Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing, consumer trends and best business practices. We're part of Webcast One LIVE, one of the newest and most innovative television/radio/webcast facilities in the nation. Not just one host but several, every day. Go ahead, check it out...like the nearly 50,000 people did...in July. To watch Insight on Business live today at Noon Central, just follow this link and you're there!
On the show today:
I'm off to the Annual Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa this morning. Back just in time for the show. I'll share with you my impressions, from an advertising and marketing background on what I see while there. Then, share with what many of these companies can do, should have done, to get more out of their investment of thousands of dollars...for a three day show.
Staying on ag for just a minute. Did you see where the Department of Defense has introduced 4-H Clubs in....Iraq? I don't have time to make this up. Thanks to our friends at Agri-Marketing.
Is your business personal enough? Think about it for a minute. Do you take the time to get to know your customers, your suppliers, your partners? Do you? Or is it all business. And, now with all the tools available for your use...it's a world easier. Here is a story from our friends at the Atlantic Wire on next steps. While it's long the article written by Mickey Edwards you'll get the point.
When you tell somebody that "I'm in charge." what does that say about you and your business? Surprise...it may have a negative effect. We'll talk about branding your job and being way too "self-important" and what that does for morale. Maybe being is better than saying?
Those stories and more today with Insight on Business a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and made possible by:
NatraTurf - Stop putting chemicals on your lawn or garden learn more: www.NatraTurf.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your business get noticed. www.ESP4All.com
Let's ramp up another week! Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. We're on today at Noon Central and only on Webcast One LIVE. And, because this is an interactive event you can join us in "The Chat" and I monitor @MichaelLibbie and @InsightADV before during and after the show.
Here is the show with Jason and Todd all the links are below. Make it so!
Reminds me, my bride is having me watch the first season of Star Trek - The Next Generation. "Engage..." John Pemble loves this...
On the show today for Metro Monday is a return guest Todd Razor(left) a journalist in Des Moines and a member of the Des Moines Young Professionals. We'll be asking, "Why?' and "How come?" and "What's in it for me? (Well you, cause I must be way too old.) And more. Todd is a great guest and we're pleased to have him come by and tell us what's on the minds of the young professionals in Des Moines.
In other stories -
Does your business advertise like a Rock Star? Think of it...you're having a special event of some kind, you put an ad in the newspaper ("Run it TWICE!") and take out a $1,000 radio or TV run. And...expect to have a great event. Uhmmmm... This post is for you: Market Like A Rock Star!
Going to have to push this out...right away. Got our friends from Qwest coming over to the office...and we'll be down for a couple of hours. That is the plan anyway.
Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:
NatraTurf - For chemical free lawns and gardens... www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments - For wedding invitations and business announcements that are truly different - www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Get noticed already! www.ESP4All.com
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing, consumer trends and best business practices on Webcast One LIVE! You can watch the show LIVE starting at Noon Central where you can use "The Chat" to throw in your comments, questions or answers to the topics we're sharing. I also monitor Twitter @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show. Here is the show from today, all the links are below:
Sales Ideas - If you do not follow Seth Godin...you should. In his post today he reminds us that when we are "selling solutions" we need to know what the problem is...first. If we go into a meeting with all guns blazing telling the buyer all about our benefits and programs all the buyer has to think about is, "How do I get out of this place?" However if we take the TIME to listen and find out what the problem is...then we, together, come up with a way to solve it. Simple my friends...but a great reminder. What else can we learn from this? We'll talk about it.
I want to tell you my Qwest story from this morning. I know many of you have "issues" with utilities. I think it's often the feeling of not being in control and being just another "number" to the large group. This story revolves around a guy by the name of Mike Castelluccio, out of St. Paul, Minnesota, who has had ou back since he called several months ago to review our Qwest phone and Internet account. It's also got a Social Media connection with @TalkToQwest. Five minutes after I posted we were having issues @TalkToQwest responded. Does social media...work? In this case the "tag line" matches the reality. Listen up for this story about the REAL face of YOUR business. Nugget time! - Can't touch this!!
Marketing to Women - Are you doing a good enough job? Most companies tend to think they can send out one message and both genders will respond. However that's simply not the case. When you consider that over 90% of buying decisions are made by women...you might want to re-think what you're doing. We'll talk a bit about that...and even what the NFL is doing to attract more females..in clothing. Oh...and we'll show you a great video about the world of female marketing and why YOU don't get it. It's from our friend Stephanie Holland...we think you'll learn something.
Can Conan pull $30,000 to $40,000 for a thirty-second ad...the same being charged for Leno or Letterman? Turner thinks so. OK, pick yourself up off the floor...yes, that much for an ad in Late Night TV. Love it when eyes are opened.
