The Dual Power of the Podcast

Podcasts: voice messages created, sometimes accompanied by video, for some sort of purpose. Maybe you want to talk to an audience that is dispersed over a large geographical area or create a series of podcasts to put online for any viewer's entertainment. Whatever the reason, more and more people are podcasting and it has even been learned to be utilized by more and more organizations today.
I think podcasts are a great way for organizations to send a message to their target consumer base. A podcast can be aired on the radio, listened to on the computer, or downloaded to some device and listened to while on the go. A company can create a series of podcasts to create a launch for new products that are going to be coming out. A company can also create a series of podcasts that may answer frequently asked questions or gives out information about an organization. A podcast is great because people are given a choice. Instead of having to navigate a company's website or make a phone call, a consumer can get a one-on-one feel with an employee and hopefully the podcasts provides them with a direct answer.
In order to ensure that direct answers can be given an organization needs to make sure that they think about everything a consumer would want to hear. It is important to listen to what customers have said in the past in order to provide valuable information and feedback on podcasts. Otherwise, the audience is being talked at instead of talked to.
Podcasts have also been used in organizations to keep employees in the loop. My neighbor works at IBM and he informed me that employees are given podcasts about new products that are coming out and they listen to these podcasts in their cars on the way to work. Not only is the message informative and a great way to engage employees, it gives employees something to do on their way to work. This might not be their choice of car company but I think it's a good idea!
So overall, podcasts can be used by anyone...even organizations (aka dual power)! If you want to create one whether you work for an organization or want to for fun...here is my advice:
1. Make it interesting
2. Think of everything the audience would ask you if you were podcasting in public and make sure to cover it
3. If creating a series, keep the audience wanting more
Finally...
4. If working for an organization, make sure the information is valuable and informative
Thank you and Good Luck!!