For nearly three solid years several of us poured our energy into an online Radio/Television station known as Webcast One Live. It was an amazing adventure that was full of promise. I still think it is a vision of the future. Much of this quick video was shot a year ago when the station was moving, we thought, into a much more broad world of shows. It was fun to find the video and, now, share it with you.
While I carry on Insight on Business with Michael Libbie as a blog feature, this was an exciting adventure and it helped me use some of the TV talents I had long ago moved away from. Big shout out to my two talented friends, Maxwell Crabb and Esme LeJeune. Great folks to work with. If you want to connect here...feel free to leave a comment or we can connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or our advertising agency is @InsightADV. Thanks for watching! - Michael
Here are several story lines we're following for Insight on Business with Michael Libbie. Brief thoughts from several fronts and ideas for your business, no matter the size. If you want to leave a comment here, feel free or we can connect on Twitter @InsightADV or our advertising agency Facebook Page.
The Danger of Social Media
Last week I presented Social Media & Business 101 to a group of sales professionals in Nebraska. In that presentation I always make the following statement: "Social Media is not a replacement for Traditional Media (radio, print, television) but it is an amazing way to connect with consumers to learn what they want before your competition has a clue." That's why when I see "social media experts" contend that Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc. are a "better replacement" than traditional media I get...nervous. That's simply not the case. Careful what snake-oil pops up in your in-box from some Social Media Wizard....
Trade Show ROI
Many folks are kicking off the 2012 Trade Show Season. That means many business professionals are looking at their expense lines and wondering, out loud, if doing all those trade shows is really a good return on their investment. Simple answer: It is IF you follow these seven trade show tips. When you do, your expense becomes an investment. But, careful...it takes...work. Bonus video included in that link so you can "see" what you should do...and what you should not be doing. One of my suggestions was to "do something" and just don't "sit there". Have a contest, have some fun... (Photo) Our friend H.A. Gross from Plaza Printerssent this photo from a recent WeddingsDSM trade show. He writes, "We played a game where visitors spun a wheel and had, at times, 50 people standing in line. Everybody won something with our imprinted name. We followed up and made a dozen sales. All new customers." ROI friends...
"When To Take My Name Off The Door"
Back in 1967 advertising icon Leo Burnett offered up a quick speech to advertising professionals sharing with them his passion for the advertising business. Our friends at Adrants passed this animation by Lobo along to us. We're sharing it with you.
Last night I attended an event billed as "Business Networking/Fundraiser for the Animal Rescue League". It was an idea cooked up by our friends atBMW of Des Moines and included a dozen local businesses who had tables set up in the showroom to push their products. Meanwhile we were encouraged to donate to the ARL of Iowa by buying raffle tickets for prizes from the vendors. There was also music, food and a wine tasting. Everybody wins...BMW gets folks in the door to drool, ARL raises funds, businesses connect with consumers. Nice job. One other thing. Would we have gone had it not been connected with ARL? Most likely not. See..it works. Here's a photo of our friends from The Urban Card...posing. Nice evening.
Thanks for coming by...have a great week! - Michael
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our regular look at business ideas and consumer trends that effect the world of advertising and marketing. It's the place where you can come and keep up with the fast paced world of...business. From opinion to fact it's all here. Let's go:
Start The Week - Connected
There are so many ways to "stay in the game" and stay connected with focused people on your team. One that we've recently found is a tool by 37 Signals. Actually it is four tools. Internal project tracking, communication and planning can take place in one location. It takes some getting used to...but we think it is a dynamic time saver especially if you have multiple projects going in multiple locations...like us. Go ahead and take a look...but promise to come back.
Start the Week - Informed
People often ask me how it is that I seem to know lots of pieces of information about such a wide variety of topics. Other than it being my "job" there is a method to this art. My "wake-up call" is every morning at 5. (OK, I go to bed early...) Before I roll out it's time to check the latest news sources (international, national and local) I've bookmarked. With just a few clicks I'm reading the overnights on the stock market, business briefs, consumer studies, social media trends....all before 5:30. Then, for things I want to report on on study in more depth, it's a simple e-mail to myself. Works...
