Issue #48:

As 2020 nears its end, video podcasting is still a thing!

Is it just me, or does March feel like it happened two years ago and, simultaneously, like it’s still going on? It’s been an odd year, for sure. But one thing that’s been interesting to observe has been the rise of video blogging or podcasting in our industry, starting right around that time.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention here that I was recently honored to appear on two industry podcasts: “3 Guys & an iPad” and “FinTech Hunting.” You should check them out! It was a lot of fun to take part in both, and it got me to thinking. What a great time to tap into industry expertise of all types.

Not that long ago, one could gain industry insights, expertise or even perspective in just a few ways. You could shell out hundreds or even thousands for a webinar or live conference. And many times, you’d end up seeing the same Usual Suspects (not that most of the regular speakers on the circuit aren’t worth the time or money—but at times, it felt like the same topics and perspectives were shared over and over again). You could talk to your peers and friends, which can, by the very nature of that approach, become an echo chamber. Or you could pay for a subscription to industry trades. That approach is still valid, but even then, some publications have a tendency to go back to the same experts (or the experts with good PR people!) over and over as well.

In March, however, we started seeing just about anyone in the industry with a little time and something to offer picking up an iPhone and recording video. Some of it was great. Some was insightful. Some….well, not so much. But all of a sudden, we had access to not just the same CEOs, attorneys and CTOs. Instead, we got a wider view of the space and the market from all sorts.

Now, as we jump ahead to November, admittedly, many of those first-timers have fallen away from making videos. Admittedly, it’s a real job and it takes time and creativity to grind out content week after week after week. But it feels like our access to information and perspectives in the industry has opened up a bit. It’s always a good thing when we can tap into not only the party line or practiced key messaging, but into the “real world” points of view of all types in our industry. 

So while plenty of not-so-good things did come about from the pandemic quarantine earlier this year, let’s admit that the forced time at home may have opened some very real doors to some exciting new opportunities in our industry.

By the way, I’m going to be appearing on another well-known podcast very soon. I’ll be sure to provide the link once we’ve recorded. Maybe, just maybe, it’s time for me to think about hosting a podcast myself. Hmmmm….What do you think?

Ideas or suggestions for future topics? Should Deeper Thoughts be a video podcast? Have something you’d like to say to the readers of Deeper Thoughts? Please share with me at jpaolino@lssoftwaresolutions.com.