Learn how to podcast and blog to establish thought leadership, extend your brand and engage your target market

Today the Microsoft Zune was released. I haven’t picked one up yet and I may wait just a bit to do so. For now, here’s what you need to know about the status of the Zune when it comes to podcasting:

1. At launch, there are no podcast-specific features (i.e. directory, menu features on the device, etc.)
2. Of course, it WILL play all the standard audio/video podcast file formats (MP3, AAC, iPod video format, etc.)
3. An update with podcast functionality is rumored to be coming sometime soon after launch

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Not only is interactive/permission marketing more effective than the usual garbage we are exposed to daily, pretty soon it will be the only way to get anybody’s attention. Here are 17 reasons, in no particular order, why podcasting should be a part of your interactive marketing campaign:

1. It gives the consumer what they want: control & convenience (portable, on-demand, time-shifted, etc.)
2. It allows you to speak directly to the consumer without any filters, middlemen or other barriers
3. It creates a conversation
4. The consumer chooses to receive and listen to it (permission)
5. It gives you credibility (expert factor)
6. It starts/maintains a relationship
7. You don’t have to pitch the media…you are the media
8. You give (offer valuable content) before you get (pitch your product or service)
9. It keeps the consumer engaged on a regular ongoing basis
10. It brings your voice, your story, & your personality to the consumer
11. It is (or should be) honest and transparent
12. It’s conducive to receiving feedback (voice comments, blog comments, etc.)
13. It’s inexpensive
14. It’s new and interesting
15. Your competitor is probably not doing it….YET
16. It doesn’t just deliver a return on investment (ROI), it also gives you return on INFLUENCE
17. It’s fun

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I just read a post on the Creating Passionate Users blog that talks about creating a better beginning for a presentation or story. It can easily be applied to podcasting, too.

I found the post while reading this entry in Tim Bourquin’s Trade Show Startup blog. He applies the principles to creating passionate show attendees. I certainly learned a couple things to apply when I present as well as when I podcast.

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I’m of the opinion that any band or musician should have a podcast. They probably already have the audio production gear. To succeed as a band you absolutely have to keep in touch with your fans. Just having a web site is no longer enough. If I was still in a band, I would for sure have a podcast.

The annual CMJ conference was held recently in NYC. This is one of the many educational and showcasing conferences (similar to SXSW) held around the U.S. for bands to be heard and find out what it takes to "make it." I wasn’t able to attend because I was in Antigua (actually speaking about podcasting believe it or not).

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Adam Broitman of Morpheus Media responded to my post on Google AdSense for audio. He asks:

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I finally gave in. I created my own Second Life avatar and logged in for the first time. The buzz about the business and marketing implications just got to be too much and I had to try it out for myself. I’ve been leery to take the SL (my first bit of Second Life vernacular) plunge since I don’t even have enough time for my first life.

It was scary how easily immersed you can become "in world." I checked out Gary Leland’s (of Podcast Pickle) Podcast Island, but nobody was around.

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If you’ve been wondering how to turn your podcast into money then you need to listen to the latest episode of Profitable Podcasting from Paul Colligan. He interviews Steve Prussack of Raw Vegan Radio. Listen carefully and you’ll come away will several ideas you can take to the bank.