Start The Week - Well
Nothing succeeds like...success. This past fall I decided to alter my eating habits and cut down on the carbs. The result has been a 20lb loss... That's a good start but I wasn't taking advantage of exercise options. I'm not much of a "gym-rat". While the friendships are great...I need to be at work well before 7AM. So the machine, that had been doubling as a clothes hanger, gets a thirty minute workout. The goal is to lose another 20 or so...me, and my doctor, would approve.
Start The Week - Different
This weekend I re-arranged my office. Not much different but added a piece of furniture and moved the "comfy chair" into my desk area. A "new look" allows for some creativity...me thinks. Breaking out of the old and into something different is a great idea.
And Finally...CNN
Last week was busy here in Iowa. The Iowa Caucus was in full blown "go mode" and the news media was looking for...stories. One that several of us worked on was getting a group of people together for Soledad O'Brien's new morning show. This is what it looks like at 4:15AM CT:
That led to this short clip. We were supposed to talk about the power of connections, social media, business and politics. But, we spent more time on...the weather. Thanks Ashleigh for reminding me to get a coat.
Thanks for coming by. If you want to connect, feel free to leave a comment here or you can find us on Twitter @InsightADV and here is our ad agency Facebook Page. Have a great week! - Michael
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our regular feature dealing with our thoughts on social media, advertising, marketing and a host of topics in a quick read, quick link experience. Thanks for coming by. If you would like to connect with a comment here, feel free or we can get together on Twitter @InsightADV and our advertising agency Facebook Page is right here. Let's go:
Good Idea #1 - Eagles' Wings River Retreat
If you are anywhere in the Des Moines Metro and you're looking for a place for a business meeting, planning seminar, small party, or an afternoon with the Board (profit or non-profit)...and you want to escape the sterile environment of a hotel/motel meeting room go...here:
Eagles' Wings River Retreatis just minutes from downtown Des Moines and is part of Mike Taylor's food service business, In The Bag. Nope, Mike didn't pay for this recommendation. We just think it's a cool place. Enjoy.
Good Idea #2 - Ed Snuffin & Iowa Computer Repair
Ed and I have been "Facebook Friends" for a couple of years. That means we "know each other" sorta. Last month I invited Ed to our home for an event. In his RSVP he responded that his business, Iowa Computer Repair was within walking distance from our place in "The Village" of Windsor Heights. This week my Bride had a major issue with her computer and I called Ed. Not only did he get to this right away (His policy is to clear the work-bench before the end of the week.) he also loaned Georgie a computer and sat down with her to explain loads of things about Windows 7. If you are in the Metro and you need your computer to...work. Visit with Ed. He's a bunch better than Big Box...any day.
It Gives Us All A Bad Name - Goofy Idea #1
They would love for me to say their name...but I'm not. This week we received this brochure in the mail from a company based in Illinois. They are selling Social Media Services for small businesses for $300 a year with "no set up fee". Here is what you get:
Weekly Facebook Post;
A Facebook "Like" Button for your website;
Comment to Fans on Your Behalf;
A Daily Tweet;
Custom Twitter Background;
Monthly Status Reports mailed to you...
Seriously? It's what gives those of us deeply committed to social media a lousy name. What's really sad is somebody out there will buy this. Goofy, my friends from so many angles.
Fix Stuff People Hate - Good Idea #3
Let's say you know people who hate a particular service or product. It might be merchants who hate paying expensive transaction fees on credit card charges so...you invent Dwolla where each transaction is only $.25. Or you know customers hate paying interest charges and you come up with an idea that even on your charge cards you'll not make those interest charges...sorta like Von Maur. Or you know people hate paying fees to access their money from generic ATM's so you create an advertising supported platform...with no fees. Or you realize that folks hate to pay shipping so you ship products from online...free. The bottom line is find something people hate...and fix it. Give them an alternative. Bet it...works.
Thanks for coming by. Feel free to pass this around...if you want. And, do me one small favor. Spend 20% of your holiday shopping dollars...local? Drop the Box it means a world of difference to Main Street. - Michael
I don't have the reach that Gary Vaynerchuk has so, perhaps you've seen this fifty-seven second BLOW UP regarding ROI (Return on Investment) and social media. If not spend a minute and learn why using Social Media for your business is not only smart...it is necessary.
But, as always, there is a kicker... You have to do this correctly. Our recommendation is to use these platforms to not only project your voice and your brand but to also listen, hyper-listen, to consumers so that you can match their need/wants/desires with your product or service long before the competition.
