Podcasts, Avatars, and NetSpeed Leadership
I haven't put my thoughts out into the blogosphere in almost two months. Why? We've been immersed in product development activities here at NetSpeed Leadership. I confess, as an entrepreneurial type, I get the most juice from the creative process.
The two biggest projects capturing my attention: Launching the NetSpeed Leadership webinar series (coming up on April 24) and completing 54 NetSpeed Leadership podspots with my friend and colleague, Dan Kennedy. You can check out some prototypes at our website; however these are merely examples of where we're headed. (They're not supported by graphic design, music, or interesting video in the prototype version.)
If you had asked me four years ago what new product or service we might launch in Spring 2007, I would not have imagined that we would be creating podcasts. I dipped my toe in the pond and jumped in with both feet! Dan and I have collaborated to write 54 short spots about a variety of workplace issues. They're fresh, funny, and educational. Mind you, we're clear that podcasting is not training because there is no skill development or practice; however, these are rich, focused options for a generation that prefers to access and filter information just in time.
Once we launch the podspot page at NetSpeed Coach, clients will be able to download audio versions (with background music) to their desktop, an MP3 player or iPod. If a client prefers, they can view a video version at their desktop.
Where I'm having the most fun at the moment is using avatar models in the video versions. One definition of an avatar is "a graphical image of a user intended to make the computing or network environment a more friendly place." So Dan has his graphical image and I have mine. We're both better looking, younger and more intelligent as our avatar selves. Their purpose is to make the podspot a bit more attention-getting (since many of us need that visual stimulation).
While we're on the topic of entertaining e-learning projects, I also want to announce that Leo Brodie will be joining NetSpeed Leadership as our Technical Services Director. We have so much interest at the moment in co-branding our learning portals, customizing our web tools, and custom-designing post-class reinforcement, Leo's skills will be in high demand. Come back in a few weeks and you'll be able to access our new podspots at the website. I can't wait.
