Insight on Business

Insight on Business - February 25, 2010

We're still excited about Insight on Business from yesterday that featured a discussion about social media and banking with Christophe Langlois of Visible Banking.  Best line:  "Don't worry about the ROI of getting into social media, worry about the ROI of NOT being involved."

Today we're back with more as part of Des Moines Local...LIVE.  Monday - Thursday starting at 12:30PM Central we come to you with news and information about advertising, marketing, consumer trends and best business practices.  You can LISTEN LIVE at 12:30 by following this link.  Insight on Business...TODAY:

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Gary Kubicek is the sales and marketing manager for the Iowa manufactured line of pet foods known as Country Vet Pet Foods.  Gary travels the country talking to retail shops, pet owners and vets about their business and his.  Today we'll have Gary in studio, he and his crew are in town for Pheasant Fest which starts tomorrow.  This is a great time for you to join us in the chat and ask your pet food and small business questions.  Gary has seen them all...and has great insight.  Gary Kubicek during the 1PM hour.  Download this episode (right click and save) In other stories:

Did you know that only one-half of the world's Tweets are in English?   Really...sort of makes you re-think the world wide connection is world-wide but, at the same time can be very local.  You there yet?

We thought this was interesting:  Sears is re-branding Kenmore.  Seems they, and consumers, think the brand is a bit...old.  The re-branding and getting the word out among "real consumers" has Sears using Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.  We keep telling you to pay no attention to this social media stuff...it's a fad and besides...nobody wants to know that you are stopping off for coffee..who cares..  Right?  Ahem....next:

Have you heard how Starbucks is using social media to combat negative rumors in the bud?  If you took the time to digest that comment from yesterday's show about ROI...this story from Advertising Age fits, like a glove.

Maybe by "picking a fight" you can gain traction?  Remember the local Legend's story from a week ago?  In this article by Dan Zarrella we learn about ways to use customers as your allies in combating "the dark side" of others.  But...the key here is you MUST already have a following of friends.  How do you collect that.  Hmmmmmmm

Must boost this out the door...these stories and more today.  Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and brought to you by:

NatraTurf - Think about why chemical application professionals put out those little signs, "Stay off the lawn for 24-hours".  Break the habit:  www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Bring WOW back with business announcements and wedding invitations.  www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help you get your business noticed:  www.ESP4All.com

Follow us on Twitter: @MichaelLibbie (personal and business) @InsightADV (business baby all business) or @RuralLifeRadio (our passion for all things rural)  Thanks for coming by!

 

 

Plaza Florist - Urbandale, Iowa

We rarely sit down with our friends and talk about them....well, that's not quite true we LOVE to tell others about great small business owners that continue to do excellent things for their customers and their community. 

Recently Plaza Florist and Sandy Taylor was recognized by the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce as the Business of the Year...  That's impressive when you figure that this chamber has over 600 members and among them...there are loads of quality business leaders.

So, a Tip of the Hat to Sandy Taylor and Plaza Florist...nice.

Join us on Monday at 12:30PM for our LIVE show Insight on Business with Michael Libbie all part of Des Moines Local...LIVE!  Our guest will be @HollyEgg talking about a new business coming to Des Moines.  We'll share everything...MONDAY!

Insight on Business - February 24, 2010

Welcome back...  Insight on Business, part of Des Moines Local...LIVE hits the air LIVE at 12:30PM Central.  To join us LIVE all you need to do is head to www.DesMoinesLocalLive.com how simple is that?

For the PODCAST:  Here you go...quality suffers this time but great stuff about banking and social media.

Ever thought about SINGLE Letter LOGOS?   Us too.  Interesting how some folks can make such an impact with such a simple design. 

That works right into our Insight Advertising Agency post from today..."Cutting Down the Noise".  Consumers don't really read all that "stuff" so why are you including it in your print or electronic ads?  Anybody? 

This is a FIRST for us...  Today our special guest is Christophe Langlois.  Christophe will join us live from his base in Great Britain using SKYPE.  So, who is Christophe Langlois and why should you tell every banker and financial person you know to tune in?   Christophe is the founder of Visable Banking a social media agency that helps financial institutions drive customers and employees to new levels of understanding.  Months ago we found Christophe and asked him a question about why finanacial institutions are so lagging in the adoption of social media practices.  He gave us an ear full....and we want to share that information with you.  Christophe has spoken around the world on this issue...and NOW he gets to speak to you with Insight on Business.

