Today, let's take a look at an important concept known as 'jumping the curve,' which comes from Guy Kawasaki, former Chief Evangelist at Apple.
This concept could be a game-changer for us as podcast service providers. So, buckle up and let's deep-dive into this transformative concept!
'Jumping the curve' signifies identifying the next big trend or change in your industry and adapting to it ahead of time. It means not just moving along the current trend line but leaping onto the next one to stay ahead.
It involves anticipating the future, being innovative, and taking risks. Remember, every trend has a lifespan, and our ability to anticipate the next curve can be the difference between success and obscurity.
The podcast industry has seen several curves. It started as audio blogging, then transitioned to the early days of the internet, moved to being distributed by RSS, and now it's starting to incorporate video.
Some might argue that for something to be considered a podcast, it must be delivered via an RSS feed and be audio-only. However, sticking rigidly to these traditional definitions could limit us as service providers.
Let's illustrate this with an example from the video rental industry. Remember Blockbuster? Once a giant in video rentals, it failed to jump the curve when online streaming became the next big thing.
On the other hand, Netflix, which started as a DVD-by-mail service, recognized the potential of online streaming early on. They jumped the curve and are now one of the leading streaming platforms worldwide.
In the podcasting world, we too must be ready to jump the curve to avoid becoming the Blockbusters of our industry.
AI tools are having a similar impact on podcast editing as photoshop did for graphic designers and WordPress and page builders did for web designers. These tools have leveled the playing fields and required new skills to be learned to remain competitive with those who had less skill and experience in the industry, but embraced the new tools early on.
While these tools make the industry more accessible, they also increase competition and put downward pressure on pricing. As service providers, it's crucial to consider how we can offer value beyond what these AI tools provide.
As podcast service providers, our skills and experience are not limited to podcasters only. There are other related areas that could benefit from our expertise.
For instance, with the rise of audiobooks and voice-over services, our audio editing skills can be valuable. Similarly, our content development and storytelling skills can be useful for businesses, educators, and content creators outside the podcasting realm. By expanding our horizons, we can tap into new opportunities and markets that are less crowded, offering a competitive edge. Whether it's audio editing, content development, storytelling, or marketing strategy, harnessing our strengths can foster our success in this ever-changing industry.
Adopting new technologies requires learning and skill development. Investing in professional development, online courses, and certifications can equip us with the skills to adapt to changes and stay ahead of the competition. This ties back in with the importance of setting aside time to work on the business. We need time to devote to learning and skills development. Check out our article "Take Your Podcast Service Business to the Next Level: Why You Should Work "On" the Business" to learn more about working "on" the business.
Finally, adopting a mindset that embraces change and looks to the future is critical. Keep an eye on emerging trends and technologies, and consider how they might impact our industry. Stay curious, experiment with new tools, and be willing to innovate. This forward-thinking approach will enable us to spot opportunities and challenges ahead of time and respond effectively.
In the realm of tech giants, Apple stands as a prime example of a company that has consistently succeeded in jumping the curve. They didn't just make computers; they revolutionized music with the iPod, telecommunication with the iPhone, and even health and fitness tracking with the Apple Watch. By continually looking for new opportunities, Apple has maintained its position as a dominant player in multiple industries.
Adapting to change is not about reacting to what's happening now but anticipating what's coming next. We need to stay informed about emerging trends and understand their potential implications for our business. Whether it's the rise of video podcasts, the impact of AI tools on audio editing, or the increasing demand for multimedia content, staying ahead of the curve requires us to be proactive, innovative, and adaptable.
In our dynamic industry, 'jumping the curve' is not an option but a necessity for sustained success. It might be comfortable to stick with what we know, but comfort zones rarely lead to growth. So let's be bold, embrace change, and shape the future of podcasting!
Curious about how to stay ahead of the curve in the podcast industry? Let's talk about it in our Pro Group. We're a community of forward-thinking podcast professionals, and we'd love to have you join us!
