15 Podcast Ideas for Businesses that don’t know where to start

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Business Podcasts….you’ve heard about it and probably wondered if this is something you can do. But what’s stopping you? I know…you’re not sure if you have anything to podcast about.

Here are some ideas that businesses can use when trying to figure out what they can podcast about.

1. Interviewing an expert on a topic related to your business or industry.
2. Recorded panel discussions – via conference call on a specific topic.
3. Class tutorials for students to download for later reference. ( can also be adjusted for coaches and their sessions they offer )
4. Announce upcoming classes or new services.
5. Offer the ability for customers to call in testimonials and include them in your podcast. Nothing is more powerful for prospective clients than hearing someone else talk about how wonderful you are.
6. Add interactivity to your podcast – during your podcast put out a question to the masses. Offer a call-in line that sends you the calls via email as attachments. Use free converting tools to turn those wav files into mp3 files. Additional ideas: take a couple of those mp3 files, string them together to create a single mp3 file for upload to your podcast.  – Allow callers to make suggestions on upcoming episodes they would like you to talk about. What are their most pressing questions or issues.
7. Discuss focused business topics weekly/daily/monthly, whatever.
8. Discuss business or industry new weekly/daily/monthly. Set up some Google Alerts so you can get up-to-the-minute news and information based on keywords delivered immediately to your email. Great way to gather new content for your podcast.
9. Consider utilizing a podcast as a way to deliver your eNewsletter. Section it off with each episode concentrating on a single article or two.
10. Talk about how special or different your business services are from your competitors. What is it that you offer that you feel outshines the rest.
11. Discuss case studies on how your services has helped your customers. This will help your audience truly get to know what it is you can do for them. Perhaps some of your clients would like to do a recorded interview with you talking about how you helped them.
12. Talk about you and your background, business goals, what has inspired you, etc. Let the audience get to know you and the person you are. Allow them to make a connection with you.
13. Do a series on a lengthy concept that spans several episodes. Draws your audience into the upcoming episodes.
14. If applicable in your business, do reviews on 3rd party products or services that enhance what you do or offer. See if you can do a recorded interview with the creator of the 3rd party product or service.

15. “Podcasts can be tailored so that your listeners respond to a specific call to action. The call to action might be to register for a seminar, webinar, download a white paper, request more product information, order a product. call your company and speak to a sales rep, etc.“

     

“Podcasting can be one of the most effective sales lead generation and brand extension tools that your business has ever used if it is properly executed and you have the right podcast strategy in place.“ http://blog.podblaze.com/public/item/102142

• The Introduction - 3 minutes ( including intro music )
• The Meat – select 1-3 items you will cover based on the ideas given above - however don’t give away the farm and use this opportunity to get them interested in the paid services that your business offers -  8 minutes
• The Closing - direct listeners to your website for more information – ask for participation – provide a call to action - 4 minutes ( including exit music )

You might not agree with some of these ideas.  That’s OK. Use these as a starting place to generate other ways you or your clients can use podcasting in their business. And don’t forget to be energetic. Talk to your listeners as if they’re right there. I’ve listened to some podcasts that were so calming…well, I found my mind wandering to the work sitting on my desk.

Andrea Kalli

Andrea Kalli Virtual Trainer and Assistant, LLC

www.virtualassist.net

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