We're excited...can you tell?  And, for those of you interested in following Christophe on Twitter it's @Visible_Banking

Those stories and more today with Insight on Business with Michael Libbie a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and brought to you by:

NatraTurf - Your lawn, your city, your nation...is begging you to go green...  www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Make your next business invitation...a WOW invitation, www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your company "get noticed"!  www.ESP4All.com

Follow us on Twitter:  @MichaelLibbie (business and personal), @InsightADV (business baby...business) or @RuralLifeRadio (our love for everything...rural.)  Thanks for coming by!  Our site?  www.InsightCubed.com thanks again!

 

 

Insight on Business - February 23, 2010

Welcome back to Insight on Business your daily dose of advertising, marketing, consumer trends and best business practices.  We're part of Des Moines Local...LIVE and on the air liveat 12:30PM Central.    On the show today...

To LISTEN to the show with Leisa JUST CLICK THIS for the PODCAST.

Our special guest today is Leisa Fox from the Iowa Association of Business and Industry the folks who watch over what is going on with business here in Iowa.  Leisa is the VP of Membership and we'll ask her about the past year and look forward to the future.  How are business leaders feeling about 2010, what is the mood for expansion and growth, are business leaders on the attack or are they retreating?   We'll have that discussion with Leisa at the top of the hour.

In other stories:  We thought we were done.  But...nope.  The Legends vs. Des Moines Public School teachers (and others) continues.  Now we're airing our dirty laundry in New York City.  Here is the latest post from our friend Ed Weintrob of Coney Media...New York City.

For the story on the National Economy...here's something to read from our friends at National Public Radio.  Good stuff.

When in economic crisis we sometimes forget that our employees are also worried.  That's why we've included these eleven tips on "good people skills" and how much more YOU need to pay attention to your workers.  It's from the Harvard Business Review and written by Gill Corkendale. 

These stories and our time with Leisa Fox (pictured).  Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications (www.InsightCubed.com) and brought to you by:

NatraTurf - Your lawn is counting on you to help it kick its chemical dependency problem.  www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Now with wedding invitations that will make you go...WOW!  www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help you get your business noticed.  www.ESP4All.com

Thanks for watching, reading and taking part.  We monitor @MichaelLibbie during the broadcast and we're also @InsightADV and @RuralLifeRadio just to stay connected.

 

Insight on Business - Metro Monday - Feb. 22, 2010

It's the "Story That Will Not Die" and the reason "Legends Restaurant vs. Marsha Richards" (or "Consumers vs. Lousy Service") won't die is because it resonates with you...the consumer.  Welcome back to Insight on Business and Metro Monday the day where we spend our 90-minutes talking about local business issues from marketing to consumer trends.  We're part of Des Moines Local...LIVE.

HERE is the ENTIRE SHOW - POD-CAST!

 

If you have a pulse and your live in Central Iowa this customer service nightmare and public relations train wreck has been in the news for nearly a week.  There is a Facebook page denouncing Legends Restaurant, there has been a steady stream of comments on Marc Hansen's Sunday Des Moines Register article from yesterday.  It's nuts and people far and wide are taking their pound of flesh and exercising their anger in public.  Amazing and we'll put another spin on this story in the first half hour of the show.

And, how timely it is that our special guest is in the business news media?  Todd Razor from the Des Moines Business Record is our guest today.  We've got all kinds of questions for him on this issue and so many others that are brewing in the Des Moines Business Community.  A sample:  Are business leaders immune to change considering the economy?  If not...how have they adjusted?  Even the New York Times thinks magic things happen in Des Moines...do we take what we have for granted?  Commercial Real Estate sales drop by 39% what is next?  Is everything as rosy as the Des Moines Chamber says it is?  What does the "mainstream" business community think about social media...we'll talk about the survey done for the Business Record.  Those issues and more with our friend Todd Razor today.

Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and is brought to you by:

NatraTurf - Your lawn needs your help to break it's chemical dependency and you can start the process by learning "how" at www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Really, when was the last time you got a wedding invitation and went, "WOW!"?  Maybe if it came from www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your business get noticed!  www.ESP4All.com

Follow us before, during and after the show on Twitter:  @MichaelLibbie (personal and business - we monitor this during the show), @InsightADV (business baby...business) or @RuralLifeRadio (our love for things...rural).  Thanks for being here.

 

Tim McCann - Insight on Business February 18, 2010

Insight on Business is a daily 90-minute radio/tv show about advertising, marketing, consumer trends and best business practices.  We're part of Des Moines Local...LIVEand you can watch/listen live today at 12:30PM Central.  

To Listen to the show from today:  JUST CLICK HERE!

