Insight on Business

What's In Your Water? - July 29, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at news and information about advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  You can join us today at 12 Noon Central at Webcast One LIVE!  Our news/webcast is all about helping business succeed by better understanding the world of advertising, something we've done for decades.  Connect with us on Twitter @MichaelLibbie before during or after the show and during the show we can communicate using the chat.  Here is your link to Webcast One LIVE! 

On the show today we visited with Aaron Libbie about starting a business and water in Iowa.  Here is the re-broadcast:

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So, what is in your water?  Find out when our son Aaron comes in to talk about that and the struggles of starting a new business, balancing a family and still being "social".  Aaron Libbie today with Insight on Business.

In other stories we're following:

First off...thank you!  Our numbers for Insight on Business continues to increase.  Each day more folks find us and follow the show, this blog and the videos.  Thanks for spreading the word about us and WebcastOne LIVE!

Remember what we've said about WHO CONTROLS your BRAND?  Just yesterday I told you that if you think "the suits" control the brand, or "the marketing department" controls the brand you don't know anything about...branding.  Here is a spot on case in point from Advertising Age and about a Starbucks location (Foursquare) marketing effort that fell...flat. It's a classic of what happens when "the suits" don't connect with the line staff.  That's what I'm talkin' about!

Staying on new technology and Foursquare for a minute- Is "location based social networking" (LBSN)all it's cracked up to be?   Perhaps not says Melissa Parrish from Forrester.  Why?  Fragmentation and a small user base.  However, the demographic using LBSN tends to be young, well educated males.  Hey, if that is  your demo...why not.  But don't expect the earth to shake.  Here is the story, we'll talk about it.

How about "The Worst Ad of the Week"?  No we have not forgotten.  Today we'll tell you about this ad that was featured in an Iowa Barnstormers program handout.  Aaron and I went to the game together and he's the one that found it. (Click to enlarge.)  What might the advertiser have done differently?  We'll share that with you.  Gosh...TWO print ads in a row.  Gotta check out some other media.  Rockstar Satellite - but at least we're talking about it...right?

Not sure if you saw this piece about "Three Tips on Body Language" from Forbes.  We thought it was interesting so we'll visit about it and get your feedback.

Those stories and Aaron Libbie today with Insight on Business.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and is made possible by:

NatraTurf - Now is the time to stop putting chemicals on your lawn and garden.  Learn how and why:  www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - For business announcements and wedding invitations that are unique and original - www.LotusMoments.com

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

Thanks for coming by...see you at NOON Central.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reflections on Business - July 28, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our daily (Monday - Thursday) conversation about advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We take our experience and cover some of the stories that are making news, give them our spin and offer you "nuggets" of information and tips you can use...now.  Our news/webcast begins at 12 Noon Central on Webcast One LIVE and if you follow that link and click "Watch Now" you're there.  We monitor Twitter @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show...and during the program you can take part in the chat to ask or answer questions.  Here, once again, is the link to Webcast One LIVE!

If you missed the show yesterday...you missed a great discussion about the ROI of Social Media.  Our guest was Candace Karu from Cabot Cheese...it was a text book case of why your business should be paying attention and embracing SM.  Here is the link to that show and complete interview.

On the show today - Business is like a garden...

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So, what should business people understand that they often don't?  That is one of the topics I shared with folks at Simpson College yesterday.  Here is the piece from our agency blog.

Does your business lack...creativity in your branding message?  Want to get it back?  We'll talk about that today.

Advertising Age today released a survey about the effectiveness of using Twitter to promote your brand.  In a few words...the study, by digital agency 360i, says businesses seeking to build brands among consumers are failing.  Badly.  Why?  We'll discuss the reasons we think so many folks just "don't get it".

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

NatraTurf - Stop with the chemicals on your lawn and garden...how?  www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Now business announcements that will get attention.  www.LotusMoments.com

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

Thanks for coming by and we'll see you at Noon Central only on Webcast One LIVE!

 

 

 

Candace Karu & ROI - July 27, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our daily (Monday - Thursday) romp into the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  Each day we bring you news and tips to help any size business better understand the maze of marketing as we share experiences from over 35 years in the advertising industry.  You'll find us at WebcastOne LIVE where you can take part in the adventure by using the chat.  We also monitor Twitter: @MichaelLibbie before during and after the show.  

On the show today we visited with Candace Karu about the real ROI of Social Media.  More links below the video. 

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

So, what are the chances that I would have met Candace Karu, learned about Cabot Cheese and had this visit if it were not for Social Media and in this case Twitter.   Business demands to know about the ROI before they dive into using SM for marketing.  Our advice has always been, "Just do it!".  But with a plan.