If you would like to leave a comment here...feel free. Or let's connect on Twitter @InsightADVand our advertising agency Facebook Page is right...here. - Michael
Some of the stories we find interesting that just might help your business succeed in this economy or any. If you want to leave a comment here, feel free. Or we can connect on Twitter @InsightADV or here is our advertising agency Facebook Page. Let's talk...
Social Media 2011
We spend a bunch of time learning and teaching about using social media for business. But, just how many folks are connected, what are their ages and what are they doing on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube? Here's a neat little video we found that helps answer that.
By the way...just "having a social media account" for your business won't fly. You've got to be able to use it effectively...like any segment of your marketing plan. OK? Tip of the Hat to my friend Steve SchraderBachar@MortgageMinute for the thought starter.
Branding Starts With...
We read lots about "branding" and we help our clients better understand what they must do to create a successful brand and...if they don't, what will sink it. We've always said that "the suits" or owners are not really in charge of "The Brand". The brand starts with the people who have real interaction with consumers. Last week a DirecTV tech came to our house to install service. He was amazing. Mike showed his ID at the door, put on little"booties" to walk into the house, took his time to explain everything, was cordial, professional and interested in what solutions he could bring to our needs. Contrast that with a Dish Network installer we had eight years ago who was gruff, didn't talk and was interested in how fast he could get in and out. Look, spend your time with line staff who come into contact with consumers and give them the training and pass on the passion to become great brand builders. It works.
Buying Local Builds Community
If you own a small business we feel your pain as you watch droves of holiday shoppers drive past your store and go to "Big Box". We understand that the dollars spent local, stay local. We get it and we're on a mission to spread the message. Imagine if shoppers changed their buying habit and switched 20% of their shopping to locally owned businesses... We're working, right now, on a project we think will drive local and we're hoping to announce at the start of 2012. More to come but between now and then impress to your friends, family and customers the importance of buying local. But remember, you must deliver the service that earns the business. Just being "local" isn't enough to earn consumer confidence. BTW: Here is a neat image Jack Huff (click to enlarge) from Adventure Lighting of Urbandale, Iowa posted last year. Pretty much sums up the story from the economic side of things and we likey!
Filming and Video
Last week our crew headed to Northwest Iowa to start work on a piece with the working title of "After the Harvest". Thought you might like to see just a bit of what things look like "behind the scenes".
And you wonder why GOOD television commercials and GOOD videos cost some serious money? We shot for three hours but lead in time, set up and planning took well over twenty. It's what we do...
Thanks for coming by and here's wishing you a fantastic week! - Michael
It's been an interesting holiday season...so far. There has been this groundswell of consumer support for "Buy Local". Much of it, we think, is centered on the reality that at most "Big Box Stores" consumers feel like a number. There is no story about the the purchase and zero interaction with the company. Clearly this consumer trend is something small "mom & pop" businesses need to address in their marketing and how they go about getting in front of consumers.
Each month Market Day Iowaholds an indie event at the Hotel Kirkwood in downtown Des Moines. Because it's held the final Saturday of each month I don't get to attend. However, on Black Friday...I do. This year we shot some short "vendor stories" so you could get the feel of Market Day and perhaps consider making a purchase from a Hyper-Local Business. Let's have a look:
Shade Tree Pens - Custom Made Pens
Here is Bill Young 515.360.7959 talking about his hobby that landed him a job that he loves. Nice stuff Bill:
No website, but you can call him directly.
No Tengo Miedo Clay - Amanda Barr
Stopped to visit with Amanda about her work in clay. She is based in Ames but you can reach her at www.amandambarr.com.
Thanks Amanda!
Maude Wren Jewelry - Modern Renaissance of Vintage Jewelry
Very nice and continued success. You can also give them a call or email: MaudeWren@gmail.com
The Wedding Format
We thought this was very interesting. These guys find old Polaroid, 35mm cameras and Super 8mm and turn them into working equipment. They also sell the film.
In addition they shoot for weddings and other events. www.TheWeddingFormat.com is the connection point.
The Trading Post - Found Stuff...Cheap!
We ran into Robert and Stacy Harding out of Swan, Iowa who have a brick and mortar store.
Love the "buy cheap, sell cheap" line. 515.210.5784 to learn more.
Nite Owl Designs - Handcrafted for Children
Jenny Witte is the owner/designer for this Boone, Iowa company. No doubt the name comes from the time she gets to work on her creations.