Why don't you like us? Seriously...can you help me with why the general public dislikes the advertising business? 36% of you don't like us. Oh, we're above bankers, the airline industry and pharmaceuticals but...golly we're below farmers, computer companies and restaurants. Restaurants??? Really? I'd really like to know. Here are the numbers from a Gallup Poll published in AdWeek. Let's talk about this?
Meanwhile...Popeye's beats out KFC Chicken. We told you months ago about the branding problems KFC was having and it looks like we were dead on. Remember, it's what we do.
And of course we have our "Worst Ad of the Week" a regular feature that you get to vote on. We had several folks point us to this ad...while it's two years old it is another PRIME example why you should not be shooting (pun) your own TV ads...or accepting the "free" ad shoots from the local TV station.. Oh my!
Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency (that you hate), Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:
NatraTurf - Stop putting chemicals on your lawn and garden. It's just not necessary learn more: www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments - Wedding invitations and business announcements that are different because...they are. www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your business get noticed: www.ESP4All.com
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is about the world of advertising, marketing, consumer trends, branding and best business practices. We're on Monday - Friday starting at Noon Central and you'll find us at Webcast One LIVE! To engage in the conversation I monitor Twitter @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show. You can also join us in "The Chat" while we're live.
Good stuff and all the links and the Flying Ostrich video...are below!
Today we're talking real estate with our guest Lance Hanson a real estate broker with the RE/MAX Real Estate Conceptsoffice in Altoona, Iowa. Why? Because you and I don't get it. The American Dream is to own your home yet the process is complicated, frustrating and full of danger zones. We'll talk about marketing real estate, how new government programs are trying (but also failing) to keep people in their homes. We'll share stories about what you should and should not be doing to help market your property and we'll visit about the current market in Central Iowa and elsewhere. We'll also talk about the show Lance hosts here at Webcast One LIVE!
Lance Hanson today with Insight on Business...join us live at Noon Central.
In other stories:
In case you missed it, Wieden - Kennedy took home an Emmy last week. "Huh? Who is Wieden - Kennedy?" That is the advertising agency that created the wildly successful Old Spice "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like" series of ads featuring Isaiah Mustafa. Oh but wait!!! You mean Old Spice executives didn't come up with the advertising message? You mean the Old Spice Marketing Department didn't direct the program? No kids...it was the advertising agency. It's what we do...it's not what Old Spice does...or your business does. Creative and information push...it's what advertising agencies do for successful companies.
Careful, I am feeling a bit snarky today...
Speaking of CREATIVE check this new ad for Cadbury - The Flying Ostrich:
Notice something? No? Yes? We'll share our thoughts and why we like it.
Yesterday we told you that if you are considering buying local, regional or national television expect to write a bigger check. Why? Mid-Term Elections. Inventory is going to be crunched and because it's supply and demand...well you know the story. Now comes word from Reuters that network television ad spending is up 17% over last year. That is even with all the other "viewing options" available to viewers like you. What does this mean for your business? We'll share our thoughts today and also a caution or two.
Any nominations for "The Worst Ad of the Week"? We'll have that for you tomorrow!
Pushing this out the door. Look forward to having you come by for a visit at noon. Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications, www.InsightCubed.com and made possible by:
NatraTurf - STILL putting harmful chemicals on your lawn? Don't have to, learn more at www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments - For everything from business announcements to wedding invitations it's www.LotusMoments a family company in Des Moines.
Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your business get noticed, www.ESP4All.com
Monday - Thursday from Noon Central to 1:15PM it's time for Insight on Business with Michael Libbie our daily stroll through the news and tips from the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. You'll find us at Webcast One Live where you can watch, listen and use "The Chat" for comments and questions. And, I monitor Twitter @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show. To watch LIVE at Noon, just follow this link to Webcast One Live!
Here is the show from today! Never mind that you don't have sound right out of the chute...it's there in just a second or two.
All the links to the stories are below...enjoy and we'd love to hear from you.
On the show today:
I don't do politics. I do write and share stories about branding. Friends, the Republican Party of Iowa has some serious brand issues. When one of their highly placed National Committee People, Kim Lehman, comes out and issues wacky things about religion and President Obama it hurts the party. Pure and simple... It's this kind of trash that turns so many off and yet, it continues. We'll talk about the implications to the GOP Brand (or any) by being...stupid. For the background here is the story from the Des Moines Register. It's the same article where you will learn about Terry Branstad being Jewish. I'll help explain that as well.
Like any of this really matters...but to some, it does and we find that odd and conflicting and bad for the brand.
