Perhaps you’re still wondering if your company or organization should be getting involved in new media. Have you started participating yourself (Facebook, LinkedIn, Blog, YouTube) to become personally familiar with it? It’s kind of hard to evaluate a medium you’re not familiar with.
I just saw some interesting new data on how Inc. 500 companies are making use of social media. Here’s a chart comparing their use in 2007 (green) with 2008 (blue). You can click on the image to see a bigger version of it.
Research Highlights:
* Four out of five companies in the Inc 500 rate social media technology as important or very important;
* 21% of the companies are podcasting and 39% blogging;
* The number of companies blogging and podcasting has doubled in the last year;
* The Inc. 500 are adopting new media technologies much quicker than Fortune 500 companies.
The research suggests that companies that are using social media & new media technologies are growing faster than other companies.
The research was done by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Center for Marketing Research. You can download the study, which I recommend.
Via Podcasting News.
Just in time for a presentation I’m giving at the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association meeting tomorrow (Blogging and podcasting for profit. Sponsored by Ewing Irrigation and PBI Gordon) is this report from Universal McCann titled, “Power to the People, Social Media Tracker Wave 3.” (pdf-24MB) They’ve done this study globally 3 times now so it’s got some interesting comparative data in it. Basically folks, new media is where it’s at in today’s online world no matter what country you’re in or what your occupation or age demographic. So for those of you who still wonder why you should know more about this, your questions will be answered. If you still wonder then let’s just say you have gotten off the Cluetrain. Here’s some interesting points and I urge you to download the report with the link above to read the whole thing.
- Social media is a global phenomenon happening in all markets regardless of wider economic, social and cultural development.
- All social media platforms have grown significantly over the three Waves: Video Clips are the quickest growing platform, up from 31% penetration in Wave 1 to 83% in Wave 3.
- 57% have joined a Social Network, making it the number one platform for creating and sharing content: 55% of users have uploaded photos, 22% of users have uploaded videos.
- Blogs are a mainstream media world-wide and a collective rival to traditional media – 73% have read a blog, 45% have started a blog.
- Social media has strong impacts over brand’s reputation – 34% post opinions about products and brands on their blog – 36% think more positively about companies that have blogs.
Here’s the percentage of respondents who agreed with these statements:
- 56% Blogging is a good way to express yourself
- 36% I think more positively about companies that have blogs
- 33% I have a favorite blog that I read regularly
- 32% I trust bloggers opinions on products and services
- 31% Blogging is an important way to socialize with friends
There’s so much information in this report that I can’t even begin to point it all out. It’s all good. Just take some time, take a deep breath and say, “I will read it and I will try to “get it.”
Via Podcasting News
You could say “Wow” when you talk about 40 percent growth. So go ahead because that’s what a recent study by Arbitron-Edison Media Research study titled, “The Infinite Dial 2008: Radio’s Digital Platforms” found. Here’s some nuggets from the study:
- iPod/Portable MP3 player ownership continues dramatic growth. Nearly four in ten
(37 percent) own an iPod or other brand of portable MP3 player; up from 30 percent in
2007 and more than two and a half times the number in 2005 (14 percent). Nearly three-
quarters (73 percent) of those age 12-17 own a digital audio player.
- Audio podcasting usage continues to increase along side the proliferation of
iPod/MP3 player ownership. Eighteen percent have ever listened to an audio podcast;
up from 13 percent in 2007. Nine percent have listened to an audio podcast in the past
month (an estimated 23 million).
The study also found out how important mobile phones are to people today:
More than one in five (21 percent) consumers said radio has a big impact on their lives; ranking second only to mobile phones (33 percent) as the audio platform/device that has the biggest impact on people’s lives.
Why do we care about mobile phones? Can you say iPhone? And what about texting to that “audio” device eh?
If you’re an iPod newbie and wondering how to subscribe to podcasts so you can carry them around in your iPod then Apple has a great new video for you.
You can find it here.
Keep in mind that there are so many podcasts and new ones being added constantly that you’ll want to search the iTunes podcast directory periodically to see what’s available. You will be amazed at what’s there on just about any subject you can imagine.
For all of you who are scared to try creating or managing a feed like a podcast there may be a good software alternative available. I’m currently doing a trial with Feeder by Reinvented Software and it looks promising.
