Insight on Business

Insight on Business - Leadership - November 30, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Friday look at the world of advertising, marketing, consumer trends and best business practices.  You can catch  the show LIVE today a Noon Central here at Webcast One Live or on your time after we post the entire video.   And, because we want to hear what you've got to say you can join us in The Chat or follow me on Twitter.  I monitor @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show.  Ready?  Let's go!  Here is the show from today.  Links are below the video:

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

 

Further testimony that the economy is improving (even though we had a lousy day on Wall Street and it looks like interest rates are going to go up) online sales hit a record in November.  comScore reports that retail online spending has hit $11.64 billion, a 13% increase over last year.  Black Friday saw $648 million in online sales, the heaviest online spending day to date and a 9% increase over Black Friday 2009.  Even on Thanksgiving Day folks dropped $407 million, a 28% increase over 28% from last year.  And, none of this includes sales from Cyber Monday, we'll have those numbers later but expect sales to reach $1 billion with most people buying from...work.

In additional retail news - Do you offer coupons for discounts?  If not, this might change your mind.  Again, according to a comScore survey 84% of American Shoppers say that coupons are  important in their buying decisions.  A whopping 31% make their gift giving lists according to coupons and not always what a person might actually WANT for the holidays.    So, where is your retail business on this?

And, finally retail lovers - The National Retail Federation reports that Thanksgiving Retail Sales hit $45 billion, up from $41.2 billion last year.  Gobble...gobble!  So, how are you doing?

Let's talk...Leadership - With Jeff Hannah - Maybe shopping is more on your  mind...however just a month ago Americans were talking "leadership".  Who has it?  Who doesn't?   What does it take to be a leader?  Can "leaders" be created?   Can you "learn" leadership or are some qualities natural?  Let's find out today with Jeff Hannah, president of Touchstone Executive Development.  Jeff's job is leadership development, training and education.  We'll find out together and help you learn more about your leadership style and abilities.  Join us today at Noon Central as Jeff Hannah brings leadership lessons to Insight on Business.

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

NatraTurf- Chemical free lawns and gardens are possible when you switch to organic products from NatraTurf - www.NatraTurf.com 

The Iowa Sportsman - Coming in January an "Outdoor Classic is born!  A show for hunting, fishing and everything outdoors:  www.IowaSportsmanShow.com

Lotus Moments - Wedding invitations and business announcements from a family company that truly understands...service.  www.LotusMoments.com

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

Oh..one other thing.  Looks like I get to be a guest today on Liz Live with...Liz Nead.  We'll maybe talk Chanukah and Holidays?  Who knows...just got the word.  See you at 9AM Central on Liz Live here at Webcast One LIVE and then again at Noon Central with Insight on Business!  Over exposure baby?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metro Monday - Insight on Business - November 29, 2010

It's Metro Monday from Insight on Business with Michael Libbie - That means we take a closer look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends here  in...Des Moines, Iowa.   You can catch the show live here at Webcast One LIVE or wait for the re-broadcast.  And, because we're wanting to hear from you you can use "The Chat" during the show or carry the conversation to Twitter.  I monitor @MichaelLibbie before, during and after.  So, let's get into it:

Our guest today was Janette Larkin the publisher for The Business Record and DSM Magazine. (links below the video)  Sharp, talented and a solid person who knows the Metro.

desmoineslocallive on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

 

In addition:   

There are dozens of Black Friday stories floating around

:  Crowds, lines, "door-buster" specials, Big Box, blah, blah, blah.  Here in Des Moines it was Market Day!  Indie artists and craftsmen banded together and opened (late) at 9AM and hundreds of folks purchased uber-local.  Many of the people who came, like us, had been alerted by social media.  The event exploded on Twitter and that action drove lots of interest.  And, know what?   Your community can do the same thing.  Getting involved, local, creative merchants together...have some fun, make some money and push the local agenda.  Have a look and see for yourself:

 

Market Day it's not bigger than big box...but a bunch better.  Thanks gang, nice work.

Our special guest today is Janette Larkin the publisher of The Business Record a  locally owned (again) media outlet here in Des Moines.  For years The Business Record has been the voice of our business community.  Recently the newspaper became local once again, coming "home" when founder Connie Wimer purchased it back from Brown Publishing Company of Ohio.   On Friday I saw our friend Todd Razor at Market Day and he was so proud to say, "We're a local media outlet!".  We agree.  We'll visit with Janette about their position in the market, what makes speciality newspapers like The Business Record successful, the uber-local nature of this publication and who makes up their readers.   Janette Larkin today with Insight on Business!

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

The Iowa Sportsman - Coming to Des Moines in January it's The Iowa Sportsman Outdoors Show at Iowa State Fairgrounds.  Hunting, fishing, outdoor adventures it's all at the show.  www.IowaSportsmanShow.com

NatraTurf - Chemical free lawns and gardens...it's possible.  Learn more about how your choice can change the planet - www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Wedding Invitations and Business Announcements from a local companny that does great, original work. 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!

 

 

 

The Stuff We See - November 26, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends here at Webcast One LIVE.  So, why are we bothering you on Friday?  Because we've got stuff to show and share with  you.  If you want to connect you can leave a comment here, drop me an e-mail or carry the conversation to Twitter - I monitor @MichaelLibbie before, during and after each show.

Hey, we welcome a NEW SPONSOR to Insight on Business!  Our friends from The Iowa Sportsman have come on board to promote their hunting/fishing/outdoor magazine and upcoming show.  The monthly magazine has been around for years and is packed with all kinds of Iowa outdoor news and articles.  Meanwhile, The Iowa Sportsman Outdoors Show (something new for them) will be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds starting January 7th - 9th.  Welcome them and maybe even subscribe?