Pink Garbage Cans and West Des Moines...yet another serious branding problem for the "City that Wants to be Beverly Hills". We'll share that wacky story today.
Meanwhile, the Iowa State Fair is having some PR issues. Declining attendance isn't as bad as what some people call a "culture of violence" surrounding the fairgrounds and former "fairgoers" are voicing their concern. Yikes...even the Iowa State Fair?
I need to calm down...I think it is the stress of moving!
We hear this all the time, "Michael, I'd like to try social media to market my business but, I just don't know what to write about." Fear not friends. We've got, "FIVE Ways to put Stories into your Marketing". It's from Heidi Cohen of ClickZ and there might be a test. ;-) Here is your "cheat sheet":
Pay attention to trending topics;
Tell the stories of real people, real events;
Make them real by adding images and video;
Allow for interaction and comment;
Allow for sharing.
What IF the Customer Isn't Always Right? In this age of instant customer feedbackmight you be spending too much time trying to quiet the noise rather than building a better system? We'll talk about it.
It's all in the words. Coke and Pepsi are at it again. Consider this: Pepsi Max and Coke Zero. What does that tell you...if you are not a lover of one over the other. Smart trend or...silly? Iconic brands work the words...we'll share.
Now here is something interesting: What if you have a new product and you want your ad message to stand out above the giants? Do you battle on network television? Do you buy the biggest radio station? Maybe you take a hint from our friends at Procter & Gamble and go...small and directed. It's a trend we've seen several times this year. We'll share the inside story and what might be a good move for you. Nugget time, "Can't Touch This"! (come on sing along I know you want to... and I'll make it easy for you:
That was fun!
If you have a local business and you were planning on running local television or radio in September and October...forget it. You may not be able to afford the cost. Why? Record spends on Mid-Term Elections and broadcast facilities will be covered up with political advertising...covered up and that means they have little inventory and what they do have will be sold at a premium. So....want some suggestions on what you should do? We'll talk about it.
Those stories and more today with Insight on Business a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and made possible by:
NatraTurf - Still putting chemicals on your lawn and garden...why? Learn how to stop and have a beautiful lawn: www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments - Now great business announcements and wedding invitations from www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your business get noticed: www.ESP4All.com
Monday - Thursday our advertising agency produces Insight on Business with Michael Libbie...a walk into the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. The goal of the program is to bring you news and tips on how to build your business, large or small. Our show starts at 12:00 Noon Central and you can see it live if you follow this link to Webcast One LIVE! During the show you can take part in "The Chat" and I monitor Twitter: @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show. Thanks for coming by!
Here is the show from today, all of the links are below the video!
We're going to dig into the Des Moines Downtown Chamberwith executive director Brian Waller (left) and the chairman of the public relations side of the chamber Marc Hollander. Why? Because we (and you) might want to know what they are working on for the benefit of their members and you (should you happen to live/work in the Metro). Every Chamber of Commerce I've been a member of has a special challenge to help their membershipmarket themselves as well as do what they can to improve the overall economy. We'll be asking questions about what the Downtown Chamber does, what they think about the 750,000 square feet of empty office space downtown (and what to do with it), what they think of the boom in living arrangements we've had over the past few years, why so many "Chambers" (I think 28) in the Metro and what might be next.
Why do we care? Because, no matter what they say in West Des Moines...Downtown is the beating heart of this "Capital City", our image is here, people live here, work here and our studios are in the center of this "The greatest city in the greatest state in the nation"...so we're curious and hopeful.
There's lots to talk about and learn and we hope you'll join us for a frank and lively discussion with Brian and Marc as they share their Insight on Business.
But wait, there's MORE:
I've never met Keelia Paulsen (here with daughter Henri) of Kehenri but I have watched her passion for shoe design. Keelia first caught our eye this spring when we saw some of her work on Facebook. As with any new business Kehenri has had its ups and downs. Space at the Farmer's Market didn't happen, the weather gave her fits with some openings and more. But, through it all Keelia as remained upbeat and...hey we just like what she is doing.
She's also going to share news about the upcoming "Rock & Runway Show" coming on the 28th! Sounds like fun!!
Join us at 1:00PM right after Marc and Brian to meet and see what Keelia Paulsen has been doing with her custom show design business, Kehnri. Hey...it's Metro Monday and we get excited when we get to introduce you to new folks and ideas.
In other news:
There is a story floating around that The Des Moines Egotistwill carry something about me in their edition today. Hmmm... I hope they leave out that story about the rutabaga and rooster. It's a part of my life I'd like to forget.