I’ve imported the existing feed file for my weekly ZimmCast podcast which you can find published each Monday on AgWired. I used the built-in forms in the software to add and change some elements of the feed, saved it and uploaded it to my server. I haven’t tried the automatic ftp feature yet but intend to.
With this first effort it showed how easy it is to create and manage your feed. The software will even upload your media file via ftp for you. It looks like a worthwhile program to try.
It sounds like podcasting is getting more mainstream these days if I’m reading this article on Advertising Age correctly. It looks like more major companies are directing ad dollars to audio content that consumers want and can get whenever they want. Only makes sense to me.
But a more Long Tail business has started to form within the more fragmented sectors of iTunes, which loosened its policy on ads in podcasts in 2005. Chris Spencer, CEO of Wizzard Media, a podcasting network with more than 35 video and audio podcasts in its stable, values the podcast-specific ad market at about $100 million. The figure comes closer to $300 million after streaming video is included in the mix, though he said it’s difficult to gauge the specifics. “It is growing faster than anyone — especially the big TV networks — believed would happen,” he said.
This has to be the smallest portable audio studio I’ve seen.
It’s the just announced Belkin iPod Podcast Studio. According to Podcasting News:
Belkin has introduced the Belkin Podcast Studio - a $100 accessory that basically turns your iPod into a mini podcasting studio - just add a mic.
Dual XLR and 1/4-inch channels give you a range of recording options. The Podcast Studio has a built-in mic and speaker are powered by their own battery, so you won’t kill your iPod battery instantaneously. Belkin expects to ship this in June.
You might also want to keep the Belkin TuneStudio in mind too.
Okay. I let Blog Day 2007 pass by without even recognizing it. I admit it. But does it count that I probably posted onto 6 different blogs on blog day?
One of the things we’re supposed to do is point you to 5 other blogs you may not be aware of. Although I do this regularly on many of our sites and we’ve got blog rolls on some of them I’ll point you to 5 here. Why these? Because they’ve got some good resources for you if you’re wanting to become a better blogger or podcaster.
ProBlogger
Smays.com
Podcasting News
iLounge
Engadget
BlogDay was created with the belief that bloggers should have one day dedicated to getting to know other bloggers from other countries and areas of interest. On that day Bloggers will recommend other blogs to their blog visitors.
Here’s a new group that’s just being formed to address standards with downloadable media like podcasts. It’s the Association for Downloadable Media. The initial mission statement is:
To provide leadership in and organization of advertising and audience measurement standards, research, education and advocacy to all those involved in portable media (Podcasts/ATOM/RSS media enclosures) across the Internet, iPods, MP3 players, mobile devices, P2P and other upcoming platforms.
Here’s an excerpt from their news release earlier today:
Industry leaders from the podcasting community announced today the formation of the Association for Downloadable Media (ADM). The goal of the ADM is to develop standardization of audience measurement and advertising for downloadable media. The ADM will focus primarily on the world of podcasting, downloadable media and portable content monetized by advertising and sponsorship. The ADM will create a landscape that facilitates the commercialization of this growing audience.
The purview of the ADM includes revenue generation from advertising and sponsorships of podcasts, vodcasts (aka vidcasts, video podcasts, or vlogs), and other audio/video digital content distributed via RSS, ATOM, peer-to-peer, mobile devices, downloads from Web sites and other platforms to come.
The organization has been formed to focus specifically on any content downloaded by consumers, and will work in collaboration with related industry organizations, publishers and agencies such as the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and the American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA).
Great idea and I’ve already submitted my name to be one of the first to join as soon as membership is available.
Hello from the Canadian Animal Health Institute annual meeting in Niagra-On-The-Lake, Ontario. I’m here to make a presentation to the group on blogging and podcasting as new media tools to reach out to customers and members.
At last night’s dinner one of the participants wanted to use my camera so I let her and she took a picture of the photographer (me). Her name is Fran Doig and her husband, Paul received one of the CAHI “Recognizing Its Leaders” awards last night. You can read more about this on AgWired.
I thought I’d post some of the resources I’m using here and later I might add the audio recording of my presentation too just in case you’re interested and only if I think I sound okay. So linked to here are the agenda for my presentation (Word doc), my Power Point slides (PPT file) and a little resources handout (Word doc).
