Click here to listen to the podcast.

In today's business podcast, we will discuss brainstorming possibilities that could help rebuild New Orleans after the devestation of Katrina.

I don't claim to be an expert on this subject, nor do I claim to know the answer. However, I do believe, as you will hear in this podcast, that someone has to do SOMETHING, instead of sitting in committees and arguing among councils. And that someone needs to be entrepreneurs and businesses that can revitalize an important part of our country.

After I finished business podcasting about New Orleans, I found a very interesting article about why giving money to third world nations doesn't change their economic status.

I found a strange correlation between what he wrote about these poor countries and what is being written about New Orleans. The argument seems to center around how much money should New Orleans get, and what should be done with it. However, if this article by Rob May on Businesspundit.com is accurate, throwing money into New Orleans won't change its situation.

What New Orleans needs is revitalization via business opportunities.

The problem is, of course, how can you have a business, if you don't have anyone living in the city to become employees or consumers? Its a cart and horse issue; the population can't survive without businesses returning, but businesses can't return until there's a population to run and be served by these businesses.

I think Donald Trump offers a solution...

I mention something that Donald Trump (of "Apprentice" fame) did in his autobiography that has always stuck in my mind. The City of New York had a project it just could never finish. It lingered on and on, until Trump said, "Just give it to me and I'll do it myself."

And he did it - on time, under budget.

Maybe returning New Orleans into an economically thriving center shouldn't be left to the politicians or the government. Maybe it should be left to the brainstorming entrepreneurs and the risk-taking businesses. We discuss many business ideas that could be utilized to revitalize New Orleans and benefit your business at the same time.

I am posting another streaming version of this audio podcasts here in this post, with the ability for you to add your comments and ideas at any point within the audio.

You can post a text, audio or video commentary, and everyone will be able to review it. This is something new from my friends at innerTOOB, partners with us in the International Podcasting Expo, October 20-22, 2006.

The podcasting seminar schedule is filling up, and Elisabeth Lewin of Podcasting News will be our "Grand Marshall", opening up with the 8pm Public Keynote Address. Its open to everyone, so come and join us. Go to http://www.InternationalPodcastingExpo.com to find out more.

Until next week, this is Penny Haynes, of 1st Podcast Publishing and Digital Business Books (DigBizBooks.com).

You can read the article by Rob May here...
[Read More!]

In today and next week's business podcast, we will discuss business issues ranging from a university for baby boomers transitioning from the work force to Microsoft moving into India.

We are business podcasting with a group from the Online Women's Podcasting Expo. We met in an audio conference room and had a business brainstorming session for an hour. This is the first half of that discussion. We discussed television being broadcast live to mobile phones, and it was amazing how many people envisioned automobile accidents due to people trying to watch while they drove!

We are already planning for the Online International Podcasting Expo, October 20-22, 2006.

You can subscribe to http://feeds.feedburner.com/internationalpodcastingexpo to keep up to date with the latest happenings. Right now, we are looking for speakers on the following subjects:

1) Introduction to Podcasting: The Past, Present and Future of the Fastest Growing Social Media

2) Podcasting Basics for PC: Using Only A Microphone & Computer

3) Podcasting Basics for Macs: Using Only A Microphone & Computer

4) Podcasting Formats: Different Types of Show Formats, and How To Determine What Works Best For You

5) Podcast Music: Where to Find Great Music That Won't Land You In Jail

6) Podcast Vocalization: Vocal Coaching for the Podcaster

7) Understanding RSS: If It's Really Simple Syndication, Why Is It So Hard To Understand???

8) Podcast Promos: Promos That Will Bring You New Listeners

9) Podcast Networks: To Join or Not To Join - That Is The Question

10) Podcast Directories: What Are Directories, and Why Are They Important?

