Educational Podcasts
Posted on 24. Aug, 2010 by Darlene Victoria in Blog, podcasts
Generally speaking, a podcast provides new, useful and interesting information; providing education to its listeners. Podcasts can be used for educational purposes in a more traditional sense too.
Educators in both the grade school and college level are utilizing podcasts in their course curriculum. Some are teaching their students how to create their own audio and video podcasts. Whereas others, are utilizing podcasts as a way to provide lectures to their students.
Non-profit organizations are also using podcasts to educate others about their causes, health-related issues and so much more. I personally have assisted a non-profit organization with the editing of their monthly podcast related to liver disease and function – the podcast is made available for educational purposes on their website.
Educational podcasts are on the rise too. Today, Apple announced iTunes U Downloads Top 300 Million. Their announcement went on to say ” iTunes® U downloads have topped 300 million and it has become one of the world’s most popular online educational catalogs. Over 800 universities throughout the world have active iTunes U sites, and nearly half of these institutions distribute their content publicly on the iTunes Store®”
If you are not familiar with iTunes U, it is an area in the iTunes Store that lists educational podcasts for download (most of which are free). Some institutions that currently list their podcast in iTunes U are Stanford University, Harvard University, Ohio Autism Resources, The Library Congress and more. Listen to A Virtual Perception podcast Episode 11 – Learning is Fundamental to learn more about iTunes U and other online educational resources for your business.
The popularity of iTunes U is growing and there is a reason for that. Perhaps, it is because we are becoming a mobile society – using iPhones, IM and the web to communicate with each other and as a way to get our information. Or maybe it is because we are trying to do more with less (running errands while listening to a college lecture – talk about multitasking!). Whatever the reason, now is the time to get out there and create an educational podcast for your organization or institution. By doing so, you will provide educational information to an audience at large (an audience eager to learn from you) and promote your organization or educational institution all at the same time.
Consistency Counts
Posted on 16. Aug, 2010 by Darlene Victoria in Blog, podcasts
Podcasting tips are on my mind lately as I am currently writing a podcasting guide for those thinking about starting a podcast. It isn’t full of technical mumbo-jumbo (although that guide may come later), it is more of a — “here is what a podcast is and here are the things you need plan for when creating a podcast” guide. One tip that I talk about in my guide is on the topic of consistency and that is what I wanted to talk to you about today.
Let’s look at consistency first from a personal point-of-view. The odds are that you have a few favorite blogs or websites that you read on a daily or weekly basis, right? Let’s assume that these blogs and sites you are so fond of, put out new content on a consistent basis. Hence, the reason you keep coming back. If new content wasn’t churned out on a consistent basis – there really wouldn’t be any reason for you to come back to that website, now would there?
The same is true when it comes to podcasting. Creating a podcast, just for the sake of getting your voice out there on the internet once or twice, isn’t really what a podcast is about. Podcasting is audience-oriented, it is a way to connect with your audience and to share with them information that they are interested in. In order to create and then keep that connection, you need to produce a podcast on a consistent basis. If you start out with momentum; produce on a consistent basis at first, and then start to produce here or there, your audience will notice.
In fact, there is a podcast I found a few months ago, called “Freakonomics Radio”… I really enjoyed listening to it. Podcasts were coming out about once a month and I would look forward to listening to the show during my daily walks or while running errands. For the last two months, a new episode has not been released. I am extremely disappointed and I am not alone. Many other listeners have been leaving reviews on iTunes for this show – saying how much they love the show, but want to hear more episodes…. like now.
So, this stands to show that when you set out to produce a podcast – be sure you do it on a consistent basis, so that you can remain connected with your audience. Remember, they are listening to you for a reason – don’t give them a reason not to. Give your listeners what they want and they will be true to you for a very long time.
PS: Freakonomics Radio - please come back! 
True Harmony Media Minute – Episode 2
Posted on 10. Aug, 2010 by Darlene Victoria in Blog, True Harmony Media Minute
This week’s True Harmony Media Minute provides information on how to post a video you created for business marketing purposes onto your website. It is my response to Shawn’s question on the blog post titled, “Do you need to start in a marketing video for your business?”
Click the link to listen: True Harmony Media Minute – Episode 2
Subscribe to the True Harmony Media Minute Podcast Feed and never miss an episode.
Or Subscribe to the True Harmony Media, LLC Blog Feed and never miss a blog post; including new True Harmony Media Minute Episodes.
Music credit: Kevin MacLeod
Jing Project – Free screen capturing software. Only allows for up to 5 minutes of recording. Videos output is .SWF format.
Camstasia Studio – Paid screen capturing software. No time limit on recordings. Video can be outputted in multiple formats – such as .WMV, .FLV, .SWF and more.
