The first question I’m often asked about what I do is “What exactly is a podcast?” Some people are a bit embarrassed that they don’t know – but if you’re one of those, no need. My response when I first heard the term in 2005 was, “Whatcasting?!”
Back then, it meant any downloadable audio, other than music tracks or albums. It was explained to me as, “Radio shows you can download on to your IPod”. Five years on, that’s still true – except now, radio can come with pictures and can be played on a whole range of devices, including mobile phones. The first “enhanced” podcasts (including visuals) which I put together were the presentations from the Savvy Business launch in May 2009, which you can watch and listen to on the “About” and “Meet The Team” pages of the Savvy Business Community website. As long ago as 1995, before the birth of the mp3, American pioneers audable.com (now available in the UK) were busy creating a portable device to play downloaded audio files. The first mp3 player arrived in 1999, followed two years later by the first Apple IPod. Then along came ITunes – which soon became one of the most successful product launches ever.
As it became easier to play downloaded sound, especially on the move, software was developed which made it easier to create and upload audio – and the podcast was born. At that stage, it was like early blogging – amateur, spontaneous and in some cases, more than slightly weird!
The new medium was christened “podcasting” in 2004 and by 2005, two distinct branches were diverging. The amateur influence was still strong, but a new, professional ethos was emerging, among broadcasters and businesses with a quality brand.
These days, the amateurs are still out there in their droves – and long may it continue!; but businesses looking to harness the considerable power of the pod to communicate with their market or their staff, are having to raise their game. That doesn’t necessarily mean spending a lot of money, but it does mean becoming more pod-savvy.
If you want to know more about podcasting and how it works in a business context
Call me on 0844 3712941 or
Email me.