11) Podcast Syndication: How To Get Your Podcast Onto Your Webpage

12) Recording and Editing Software Round Table: The Pros and Cons of Different Programs

13) Storage and Bandwidth: What It Means, What You Need, and Why You Need It

14) Introduction to Podcast Marketing

15) Internet Radio Stations: When To Stream, When To Download

16) Introduction to Video Podcasting (VideoCasting/VidCasting)

17) Basic Blogging for Podcasting

18) Defining Your Target Market (Workshop)

19) Basic Editing in Audacity

20) Podcasting With Skype

21) Advanced Editing in Audacity

22) Advanced Audio In Wavepad

23) What’s An Ogg? Choosing the Best Audio Format for Your Audience

24) Professional Studio Equipment: What To Look For If You Upgrade

25) Indie Music Podcasts: How To Help Bands Find You

26) Advanced VideoCasting

26) Guerrilla Podcast Marketing

27) How To Obtain A Sponsor For Your Podcast

28) How To Attract More Listeners

For more information, contact customerservice AT 1stpod.com.

Until next week, keep brainstorming for your business!

Penny Haynes, 1st Podcast Publishing & DigitalBusinessBooks

Today's Brain Storm! Business Podcast will take a close look at the changing US demographics, and how they will affect business marketing, strategy and technology.

We review Fast Company's March 2006 article by Andrew Zolli, which discusses the baby boomers' growth and the inevitable changes in every aspect of our culture. What I love most about this article is that it combines many of the other lessons we have learned via Brain Storm!, and ties it in to the transforming demographics of the US. It shows practical examples of technologies and marketing strategies that are emerging.

Business Podcasters may want to market their efforts toward the elder generation.

These are the people with the experience, the skill, and most likely the money, to roll with the changes. This can mean that they are retiring and gleefully ready to spend their children's inheritance (as their bumper sticker says) on enjoying the last 20 - 30 years of their life. Or it might mean that they are changing careers and maybe even moving into consulting. In either case, they are the perfect target audience, as they are already knowledgeable in their areas of expertise, and also capable of learning and applying new information, technology and strategies.

Millenials are the newest generation emerging, who are weaned on social networking, technology, and a world of communication without boundaries.

My son told me he was playing online games with someone in Japan. Why didn't that surprise me? Because I deal with people via my audio conference room, email and Skype from around the world on a daily basis. The delineating lines are disappearing, and our children won't experience the limitations around which we had to work. Their idea of business will be a global one.

Soon one out of 4 people in the US will be Hispanic, and there will be more women in higher education than men.

Times are a changing, but I'm skeptical about how much it will change until the good 'ole boy mentality is removed from corporate America. Still, if there is power in numbers, then the women will have it financially and in business leadership. And the boomers will have it politically.

Listen to what this fascinating business article has to say, and then brainstorm about what this can mean for your present and future business opportunities.

I also invite you to join us July 14-16, 2006 at the Women's Podcasting Expo, an online event with over 30 seminars, networking events, live podcasts, online booths and giveaways. Find out more at http://www.WomensPodcastingExpo.com.

Penny Haynes, 1st Podcast Publishing

In today's business podcast, we will discuss some additional thoughts on the changing direction of business in the future.

In the last podcast, we mentioned 3 major moves:

1. Moving away from the "9-5 corporate factory worker" model to a more international, internet-connected, "round-the-clock" business model. This is a huge shift in the way we have done business for a century, and is long overdue.
   
2. Moving away from the "good ole boy" political model of hiring those that quietly fit into a corporate mold to hiring individuals according to skill, talent and insight. (We'll discuss some more about this in today's business podcast.)
   
3. Advertising and marketing moving away from the traditional tv/radio/print arenas to cross-platform multi-media arenas, including blogging, vlogging/vidcasting, podcasting, and inernet. This shifts the entire design process for advertising, as they have to utilize campaigns that can be used multi-dimensionally. (Again, this is a subject we will discuss from another angle in this business podcast.)

Today, we will discuss:

1. Moving away from computing as we know it toward a more human type of artificial intelligence. This entails mimicing the brain's capacity to assess and assimilate data in order to construct a model of the world around it. This in turn allows the brain to make predictions based on that world model. Don't worry, we give examples of what we're talking about, as well as how this type of technology will transform the world as we know it.
   