The 155th Iowa State Fair is history. This year saw some good stuff (as always) and more ink about the safety of "fairgoers" than what the fairboard and staff would have liked to have seen. How did this year pan out? What happened with Bobo? How come I only got to go TWICE? (A personal worst...) And why I wish I'd have gone last night to visit with Sheryl Crow. We'll give you our insight...from conversations with vendors and others.
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our walk into the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. We're seen Monday - Thursday on Webcast One LIVE at Noon Central...and to keep everybody in the loop we invite you to join us in "The Chat" or on Twitter - I monitor @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show.
Today our friend Liz Nead drops in for a brief shot to talk about her upcoming show, Liz Live headed your way tomorrow. Here is the show from today. Links to our stories are below the video.
Each Thursday we feature "The Worst Ad of the Week". We take a look an an example of what and how people are marketing their business. This one is a prime example as to WHY business owners shouldn't be doing their own creative. We don't do this to cause anybody any harm but use it as a teaching moment to share with you what works and what doesn't. Our "Worst Ad of the Week" is a local company called Rec Room Plus. What's wrong and what should have happened here? Our suggestions below the video.
The reasons we didn't like it:
It's an old tired idea;
It's a little creepy - so our panel of judges said;
The client "thinks" it works because all of his friends say, "I saw you on TV."
The production elements are...way too simple.
What should Rec Room Plus (or you) do that would have worked?
Spend the time and money to craft a memorable message;
Better shoot and edit;
The "message" needs to be on trust/value and why this company has what it takes to deliver;
Change spokes people; (Sorry...it just doesn't work here.)
This ad does not match their on-line image, it should;
Do something new. If funny don't send the mixed messages this does.
Finally answer the question: Does this make you want to buy something?
In other stories:
Along those same lines are "First Impressions" - We've been telling anyone who will listen to us that one of the keys to solid business success is making a solid FIRST IMPRESSION. We've told our clients, and you, that you do not get a second chance at an open door. So your business card, your stationary, your image has to be spot on to get that "first shot". If you don't listen to us...maybe you'll pay attention to this from the Harvard Business Review, an article by J.D. Schramm. Sadly it's as true today as "back in the day" but it's something many of my younger friends just don't seem to get.
It's a little long but this piece by Tory Johnson from ABC News about ways to work toward a start up success is an excellent piece. Enjoy, here is the link.
According to Forbes these are The Best Social Media Campaigns Ever. You might be surprised at how OLD some of them are. We'll talk about it and what each shares and why you might want to pay attention to the trends...
Video...it's an amazing tool and today Insight on Business with Michael Libbie will look at some solid tips to get you started. That story and...Oh, sorry who are we?
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the news and world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. We'll take a peek at what works in marketing, what doesn't and give you some solid tips along the way to help you grow your business. You can catch the show live only at Webcast One LIVE starting at Noon Central. And, so you can take part in the discussion, you can join us in "The Chat" or Twitter. I monitor @MichaelLIbbie before, during and after the show. Here is the show from today. Links follow below:
Want It - Gotta Have It - It's more than supply and demand. Sometimes it can be an effective marketing tool and set your product/service apart.
We're not saying that people do this on purpose...but for some who are willing to spend more and then pass the word. Might it be a good idea? Oh, Vernors, Templeton Rye just in case you want to start a trend. (It's pretty good!)
I LOVE Rural! Having lived on a farm, raised critters and mingled with the culture for years rural business stories interest me. Here is one about "over regulation" for small business from our friends at The Des Moines Register. Sometimes things just don't make sense and that may be why there is such a "consumer" (read electorate) backlash against government...and getting worse. We'll talk about it.
WHO is Preferred TeleCom or Preferred Long Distance and why would they want to call me on behalf of Qwest to reduce my billing, "Because QWEST is losing so many small business accounts, like 20% of their small business accounts." That's the pitch. What do you know? We'll share our story today.
What in the world is going on with General Motors and Buick? It's the fastest growing car brand in America...it's a "hot car". You know, the car only your grandfather would drive? Now selling at over 139% over last year. Here is the story from Advertising Age. See what breaking the mold can do... How about you? What do YOU need to break to get back in the game? We'll talk about it.
Coffee Shops & Wi-Fi- A couple of days ago there was a national story about how some coffee shops are cutting the Wi-Fi cord for their customers. "It's a trend", said one owner, "We don't want people taking up space during the rush hour and turn away food ordering customers." Starbucks is swimming against the tide on this one as they will soon begin offering premium content on their Wi-Fi channel. Here is the story from MarketingVOX.
SEVEN ideas to promote your business with Video: We'll count down all seven and give you the back ground.