In another story based on Social Media, I can now share what happened between our business and Enterprise Rental.  It started out with a near flawless rental pick up at the end of June that turned into a mix-up but ended yesterday to the satisfaction of us...and Enterprise.  Along the way...Social Media played a big role.  I'll give you the details this is something you don't want to miss.  Talk about ROI.

Those stories and more:

The Wall Street Journal writes that the ouster of BP CEO, Tony Hayward, is a fine example of the "laudable culture of accountability that has taken root in the U.S. private sector" and suggests that such a culture should be, but is not, present in Congress.  I don't do politics...but before The Journal breaks their arm patting the private sector, and themselves, on the back...two words:  Goldman - Sachs.  I'll share some thoughts.

It's a very long article so if you want to read the entire piece here is a link to Brand Building, Beyond Marketing by Nicholas Ind and Majiken Schultz in Strategy & Business.  I'll visit with you about the FIVE TIPS your business needs to think about as we shift from a branding experience based only on "marketing communications" to branding by engaging the entire company in all departments.  Good stuff.

Those stories and Candace Karu with Insight on Business a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications today at Noon Central and all made possible by our friends at:

Lotus Moments - Business printing that is different find out more by heading to www.LotusMoments.com.

NatraTurf - Now you can have an impact on the environment starting in your own back yard.  www.NatraTurf.com

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

Thanks for coming by...see you at Noon Central only on WebcastOne LIVE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metro Monday - July 26, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbe and it's a Metro Monday!  Our news/webcast about advertising, marketing, consumer trends and business practices airs Monday - Tuesday at Noon Central on WebcastOne LIVE.  On Monday, we take a focus on the Des Mones Metro area...but even if you're not here we know you'll pick up a nugget or two no matter where you live.  Here is the link for WebcastOne LIVE so you can watch.

And because we're LIVE, you can take part in the Chat or we monitor Twitter before, during and after the show, @MichaelLibbie.  On the show today we've got a mix of things much of which appeared yesterday in Sunday Morning Coffee. 

In other stories:

Got a lack of creativity?  Here is an article from FastCompany that speaks to "How to Get it Back".  We'll talk about it.

GOSH...I've been working while doing this and I am OUT OF TIME!  Gotta head to the studio!!!!!!!

Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:

Lotus Moments - Now you can get the "WOW Factor" from your printed announcements learn more:  www.LotusMoments.com

NatraTurf - Stop with the chemical lawn - www.NatraTurf.com

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

Gotta run!!

 

 

 

 

 

No Show...and WHY? - July 20, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is not broadcasting our regular program on advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  Rather we're doing about twenty minutes and a pre-recorded message on Tisha B'Av the Jewish Day of Mourning.  Here is a brief look at what many people around the world will mark today.  The 18 minute video is not of our usual quality for some reason but you'll get the idea:

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Clearly the weight of the day rests on us all.  For those of you who are not Jewish, I get it...and this is a "never mind".  However for those of you who count yourselves among the Jewish Faith...  Maybe today is a good day to consider how you might change and find a way to do what G-d asks rather than what you "think" you should do.

The millions who died because they were Jews cry out to you today to remember and consider...change.

We'll return tomorrow (Wednesday) with more of Insight on Business and our special guest John Pettit who is the General Manager of the Iowa Barnstormers.  That's tomorrow on WebcastOne LIVE!

High Heels & Hardhats - July 22, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our daily (Monday - Thursday) look at advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  You can catch the news/webcast at Noon Central only on WebcastOne LIVE and you can take part during the show by using the chat.  In addition, because it is interactive we monitor Twitter @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show.  Here is your link to WebcastOne LIVE!  If you MISSED the LIVE newscast...we've got the entire show below.  Enjoy!

On the show today we're talking High Heels and Hardhats with Hannah Inman of KDC Built and Cathy Bormann from Homestyles Staging & Re-Design.  Have a look:

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We're going to talk about building green, the role woman have in that consumer trend and how women impact decisions when it comes to not only building but also creating the interior of the home.  Good stuff today with Hannah Inman from KDC Built and Cathy Bormann from Homestyles Staging and Re-Design

In other stories:

Yesterday we told you about making snap decisions before you understood all the factors.  It's bad for business and bad for Tom Vilsack the Secretary of Agriculture who today retracted the firing of Shirley Sherrod the USDA worker who was fired due to an edited video that was released by FOX News and others.  Now that decision comes back to bite Mr. Vilsack who broke a basic business rule...no "jumping" until all the facts are in.  Here is the story from The Des Moines Register.   No, we do not do politics...