2. The transparency that now permeates business due to the easy availability of information on the internet will force businesses to
   - hire better people,
   - produce products more ethically and morally, and
   - increase responsiveness to client wants and needs.
   
3. Product (and service) creation will move away from the antiquated business model of basing design solely on the end user. Instead, design teams will work together to keep other factors in mind from idea inception, in particular, how we will market it to the end user. This question is historically an afterthought once the product is designed.

So, as you can see, this business podcast will cover some interesting topics and have a wide variety of implications. I hope it will exercise your brain and spur you on to great ideas for your own business. I just want to remind you that brainstorming by itself is never enough - you must DO something with those ideas to transform them from a business dream to a concrete reality!

On the next podcast, we will discuss some of the coolest business inventions coming down the pike. Not only would they make great investments, but knowing what may transpire in the future allows you to plan peripheral products and services. Yes, you can ride the wave without having to have produced the wave!

Lastly, just a reminder that the online Women's Podcasting Expo is coming up July 14-16, 2006. We have a stellar group of seminar speakers, and I hope to release the schedule in the next podcast. Tickets are only $20 before July, and include access to every one of the seminars and networking events. And if you're not interested in the Women's Podcasting Expo, you can make plans to attend the International Podcasting Expo October 20-22, 2006!

Until next week, keep brainstorming!

Penny Haynes, 1st Podcast Publishing

In today's business podcast, Penny Haynes, of 1st Podcast Publishing is joined by Tammy Munson, of Republican Women Talk Radio to discuss the projected changes in business over the next ten years.

We use a March 2006 article in Fast Company as the springboard from which we launch our business brainstorms today. We cover three the following three (3) issues:

1. As Barbara Ehrenreich states, "a growing culture of incompetence where who knows whom and who likes whom weigh more than getting the job done.
   
   
2. "Fewer and fewer people will want to be employees of corporations, because corporations don't have anything to offer. Corporations don't provide security and provide fewer and fewer benefits, " according to Avram Miller.
   
   
3. Kevin Roberts explains, "The dominant interface of the future is the screen. TV...mobile devices, computers, and big Times Square billboards...I've got 2,000 creative people at Saatchi...I want them producing content across all the screens."
   

Internet telephony and messaging systems offer every entrepreneur the ability to contact anyone anwhere in the world (that has an internet connection), and do business with them.

Corporate businesses that do business in the "good 'ole boy" tradition will be outpaced by the Chinese and Indian cultures that stress talent and track record. Slowly, the "factory mentality" of having to travel to work during set hours will fade away. Media agencies will have to revamp how they do advertising, not only to meet the demands of multiple viewing screens, but also to contend with the digital download audio phenomenon.

We discuss brain trusts and networking groups, virtual assistance and Virtual Assistants, advertising on a level playing field with the corporate giants.

Everything we know about business is changing, and will continue to change. The question remains, "What will you do to make the most of the impending metamorphasis?" Will you finally take those business and marketing ideas out of the closet and put them to the test? Will you take a chance and move out of your cubicle to make a name for yourself, and give yourself the opportunity of a lifetime - to work for yourself and do it successfully?

Only you can answer those questions - but you are invited to listen in as Tammy and I discuss these issues in today's business podcast.

If you have a desire to join me for a brainstorming session, either solo or in a group, I wish you would contact me. It's so much more fun than doing it myself. Contact me on the http://www.BrainStormPodcast.com site, either by adding a comment or by QMTPing me. Or Skype me at PodcastPenny or email me at customerservice AT 1stpod.com.

As a reminder, the Women's Podcasting Expo is July 14-16, 2006.

Tell the women in your lives that this online event will not only teach them about how to utilize podcasting for their businesses, but also include sessions to feed their mind, soul and spirit! And yes, there will be shopping...hehehehe.

Until next week, remember to DO SOMETHING about your business brainstorming ideas!