 

We're excited that our friend Tim McCann from Deck the Walls will be our in studio guest this afternoon.  More on Tim and why Tim right after this...

It's nuts.  That's the consumer/public relations fall out from this weeks dust up between Legends American Grill owner Mark Rogers and Des Moines Public School teacher Marsha Richards who circulated her complaint using the school e-mail system.  We told you our thoughts on the matter yesterday...strictly from a public relations side of things.  Now there is a "Fan" page on Facebook that encourages people to boycott Legends.  At last count there were nearly 2,238 "fans" or "friends" that seem to agree that somebody at Legends needs to be flogged in public yet.   Here is the story from the Des Moines Register.

How sad...and silly.  But, all this points out a huge issue that many in business fail or have chose to ignore.  The Internet is a great place to find information, the Internet is a great place to sell your products and services, the Internet is a great place to interact with people and build relationships.  But...if you don't use it correctly and know how to build relationships.  This morning we heard yet another story about poor customer service and a public claim on Twitter regarding Homemaker's Furniture of Urbandale.   We'll share that...and our overall thoughts in the first half hour today.

Just the day for Tim McCann from Deck the Walls to come in and talk about his business, his marketing issues and how the economy has changed the way he does business.  But...and we'll talk about it...how do small business owners react to issues like this?   We'll have a great and open conversation with our friend Tim McCann of Deck the Walls in the one o'clock hour.  Join us?

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications.  We'll be monitoring Twitter during the show:  @MichaelLibbie and you can also use the chat.  All of this is brought to you by:

NatraTurf - Your lawn is waiting for your help.  Help your lawn kick its chemical dependency habit.  Learn more:  www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments- When was the last time YOU received a wedding announcement or a business announcement and went, "WOW!"?  www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor of Des Moines help you get your business noticed:  www.ESP4All.comn

Thanks for coming by.  You can follow us on Twitter @MichaelLibbie (personal and business) @InsightADV (business baby) and @RuralLifeRadio (our love for everything rural).  Thanks again!

 

 

 

 

We Got Your Insurance Right Here - February 17, 2010

It's Wednesday and at 12:30PM Central we'll lock and load another edition of Insight on Business a daily, live show on Des Moines Local...LIVE that deals with advertising, marketing, consumer trends and best business practices.  

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST RIGHT HERE!

On the show today we're talking insurance.  Wake up!   I know, to some just the mention of the word "insurance" is a sure fire way to put you as sound asleep as a Lions football game after a big Thanksgiving Day Dinner.   But, this is different.  In studio will be a couple of "fun" insurance guys.  Honest...  Brian Gillette and Chris Haviland from America's Health Plan Consultants and Group Benefits Limited will be in studio talking about choice and critical decisions folks need to make when shopping for insurance to investments.  We'll talk about the choices business owners have when it comes to employee insurance and what role insurance companies really have...when making health care decisions.  Also...we'll talk about your role in your health issues.   Good stuff.

Join us to talk insurance from all sorts of angles today with Brian Gillette and Chris Haviland with Insight on Business.  

In other stories:

Search Engine Optimization...or Social Media Optimization?  Now that Facebook directs more online users than Google it's time to consider where to go and what to do.  Oh, that's right...this social media thing...it's just a fad.  Here is an article from SFGate home of the San Francisco Chronicle.

How should you deal with NEGATIVE feedback?   Good question.  Our answer to our clients is always...FACE IT head on and we've given several ideas and suggestions over the years.  But, what about Social Media and word of mouth?  Tough to track down and answer?  Maybe not.  Here is a great article from Josh Catone of Mashable.  We'll talk about it.

In a related story there was a dust-up in Des Moines yesterday and today regarding an e-mail attributed to a Des Moines Public School teacher.  It seems a Marsha Richards, a teacher with the Des Moines Public Schools, and some of her fellow teachers went to Legends a popular Court Avenue restaurant yesterday for lunch.  Lunch turned into a shouting match between the teachers and owner Mark Rogers over "a hair in a salad".  Here is the full story from KCCI-TV8 who covered the event during the news last night.   Still today, and we did call Legends and sent an e-mail to Marsha Richards, the fire-storm continues.   What's our PR take?  We'll share it with you today in the first half hour.  There are tons of lessons here... 

Those stories and more...today. Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications.  You can keep up with us on Twitter during the show @MichaelLibbie and you can also join us in the chat.  It's all brought to you by:

Lotus Moments - When was the last time you received a wedding invitation or business announcement and went..."WOW!"  www.LotusMoments.com

NatraTurf - Your lawn is waiting for help...help in kicking its chemical dependency.  Learn more, www.NatraTurf.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your company get noticed:  www.ESP4All.com

Thanks for reading, watching, listening and taking part. 

