The Apple iPod, and iTunes ability to gather recordings via RSS (really simple syndication) feeds, created a whole new way to distribute music and other recorded audio. That combination for non-music audio became know as Podcasts. Now even though virtually any MP3 or computer media player supports distribution via RSS, the name has stuck.
RSS makes it possible to subscribe to a series of audio recordings, having them automatically sent to you whenever new ones are available. They usually are also on a website if you don’t want to use RSS, often with a written blog.
Creating a podcast is really as simple as plugging a $2 microphone into your computer’s sound card, firing up an audio recorder program and starting to talk. Most advice is you should probably get a better microphone, but they cost well under $100.
Why would anyone want to become a podcaster? Of course there are a lot of Larry King wanna be’s that can use podcasting to skip the radio station.
But if you are a salesperson, or company that has products, podcasts are a great way to make information available that can be listened to anywhere. A study by the Berman Institute of Selling found the average salesperson spends 17 hours a week in their car. Why not use that time for product training or other news about your company? Or create podcasts for your customers on how to use your products.
Creating podcasts is easy, and inexpensive. They are one more tool in your arsenal to differentiate yourself from the competition.
