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Five Reasons Listening to Podcasts is NOT a Waste of Time

July 7, 2015 By

I know, I know. We’ve already got sooo many social channels vying for our time, and then there’s traditional media still keeping us entertained. So why add podcasts to the mix? Trust me, you’ll thank me for giving you a few excuses reasons to tune in to the podcast of your choice.

5 reasons to listen to podcastsPodcasts have been around for quite a while, and I’ve listened to a handful of interviews over the past couple of years. Recently, though, I’ve been making it a point to listen to podcasts regularly; and I’m glad I did. Here are five reasons to incorporate podcasts into your world.

  1. You’ll gain new perspective and focus. Pick a few personalities you like to follow and check out their interview list. I’ve learned things about myself and my business from people I’d never heard of before. I always benefit from taking a break from whatever project I’m working on and listening to a podcast. I return to the project with a renewed sense of urgency and focus.
  2. Opportunity to multitask. I’m not a big fan of multitasking. I find that doing one thing at a time suits me well. Like chewing gum while walking, though, I can handle listening to a podcast while walking. Gain some knowledge, get some exercise: SCORE!
  3. Expand your network. Connect with podcast hosts and their guests on social channels. Share your new-found knowledge with your social media audiences.
  4. Take a break from the 24/7 news world. I tend to get caught up in the breaking news. Unplugging from news that the media chooses to send my way and listening to a podcast I choose gives me control over what I’m paying attention to. AND – those stories that were breaking before my podcast began are still kicking around when the podcast ends.
  5. Learn from others before starting your own podcast. If you’re thinking of starting your own podcast, listening to a variety of podcasts is one of the best things you can do to prepare yourself before you come face to face with the microphone. Listen and learn: What kind of questions work well? What questions fall flat? What type of format appeals to you? How do you want your intro / outro to sound?

Here are a few podcasts I carry with me:

Being Boss, a podcast for Creative Entrepreneurs hosted by Emily Thompson and Kathleen Shannon.
Emily and Kathleen will help you get sh*t done! One element they add to the podcast world is brief podcast covering a specific topic: minisode. (Yes, they also offer lengthy interviews that are chock full of valuable info).

The Owner’s Mind with Chris Brogan. Grow your business by improving your capabilities and connections. Learn from business pros and owners just like you.
Chris is the kind of sharing and connecting. He shares his network and knowledge, with a great sense of humor mixed in for good measure. Not a business owner? No problem. You’ll still love this podcast.

Women Taking the Lead. Led by Jodi Flynn, this podcast features interviews with highly successful women who want to share their journeys of success with others.
Jodi’s interviews with women (and occasionally men) encourage women to trust themselves and move their careers forward. Need that inner critic silenced? This is the place for you. You’ll feel like you’ve found your tribe in no time at all.

What podcasts do you listen to that help move your business forward?

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About Deb

Deb Nelson, principal of deb nelson consulting, is a creative storyteller. She designs and implements communication plans that leverage strategic partnerships and provide innovative solutions for her clients. You can find her on twitter at @nelliedeb.

Comments

  1. Beverley Golden
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    July 7, 2015 at 5:32 pm

    Having been a guest on many different podcasts, I agree they are fun to listen to. Doing “Dose of Leadership” with Richard Rierson, was like sharing with an old friend, even though it was the first time we talked. Another one I recently did was with an online friend, Rochelle Soetan who’s podcast “Tuesday Tool Time” is about empowering women entrepreneurs and encouraging them to see themselves as leaders.

    There are such a wide variety of podcasts to listen to and I am sure that Chris Brogan (he’s a WDS frequent speaker) is very engaging and entertaining. I imagine the trick is to find the topic that interests you and then to follow along for all the interesting conversations that unfold. As I am not a big “news” person, I agree that podcasts are a perfect way to break away from what you are doing, and yes, you can listen to them while you are doing other things and still get great takeaways. Thanks for sharing some of your favourites with us, Deb! Good to hear some that you’ve found interesting to listen to.
    Beverley Golden recently posted..More Women Should Call Themselves “Beautiful”My Profile

    • Deb Nelson
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      July 7, 2015 at 6:22 pm

      Good to hear from you as always, Beverley! Lots of good info from these podcasts. Of course, you’ve got to make sure you don’t go down the rabbit hole here as well:) And now, you’ve given me a couple to check out so I can listen in on your conversations!!