True Harmony Media Minute – Episode 1
Posted on 27. Jul, 2010 by Darlene Victoria in Blog, True Harmony Media Minute
Introducing the True Harmony Media Minute – a short audio podcast where I answer your questions about all things multimedia (including audio editing, video editing and website design). Send your questions to thmm@yourtrueharmony.com. Remember there is no such thing as a stupid question. Except for the one that wasn’t asked, of course!
Today’s question is:
“What makes a podcast, a podcast? I have audio on my website, people can listen to it using an embedded audio player on my site. Is that a podcast?”
Click the link to listen: True Harmony Media Minute – Episode 1
Subscribe to the True Harmony Media Minute Podcast Feed and never miss an episode.
Or Subscribe to the True Harmony Media, LLC Blog Feed and never miss a blog post; including new True Harmony Media Minute Episodes.
3 Reasons to Start a Podcast
Posted on 12. Jul, 2010 by Darlene Victoria in Blog, podcasts
The benefits of podcasting are endless and I could write a post listing many of them. Instead, I am going to share with you my top 3 reasons for starting a podcast.
Reason 1: It’s an opportunity to talk to your “peeps”. Podcasting is a perfect way to get in front of a specific audience (your target market specifically) and talk about a specific topic you are passionate about.
Reason 2: Podcasting is the gift that keeps on giving. Really it is. Once you produce a podcast and place it on the world wide web for others to hear, it is there forever (or at least until you decide to take it offline, which really you shouldn’t). A podcast episode you aired in 2009, although old news to you, at some point, will be new to someone else. And, that someone else can be your next customer.
Reason 3: It makes marketing fun! Some business owners look at marketing as a long drawn out task they have to do in order to market their business and find new customers. Well, one fun way to market your business is through the art of podcasting. If you like to talk, share your expertise and experiences — then podcasting is a fun marketing tool to use in your business. When it’s fun, it doesn’t feel like work… now does it?
So there you have it, my top 3 reasons to start a podcast.
Audacity Tip: Lame MP3 Encoder
Posted on 14. Jun, 2010 by Darlene Victoria in Audacity, Audio Tips, Blog
Quite some time ago, I recorded a video that explained how to download and install Audacity, as well as, how to download and install the Lame MP3 Encoder so that you can export your Audacity projects as MP3 files.
I wanted to share that video with you here on the blog today. And in addition, I wanted to add one key step for installing the Lame MP3 Encoder which I did not explain in the video. So, first here is the video:
Now, what I did not mention in the video is the final step that will enable you to export your Audacity projects as MP3.
Once you have unzipped the Lame Encoder and have run the .exe file (or .dmg file if you are using a Mac), the most important thing to remember is the location of where you installed the encoder.
When you go to Export MP3 in Audactiy for the first time, you will need to navigate to the location of the encoder file, open it and click ok. You will not have to navigate to the file thereafter, as Audacity will “remember” the location of the file for future use.
Which leads me to remind you, that if you ever delete the encoder file or move its location, you will get an Audacity error when trying to export as MP3. At which point you will need to either re-install the Lame MP3 Encoder file and go through the installation process again or simply navigate to the new location of the encoder file.
Organizing Multiple Audio Tracks in Audacity
Posted on 24. May, 2010 by Darlene Victoria in Audio Tips, Blog
When you are creating an audio production and are working with multiple audio tracks, things get can a bit overwhelming. In this short video tutorial, I provide you with some organizational tips when it comes to working with multiple audio tracks using the free open source audio editing program called Audacity.
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Do you need to star in a marketing video for your business?
Posted on 10. May, 2010 by Darlene Victoria in Blog, Video Tips
With online video viewership growing more and more each day, creating an online marketing video for your business is more important than ever. As a service based entrepreneur a marketing video is an excellent opportunity to talk directly to your target market. Even though online video viewership is growing and many entrepreneurs do see the benefit of having an online marketing video, they still aren’t using this awesome technology.
Perhaps it is because they feel as though they don’t have:
- The time
- The creativity
- The “look”
I think the biggest thing that stops an entrepreneur from creating an online marketing video is the fact that they have to be in the starring role of the production. So, for the sake of this blog post, I am going to be focusing on the “look” from the list above.
Do you need to star in a marketing video for your business?
If you are a service based entrepreneur that wishes to utilize online marketing videos for your business, starring in at least one of the videos is important. As a service based entrepreneur you are selling yourself and along with that comes your business style and personality, your skills and how you relate to people. Your ideal client is going to be one that connects with you and you with them. Providing them with a small glimpse of who you are and what you do in a video will keep them interested in you a while longer. At least longer than the other “guy” who isn’t using video on their website or in their business.
On the flip side, you can add other types of videos into your marketing mix where your face can take a backseat. For instance, you can create a screencasting video, where you provide a short tutorial or tip on a particular program or website. This will highlight an area of your expertise and show your potential clients you really do know your stuff. Or you can create a marketing video that utilizes audio, images and text.