You can find Jenny at 515.371.6561 and she is also on Esty.
RTturnings - Wood Working
Rob is the artist at the Des Moines based www.RTturnings.com where you can purchase hand made ornaments and some really neat looking wood designs.
You can also reach Rob at 515.333.2148
There you go, a really quick look at a number of talented people who represent Hyper-Local Shopping...we think a strong consumer trend and no matter where you are at, this stuff is going on near you. Thanks for coming by and if you want to connect it's @InsightADV or here is our advertising agency Facebook Page. Have a great holiday season...and Shop Local! - Michael
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Friday look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. Our goal is to help your business, no matter the size, look deeper at marketing ideas that work and those ideas that could use...more work. It's an effort to help you expand your sales and brand. Thanks to NatraTurf and Bindery Oneand Exceptional Specialty Products their continued support. Let's go:
Petfood & Marketing
The cover story of Petfood Industry, a Watt publication, has some interesting consumer news. Author George Collings, PhD and general manager of Nutrition Solutions shares his thoughts on the rising price of petfood ingredients like corn, oils and meat along with higher transportation costs. All of which, he says, "...drives up costs of production..." He goes on to say, "Providing quality ingredients to production is as critical to the fulfillment of the business plan as any marketing/sales campaign." All good stuff. But then we get into "consumer slight of hand" when he recommends, "...reduce(ing) package sizing or decrease density. Minor changes to package volume are less noticeable, and if coupled with a lighter density, the package seems the same." So, you are right...those new packages cost more but you're getting less. Your Tip: Consumers notice and they will tell others. If you have a solid brand image and your product/service is worth the added cost, consumers will pay the price. If not...perhaps "slight of hand" is your only option. Focus on quality and service. Bonus Note: The overall global pet market sales in 2010 was $80 billion up 4.4% over 2009. You here yet?
Consumers, Local News & Your Business
When asked how consumers get local news most will say they view it on local television stations. But, when you break that question down most consumers are talking about...weather, traffic & breaking news. That's the finding of the recent Pew Internet & American Life Project and Knight Foundation study detailed here from our friends at Search Engine Land. There is loads of valuable information here...loads. Your Tip: If you own a local business or a restaurant pay attention to your website and how likely you are to be found and be seen. It's twice as important as "word of mouth". Seriously...
Here is an interesting statistic: I have not done a live webcast for Insight on Business New Hour since June. Yet in the past thirty-days one or more of my webcasts on business have been downloaded 7,250 times. Why should you care? I think there are two points to be made: 1) What you put on the Internet stays here for a very long period of time and when people are searching for a particular idea/topic your ideas continue to show up. You might call it..."sticky". 2) Using the Internet to boost your brand is critical. One of the draws to webcasting is the same as video...it moves, it talks and (when live) you can interact. Even if it's not live you can still interact by posting comments or questions long after the original "broadcast". Interesting...no?
Thanks and Connections
Thanks for coming by for a few moment. A reminder that Insight on Business won't publish this Thursday and Friday...we're out for a couple of days. If you would like to connect you may leave a comment here or on Twitter it's @MichaelLibbie (personal and business) or @InsightADV (all business). Our advertising agency Facebook Page is right here...if you would rather. Friends...get this first each morning. Thanks again and have a great Monday! - Michael
Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Friday look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. Our goal is to help your business, no matter the size, get a better grasp on what works...and what might need more work. Thanks to our friends at NatraTurf and Bindery One for helping make this possible. Ready...let's go:
Old School or Good Manners?
Over the years, as we've become more accustomed to "instant communication", I've noticed a real lack of communication when it comes to the telephone. We'll make a call to a media firm with a question and get voice mail. We might want to buy a product or service and we get...voice mail. We always leave a message but often don't get a return call. I'm told folks prefer-email and texting...and I think that is a HUGE MISTAKE. Why? You leave out the inflection of the conversation. I can tell you, by voice, that I think, "You're crazy!" but my inflection doesn't mean your insane but rather you are loads of fun. Your Tip: Always answer your voice mail. Even better change it up on a daily basis (go ahead call me 515-331-3207) it takes only a few moments and let's folks know...you actually use it. Oh...and one other thing: If you record an outgoing message...say on May 18th and it's September 20th. I might think you don't pay attention to what's going on. Ya think?