How about the WORST Ad of the Week?   While this isn't a regular print ad it is a direct mail piece for New Products Showcase and is hawking what I believe are about 18 trade shows in the Midwest geared toward specialty advertising?  At any rate it is TERRIBLE!  And yet another example of the Wost Ad of the Week.  At least we are talking about it.  Oh and it opened up...upside down.  That's something else about local printing vs. outsource.  We've tried it too..and been burned.

How Social Media gets a bad name - Part (I've lost count.) - Now comes word out of Coca Cola that they are considering pulling the plug on their London based agency for Dr. Pepper.  Seems the gang at Lean Mean Fighting Machine (yep, that's the agency name) are accused of doing a Facebook Campaign targeting small children with references to a "hard core porno film".  Yikes!  Here is the full story from The Guardian.

Those stories and Hannah Inman from KDC Built talking High Heels and Hardhats today with Insight on Business a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications join us at Noon - Central.  All made possible by:

NatraTurf - Building better lawns and gardens..naturally.  www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Get a little "WOW!" from www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Get your business noticed - www.ESP4All.com

See you at Noon Central.

 

 

 

 

 

John Pettit - Insight on Business - July 21, 2010

Back from a day out of the broadcast chair!  Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  You'll be able to catch the show LIVE at Noon Central Time on Webcast One LIVE!  And, because it's an interactive event you can use the chat to ask questions or make comments.  I also monitor Twitter @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the news/webcast.  Here is your link to WebcastOne LIVE!

On the show today my friend John Pettit the General Manager of the Iowa Barnstormers...and Matt Swim also from the Barnstormers

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On tap is a discussion of arena football, and AHL Hockey.  We'll talk about the difference in marketing, fans, sponsorships, the future and more.  It will be a great visit with a guy that knows the sports business.  John Pettit and Matt Swim today with Insight on Business.

In other stories:

You know I do not do politics...but the question is what damage has been caused in the very controversial firing of Georgia USDA worker Shirley Sherrod?  Smack in the middle is former governor and current Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.  Did he over-reach, now what, damage control and a business lesson you should already know.  Who wins...who loses?  We'll talk about it.

I was at a home inspection this morning.  Our son is buying a home in the Des Moines Area and the experience led me to marketing and advertising.  (I told you we think "different".)  When business people buy advertising time or space are they doing the "inspection" of the media before...or just take the sellers word?  You can lose loads of money and potential customers if you fail to do the background work.  How do you do that?  We'll talk about it.

Those stories and our friend John Pettit from the Iowa Barnstormers today with Insight on Business which is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and made possible by:

NatraTurf - It's time to do your part for the planet by stopping with all the chemical applications on your lawn or garden.  Learn how at www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - For business announcements and wedding invitations that will have folks going, "WOW!" visit www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Cindy Taylor can help your business get noticed.  Visit her at www.ESP4All.com

Thanks for coming by and we'll check you at NOON live only on Webcast One Live!

 

 

 

 

 

Metro Monday & Andrea Hauer - July 19, 2010

It's Monday which means we leave the global world of advertising, marketing, consumer trends and best business practices to focus on the Des Moines Metro area.  Welcome to Insight on Business & Metro Monday our daily (Monday - Thursday) conversation about smart marketing for your business.  We're part of WebcastOne LIVE and you can catch us live today starting at Noon Central Time.  Here is your link to WebcastOne LIVE!  Remember, before during and after the show you can take part on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or in the Chat.  Look forward to the visit.

On the news/webcast today we're visiting with Andrea Hauer from the Des Moines Office of Economic Development.  Here is the show from today:

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

It's a great discussion about economic development in Des Moines. Time for an inside peak with Andrea Hauer today with Insight on Business.

In other stories:

Loved this piece by Timothy Johnson on Project Management.  In it he tells the tale of a response, from a project stakeholder, to a this question:  "When will you get me the details so we can make sure we are following your requirements to make the project compliant with your rules?"  The answer, "Uh...we'll get on that kind of immediately."  What the heck kind of answer was that and what should have been the answer?  We'll talk about it.

I'm trying to figure this design out.  Go ahead, click on the image to make it larger.  I don't get over to the West Glen Town Center portion of town much so yesterday on the drive out to Jordan Creek Town Center I spotted these piles of rock placed every so often in the median.  At first I thought it was something that was going to be done.  But then I was told it is done.   Really?  OK....  Hey, at least I noticed it and wrote about it...right?  Remember my post about creative?  One other quick question:  What "center" of "town" are these places in?  Anybody?

