Welcome to The Healthcare Marketing Connection. This week we are taking a look at podcasting. I am launching my podcast, A Marketing Connection (also what I'm renaming my business), and thought it was a great opportunity for all of us to learn what they are, how to use them, and to take some time to evaluate if they are right for you and your business. For those of you that have never podcasted before, we have step-by-step instructions to help you out.

Thanks to all of you for the many birthday wishes. I have three girls (12, 9 and 5) and they made me breakfast for my birthday. They didn't JUST make me breakfast - they made a "restaurant" in my dining room (Flomo was the name of the restaurant) with an elaborate menu that included "delicious fluffy pancakes and syrup", a fancy table cloth and flowers, and all the waitresses had matching uniforms. They also made a cd for me in "the dance room" that included many songs they thought I'd like. Madonna was on there a lot for some reason. It was great. My 37% off birthday sale is still going on. We have "birthday weeks" around my house (the kids started that one) so the celebration goes on until Monday.

To your success!

Kelly

Should you add Podcasting to Your Marketing Mix?
What podcasting is and what you should know about it
by Kelly Robbins

Podcasting. Everyone is talking about it. It's the "new trend" in marketing. Many industry leaders are preaching why podcasting is important and how many millions of people you can touch, if you start now before the masses do.

So, of course, here I jump into the world of podcasting.

Let's start at the beginning.

What is podcasting? I've heard a lot about it, but have to admit that until three weeks ago I wasn't really sure what it was. A podcast is simply an audio file you download. Just like from itunes. That's it. Most people interview someone - similar to a radio station - and simply put the recording "out there" for the masses to hear.

What are some advantages to podcasting over other media?

• People can hear your voice. I often teach marketers to use as many senses as you can when talking to your prospects and clients. This is a great way to incorporate your voice, or hearing, into your marketing tools.
• They can download your podcast and listen to you on their MP3 player while they are working out or on their computer while they are working.
• Your podcast can be as long or as short as you want. There are no rules. Some are as short as one to three minutes. Others are 30 to 45 minutes. 15-20 minute interviews seem to be the most common time frame.
• They are free to produce and free for your prospects to listen to. As a listener you can learn a lot from a huge variety of experts.

What are the disadvantages to podcasting?

• It is only one way communication to your prospects. Unlike a blog or even a newsletter, it's not as easy for the listener to contact you.
• You need to purchase some equipment to record. I spent less than $100 to get this running, which I didn't think was too bad. Some people have music for an intro (I don't) to make them sound more professional.
• Search engines can't track your voice, so there is no search engine traffic from them, unlike when you publish articles. Only from the headline you use. So good headlines are key.

I have listened to a few podcasts, and been interviewed on a few and think they are fun. Too bad my kids are the only ones with MP3 players in my house.

If you've never listened to a podcast before, or are interested in testing one out (by listening to mine), here are some instructions on downloading and getting yourself set up.

(c) 2006, Kelly Robbins LLC

Want to use this article in your e-zine or web site? No problem! Just let me know at mailto:info@KellyRobbinsLLC.com. I'll send you a short bio to include at the end of the article.

Those of you that know me know how much I LOVE to have parties (yes, I have them ALL the time). What many of you don't know is that today (July 7th) is my birthday. And of course, my birthday is just another reason to have a party!

Since all of you can't be here with me to celebrate, I'm going to celebrate with you by having a BIRTHDAY PARTY SALE.

Everything in the store is 37% off. The party doesn't stop until July 17th. Visit my birthday party sale website here!

This week Kelly recommends www.mentoraudio.com. Rick Beneteau is a podcasting expert and I recommend checking his stuff out. Listen to some of his podcasts and read through his web site if you're interested in starting one. Rick has a background in radio and production and has a lot to share.

If you have any other great resources you'd like me to share with everyone, let me know and I'll check it out. kelly@KellyRobbinsLLC.com

University of Masters Tuesday, July 18th, 12:00 MT. I'm starting some new classes now, the "How to" series. Every two weeks we'll cover a new marketing topic. How to start a newsletter, How to write an article to get published, How to start a podcast to name a few of them. You can check out the classes at www.masterteacherandmarketer.com

Kelly will interview Deborah McLaughlin, President of Open Door Coaching and CEO and Co-Founder of Audacious Enterprises and Audacious Marketing Mastery, on July 25th at 3:00 pm EST, 1:00 pm MST. Deborah will discuss some unique ways to market to women, what makes women a worthwhile market, and why you should market differently to women. The interview is no charge to HMC subscribers. If you're interested, email Rachel@KellyRobbinsLLC.com to reserve your seat and get the call in information.

Build Your Healthcare Copywriting Business E-Course - My next course starts August 14th

Interview with Tracy Weise, owner of Weise communications, a full service healthcare marketing and PR agency - date to be announced

SHSMD roundtable discussion leader - September 7th - I will be leading a roundtable discussion on copywriting for the healthcare industry for the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development's (SHSMD) Annual Educational Conference in Phoenix.

To learn more about healthcare copywriting and marketing, visit my Web site at www.KellyRobbinsLLC.com/article_archives.shtml. There are tons of fr ee articles on a variety of helpful topics.