  2. Ian Campbell
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    July 7, 2015 at 9:21 pm

    I actually ignore the “breaking news” myself Deb as I find it is too easy to get caught up in it and not do any work. I have listened to a few podcasts over the years and really need to get back into it. As I quite like Chris Brogans style, I will certainly check his out as my first option. Cheers, Ian
    Ian Campbell recently posted..What Is A Call To ActionMy Profile

  3. Cierra says
    July 8, 2015 at 1:11 am

    I enjoy listening to podcasts, although I had gotten away from it. Thanks for providing a few new resources to check out.
    Cierra recently posted..Top 3 Reasons You Should Use The “A” Word In ChurchMy Profile

  4. Roz Tanner Evans
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    July 9, 2015 at 10:13 am

    A few years ago I did a local radio interview discussing the idea that it is never too late to start again. Seems many people were interested in reinventing oneself.My own professional background as a career counselor to jewelry designer was intriguing. Following the broadcast, I received a few interview requests thus introducing me to podcasts. I never got into the practice of listening to podcasts as I have trouble with my inner ears & it is not comfortable, but always wished I could walk & listen to an Ipod with music or an interview.

  5. Michelle Williams
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    July 10, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    Had a bit of a chuckle to myself whilst reading number 2. because it sounds so similar to me! I am the worst multi-tasker ever! My daughter and I were laughing about it the other day when I asked her to close-in her bedroom door as the noise was preventing me from writing! Though at a stretch, I think I could manage chewing gum while doing my morning walk! 🙂

    I’ve not been in to podcasting much but I must say it is something I would definitely like to try. I get so bored with the rubbish on TV and have always enjoyed stretching my mind. My partner is really in to podscasts and follows Bubble genius Bob and chez show, The thinking atheist and Artist empowerment radio. I enjoy healthy discussions and thinking out of the box. I’m a great believer in nourishing your mind with positive, uplifting ideas and conversations so podcasts could be right up my street!

    Your list has given me every good reason to jump on to the podcast bandwagon and I could do with a little inspiration and motivation to keep me going.

    Thanks for some suggestions to get started Deb!
    Michelle Williams recently posted..Why Self-Love Should Be The Centre Of Your Life!My Profile

  6. Joan Harrington
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    July 10, 2015 at 7:41 pm

    Thanks Deb for these great reasons to listen to podcasts 🙂 I need to improve in that area lol
    Joan Harrington recently posted..5 Crucial Steps To Finding Your Ideal ClientMy Profile

  7. Sharise Hemby says
    July 12, 2015 at 10:20 pm

    Hi Deb,
    I actually have a podcast show “The Vitamin C Show” that airs every Tuesday at 7pm. Beverly Golden was a guest and we had a great time. I would be honored to have you on as a guest!
    Sharise Hemby recently posted..Test postMy Profile

  8. Coach Niquenya
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    July 13, 2015 at 5:46 pm

    Great advice! Podcasts are amazing, not only as a source of info but also as a great outlet to promote your own business. I plan to get back into regularly hosting my own.
    Coach Niquenya recently posted..Successful? 3 Dream Killing Reasons You’re NotMy Profile

  9. Kaz says
    July 13, 2015 at 7:15 pm

    I listen to my podcast while I’m driving my car. It’s a great way to learn new things and get a right mindset to grow my business. I’m learning how to start my podcast now, so someday in the near future, I’d like to have my own podcast! Thank you Deb for the great blog!
    Kaz recently posted..5 Breakfast Choices You Think Are Healthy (But Actually Aren’t)My Profile

  10. Lori Ann
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    July 14, 2015 at 3:27 pm

    I’ve never understood the podcast notion until recently. I guess I questioned why do an audio when you can do a video…then I remembered that I don’t always want to watch a video, especially when they are poorly done (production value, not content.) I have it in my plan to find a couple of good ones and put them on rotation while I drive. Thanks for the reminder.
    Lori Ann recently posted..Choose a PathMy Profile

  11. Tamara MacDuff
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    July 19, 2015 at 9:20 pm

    Hi Deb, I LOVE podcasts. I listen to the Marketing Companion and Ready Set Podcast the most – though I’m always on the lookout to add to my collection. They give you a different point of view in a way that is like visiting with an old friend. Sometimes, I feel like I’m listening in on a private conversation! I am working on downloading some Podcasts to CD’s so I can take them in my car to listen to while I’m driving.
    Tamara MacDuff recently posted..Business Owners Take Care Of BusinessMy Profile