The Science of Podcasting with Vernon Foster II

On this episode of Rhodes to Success, I interview Vernon Foster, who is a podcast educator, speaker, and coach. He oversees a small army of audio engineers, graphic designers, and transcriptionists under the Pod Parrot brand. Vernon continually seeks out new ways to innovate and strategically leverage podcasting as a viable platform for small business professionals, startups, speakers, and coaches. During the show, we discuss event planning, podcasting as a tool, how Pod Parrot shifted focus, and how the industry as a whole is changing.      Main Questions Asked: What are the biggest skills that go into event planning? What were your biggest skillsets in podcasting that you thought you could use to launch a business? What was the need you were filling, and how are you different from your competitors?   Key Lessons Learned: Event Planning When it comes to event planning, it’s all about ‘butts in seats.’ You need to start planning 6-12 months before an event.   Podcasting This is an opportunity to interview potential customers and get real-time feedback. If you are going to create a product and service, and you don’t even know if it’s something people want, then you are spinning your wheels. Podcasting is the cheapest research and development you can do. Some people will say focus on the production, while others will say to create compelling content. Really great content is more important than having the best microphone.   Podcasting as a Tool Podcasting is not your business; it’s a tool for your business. When podcasting is used properly, it can be a massive generator of business by connecting you with like-minded people. Podcasting brings you closer to your audience, and it lets you interview some of the people you might not normally have access to. If you don’t treat podcasting like a business, then it will just be a hobby.   Pod Parrot Pod Parrot has moved from the role of service provider into the role of educator and evangelist. Vernon worked with clients one-on-one before he started the brand. The challenge to overcome is people flooding the marketplace. The market is shifting and becoming commoditized because people don’t want to pay a lot of money. There’s a lot of people who don’t understand the podcasting business. Subscribe to the show in <a href= "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/rhodes-to-success/id923134962">iTunes or Stitcher Radio! The music in today's episode was written by The Danger Os and produced by Nick Palmer. Check them out at <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/thedangerosmakemusic">https://www.facebook.com/thedangerosmakemusic    Links to Resources Mentioned Pod Parrot <a href= "http://podparrot.com/podcast/">Mic Science Podcast