If you don’t have the time to create a video, make the time. If you feel as though you don’t have the creativity, well, you don’t need to be creative at all. You just need to know who you are and what you do. And as far as the “look”. You are a star, let your light shine.
What type of communicator are you?
Posted on 26. Apr, 2010 by Darlene Victoria in Audio Tips, Blog, Business Tips, Customer Service, Social Media, Video Tips, Web Design, podcasts, screencasting
Are you a conversationalist communicator?
I spend a lot of time in my business helping other businesses communicate their message using a variety of multimedia methods. If you are setting out to create your own multimedia project for your business, you should choose the style of communication that is most suitable, practical and comfortable for you. Even if you are using the help of a multimedia specialist to create your project, some of the content will still be coming from you.
Consider the three communication styles below to help you determine what type of multimedia project you may be best suited for you or what areas in a multimedia project you are not best suited for; this will also help you determine what areas you need to outsource in order to get your project completed.
The Conversationalist Communicator – The Conversationalist Communicator likes to have conversations with others. He or she is somewhat of an extrovert. This type of communicator is most happy when they are part of a conversation — either in person, on the telephone or even online. Giving and receiving ideas through conversation comes naturally to this type of communicator. Some multimedia projects best suited for the Conversationalist Communicator would be teleseminars, audio recordings and audio or video podcasts.
The Visual Communicator – The Visual Communicator likes to tell stories and share ideas through visual expression. Oftentimes, he or she doesn’t enjoy being in the spotlight, but loves to create stories and share ideas through imagery, usually accompanied by text. Some multimedia projects best suited for the Visual Communicator would be video and slideshow productions.
The Written Communicator - The Written Communicator loves to write and is able to express themselves perfectly with the written word. They have the ability to entice their audience all by piecing together words in such a way that is captivating. This type of communicator can sit down and write five articles within no time, but when it comes to speaking, they may find themselves struggling to find the right words. Some multimedia projects best suited for the Written Communicator would be writing for blogs and newsletters.
So, which type of communicator are you? Perhaps you possess the styles of all three? If so, that is great. Play to your communication strengths and seek out opportunities to use those strengths, both in multimedia marketing and networking for your business. Then outsource the rest.
Increase Exposure, Be a Podcast Guest
Posted on 19. Apr, 2010 by Darlene Victoria in Blog, podcasts
For decades publicists have been booking clients on television and radio shows. Actors, humanitarians and people like you and me have been highlighted in articles both on and offline too. Having your business featured in your local newspaper will help bring in new prospects, sharing your expertise on the radio where you mention your website address will likely bring new traffic to your site and talking about your expertise on a television show will most certainly help you gain some great exposure for your business.
Traditional media coverage is great, but there is another media coverage market that you can tap into and gain even more exposure for your business. I am talking about New Media. Some examples of New Media are Blogs, Podcasts and online video (like those you see on sites like YouTube).
A podcast is much like a radio show, the only real difference is that is it available for listening at any time and is oftentimes produced by an independent production company or podcast producer. The idea is the same, in that you have the opportunity to talk with the show’s host about your business, product or service all the while sharing some great information and resources about your area of expertise.
Here are some tips that will help you book your first podcast guest spot:
Research Your Options. Podcasts usually have a very targeted audience. So, do your research and find shows that you think have an audience in which your topic appeals to. Some podcasts have a media kit available that defines their audience demographic, this will aid you in your research. If you can’t tell who the audience is for a particular podcast by viewing their website, simply listen to a few podcast episodes, after listening to two or three of them, you will be able to see if the show is the right fit for you and your topic.
Contact the Show. I am going to let you in on a little secret. Podcast producers love hearing from their show’s listeners and even more than that, they love getting emails from potential guests. Simply send an email to a podcast producer telling them about your interest in being on their show. Provide some information about the topic you are interested in talking about. 9 times out of 10, the producer will be thrilled you contacted them and will ask you to be on their show. The worst thing that can happen is that they decline your request. No harm done, just move on to the next potential podcast.
Prepare for your Moment. Once you have been booked to be a podcast guest, it is time to prepare. While being a guest on a podcast is your time to shine, remember that you are still a guest on someone else’s podcast. If you plan on talking a little bit about a new product or service, it is always a good idea to mention this to the podcast producer before the interview. You may also want to ask the producer if they would be willing to share with you a list of topics or questions they plan to discuss during your interview, so that you can be well-prepared.
Generally speaking, a podcast is a new media avenue that provides information and resources to listeners… if you are out to simply sell a product or service and have no interest in talking about anything else, then a podcast may not be the right avenue for you to gain exposure for your business or area of expertise. And that’s okay, there are many other new media avenues you can take to help gain exposure for your business.
If you have some great information to offer and wish to gain exposure, as well as, increase awareness in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, then search out a podcast and be a guest!
If you would like to be a guest on my podcast, A Virtual Perception, contact me using the Be A Guest form on my podcast website.
