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In today's business podcast, we will be discussing a great and relatively inexpensive (possibly even free) way of building your brand, and as someone once told me I was doing, building good karma - all by giving away free resources and doing free classes. <smile>

I owe this revelation to Annie Jennings, of Annie Jennings PR. This woman does so many free seminars that I wondered how in the world she found time to do any "work" and make any money. And then it came to me - a blinding epiphany based on her strategy and my own preaching about branding resources.

What if you had great business resources and tools that you could give away for free?

And what if every time they opened it, they saw your brand? This is what I have been business podcasting about for a while. Find something they need, brand it and give it away.

But what if you also add free seminars on an important related topic, where you also taught them how to use that free resource?

People are normally willing to come to a free class, especially if it is on a topic that is practical and will help them on a day to day basis. It will also help them if it keeps them "in the know" about current topics and news items. So you can offer free classes on a "buzz" topic, where you also give away your free (hopefully branded) business resource, and also teach how to use it.

That's what I am doing for my Podcasting & Podcatching Classes at PodcastingConferences.com: Getting FREE Audio and Video Delivered To Your Computer.

I have let my network know that if they want a free class given to their network, teaching them the down and dirty, quick overview about Podcasting, giving them a FREE Podcatching program (branded, of course), teaching them how to subscribe to Podcasts at our niche market Podcast Directories. The point? Not only to promote our family of Niche Market Podcast Directories (and PodcastDirectories4Sale.com), but also to introduce people to podcasting and the possibilities that podcasting for business brings.

Doing free classes is great for filling up your "pipeline" to get more clients - it prequalifies them as someone truly interested in what you have to offer.

And when they get your free resource and learn how to use it, whenever they use it, your brand will always be before them. You instill a type of customer loyalty by giving them free resources, and from thereon out, that client associates you with your niche.

I've got great ways for you to find and brand free resources - but you'll have to listen to get the answers. <smile>

In the meanwhile, check out http://www.BizPodExpo.com and join us for the Business & Podcasting Expo, online Jan 19-21, 2007. You just need an internet connection, speakers and a microphone!

Penny Haynes, 1st Podcast Publishing & PodcatcherZ.com