Penny Haynes, 1st Podcasting Publishing

Click the title link above to hear this week's Digital Business Books' Podcast about going the distance, pursuing your dream and making it a reality.

I love this week's podcast story because it combines so many great features. It talks about:

• Doing something other than a strict business venture.
  
  
• Pursuing your passion and investing in it.
  
  
• Creating something that others can enjoy, not just
  something for yourself and your family.
  
  
• Taking something barren and literally "toxic" and creating something of beauty and skill out of it.
  
  
• Leaving behind a legacy that's bigger than yourself (and even record book worthy!)
  
  
• Risking failure to be the absolute best, and disprove others' doubts about you not by defending yourself, but by being your absolute best.
  

See what Paul Fireman, the CEO of Reebok (soon to be owned by Adidas) has created, and how he has spent 7 years and 130 million dollars to make it happen!

For more business resources, I invite you to check out Digital Business Books (DigBizBooks.com). We have free digital download business resources as well, so help yourself.

This is Penny Haynes, wishing you a great and prosperous week, filled with brainstorming, and putting those ideas into action!

Click the above link to listen to this week's Digital Business Books podcast.

Today we look at Bill Ford, CEO of Ford Motor Company, and how he is admitting he may not be the one to rescue Ford from it's slow demise. However, his half-hearted efforts to find a possible replacement are backfiring on him, and he's not really accomplishing anything. Find out more in the podcast.

He went from being voted the Stupidest VC to being the poster child of VC success!

Find out how one VC, who used to be the butt of VC jokes, is having the last laugh with his highly unusual method of investing. He hit it big twice this year, and you can apply his tactics within your own business as well.

Sometimes it's the puzzling things that really go big.

Have you tried Sudoku, the number puzzle that's in the newspapers, and the books for which outsold Harry Potter? Find out how it came to be, and use it as an example for discovering your next big idea!

As a side note, we will be postponing the opening of The Overwhelmed Entrepreneur site due to some communications setbacks I've had during a recent move.

So look for it, and the Bootstrapping Your Business with Barter class, on Saturday, December 3rd, 12 noon EST.

Today, Digital Business Books' podcast discusses determining and managing prices while costs for small businesses continue to escalate.

Based on two articles from different issues of Inc. Magazine, we will talk about innovative ways that entrepreneurs are avoiding price hikes while competitors give in to the urge. We will also review ways to increase prices when it's absolutely necessary, and how to do it without alienating your clientele.

One entrepreneur figured out how to cut his company's health insurance costs WITHOUT making his employees carry any of the burden!

He also reduced his material costs by 25% doing simple things that you can do in your own business. Find out how to break a price increase to your customers, and when to do it.

Ever wonder how you should price your service or product?

We have that answer for you as well. We discuss pricing strategies, what works and what doesn't. We discuss objective and perceived value, as well as customer irrationality and expectations. It's an issue that will fill in many of the blanks in your entrepreneurial databank.

Check out this week's free digital business book.

Digital Business Books is also expanding to offer live business expertise via forums, classes and curriculums at The Overwhelmed Entrepreneur. With a business barter room, a Holiday Business Gift Bazaar, and an opening teleclass on Bootstrapping Your Business with Barter, we're hoping the Grand Opening on November 5, 2005 will be a truly "grand" experience.

If you are a vendor with products or services that Entpreneurs can purchase for their clients,

then please check out the Holiday Business Gift Bazaar at http://www.owent.com, in the Events column on the left. You can also register and participate in any of the online business surveys (and see the results). Hoping to meet you at the festivities at The Overwhelmed Entrepreneur site in November!

Penny Haynes, Digital Business Books

Vendors are your friends, and can also make excellent business partners!

In today's business podcast, we learn that the best businesses are actually a seamless network of providers working together to offer excellent services. Collaboration can move a business from mediocrity to greatness if both partners excel at their niche and at customer service.

We rarely think of vendors as sources for great joint ventures.

