by Vassia Sarantopoulou
The summer break is gone and the new year has started. The entrepreneurial spirit has already sprinted out of the women in WBII and the first networking event was a success!
Two guest speakers, lots of announcements, and networking drinks and we are already looking forward to the next event.
But, first things first.
Sabine van Egeraat, from Outspoken Communication, has spent a few moments to talk to us about internalization and how we can level-up our business globally.
What: The Dutch government is willing to help companies grow their business internationally.
How: A voucher of up to 2.400 euros for business consultancy is given to entrepreneurs with a potential product for the international market.
Who: More than 80 consultants are connected to this program and they are ready to help us create a concrete a business plan, share it with the world, look for investors around the globe and set up an effective sales funnel. Do not hesitate to get in contact with Sabine (sabine@outspokencommunication.com) and see if this plan can apply to you.
The second part of our networking event was about Podcasting with our guest speaker, Andy Clark, a journalist with over 25-years’ experience on newspapers, online and radio.
And the question was:
What is podcasting and how it can help my business grow?
When we say “podcasting”, we mean something like Netflix for audio, says Andy. Podcasting started in 2004, but the major breakthrough happened in 2012. 1 in 4 (!) people listens to podcasts, and considering the age group, you can find all ages and groups of individuals listening to podcasts: young, old, millennials, housewives, entrepreneurs, management and corporate people, etc. There is something for everyone, from stories about whales to interviews on entrepreneurship, to mindfulness podcasts and happiness projects. It is worth mentioning that the majority of podcast listeners are affluent and educated consumers, and most important, they are very dedicated: “One podcast listener is worth 10.000 radio listeners”, Andy says, and we have no reason to not believe him.
It is popular for a number of reasons:
- It’s easy to listen to a podcast via an app at your smartphone.
- It’s free and of high-quality.
- You can listen on your own with your headphones while doing something else.
- It is authentic and intimate: it’s like listening to a friend whispering in your ear, while listening to radio is like listening to someone screaming in your ear
- Podcasts advertisements work, say the experts, and the figures in US say that 2 out of 3 podcast listeners act on advertisements.
- People like stories: we are hardwired to listen to stories, since we can identify our self or dream-self with us.
It’s interesting especially for business, because:
- It can help you reach your stakeholders or involve them directly.
- It shows you are an expert, a thought leader.
- You can build a community and generate discussion.
- It is more affordable, comparing to video.
- You can reach a wider audience, not only on a local level but also internationally.
- Any podcast can be integrated into your social media strategy.
- You can tell stories of your customers.
Is it easy to start a podcast?
YES! You need a minimal investment on the equipment and a free software to edit your audio files.
However, in order to ensure quality, you need to make a plan, not just start. Develop a format, invest in training and coaching on podcasting and start editing (important: edit the podcast to remove dull moments).
About Andy Clark
Andy runs the successful podcast “Here in Holland” which brings Dutch and expats together. Moreover, he offers a range of services as a communication consultant. Podcasting is one of his main focus areas. Andy also advises on online strategic communications.
Special offer for WBII members:
Andy Clark offers a workshop on podcasting at a special price for WBII members. Click here for more details.
Miss the evening?
You can see a the presentation Andy gave here.
Vassia Sarantopoulou of The Anti-Loneliness Project is a counselor-psychologist working with clients in one-to-one sessions but also organizing group workshops. She is a great fan of the ‘Here in Holland’ podcast.