.

Tags: podcasting, podcamp

Radio celebrates its 100-year birthday today. On December 24, 1906, a Canadian by the name of Reginald Fessenden (seen on left - photo courtesy of Wikipedia) made the world’s first radio voice broadcast from Marshfield, Massachusetts. Born in the province of Quebec, Reginald was able to transmit voice signals over the Atlantic without the use of wires or morse code.

The question is - will radio stay on to see another 100-years? It will, but in a different form. Although I won’t be around that long to see what radio will become, there’s no denying that we’re at the inflection point for radio right now.

Every year, Time Magazine selects a person of the year. For 2006, Time’s person of the year is you. Yes, you. Why? Find out by reading their article.

Thank you Time Magazine.