I’ll also be giving away a few sets of ZimmComm retractable ear buds to some lucky winners too.
It may not be until September but I’m already registered for the 2007 Podcast and New Media Expo. This will be the third year that this conference has been held.
The 3rd Annual Podcast & New Media Expo is a “prosumer” and corporate event that brings together influential digital media creators, podcasters and content developers to cover the complete range of creation techniques, business objectives and future trends.
The Expo focuses on educating individuals and companies about how to produce high quality digital content, grow a loyal audience, and market or monetize that content in creative ways. The Expo is also a major networking event where content creators can share ideas and build partnerships.
You can learn more in the attendee tools section of their website.
If you’ve decided that you want to create a podcast for your business then you’ve come to the right place. However, maybe you want to try it yourself. Then you can have us provide consulting or you can get yourself to a Podcamp like this one coming up in Atlanta March 16-18. Besides Atlanta they have them scheduled in Toronto and New York.
They’re organized as an unconference which I’ve never experienced. Sounds kind of interesting. Here’s the Atlanta agenda:
Friday evening
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Informal meet-and-greet / happy hour
Manuel’s Tavern, 602 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA
* Let people introduce themselves and their podcasts
* Share what they hope to take away from this PodCamp
* Share whatever needs they may have for their podcast with which other podcasters can help them.
Saturday
* 8:00 a.m. - Doors open / registration. Pre-registered attendees will receive T-shirts while supplies last.
* 8:30 a.m. - Continental breakfast sponsored by ListenShare.
* 9:00 a.m. - Kickoff / welcome to PodCamp!
* Sessions hosted by everyone. Snacks and drinks sponsored by Blubrry.
* Lunch either on location or at area eateries
* Evening - Entertainment by a local Atlanta band/podcasters wanting some exposure?
Sunday
* Morning - Informal breakfast for people to gather together
* 9:45 a.m. - Welcome back!
* Sessions hosted by everyone.
* Lunch and Podcast Brainstorming Groups. Set up break-out sessions for people to lead discussions about the future of podcasting, and how we can be a part of it.
* Afternoon - Representatives of each break-out session will share what they have discussed with all of the other groups.
* Farewell to PodCamp Atlanta / Let’s do it again next year!
Although we aren’t focused solely on agribusiness here at ZimmComm New Media, it’s an industry where we’ve pioneered most of our work. I thought a couple of example would be interesting and maybe give you some ideas of how you can incorporate blogging and podcasting into your communications efforts.
Example number one: Beef Board Meeting. This cattle producer-targeted website now has 30 new posts from the Cattle Industry Convention that all contain pictures and most of them contain interviews or audio files of press conferences and speeches. The posts were done while the event was taking place and traffic is 5 times higher than last year when the site was introduced. Additionally, all my pictures were placed into an online photo album for anyone to find and view (241 pictures).
Example number two: Biodiesel Conference Blog. This consumer/industry-targeted website now has 37 new posts from the National Biodiesel Conference that contain all the same type of content (pictures, interviews, speeches and press conferences). Additionally, 21 of the audio files were placed into a podcast series for people to subscribe to and download to their computer/iPod. And all my pictures were placed into an online photo album (296 pictures).
Now while I was doing that I was also cross posting onto AgWired, Domestic Fuel and World Dairy Diary which are ZimmComm owned and operated news blogs. This places the content in another highly search engine optimized environment. I don’t know about you but I think this beats a printed daily conference newsletter any day!
Our schedule is filling up during these busy farm meeting months. If you’re interested in learning more about it all works and how we can work for you please let me know.
Don’t think I didn’t hear the announcement yesterday of the iPhone. MacWorld Expo is going on and Steve Jobs made the announcement. If you think this is just a neat looking new cell phone then think again. It’s a widescreen iPod, phone and internet communications device. It’s almost enough to make me want to switch from Sprint to Cingular since you’ll only be able to use one with just the one carrier (bummer). Watch the keynote address and iphone introduction.
Now why is this important to you and me? Jobs describes the iPhone as a revolutionary device. After seeing the introduction and demonstration I agree. This thing is a lot more than just a cool gadget. It’s also a great functional tool that we’re going to literally see “out in the field.” It’s an example of where things are going in the mobile delivered content arena. In fact you might want to check out this story on eMarketer.com, “The Hottest New Media Platform of 2007 Is Right in Your Hand.”
