Chris Brogan has a great post that succinctly details what those who want to grow businesses in “New Media” really need to focus on and, frankly, come to terms with. The points he makes are ones I have been hammering in presentations for podcasters over the last two years. If you are a “podcast consultant” you need to read this post. It takes me 45 minutes on a stage to cover what Chris can handle in a few paragraphs. Bravo Chris! [Link]
Update: Others are now taking notice:
Scott Bourne has a thoughtful post.
Todd Cochrane is just plain wrong. Todd writes a well thought out piece but misses the point: “how to make a living from it” – i.e. pay your mortgage and all other expenses – which is Chris’ premise in the post. Chris is correct, in that case, video needs to be a focus. I am a huge proponent of audio, but I also understand the power and attraction of video, particularly for my Fortune 100 clients. Don’t fight the client – it is loosing battle and a rookie move. Todd’s advice is sage for individual podcasters, but has no bearing for those of us dealing with large corporate clients, i.e. “Podcast Consultants”. This goes back to one of the main points I make in presentations, there is a key difference between what you produce and how your expertise can best be utilized. Let me say for the record, your expertise is worth many times what your audience is. Sell you expertise, rather than your CPM/audience and you’ll be a much happier and more financially flush camper.
Chris Brogan... says
7/30/2007 at 1:52 pmAs someone who’s been in your audience twice (Podcast Academy 2 and PME), the difference is that you get to tell great stories alongside your advice.
You’ve experienced a lot of this first hand. You’ve dealt with the big guys, even more so over the last year or so with Gigavox, and as someone living it and working in it, it’s hard not to want to jump up and shout to your podcasting brethren: “Look out! Iceberg!”
Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad you liked the bit, and I look forward to catching up with you soon.
Todd Cochrane says
8/3/2007 at 3:38 pmMichael
I and many of the podcasters we represent are making full time livings part time by focusing on our audiences and our content and not someone elses. Not everyone has the financial freedom to stop working and consult like you do. But the large majority of people can create content and if focused make much more than full time wages on a part time basis.
When I write a monthly check to a podcaster that is greater than what they bring home in a paycheck from doing 10 hours of work a month you have to recognize that one can have his cake and eat it to if they play their cards correctly.
I have consulted for a lot of companies but in all honesty the podcasting has paid a lot better when you look at the time differential.