Is Podcasting the New "Plastics"?

In the seminal 1967 film "The Graduate,'' college student Benjamin Braddock (played by Dustin Hoffman), is offered some career advice by an older businessman:

Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
Benjamin: Yes, I am.
Mr. McGuire: Plastics.

It is my personal opinion that were this conversation to take place today, Mr. McGuire would be tipping Benjamin off to podcasting. I know I would.

As many readers will agree, we are now in the midst of an Internet marketing talent shortage (which, ahem, I predicted a year ago) and the situation is only going to get worse.

Yes, it's fantastic that our industry is finally growing by leaps and bounds. It's not so fantastic that it's increasingly difficult to find and retain mid-to-senior level Internet marketing folks.

If a young man or woman who was close to entering the workforce were to ask me today* what specific area of Internet marketing they should specialize in to guarantee they'd be in top demand in the near future, the number one thing I would recommend would be podcasting. Of the shallow pool of Internet marketing talent that is available for hire today, very few people have any hands-on experience with podcasting.

The signs are all there; we are at the beginning of a podcasting boom, and anyone with demonstrated experience in this area is going to be in high demand over the next 12-24 months.

Are you listening?

* Note: a year ago I would have said Search Engine Advertising

Comments

[Donna Papacosta]

I love the PLASTICS analogy. And I think you're right. Unfortunately, marketers have to be careful when looking for podcast help. Not everyone with a mic and a copy of Audacity is going to know about communications and hence be a talented podcaster.

Good post. Thanks.

[Tom Beakbane]

Totally agree (for the moment). Podcasts are now my favorite form of education and entertainment. I spend about 10 hours/week listening to podcasts. Two years ago the number was zero.

The challenge for corporations and agencies is how to create podcasts that not only get an audience but are also productive.

Do you have any examples of agencies that are helping their clients broadcast them - and getting paid for it??

Nice blog (great to hear about your new job).