However, vendors who are also small businesses are eager to gain new business, and have a hunger that larger companies may not have. They also are fortunate to be flexible enough to tailor their offerings to the needs of their clientele. Lastly, they understand the needs of a small business because they ARE a small business.

Smaller vendors can act as an officer in your company.

We will review a marketing firm CEO that now acts as another company's Marketing Director. Other firms became partners by upping the ante in their customer service, making themselves an indispensible part of other companies' businesses.

Solopreneurs can rarely do everything well.

That's why outsourcing to capable companies makes sense. But the trick is often finding companies that will fit well with your business. But how do you find those companies? The internet is a blessing and a curse - you can google anything, but you end up with a case of information overload when you get your answers.

The Overwhelmed Entrepreneur is a collaboration of business experts in one location.

As an answer to the information overload syndrome, as well as the problem of solopreneurs trying to wear every hat and get everything done in their business, we are testing out a site that provides access to experts in every area of business. It also provides inexpensive, on-demand virtual secretarial services for projects, helping you keep your Microsoft Outlook updated, or someone to just keep you on schedule. There will be free classes and curriculums for members, as well as a barter room. We also are providing access to an online Outlook program which will allow you to access your contacts, schedule, projects and tasks while you're out on the road, and still be able to synchronize any changes to your desktop Outlook.

The first class will be Bootstrapping Your Business with Barter, and guarantees to put $500 cold, hard cash in your pocket.

You can sign up for the class at http://www.owent.com. And while you're there, please check out the site. I'd love some feedback from you. What would you like to see in a one-stop-shop for business expertise, training and assistance? What do you need to help you in your business?

As always, check out our free weekly business book download, "Pssst. Pass it On - Viral Marketing", at Digital Business Books(DigBizBooks.com).

And tell me what you think about Brain Storm! - what else would you like to hear about? What area of business is troubling you? We'll try to put it together and find you assistance! Until next week, keep brainstorming! Penny Haynes

In this podcast, we speed-brainstorm our way through 4 great business articles and ideas.

I finally gave in and bought myself something - a hammock! I've been wanting one forever, and in a fit of passion, purchased one. Not just anyone, but the nicest one (I don't do things in a small way...hehehe). Well, I did skimp on the accessories (knock-offs), but the hammock is the real deal. What does this have to do with Brain Storm! and business news?

I've been reading my backlog of business news magazines, and I'm trying to get us up to speed!

Today we cover 4 things:

The use of forums as the source of customer service, and where to get free forum software.

If you're interested in finding a Chinese import/export contact, there's a very trusted source that can do it for only $50!

Find out what Venture Capitals have an appetite for...it's bigger than you think!

Building a Brand with More Creativity than Cash

Will it be you?

There's a contest in today's business podcast as well. I said the first person to complete the task would get the prize, but I just found out I can give away 2! So first two respondents will be the lucky winners.

On The Air - Free Media Tips, by BJ Parker

is this week's digital business book, free for you to download. Learn how to become the word on the street.

Until next time, this is Penny Haynes, reminding you to keep on brainstorming!

Atkins is synonomous for low-carb - it's like Kleenex, Xerox - it's a one-word icon that successfully secured 1/2 of the low-carb diet market.

Digital Business Books' BRAIN STORM! examines what went wrong. Why did they file for Chapter 11 protection in August 2005? Why did the originating company of a nationwide craze bite the dust?

Being the first does NOT ensure that you will also be the last.

Atkins may have started the craze, but they won't be around to see the finale. The decline started [Read More!]

The cover of Fortune's July 2005 issue said it all: "Retire RICH, Take Control of Your Future".

And the entire magazine brainstormed about the different ways that people can ensure a wealthy retirement. But one article in particular challenged the traditional view of retirement, and stated that it simply doesn't exist anymore.

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Before I go on, I just want to remind you of the opening of Digital Business Books (DigBizBooks.com) on Monday, and invite you to join us. There will be bonuses galore with any purchase from the site, as our affiliates and authors are offering great freebies to everyone who takes part in the Grand Opening.

