The Pro's and Profits of Podcasting

HubSpot Article by Angela Bray - 6.23.11

It's 2011, and chances are you find it convenient to listen to things on the go. Podcasting now has it's place as a popular medium of mobile media; recording can be as simple as plugging a mic into a laptop, and listening becomes a leisure activity while playing on an iPod.

Similar to watching TV shows on demand, podcasting is used as a platform for adversiting. It is effective in the marketing world both for the marketer and the target audience. It is a cheap (possibly free) way for marketers to create a campaign or ad to promote a product, service, or idea. Target customers can listen to the audio at their convenience: on a run, at the gym, in the car, etc.

In his Rise to the Top interview with David Garland, Marc Maron, creator and host of top online comedy podcast, "WTF," talks about the evolution of podcasting, its differences from other media mediums like TV and radio, and what makes a successful show.
Maron has also run a variety of shows including his own and others on Comedy Central, as well as 44 appearances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

What is podcasting all about, and how can it be profitable?

Read more: http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/17366/The-Pros-and-Profits-of-Podcasting.aspx#ixzz1QDm21ops  

Posted by Angela Bray - June 23, 2011

Maron says podcasting is all about unscripted, in-depth, casual conversation. The medium itself is completely free, allowing freedoms that don't exist in the TV and public radio worlds. Maron references the fact that he can say and do whatever he wants without somebody else telling him otherwise.

Profit from podcasting can come from a mixture of things, and Maron's show went through an evolution beginning with donations. As numbers grew, advertisers came into play.
"WTF" offers pay shows, which are unique, live episodes that are available for purchase. Selling merchandise also rakes in its portion, and now the show has advanced to iPod/iPhone/iPad/Droid apps.

What makes a successful podcast show? Building an audience.

Why is building an audience important? Because putting all the work into producing something without attracting a following would just be a waste of time. While you benefit your audience, your audience can also benefit you. As consistent listeners grow to appreciate your content, they will also share your content and grow in number, expanding your reach.
Strive for an active audience. An active audience will contact you, post comments with feedback, and engage with you. Being aware of little things such as what they liked and didn't like about your show will help you to improve your podcast and in the long run. The more knowledge you have of what your audience wants, the more successfully you can craft your content to be effective.
Expose the "inside world" ("behind the scenes"). Many people value information that is not exposed to the public. Offering an exclusive opportunity to obtain information not readily available to the public will make your podcast more appealing and exciting.
Integrate and involve the audience with personal issues. Individuals know the most about things they have personally experienced. Invite your audience to talk about issues they've experienced in their industry to keep your podcast engaging.
Encourage conversations with an organic nature. People are more likely to respond to questions and open conversations rather than statements. Open up questions to be answered by anyone, whether they leave comments virtually, you give a shout-out on the show, or even invite audience members to appear as guests.
Allow authentic emotions. When people participate on an emotional level, others are more likely to relate and become more one engaged with your show.

Read more: http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/17366/The-Pros-and-Profits-of-Podcasting.aspx#ixzz1QDmM5kxw

Time Waits For No One Tip #4 - 10 Things to Know Before You Hire a Contractor

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The 10 Things to Know Before Hiring a Contractor

1. Clearly Define Your Project - I can’t tell you how many times people have come to me after they have spent 2x as much on a project and did not get the results they wanted.  Before deciding to hire a contractor you must have the project scope clearly defined.  If you are not sure of what you want, how is the professional supposed to bid on the project? This will help you minimize costly overages and change orders. 
2. What is Your Budget for the Project? It is great to have dreams and aspirations of what kind of house, bathroom, building, remodel or renovation you may want.  But, it is entirely a different thing to have the budgeted amount of money to pay for it.  If you know that you need all work completed for $55,000, then you must take into consideration all aspects of the job. Which are the labor, materials, fees, permits, insurance, etc. and things that will ultimately be out of your control. Set aside some money for changes and weather related delays.  
3. Referrals are a good starting point to find qualified contractors. Get a referral from someone you know and trust. This cuts down on the guess work for you.  However it is always practical to have at least 3 separate bids for the same project so that you can make sure all aspects of the job are covered and you get the best possible contract price.

It is always practical to have at least 3 separate bids for the same project from 3 different companies so that you can make sure all aspects of the job are covered and you get the best possible contract price.       