 

 

Insight on Business - February 16, 2010

Where has this month gone?  Already the 16th!  Insight on Business returns today with loads of stories about advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  Every once in awhile we throw in a little news about best business practices.  We're part of Des Moines Local...LIVE and you can join us live today starting at 12:30PM Central.  object width="560" height="340">

To LISTEN to the PODCAST...Here is your LINK!

 

This is starting to get too weird.  A quick shout out to the Historic Valley Junction folks in West Des Moines.  Yesterday I had a question about free Wi-Fi in Valley Junction and they responded.  Not with an answer but at least with a link.  You guys get a 50% thumbs up.  But, why not just answer the question, "Is free Wi-Fi still available in Valley Junction?"  Sort of a customer service failure?   By the way...I did get my question answered by my friend Dave in Cleveland, Ohio via Twitter.  @dlayphoto but new conflicting info from the @BEGirls and @educatedbluewho owns a coffee shop in the Junction.  Jeezzzz what a hoot!

This is the kind of story that gets us excited.  "Where is Your White Space?"  Huh?  Look, there are tons of opportunities out there if you take your time to look at what market is under-served or simply missed.  This article by Mark W. Johnson carried in the Harvard Business Review points out...once again...that thinking pays the bills.

How valuable is a "Brand Name" product?  Not very if you consider what is going on at Wal-Mart and even Target.  More and more private label products are showing up on their shelves and that means that tried and true brands are fighting to stay on the shelves.  Here is the story from CNNMoney.  But, what might this mean for you and your cottage brand?  We see an opening...and we'll share our thoughts today.

Recession News:  We shared a little of this yesterday regarding high-end restaurants are starting to see more folks in their dining rooms.  The first ticker came in the amount of premium beef being sold.  Now The Wall Street Journal is carrying stories about dresses costing $7,000+ flying off the shelves in high end shops.  Another sign?

Our "Omaha Connection" Brent Pohlman sent me this photo.  It's from the United States Department of Human Services.  OK...it talks about safe pet food.  However the link under the photo was, "A Checklist of Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy."   We suspect that perhaps even safe pet food might be on the list?  Thanks Brent...we needed that laugh.

So, what if...what if you had a checklist to help you figure out if you should be an entrepreneur? (Heck I can't even spell it.)  Well...wouldn't you know it...there is!  Sure you think you can hack being "The Man" or "The Woman" but before you strike out, maybe you should take this self exam by Daniel Isenberg.   Go for it.  We'll share this with you later today on the air...maybe you want to take the test with us?

Oh, two thirds of Iowans support Medical Marijuana.  Hmmmm...business opportunity?

Pushing this out the door...a little behind time.  Later in the day we'll post the audio and a video tease?  Why?  Because we love you!

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and is brought to you by:

NatraTurf - You have the power to help your lawn kick its chemical dependency.  Learn more by visiting www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - It's not often that a wedding invitation or a business announcement makes you go, "WOW!".  Now...they will:  www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products- Let Cindy Taylor of Des Moines and Urbandale help your company get noticed.  www.ESP4All.com

Join us on Twitter:  We monitor @MichaelLibbie during the broadcast, and all day long.  For our agency blog it's @InsightADV and for our love of rural living it's @RuralLifeRadio thanks for coming by...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Angela Clark - Insight on Business - Metro Monday

It's the day after Valentine's Day and it's a Monday...wow, a Metro Monday Valentine's Day broadcast!  Welcome back to Insight on Business we're part of Des Moines Local...LIVE and we go live with the show at 12:30PM Central.  Because it's Metro Monday we'll focus much of the show on some local advertising, marketing and consumer trend stories...but that doesn't mean you won't find a nugget here, no matter where you live. 

Here is the PODCAST from the SHOW TODAY.

 

Our in-studio guest today is Angela Clark the public relations person behind the upcoming Natural Living Expo.  Why?  Because right here in the middle of corn and bean country is a growing group of people who are moving forward to take better care of the environment.  This group includes traditional farmers, city folks, sustainable agriculture and a host of various people who, over the years, have figured out we can do better. 

It's no secret, for example, that we have nearly a dozen farmer's markets in the area with one of the largest in the nation being in Des Moines.  Not many cities our size can boast 20,000+ people each Saturday "going to market".  What's driving this?  Why are people so interested and what will the Natural Living Expo bring that is different?  Come on by as we visit with Angela Clark with Insight on Business.