I guess the question would be, Are you preparing to communicate with your members and customers wherever they are?
I spent an hour in an Apple store yesterday getting a very detailed demonstration of a MacBook Pro. If you think I should make the conversion please email me.
For those of you (like me) who were wondering why Microsoft would spend millions pushing a digital audio player that doesn’t let you auto subscribe to podcasts - wonder no more. Now you can FeedYourZune.
FeedYourZune is the perfect companion software for your new Zune Player from Microsoft! And it’s 100% FREE to download and use! FeedYourZune is a full featured RSS reader and Podcast Media Player.
I wonder why they didn’t do this to start with and bundle it in the software that comes with the Zune. Whatever the reason there’s now more choices in hardware/software for the consuming public to get their podcasts. It’s getting easier every day folks.
The Blog Business Success show went well last night I think. Hosted by Wayne Hurlbert, Blog Business World.
You can still find the Blog Business Success Radio show on Blog Talk Radio.
We had a nice hour long conversation which 
you can still listen to if you missed it live. We talked about agricultural communications, Talking News Releases, blogging, podcasting and all from the perspective of how these new communications tools can be used for business purposes.
So, if you have time feel free to listen in.
One of the first people I found when I got started blogging was Wayne Hurlbert, Blog Business World. It was a lot of his ideas about how to use a blog as a business communications tool that formed some of my ideas about how to use this great platform.
Well, Wayne’s a podcaster too and on something called Blog Talk Radio. Tonight at 8pm (Eastern) I’ll be his guest on his program “Blog Business Success Radio.” You can listen in live or use these instructions from Wayne if you can’t:
If you miss this very informative show, it will be available for download as a podcast for iPod, iTunes, and MP3 players; or play it right on your computer. To download this, or any other of my guest interviews, go to the Blog Business Success host page and click on Archived Segments. Once there, click on the podcast icon at the end of the episode description, to download the show free of charge for your listening enjoyment. You can also subscribe to the show feed.
Let’s talk with Chuck Zimmerman about podcasting and talking press releases and how they can take your media relations to the next level, on Blog Business Success Radio.
According to a new report from the PEW Internet and American Life Project the number of people who have downloaded a podcast is growing. Quite quickly it seems to me. This graphic is from eMarketer.com where I saw the report first.
Some 12% of internet users say they have downloaded a podcast so they can listen to it or view it at a later time. This finding compares to the 7% of internet users who reported podcast downloading in our February-April 2006 survey.
According to their February-April survey 20% of American adults own an iPod or other MP3 player and 26% of all internet users.
The report also says that people aren’t downloading podcasts on a regular basis. I’m not sure about the significance of that. I’m a pretty prolific podcast downloader and I don’t do it regularly. I crank up iTunes whenever I think of it and let it download all the latest to my iPod. I just don’t do it on any kind of regular schedule. However, I still get all the episodes I want of the programs I subscribe to.
I just thought you might want to know.
I don’t think I’ve mentioned Microsoft’s new digital content player, the Zune but it’s now got an in-store date and price. I think this is important to note because Microsoft is not small deal in the business world and I’m guessing that if the unit plays like it’s described a lot of them will be bought, meaning that the audience for podcasts will just keep growing and growing and growing.
This 30GB bad boy will be in stores by November 14 with a retail price of $249. It has some nice features and will play more types of files than an iPod.
You can find out a lot more about the Zune on the Microsoft website.
I’ve got to believe that between Apple and Microsoft marketing their products heavily, we’ll soon be reading statistics that say something like the average home in America has 2.556 digital media players.
Here’s a conference on blogging and podcasting that was just brought to my attention. Of course it’s in San Francisco. Not a bad place to visit in October. It’s being put on by the Advanced Learning Institute.
Hear practical solutions you can apply immediately to help integrate social media technology into your communication programs to build customer and employee relationships and drive bottom-line results .
Yep, that’s what using new media technologies can do for you. If you can’t make it and still need some help, give me a call!
Perhaps you’re still wondering if your company or organization should be getting involved in new media. Have you started participating yourself (Facebook, LinkedIn, Blog, YouTube) to become personally familiar with it? It’s kind of hard to evaluate a medium you’re not familiar with.