I asked people a while ago about something that helps them to have a better quality of life. Several people answered that reading blogs, listening to podcasts, and writing were some things that helped to improve their quality of life. I agree with this, so I'll share some things about blogging and podcasting.
Click to see some http://qualitylivingmadesimple.com/top-10-blogs-to-follow/ (blogs )and http://qualitylivingmadesimple.com/my-top-podcasts/ (podcasts )I follow (note: these are previous post, and some of these may have changed; but these are very good lists).
Benefits of blogging and/or podcasting:
You can train yourself to write regularly
You can start to be viewed as an expert in your field
You can start to create connections with people
These benefits can help your business
It can help you write a book
Benefits of reading blogs and listening to podcasts:
Connect with other bloggers/podcasters
Connect with their audience
Part of continuing education and growth
How to start blogging:
Pick a topic (or a couple of closely related topics) that you can write about consistently
Choose a name, title, and sub-title
Choose the right domain name
Setup either a WordPress.com account or install a self-hosted WordPress.org blog (see below for video and link to Michael Hyatt's tutorial)
Write!
Try to be consistent - people are creatures of habit
Include a picture with each post - be careful about copyrights (Flickrr and iStockPhoto are two options)
How to start podcasting:
Similar to starting a blog: topic, name/title, etc.
Consistency is important here as well
Strive for the best audio quality you can
Some basic equipment/software:
Audacity
Microphone (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QJOZS4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004QJOZS4&linkCode=as2&tag=josrivblo-20 (ATR 2100 USB Microphone))
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002GXF8Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0002GXF8Q&linkCode=as2&tag=josrivblo-20 (Windscreen) and http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IQRD72/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007IQRD72&linkCode=as2&tag=josrivblo-20 (pop filter)
Headphones
Mixer, condenser, amplifier, etc.
Blubrry Power Press plug-in
Sources of help with podcasting:
http://schoolofpodcasting.com/ (Dave Jackson (School of Podcasting))
http://theaudacitytopodcast.com/ (Daniel J. Lewis (Audacity to Podcast))
http://podcastanswerman.com/ (Cliff Ravenscraft (Podcast Answer Man))
Do you have any thing to add to these benefits or steps?
http://michaelhyatt.com/ez-wordpress-setup.html (See more from Michael Hyatt's tutorial)