NatraTurf - It is a solid consumer trend...people are uncomfortable with "warning signs" on their lawns. Now you don't have to worry about kids, pets or you. www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments - For business announcements or wedding invitations that are really different...you'll love 'em: www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Cindy Taylor can help your business get noticed...that's one of the goals...right? www.ESP4All.com
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. We bring you ideas and news starting at Noon today on Webcast One LIVE! And, to bring you into the conversation, you can join us in "The Chat" or on Twitter (before, during and after the show) @MichaelLibbie.
It's METRO MONDAY! So, why are we talking with Ed Weintrob of Brooklyn, New York when our focus usually is much more local? Because Ed loves everything about Iowa and Des Moines. The founder of the Brooklyn Press, Ed has a long and distinguished career in the news business and today heads up Coney Media. We met this past winter and he's been watching Webcast One LIVE grow from his seat "out East". We'll bring Ed in to talk about hyper-local news, the newspaper business and business in general. It's a great sixty minutes... Ed Weintrob with Insight on Business. Here is part ONE:
As you may know, the Iowa State Fair is in full swing. Attendance started out in the hole because of the hot/humid weather...or is there another reason? We'll talk about it today.
Speaking of the fair: Last night Tone Loc and Vanilla Ice played the Anderson - Erickson free stage. Thousands poured into the venue...perhaps more than the Grandstand show at $37 a head? We don't have the numbers but we do have this video to show you how nuts it was....
A "Tip of the Hat" to our friends at Des Moines DART. The park and ride bus service to and from the fairgrounds is the best. And, here is something memorable. When we rode the bus the other day this guy was the driver. He shared stories and jokes all along the route. A little something extra. He wanted us to suggest to DART that they should "Keep the Bum on the Bus". Consider it done, James.
Marketing? I remembered, didn't I? Made an impression, right?
When we reported on how much we liked the Old Spice Bodywash series of social media ads one critic of this show and social media in general commented, "Fine, but will it sell more bodywash?" The answer..."Yes!". Sales of Old Spice Bodywash are up 55% over the past three months and sales doubled in July making Old Spice Bodywash the #1 body wash for men. But don't take my word for it. Here is the story from Nielsen/McKinsey. There are some valuable lessons here for your business so...read on.
Those stories and Ed Weintrob today with Insight on Business. Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:
NatraTurf - There is a problem with lawns and chemicals...or maybe that "Keep Off" sign is just, advertising? Learn how to go "natural": www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments - Now you can send out business and wedding invitations that are truly different... www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your company get noticed: www.ESP4All.com
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the news and world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. We'll take a peek at what works in marketing, what doesn't and give you some solid tips along the way to help you grow your business. You can catch the show live only at Webcast One LIVE starting at Noon Central. And, so you can take part in the discussion, you can join us in "The Chat" or Twitter. I monitor @MichaelLIbbie before, during and after the show. Finally, here is your link to Watch Now!
Hard to Find, Gotta Have - It's more than supply and demand. Sometimes it can be an effective marketing tool and set your product/service apart.
We're not saying that people do this on purpose...but for some who are willing to spend more and then pass the word. Might it be a good idea? Oh, Vernors, Templeton Rye just in case you want to start a trend. (It's pretty good!)
I LOVE Rural! Having lived on a farm, raised critters and mingled with the culture for years rural business stories interest me. Here is one about "over regulation" for small business from our friends at The Des Moines Register. Sometimes things just don't make sense and that may be why there is such a "consumer" (read electorate) backlash against government...and getting worse. We'll talk about it.
Can "good people" be bad bosses? That is one of the theories behind this piece.
What in the world is going on with General Motors and Buick? It's the fastest growing car brand in America...it's a "hot car". You know, the car only your grandfather would drive? Now selling at over 139% over last year. Here is the story from Advertising Age. See what breaking the mold can do... How about you? What do YOU need to break to get back in the game? We'll talk about it.
Coffee Shops & Wi-Fi- A couple of days ago there was a national story about how some coffee shops are cutting the Wi-Fi cord for their customers. "It's a trend", said one owner, "We don't want people taking up space during the rush hour and turn away food ordering customers." Starbucks is swimming against the tide on this one as they will soon begin offering premium content on their Wi-Fi channel. Here is the story from MarketingVOX.
SEVEN ideas to promote your business with Video: We'll count down all seven and give you the back ground.
NatraTurf - It is a solid consumer trend...people are uncomfortable with "warning signs" on their lawns. Now you don't have to worry about kids, pets or you. www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments - For business announcements or wedding invitations that are really different...you'll love 'em: www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Cindy Taylor can help your business get noticed...that's one of the goals...right? www.ESP4All.com