4. Check to see if the company’s credentials are in good standing and not expired. This includes the contractor license, insurances and sub contractor agreements for all tradesmen that are hired. (i.e. painters, carpenters, roofers).
5. Check References - Has the company worked on a project like yours? How did they do?  Was the previous customer satisfied?
6.  Are they familiar with the current area the project is in? California’s construction laws, requirements, building codes, permits, ordinances, etc. vary from city to city and county to county.  IT IS NOT STANDARDIZED ACROSS THE BOARD. Yes there are some Federal and State Guidelines but for specifics you must go to your local Planning Department. Do Not Assume that just because they have performed work in your state or region that they are familiar with everything.    
7. Establish a Deadline for accepting bid proposals. Once you have established the bid requirements for your project. Provide each bidder the same deadline to have the bid proposals back to you.  This is important because it will affect the start date of the project. 
8. Review the proposals carefully.  - Sometimes if specific project materials are not specified a contractor will insert a brand or type of material that could be “standard” for use with your project.  However, if you are not familiar with the “standards” have someone from the company explain what types of materials will be used and why.  Just like everything else there is a high level range, medium and low range of products and materials to be used.  Know where your budget is in this area so you can keep your materials cost within the specified limits.
9. Establishing a Contract For Services – Most companies will have their own contract for you to sign.  However, just like with all contracts you should know what you are signing and have full comprehension of your rights and ability to cancel the contract or to change it.   It is also upon you to understand when payments are due and under what terms they will be paid.  Some contracts allow for payment of a certain percentage prior to commencement.  Some require payment once the contractor has established “Agency” status.  Meaning as soon as they perform any work on your behalf.  You being the “Client”.   Additional payments are then usually made after certain phases of the job are “complete”.   
10. Do Not Pay the Entire Amount Due Before Work is 100% completed to your satisfaction.  Make sure all mechanics liens have been removed or are a condition of Final Payment.  Inspect the area to make sure the contractor has performed work within the specified guidelines and bid requirements. It is NEVER okay to make final payment prior to completion.  Please understand that once you have made this payment there is nothing holding the contractor to you but his Integrity.

Review of The 10 Things to Know Before Hiring a Contractor

1. Define Your Project
2. Establish the project budget
3. Get Referrals
4. Check Credentials – Licenses, Insurance etc.
5. Check References – Prior customers, projects completed.
6. Familiarity of project location and planning dept. processes.
7. Establish Bid Proposal Deadline to accept bids.
8. Review proposals carefully
9. Review Contract For Services Carefully
10. Withhold Final Payment until all work is completed and liens have been removed. 

For More Information contact me at Realtor-Yolanda@comf5.com   

Follow Me on Twitter @OmegaYolanda - Stop by my Facebook Fan Page comF5| The Omega Group 

Measuring Internet Marketing Campaign Success

Measuring Internet Marketing Campaign Success

Time Waits For No One Tip of the Week #3 - Move In/Out Inspection Forms

What is a Move In/Out Check List? And, why is it important?

• A move in check list helps you and the owner/manager establish a clear picture of the condition of the unit prior to your move in.  It is imperative to note everything on the check list that is broken, unfinished, left off, done poorly etc.  I suggest doing the inspection before you actually move your belonging into the space so that you can have an unobstructed view of the condition.  Often times our furniture and/or office equipment could conceal a major defect that you may be asked to pay for if you fail to properly note it on the inspection form. 

An inspection form for residential homes looks something like the one below. There are more elaborate forms with greater details, but they translate to saving your skin should you ever need it. Try not to be too overly concerned with  small things but rather focus on the areas that could effect your security deposit.

Remember; no matter what the form looks like be as detailed as possible. 

• Keep in mind that what is not listed on this form as a pre-existing condition of the home or office will most likely be your responsibility to repair or replace upon moving out.  This will also effect your security deposit refund amount. 

 TAKE PICTURES PRIOR TO MOVE IN AND UPON MOVE OUT. (Note the condition of everything. This could help you in court should you ever need it).

  

Moving Out is a similar process to moving in.  Someone from the owner/management staff will walk through your space and assess a dollar amount to everything that needs to be done in order to “restore” it to “move in condition”. – Now I don’t know how many of you have ever gone through a move but is it rare to ever move in or out of somewhere without some sort of wear and tear that will undoubtedly come out of your security deposit.   However, you can learn to limit these expenditures by taking extra time to clean the area, shampoo your carpets, perform light painting, repair broken screens, bedroom door locks, light bulbs, fixtures and other minor items that are big ticket items on your inspection. 

• If you can arrange for a post move out inspection with the management, an agreement can be made as to the condition.  It is better to agree upon what work is needed and what is determined to be normal wear and tear before actually vacating the unit.  Once you have moved out, you have no more legal rights to the space and cannot attest to its condition – unless you have taken photos with a date stamp on the camera.

If you can get a document signed similar to the one below you are ahead of the game.  It is a move out form where both parties agree. 

• A unit turnover is common language in the real estate management industry to mean cleaning and turning a unit to get it back to lease conditions.  The length of the “Turn” will generally depend on the amount of repairs needed and if appliances and major work needs to be done. 

• Security Deposits are generally given back to the tenant within 21 days of the move out date.  If it has been longer that 21 days contact the owner and you may need to contact an attorney if they are withholding your deposit.

There is much more to cover on this topic so we will be revisiting it again. 

Thank you- 

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