PodcastOne’s How To Build An Online Business
Ad agency account executive-turned-online educator Bernadette Schwerdt is the host of a seven-podcast series for PodcastOne that takes listeners through the different stages of building a digital enterprise. She features specialist interviews with successful online entrepreneurs to illustrate the way to success.
Schwerdt is the author of How To Build An Online Business and Secrets Of Online Entrepreneurs.
Schwerdt told Mediaweek she used the process she went through with her own business as the starting point for her books and podcast.
“I started interviewing the online mavericks and asking their secrets and they were very generous with information.
“From my experience anyone can start a business but how can you keep it going and grow are crucial factors.”
The first podcast in the new series looks at the entrepreneurial mindset and Schwerdt talks to Andre Eikmeier, co-founder of the online wine subscription service Vinomofo. “He talks about the qualities needed to survive,” said Schwerdt. Other guests in subsequent episodes are specialists in areas like finance and customer acquisition.
When asked about basic mistakes when launching online, Schwerdt said many people start their businesses with a burst of energy. “They think they have a great idea but when that idea is put into practice the sharp realities kick in when challenges arise like finding customers, dealing with competitors or handling tech issues.
“A new business needs to have strategies to deal with those issues or it can quickly run out of puff and start thinking it’s all too hard.”
One trait common amongst online pioneers is the ability to teach themselves how to deal with challenges. “They took it upon themselves to find the solutions to problems.”
Schwerdt said many people think a new business needs the attention of a full-time founder. “On the other hand it can be very difficult for someone to toss in their job and the security that goes with it and go out on a limb. Some people start part-time and once they have proof of concept they can then make a decision about devoting more time to it. It can be a mistake to invest too much too soon.”
With a solid marketing background, Schwerdt said large amounts of money aren’t needed to make a splash online. “If you know how to get on page one of Google, you can topple a competitor who has more money than you. Brands like Google and Facebook offer great opportunities for smart people willing to do the work to find out how they can work for you. They level the playing field for some degree.”
Listen to How To Build An Online Business here when it launches next week.
Helping the AFL expand podcast operations
As millions of diehard fans counted down the hours to the biggest sporting event of the year just two weeks ago, the AFL Grand Final, the sporting organisation has looked to Whooshkaa to step up its podcast game.
The reach of the AFL has never been stronger with combined team memberships this year passing 1m for the first time.
“We’re excited to take our podcasting to the next level by using Whooshkaa’s audio-on-demand technology,” said AFL general manager, growth digital and audiences, Darren Birch.
“Footy fans can’t get enough of shows such as AFL Exchange, Road to the AFL Draft, Official AFL Fantasy Podcast with the Traders, and many more club podcasts. Whooshkaa’s advanced technology and advertising platform will make it easier for new and existing audiences to find our shows, and enable us to meet fans’ appetites for fresh and engaging audio content.”
Whooshkaa’s Rob Loewenthal welcomed the AFL as a valuable asset in its sports lineup, which includes the NRL, Cricket Australia, Fox Sports, SEN and individual sporting podcasts.
“Too much sport is never enough,” Loewenthal said. “Only 100,000 lucky people will get to walk through the gates on Grand Final day, but many millions more will watch or listen to the game.
Listen to the AFL’s Road To The Draft podcast here.
Spotify launches Sound Up Bootcamp for First Nations Peoples
Spotify this week launched Sound Up Bootcamp Australia, an initiative that gives aspiring Australian-based First Nations podcasters the opportunity to undergo an intensive learning program facilitated by podcasting and radio greats and delve into podcast creation, story development and understanding their audience.
Following Sound Up Bootcamp US, which received over 18,000 applications, and the recently announced Sound Up Bootcamp UK, 10 participants will be invited to take part in the four-day workshop, based at Spotify Australia’s Sydney HQ.
Applicants do not need to have any prior podcasting experience. They only need a voice with something to say, a passion for the medium, and an eagerness to bring their great ideas to life.
Finalists will receive mentoring, practical experience, and networking opportunities with facilitators, and three finalists will receive a cash grant and equipment to produce their podcasts at the end.
“Sound Up Bootcamp US was a huge success, stimulating amazing ideas and facilitating a truly unique and important community of aspiring women of colour podcasters. We have chosen to focus Sound Up Bootcamp Australia on First Australians as part of our ongoing commitment to better represent and surface the voices of First Australian creators,” said Jane Huxley, managing director, Spotify Australia & NZ.
The course will be facilitated by Emily Nicol, Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander radio producer and the curator of Spotify’s flagship First Australians playlist Black Australia. The Bootcamp has been designed and produced in partnership with Audiocraft, a leading Australian podcast organisation that hosts events, runs workshops and makes podcasts through its agency.
Aspiring First Nations podcasters should apply before midnight on October 29 at https://spoti.fi/soundupsydney. See website for full terms and conditions.
The announcement comes just a day after Acast announced a partnership with Spotify to create a new distribution channel for the 2,500+ podcasts hosted with Acast from around the world.
See also: Acast partners with Spotify to take podcasts to streaming audience
