We live in an exciting, information-rich time. And although there is a plethora of information to help you transform into a stronger, healthier, wealthier version of yourself, the time frame is shrinking and the urgency is rising.
To be successful in today’s ever-changing business landscape, you don’t need recycled theory—you need high-value solutions. And you need them now. And so does everyone else.
If you’re able to create a podcast around your business expertise and your customers’ most pressing needs, and serve it to them in the hour they need it most, your business will grow and multiply.
Related: 7 Tips for Starting Your Own Podcast
Although that should be reason enough, here are five other reasons you should have a podcast:
1. Accessibility
I was giving a presentation in Austin, Texas, and I asked everyone in the room to raise their hand if they had an iPhone or smartphone of any other brand. Not surprisingly, hands shot up across the room. With hands still raised and my eyes fixed on them, I asked the audience to look around and take careful note… “Why should your business have a podcast?” I asked. The reason that stares us all in the face? Accessibility.
Never before have people had such access to your recorded audio content using iTunes, Google Play, iHeartRadio, Spotify and Stitcher, to name a few. Podcasting isn’t the fringe medium it was once thought to be. It’s mainstream.
Magazines, websites and blogs feature popular podcasts. And Apple added the Podcast app as a default on the iPhone—not new news, but good news as another barrier between the listener and the producer’s content has been lifted. Because let’s say a new iPhone user is sitting on their couch, scrolling through their new tech toy, and they see that little purple icon. A whole new world becomes available to them. And if your show makes it to the top of iTunes, thousands of fingertips are that much closer to becoming your very next listeners.
According to the Infinite Dial in a report released by Triton Digital and Edison Research, 2016 projections show smartphone ownership will increase in all measured age categories. Adding in tablet usage and Bluetooth compatibility, your target market is nearly guaranteed to have access.
2. Visibility
We live in a content-rich world. Social media is filled with a never-ending stream of products and services to click on, read, buy and sell—virtual shelf space is a hot commodity. Capitalize on the billions of Facebook and Twitter users to display your podcast in the digital world.
3. Authority
People want to have access to information that puts them ahead in their industry. By making yourself an authority in your field, you’ll position yourself to be the go-to resource for people looking for that information.
One of the best ways to become the authority is to acknowledge specific and relevant questions. Think of it as an audio résumé—it’s your chance to provide service and value to common issues. For example, if you’re a divorce attorney, address the top 10 questions on how to protect your assets throughout a divorce. If you’re a personal trainer, break down the 10 most common weight loss myths.
Real questions + real people + your real-world experience = you building authority.
I don’t care if you’re an acrobat, nurse or zookeeper. You have insight, understanding and productivity hacks that other people want. Don’t assume everyone knows what you know. Start sharing your expertise.
4. Loyalty
A few weeks ago, I bumped into Dave Ramsey at a party. Whether you agree with his financial advice or not, Ramsey is a prime example of someone who has tapped into accessibility and visibility to build authority. And his followers will defend him as if he’s a blood relative. Why? Because he’s developed something most entrepreneurs dream of—loyalty.
Dave started his business on a card table in his living room. No internet, no fancy equipment and no money. It was his conviction, faith and consistency. And you can do it, too. That’s what it takes—a convicted spirit, faith in your ability and message, and consistent effort.
5. Profitability
New podcasters think the podcast is the business model, and once they turn on the microphone, the money will follow.
I’ve been in this business for a while—beginning in traditional radio in 1993—and although money has never just appeared, I’ve been able to uncover some incredible profit opportunities that couldn’t have happened without a solid show. My show isn’t my business model; it just provides the promotional power and push. It’s not the wheel; it’s the accelerator.
Regardless of the size of your customer, client or prospect list, a podcast can be the gas pedal that moves you forward quickly. Because podcast listeners aren’t scanning the dial for a time-waster; they are focused on solving personal or professional problems. We live in a time when economic possibilities for your show can be as creative as you are—individual coaching, group workshops, retreats, product sales, sponsorship or speaking opportunities. They’re all waiting for your ideas.
That my friends, is opportunity. Podcast on!
Related: SUCCESS Insider
