Since 2005, when podcasting really started to take off, IBM has been driving this bandwagon with internal podcasts for its employees. IBM has recognized the importance of taking care of its employees so the employees take care of IBM (internal marketing to its employees). And IBM’s podcasts have nothing to do with the launch of a new product either. Its podcasts cover issues such as working mothers and interviews with the IBM executives so employees can get to know their fearless leaders. More importantly than the fearless leaders, the podcasts feature other employees, like the scientists, talking about normal life like driving, shopping, and banking. Taking it a step further, IBM has managed to cut operating costs, like its outrageous telephone bill, by utilizing the pocast to hold its weekly conference calls to update employees, who normally attended by phone, on “business matters.” Don’t think that the “powers that be” are the only ones who produce and introduce these podcasts either. IBM actually encourages its employees to create, upload and share their own podcasts with fellow employees. The result - over 700 podcasts and over 1 million downloads since the podcast launched in 2005.

Kristie Lorette is a freelance copywriter and marketing consultant who specializes in the financial services, mortgage, real estate, event planning and non-profit industries. Kristie holds a BS in marketing, BS in multinational business and an MBA. You can learn more about Kristie and her expertise by visiting her website www.studiokwriting.com.

Article Tags: internal marketing | internal podcasts | podcasting | podcasts
Filed under: Business, Marketing Trends, Social Media Marketing, Technology