Of course, these bonuses are on top of the everyday bonuses that each author offers with every business publication! So if you would like an opportunity to add your bonus to the list and take part in the email blast to thousands of small businesses, let me know. You can become an affiliate by signing up at the Affiliate link at Encouraging Audiobooks. Now, on to the brainstorm!

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With the advent of the Baby Boomers moving into retirement age as of January 1, this segment of the population will tip the scales economically and socially.

People are living longer, making money for longer periods of time, and continuing to work (mostly part time) beyond their normal retirement age - and not necessarily for money.

Some senior citizens are starting over - going back to school, trying new careers - simply because they can.

Unlike in the 1800s when living to 65 was almost unheard of, and there was therefore no reason to consider retirement planning. Today's 50+ group has every reason to make sure their twilight years are enjoyable.

So brain storm along with us today as we review how our entire society may be transformed with the largest wave of retirement age people ever.

And learn about the opportunities for you to provide valuable products and services to cater to this market segment, that actually holds three quarters of all of the wealth of the country!

[Read More!]

Today Digital Business Book's Brain Storm! will use Cirque Du Soleil as our brainstorming example.

In the July 2005 issue of Fast Company, there is a feature on the very unique Cirque Du Soleil, combined with a brief introduction to a book that explains the "Blue Ocean Strategy" for business, and avoiding the competition altogether.

This circus/theatrical production is a smoothly running money-producer.

Their procedures for hiring and training is very well thought out, and their focus on innovation rather than competition makes a powerful point. Replacing injured or retiring performers is easy, as they have recruits waiting in the wings all over the world.

They focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity by utilizing their corp of multi-nationals

This keeps them ahead of their competition (which up until now has not even existed). This is a part of the idea of Blue Ocean Strategy - focusing on being the first to create and produce new products and services. Innovation and re-inventing the company and the products is the key.

I know of an entrepreneur who is CONSTANTLY re-inventing her products and services,

focusing solely on what her clients (and potential clients) might want. Dee Kreidel, of Legacy Journals, explains the personalization emphasis of her business: [Read More!]

SouthWest Airlines Fends Off Competitors

In Fortune's May 16, 2005 issue, Barney Gimbel writes about how Southwest Airlines is dealing with the changing economy and competitors that are catching up by slashing prices. We want to look at competition in the marketplace from both the standpoint of the market leader and the competitor.

Southwest: King of Employee Loyalty

Southwest has always been the low cost provider, and has been marked as the airline that treats its employees like royalty. This has bred deep loyalty in the employees, something that no other company or industry has quite been able to match.

Did you know that even when website reservations caused the closing of local reservation offices, Southwest did NOT let go of any of the employees, but paid for relocation or travel expenses so that they could keep their jobs? Now that is a commitment to their employees! Per Gimbel, "Southwest has never laid off an employee." What a feat! [Read More!]

Today we are going to talk about what we learn from women who have started their own successful businesses. They have several things in common, and some very insightful and inspiring things to share on creating a business. I also share some personal reasons why I started Encouraging Audiobooks and 1st Podcast Publishing, family friendly audio book and podcasting sites.

I am hoping to start an open brainstorming session with coaches, teachers, and experts, and record it for sharing here on Brain Storm! If you would like to participate in these recorded audio conferences, just add a comment below, or contact me via the QMTP box on this page.

I am also hoping that we will be able to create a Digital Business Resource Library stocked with audio books by entrepreneurs who are becoming successful in their fields. That could be you! (smile)

So what are you waiting for? This is your chance to promote yourself and your business - just by participating in our Brain Storm! session.

Last, but not least, Suzette Flemming wins the $25 prize for the best entry in the "Put A Chip In It" contest. Congratulations, Suzette!

Penny Haynes, Encouraging Audiobooks and 1st Podcast Publishing.

P.S. Don't forget about the Podcasting Handbook 5-week course. If you or anyone you know would like to be walked step-by-step through everything you need to know to create a podcast, then please send them our way while we still have spots open. Click here to register for the Podcasting Seminar.