Biz Cast Connection

Looking for Content

2007-08-25T04:56:00Z

Do you have a BizCast you'd like to share? Maybe you have a message you need recorded. Drop us a line or leave a comment. We're looking for select business expertise to post on BizCast Connection.

Quick Quote

2007-08-25T04:51:00Z

Just a quick quote I came across today and want to share.

"When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take a step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on, or we will learn to fly."

-Patrick Overton

Take the step, learn to fly!

Lorraine Ball - Rainmakers from Spotlight Indianapolis (WIBC)

2007-08-21T23:21:00Z

Lorraine Ball, Owner of Roundpeg, discusses Rainmakers networking organization. Based in Indianapolis and serving Indiana and beyond, Rainmakers is dedicated to helping grow its members businesses. Taken from an interview that aired on WIBC radio in Indianapolis.

Lorraine Ball - Women in Business from Spotlight Indianapolis (WIBC)

2007-08-21T23:11:00Z

Lorraine Ball, Owner of Roundpeg, discusses the challenges and opportunities women face in the business world. She discusses networking strategies and changing trends for women in business. Taken from an interview that aired on WIBC radio in Indianapolis.

Lorraine Ball - Roundpeg from Spotlight Indianapolis (WIBC)

2007-08-21T23:04:00Z

Lorraine Ball, Owner of Roundpeg, discusses how Roundpeg works with small businesses to help them grow. Taken from an interview that aired on WIBC radio in Indianapolis.

BizCast Connection - Episode One

2007-08-20T18:18:00Z

Dave Anderson, Owner of Pinpoint AV, discusses how Internet media delivery is impacting businesses today. How can the same technology that creates YouTube and iTunes create a competitive advantage for your business or organization. Contact Dave at dave@pinpointav.com or visit the website www.pinpointav.com.

What is a BizCast?

2007-08-14T03:01:00Z

Glad you asked! In the digital age, technology races far ahead the culture much of the time. Ideas are created, developed, and suddenly become part of daily life. For those past their mid 30’s, it is interesting to try and remember when you first saw a fax machine, VCR, DVD, or email. And still, in a relatively short time period, these items have moved from the extraordinary to everyday tools. In fact, many recent ‘hi-tech’ gadgets have already started their decline towards ultimate obsolescence.

Some technology is created as entertainment, other advances are designed as business tools, still others are simply a whim that catches the public fancy. Podcasts have been around for several years now, starting as a quirky delivery mechanism for entertainment and enlightenment through portable audio players. As the niche expanded, web based delivery technology aided the growth from audio programs to audio and video transmissions. In the digital age, iTunes, YouTube, and a plethora of other services have emerged to support this ‘new media’. Today, podcasting is one of the technologies that looks to replace or at least strongly compete with traditional radio and broadcast television.

As effective and revolutionary as the podcasting technology is, many businesses still do not understand that this tool can offer them incredible opportunities. In most cases, this is simply a lack of understanding and training. The strong connection between podcasting and entertainment has left many businesses without solid examples of how powerful podcasting can be for corporate communications.

Our efforts are to provide the business community with examples the power podcasting offers. Podcasting technology can be a powerful tool to help business of all sizes to grow and improve their operations. By filtering the content to business related messages, a new concept - the BizCast - emerges. The result is an explosion in corporate communications, advertising, and information sharing by reducing costs of traditional audio and video distribution while improving interactivity and efficiency.

BizCast Central is the first of several sites that will serve to demonstrate the power of the BizCast. The ability to distribute video and audio messages anywhere at any time; to audiences either wide or narrow; with the ability to track and measure results is something most businesses have always desired. Now, that capability can be within their reach.

A Business Networking Fable

2007-08-11T21:34:00Z

An accomplished Japanese Hibachi chef decided to open a restaurant in his town.

To promote his business, he began networking throughout the community. The chef was a wise man and read all the best books and articles on networking. He fully understood the idea of Giver’s Gain and was ready to grow his business.

In his first networking meeting, he met an insurance salesman. The salesman had been in business a long time and they hit it off immediately. The two exchanged cards, talked about business, and seemed to develop a very friendly bond. The chef left the meeting hoping that his new friend would soon visit the restaurant.

Time went by, but the salesman never came in the restaurant. He and the chef met up again at networking events, and each time they grew friendlier. Soon they met one on one to learn more about each other’s business. As they each drank a cup of coffee, they learned that each had young children, and both shared a love for sports – especially baseball. A true friendship was beginning in addition to a business relationship.

Still, the salesman never came by the restaurant for a meal and the chef began to wonder why.

Business for the chef was challenging as any new business is. He had a small but steady flow of customers, but longed for his break through moment. As he thought about his friend, he made a decision that he was going to get him to come to his restaurant. It would be his personal mission.

Being a dedicated networker, he knew that it was bad form to try and solicit his friends business directly. Instead, he made several referrals from his group of friends and family. The salesman was thankful, but still never visited. The chef decided that he would take the ultimate step and give his friend all of his insurance business. With this step, however, he wanted some sort of return. He called to set up an appointment to discuss the details and quietly decided to question his friend about when he would come in for a meal.

On the day he was to finalize his insurance purchase, he was reviewing his financial numbers and realized that sales were down. He needed to have a big finish to the month or his business could be in jeopardy. As the meeting time with his friend neared, a call came in from a group wanting to make a reservation for 40 people the next day. The chef was running late, but in a frantic mode, took the call. A bit frazzled, he closed the deal and raced to his meeting.

As the two men met, they exchanged friendly hellos and got down to business. The chef signed the last papers and then decided it was time to challenge his friend.

“I’ve got to ask you, we’ve known each other for several months, and I’ve sent you quite a bit of business. I just wonder why you’ve never come by my restaurant?” the chef asked.

“Well, I am allergic to peanuts and peanut oil.” answered the salesman. “Unfortunately, I can’t go in to restaurants like yours – I wish that weren’t the case”.

He continued: “But I have told all my friends about you and they report to me that the food and atmosphere is wonderful. In fact, I just recommended my church group book their annual men’s dinner at your place. They should have a group of about 40 people. Have you heard from them?”

Suddenly, the chef felt a deep feeling of embarrassment as he realized the true power of a networking relationship.

The moral of the story is this: Never underestimate the power of a relationship. The true value may never be known to you.

For reasons beyond all control, our chef’s friend will never be a customer. However, their relationship not only created business for both men, but may have created just enough to save the fledgling restaurant. Building relationships takes time, trust, and an attitude of giving without expectation. Be More, Serve More.

Dave Anderson, CTS is the owner of Pinpoint AV, LLC. Pinpoint AV, a consulting and maintenance organization, specializing in helping customers finds the best solutions for their technology needs. More information can be found at www.pinpointav.com/

What is a Podcast?

2007-08-11T19:49:00Z

Dave Anderson talks about podcasts and how podcasting technology can improve business communications.

Welcome to the Biz Cast Connection from Pinpoint AV

2007-08-11T06:49:00Z

Thanks for stopping by. Check out our latest BizCasts and let us know what you think!