In other news:

This weekend John Ruan passed away.  Mr. Ruan (he was never "John") had vision, power and money and he used it to improve "his" Des Moines.  Mr. Ruan didn't do it alone he had friends who he loved and argued with.  But, in the end they banded together to "do something"...not simply sit on the sidelines.  Here's a great article by Des Moines Register writer David Elbert.  "His" Des Moines is now "our" Des Moines we have been given a gift...let's use it wisely.

Snow...again...in Des Moines.  Across the state roads and schools are closed.  (Ironic that they had to truck loads of snow to various Olympic sites in Vancouver.)  If we get another 2.5 inches of snow Des Moines will record this winter as the fifth snowiest in the records.  But, even at 60 inches of snow we'll still be a long way from the 1911 - 1912 record snowfall of 72 inches.  Hang on kids...

Raise Taxes and Cut Spending by Merging Services...it's all in this new poll by the Des Moines Register.  But, that doesn't mean the public is willing to cut jobs.  Maybe we've thought this through by now?

Cafe di Scala - A little "shout out" for a wonderful evening and Tony Lemmo...you guys and your personal service...ROCK!  If you haven't been to this Sherman Hill Restaurant...make plans now.  It's one of the very best in the city...for loads of reasons.  Go ahead, click on the photo for a larger size...  And, remember, they are only open Thursday - Saturday.  Enjoy!

I wasn't allowed to Tweet from Cafe di Scala last night...or was not supposed to.  Just sayin' if you want to follow them it's @CafeDiScala

OK, going to push this out of the door.  We'll follow a few other stories by the time we get into the studio for the live portion at 12:30 Central.  It's Metro Monday with Insight on Business brought to you by:

NatraTurf - Under all of this snow is a lawn waiting to have you help it go "chemical free".  Learn more:  www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - When was the last time you saw a wedding invitation or a business announcement and went, "WOW!" - www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor of Urbandale help your business get noticed.  www.ESP4All.com

Thanks for reading, watching, listening!  Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and you can keep up with us there or by using Twitter:  @MichaelLibbie (we monitor this during the show) @InsightADV (business baby) and @RuralLifeRadio (our love for the rural lifestyle). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sexy Stuff with Insight on Business

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Oh yeah...it's the Thursday before the "holy weekend" of Valentines Day and we've got some really wild stuff planned for today.  Ohhhh....baby!  (Think Barry White voice.)We are going to stimulate you and the conversation!  Our advice, take some time this afternoon, sit back and relax...if you have the ability, pour a glass of wine and enjoy Tax Talk with Howard Musin. 

Hey...this is a business show...remember! To LISTEN to the Show CLICK HERE!

Howard comes back in studio to give us some of his valuable time that we promise will not be wasted.  We've got racks of things to share with you as a small business owner...or not.  Howard is a principal at SSC Services in Des Moines and we're glad to have him back.  This, by the way is his "VERY busy time".  Here is the PODCAST.

In other...news:

Keeping up with all the social media getting you down?  You  might be interested in this article by Gina Trapani from Fast Company.  Some ideas to help you streamline a bit.

Got STUFF you want to sell?  Seriously.  Have you got a product or service you want to sell online but don't know how or if you can?  Here is a link to a great article on "Where to Shop Your Goods".  It's by Gregory Go of Wise Bread and it's an interesting read.

The other day I visited with you about collaboration and how it can help strengthen your brand.  I'm not talking about giving away the "kitchen sink" with your help and advice but truly being assistive.  We read and follow Jim Connolly who has a different take about "Time Wasters: How to spot them and avoid them!".  Me thinks that Jim may have wasted some time recently.  Good read for professionals.

I've been invited to sit on a panel to discuss retail issues at the Urbandale Chamber on the 26th at 9AM. WHAT?  Me go someplace and...(gulp) talk about marketing?  Yep...see you there?

Pushing this out the door right NOW...catch you at 12:30PM with Insight on Business and our special guest, Howard Musin.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications all brought to you by:

Lotus Moments - OK...seriously...when was the last time you got a wedding invitation or a business announcement and went, "WOW!"?  www.LotusMoments.com

NatraTurf - Under all this snow is a lawn that has a chemical dependency problem...help your lawn "kick the habit" with www.NatraTurf.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Cindy Taylor from Urbandale can get your business noticed:  www.ESP4All.com

Keep up with us on Twitter?  During the show we monitor @MichaelLibbie for your questions or comment...you can also use the Chat...  Later...???