Audience Smaller - Rates Higher
This week there was an article in the Wall Street Journal discussing the amazing reality of how networks are charging more for ad time but delivering fewer eyeballs on commercials. How can they do that? Easy...because most companies are simply familiar with buying 18 - 49 year old for $30 a thousand. And, nobody else can anybody deliver massive numbers like...broadcast TV. Oh...and because it's easy. Rather than do the work and actually communicate with the target demo just buy an ad for $250,000 and hope you connect. Your Take-A-Way: If this sounds like your company and even your local market buys for TV I want you to stop...and think for a minute. Is your product and service for everybody or...is it something that you can better target if only you had the right information. Bet we already know the answer.
Know When To Fold 'Em
Several months ago Burger King killed the King. We're glad because it was just...creepy. When their new ad for the California Whopper rolled out we had to say...WELL DONE! Here's the ad:
Why do we like it? Because Burger King didn't change their message because some new person was selected at VP of Marketing. They didn't change because they thought it would be...cool. Clearly they changed direction because they now know consumers are more interested in food/health then they are a 1970's Creepy King. Burger King listened to consumers and made the right call. Nice job...
Facebook Changes & People Pissed
My son posted a piece on his FB Page about people getting pissed off with the latest changes to Facebook as if they were paying to use a product that is delivered to them...free. Same old story a FB change and people go nuts. They did it six months ago and they'll come back and do it at another round of changes. Silly...just...silly. Embrace the change...walk toward the light.
Thanks and Let's Connect
Thanks for coming by for a quick read and our view of our craft. If you want to leave a comment here, feel free. Or, we can connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie (personal and business) or @InsightADV (business baby...business). And, speaking of Facebook, here is our advertising agency Facebook Page...if you want. Have a great Wednesday!! - Michael
Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our look at a host of things dealing with advertising, marketing and consumer trends. Our goal is to help your business increase your marketing footprint and then sell more of your products/services by having you learn what works...and what may need more work. Our thanks to NatraTurf and Bindery One for their continued support of this project. Let's go:
Consumers & Organic/Natural Products
We've covered much of this in the past...most recently a discussion about food and food choices and how the trend continues to grow for organic/natural products and/or lifestyle. While doing some work for an agricultural client I came across this piece from Iowa Farmer Today which details some numbers and consumer trends for organics. Well worth a read... Your take-a-way is our continued urging for you to create and/or market products which meet consumer demand. This, we believe, will continue to be a growth segment of our economy.
Speaking of Farming...
Last week we spent some time in Southern Iowa at the corn, soybean and cattle farm of Wayne and Jory Hunerdosse. Here's some of the FLIP footage of our trip...and an apology, in advance, for the lame "Field of Dreams" shot. But...we just couldn't help ourselves...
Nice job guys, and thanks Wayne and Jory for your time.
So Does Twitter...Work for Business?
For several years part of my job has been to convince business owners (small and large) of the value Twitter brings to the market. Before technology we called this "Word of Mouth" marketing...one of what many call the best way to sell products and services. It's still the same only now social network users can influence thousands vs. one or ten. Often folks want more...proof. OK, here you go: Here's a piece from our friends at AllTwitter "The Unofficial Twitter Resource"on how Twitter influences more consumers than...Facebook. The study was done by Kantar Media Complete and well worth a read. Your tip: Get busy and engage consumers using a host of social networking tools. We believe the order of importance is: 1) A Business Blog, 2) Twitter and 3) Facebook. Get busy...K?
Does E-Mail Marketing...WORK?
Another nod to our friends at Kantar Media Complete with this tidbit about email marketing. According to their recent study 89% of the respondents for the Online Shopper Intelligence Study say they "occasionally click through to a retail site or visit a retail site immediately after reading an email. Your Tip: Look, we've come a very long way from the old Fax Blasts and Email Blasts. If you had a lousy experience long ago...perhaps it's time to ramp up your email marketing. But, you must be ready with a mobile version of your site and have something to offer the consumer. One other thing...89% ain't bad even if it is "occasionally".
Thanks and Let's Connect
Thanks for coming by for a quick read and if you want to leave a comment, feel free. We can also connect on Twitter @MIchaelLibbie (personal) or @InsightADV (business) and here is our advertising agency Facebook Page. Have a great Thursday! - Michael