Speaking of the Jordan Creek Town Center, the place was packed yesterday.  People were everywhere.  As a consumer trend guy I paid attention to what folks were doing, were they shopping or hanging out?  Were they moved by "sales" or just buying?  Was there much buying going on?  I know..."Michael, can't you just go someplace and fa-gitaboutit?"  Guess not...  I'll share some insights with you.

Those stories and Andrea Hauer today with Insight on Business.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and all made possible by:

NatraTurf - Now there is no reason you can't start being kinder to the planet...in your own backyard.  Learn more:  www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Business announcements and wedding invitations that will make folks go..WOW!  www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Cindy Taylor can help your business get noticed.  Learn how at www.ESP4All.com

Thanks for coming by and see you at NOON Central.

 

 

 

 

Let's Talk...Taxes - July 15, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at advertising, marketing, consumer trends and best business practices.  We're part of WebcastOne LIVE and you can catch the newscast live at Noon Central. And, because it's interactive you can ask questions and make comments on "the chat" or on Twitter where I monitor @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the newscast.  Here is your link to the station platform at WebcastOne LIVE!

On the show today...

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Yes...taxes, the IRS and more with our special guest Howard Musin from SSC Services.  Today we'll arm you with information about the taxes and tips about the dreaded audit.  Join us for a lively discussion designed to help and inform small to mid-size business owners no matter where your business is located.  Howard Musin on taxes today with Insight on Business.

In other news...

Yesterday we talked about "the buzz" in Social Media Advertising and Old Spice Body Wash.  Something that you may not have known is that actor Isaiah Mustafa has been cranking out 200 personalized advertising messages over the past several days.  Then, Old Spice releases several a day.  The result...people are talking about it...over and over and over.  Old Spice hasn't seen this much activity in decades.  It's a home-run for the agency and the product because it's different, fun and unique.  Here is the background story of what's been going on in Portland from our friends at AdWeek.  Now the question is...what can you do...that is different, fun and unique?  And, we'll show you the "final" ad???

Along those lines comes this study from the British Advertising Group proving, what they say, is a direct link between creativity and effectiveness.  We'll talk about why that is important to you.  The story is from our friends at Advertising Age.

Thanks for coming by.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and made possible by:

NatraTurf - The "greening of America" can start in your own backyard.  Learn more, www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Print messages and announcements that will make folks go, "WOW!"

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

Thanks again for coming by and being part of our adventure.

 

 

 

Building a New Business & More - July 14, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday romp through the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We start our show at Noon and you can take part LIVE with your comments and questions by using our chat.  I also monitor Twitter, @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the newscast.  Got a business?  Involved in marketing or sales?  You should be here.  We're part of WebcastOne LIVE and if you follow this link...you're there.

Today we're talking with Justin Hancock & Dan Royer of Loki's Garden. 

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Dan Royer and Justin Hancock today talking about the challenges of opening up a new business, getting the marketing right, getting the financing, finding vendors and knowing the "sweet spot" about what consumers are not getting in other garden centers. 

We're also following these stories:

Yesterday, after the show, we had a conversation with our producers regarding User Generated Content (UGC) and YouTube vs. Hulu.  Here is an example of how major marketers, in this case Old Spice, is using YouTube to go viral with their messages.  It's called "Just for You Advertising".  Is it any wonder that, at this time, UGC and YouTube crushed Hulu in a recent Mashable reader poll.  We'll talk about it and...again, beg you to begin using video for your business...no matter the size.  Don't know how, where and what?  Call us for crying out loud!

So you think Moble Marketing is a...fad?   Thanks to my friend Renda Lutz who passed this story on to us.  It's about Meredith Corporation buying the mobile marketing company Hyperfactory.  Why?  Because they see...the...future and it's right here kids.  What are you doing to attract mobile users?  Do you know what we're talking about?  How do you get started?  We'll share a bit.  Bottom line here is there are always new and different ways to get your message to your target audience.

We're just getting started....

GM has launched their first Corvette ad since 2005.  Here is the story from Advertising Age.  We'll also show the clip and get your reaction to the new ad.  Us...pretty cool how about you?

All this and more today with Insight on Business a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and made possible by:

NatraTurf - Get your own "green revolution" going in your yard and garden.  Learn more: www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Now your business announcements will make folks go..."WOW!" www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Cindy Taylor can help you get noticed:  www.ESP4All.com

Thanks for coming by...see you at NOON Central!