Its the weirdest thing when you take the microphone and do a solo podcast.  But in the words of Barney stinson, (from the TV series, 'How I met your mother)' .... 'Challenge Accepted!' I decide to go pretty verbally naked with this broadcast.  I decided I wouldn't practice or rehearse. I just wanted it to flow.  Here my own thoughts come out and see if 'off the cuff' is something I can do.

So.... see the episode as good or crap this really was just a challenge. I decided to answer the same questions I usually ask my guests. It seemed a logical way to create a path through a solo episode.

So through this episode I share my journey of how I am where I am, my thoughts on how i face my universal challenges and what's next!  Go......

Getting it right can really boost your confidence in the corporate environment! In today’s world, image matters and we all make quick assessments based on how people look – rightly or wrongly. To stand out in a competitive market you need to differentiate yourself from your colleagues using your communication skills and your personal image.

What are the secrets to being a well-dressed woman? There are five key elements that define this – clothes need to complement your colouring, flatter your Bodyshape, be appropriate (for your age and the cultural environment!), match your style personality AND look current.

Beginning with that first interview, you need to research if the company is traditional in its attitude or more cutting-edge. Reflect those values in what you choose to wear. A good tip is to stand outside the organization during lunch break and check out what the employees are wearing! Always err on the side of caution – it is better to be more formally dressed than too casual.

Once you have that job, and you want to climb the career ladder, you need to build on the brand that got you there in the first place. Always look groomed as this gives the impression of efficiency and being organized. Don’t fall into a comfort zone and resort to wearing a ‘uniform’!

Many women find returning to work after maternity leave very challenging…not just because of confidence issues in their skills but also because they may have gained weight, changed shape or simply lost interest in clothes. This is a good time to re-assess your style personality, your best colours and your body shape – you can book a session with an Image Consultant, or try a Personal Shopper at one of the big department stores. Consider a capsule wardrobe, with a low maintenance hairstyle and a quick make up routine that fits with your new lifestyle.

Creating a capsule wardrobe is a must-do for any working woman…invest in basic pieces in neutral colours then add in your own style personality with accessories. You do not want to spend time each morning staring at the closet thinking ‘what can I wear today?’! One great tip is to decide on your outfit the night before and have it ready, along with your bag and shoes.

Don’t forget that your image will affect your performance – if you look good and feel good and in control then you will attract recognition from others.

Given that it has been demonstrated that you only have a mere 30 seconds to make a lasting impression……..surely you should make it count?

Helen Ingram
Image Consultant
Colour Me Beautiful

In the states and Europe Podcasting really is moving fast. Everyone who has a business is using the medium to add another dimension or connection to their customers and clients.  There are literally thousands of podcast shows now available to listen to via ITunes or Stitcher and many other platforms.  These days you can even find out the top 10 best podcasts to listen to based on the niche of you like. 

But Why? 
Well competition is tough and business these days isn't just about building brands and creating products or improving services, its about connecting with your customer. Building a relationship.  Adding value and making connections.  One of my favourite Podcaster 'Pat Flynn' refers to this as P2P - person to person.  Pat flynn himself has seen his podcast generate increased traffic to his website and thus has impacted his revenue earnings in a big way.


So Why Should I have my own show?
Well this is a two part answer.

a) This answer is based around the future of cars and the connectivity in cars.  Its predicted this year alone about 50% of cars will be internet connected and by 2025 all cars with carry connectivity (Forbes.com). This means that you can listen to your choice of programmes just like you do at home with your satellite or cable TV.  You watch what you want. So with cars connected you can listen to your podcasts of choice.  With the average to and from work car journey around 30 - 40 minutes or longer, this is where you can just listen and enjoy.  So from a business prospective that opportunity allows you to share your content via audio and have the listener engaged in your podcast and engaged in your product/service. From a customer prospective you can listen to shows and topics that are hobbies, inspirational, educational or the news. Making productive use of the time of your journey

b) Wouldn't it be great to listen to some local podcast shows sharing information about local products or services.  I see tonnes of questions on local Facebook groups. People asking lots of questions. Where are the companies? - why are they not seeing these 'pain factors' and talking about them?  We don't just have to use blogs and articles we can use audio too.  Find a pain factor that bugs your audience and talk about it. Share advise, tips and guidance. 

Why should I start one now?
Here in the Middle East there are still only a few known podcasts.  From my show to news network there are only a few BUT... the wave will come. We are all information hungry particularly if you are new to this region and want to suck up as much knowledge as you can to help with our decision making. We also want to gain that knowledge in our own time while we do our own thing.  Using audio gives you the opportunity to build on your relationship with your customers. Give them that little bit more and show off your expertise in an area.  Have you read my 11 reasons to start your own podcast show?  Believe me if your customers want more information or help, they will contact you.  Why? Because they heard you talking about it on your podcast.