Escape Podcast 3: How do you decide which business to start?

It's that time again!  I just posted the third episode of the Escape from Cubicle Nation Podcast.  It is about 6 1/2 minutes long and covers the following topic:

Many people have questions about which business to start.  But most approach the task from the wrong angle, believing that if they just think about it enough that the answer will magically appear.

In this episode, I cover:

1. A myth about the process of deciding which business to start
2. Insight into why it is such a difficult quest for veteran corporate employees
3. A (fun) homework assignment to get some insight into the best business idea for you

I have changed my hosting format and now have the podcast episodes on Libsyn (short for LIberated Syndication - I chose them based on recommendations from readers, plus their name  ... how could I resist?).

To listen or to download the mp3 file, click here.

Here is the RSS feed for those of you who want to subscribe automatically:  http://feeds.feedburner.com/EscapeFromCubicleNationPodcast

I will add the RSS button to my blog tomorrow (babysitting time ran out before I finished everything!).

I mentioned in my first episode that podcasting was all new to me so I was going to upgrade my show step by step as I learned more.  This time, I did the following things differently:

1. Recorded using Audacity, free recording shareware (word to the wise:  if you go this route, make sure you first dowload lame-3.96.1, unzip it and save it to your drive.  You will need this when you decide to save your recording.  And instead of save, choose "Export to mp3").  I haven't figured out how to edit audio yet, so I will play around with it next time.
2. Hosted the podcast on Libsyn.  I just used their bare-boned post layout and will jazz it up soon with a better banner, and expanded categories
3. Published the feed with Feedburner.  I use them to track my blog subscribers and really like the service so I went with them for the podcast as well

My aim for next time is to:

1. Include a piece of intro music.  Any suggestions?
2. Maybe have a pre-recorded introduction of the podcast.  What are your feelings on this?  Should it be my voice or someone else's? 
3. Get all episodes up on iTunes and hope for some new listeners

Thanks in advance for listening, and for your suggestions.  Please leave comments on the topic of the podcast here!

Comments

[sooon]

personally i find lifeplan from startup nation is a good way to start everything. the main idea is, when you wanted to start your own business basically it means you wanted to change your life. so, it would be good to study your current life situation before you start anything, due to that fact that some business might turn out to be something you do not like to happen in your life. my 2 cents.

[Keith Handy]

Editing in Audacity is so easy you'll kick yourself. Just select an area you want to cut, the same way you would select text on a word processor, and hit "delete". You can use the magnifying glass tool to zoom in.

Also it's helpful to know you can stop and start playing from the cursor by hitting the spacebar (this is true of most audio apps), so you're not monkeying around with going back and forth between the play button and the work area.

[Paul]

Hi Pam

Magnatune has quite a bit of indie music available and specifically makes their music available at no charge for podcasters. I am going to go through their library when I have a chance to source music for my podcast.

I have been considering a pre-recorded intro and I think it is a good idea although not if you plan to introduce the topic in your intro each episode. If not, then why not?

[Andrew Thomas]

You can also find some good, freely downloadable music at the Podsafe Music Network - http://music.podshow.com

[Pedro Laboy]

Hi Pam,

This is a great plan. Thank you for sharing it with us. Keep up the good work.