From the "We Love It When We're Right" department - Last week we told our viewers to hold on because, "John Deere will be releasing their quarterly earnings report and the numbers will be huge."  Not only HUGE but JD experienced record sales with a 33% jump over last year.  Agriculture has been very good for Deere and because construction is up, that sector helped propel the numbers.  Here is the full story from our friends at the Des Moines Register.

If you didn't get enough "Thanksgiving Thoughts" here is ours from yesterday.  Again, thank you.

From "The Stuff We See" department - I'd been looking at these two spots on our studio wall for...months.  Max has the camera and I try to do some DIY painting.  FAIL!

 

I've got a call into Hannah Inman from KDC, who did our studio.  Maybe while you and Cathy Bormann are in doing "Hardhats & High Heels" you can dab a little paint?

When we were out on assignment two weeks ago we were traveling west on I-80 and spotted this..."artwork" Rush calls "Edward Scissorhands".  We didn't get the video of the $3 million sculpture...but the Des Moines Register did...

 

Some of the "Stuff We See" from Insight on Business a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:

The Iowa Sportsman - If it's outdoors it's in the Iowa Sportsman - Make plans to attend the Iowa Sportsmans Outdoor Show in January!

NatraTurf - Chemical free lawns and gardens IS possible, learn more from our friends at www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Wedding invitations and business announcements from a family company that knows unique.  www.LotusMoments.com

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

Thanks for coming by!

 

 

Insight on Business - November 24, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We're part of Webcast One LIVE  where you can see the show today at Noon Central...or wait for the re-broadcast  later in the day.  Because the show is interactive you can join in with your comments, questions or answers by using "The Chat" or Twitter - I monitor @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show.   And, thanks for coming by.

Iowa added more jobs in October than any month since July 2000.  That's right and here is the article from our friends at the Des Moines Register.  A couple of interesting parts to the story - 1)  Manufacturing jobs continue to increase; 2)  John Deere will release their quarterly report today; 3)  Professional and Business Services gained the most jobs...though temporary and 4)  A bunch of folks will lose their unemployment benefits in a few days.   A  major mixed bag as Iowa is stuck at 6.7% unemployment.  We'll talk about it all... (Political side note:  And Iowa fired our CEO in November...I'm still at a loss for that bone-headed move by the voters.)

Yesterday we had Amy Kolln in studio talking about relationship marketing.  She also gave us a brand new definition for ROI or Risk of Ignoring.  LOVE IT!   And today we'll talk about Seven Ways to Humanize Your Brand using Social Media.  Listen up kids...this is good stuff and very timely.

Speaking of timely - How about the viral nature of our friend Roxi Copland and her "I'll Be Groped for Christmas" a salute to TSA.  Her video was released on Monday night and now has thousands of views.  Media from New York to California have picked up on the story.  What lessons do we learn from this?   We'll talk about it.  Can you tell we're excited for her?  Oh...and don't read some of the comments that go with the video post.  I swear some very small people are just plain mean and don't mind being idiots...however they fail to tell us who they are.  Grumble....

Will you be as thankful on Monday as you are...tomorrow?  Just checking.

My friend Bruce Tretter is out with a new Stress Free Thanksgiving Menu.  Bruce is the author of "Gotta Eat, Can't Cook" which gives you step by step SIMPLE ways to prepare food.  Free downloads and more from his site.  You will love it!  We do.

For those of you who want to stretch your cooking skills my brother Yoni Libbie has a new "foodie" blog out - Phyne Dyning for those of you with a love of creating.  If you are into making fun stuff...have a look.  He also recommends various locations and restaurants. 

Speaking of cooking.  We don't "monkey around" at our house...or do we?

Want to jump start your marketing going into 2011?  We've got several suggestions and we'll visit about each low cost way you can start to make a difference in building more business during the 1st Quarter and beyond.  Here is a hint:  Business Cards...and nine more.  

OK...gotta go!  Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving...we're not on tomorrow or Friday.  But back on Monday with MORE Insight on Business - the Metro Monday Edition.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and made possible by::

NatraTurf - Chemical free lawns and gardens are possible and...easy.  Learn more: www.NatraTurf.com

The Iowa Sportsman - Coming in January it's the Iowa Sportsman Outdoor Show.  Love the outdoors...make plans to attend.  www.IowaSportsmanShow.com 

Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your business get noticed.  Here is their business blog. 

Lotus Moments - For unique wedding announcements trust the family company that works hard to make a difference - www.LotusMoments.com 

Thanks for coming by!  

 

 

 

 

 

Insight on Business - Relationship Marketing - Nov. 23, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world  of advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We go live from our Webcast One LIVE studios at Noon Central and during the show you can take part by using "The Chat".  I also monitor Twitter @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the program.  Thanks for coming by!  Here is the show from today!   Links follow under the video.

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

 

Here are the links:

Today we're talking about relationship marketing with Amy Kolln of Considerate Done Appreciation Marketing.  We'll be talking about the way she works to sustain relationships between business-to-business and business-to-consumer.  What works, what doesn't and what you might consider.  We'll also ask her about her new project, MOMentum.  That's all today as we dig into relationship marketing with Amy Kolln.

In other stories:

Our friend Roxi Copland has just released a video, "I'll Be Groped for Christmas" as a musical tribute to our TSA friends.  We think it...ROX!

 

You too right?  BTW:  Roxi will be on the show the 9th of December for the full hour...in our living room studio sharing her craft with all of us.

 Naughty or Nice?  Just in time for the holidays our friends at Consumer Reports has released their list of companies with great customer service and those who fail the test.   Remember when we told you how critical positive customer service will be in this economy?  Remember?  Here is the list.

Those stories, the stocks and Amy Kolln today with Insight on Business.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and made possible by:

NatraTurf - Chemical free lawns and gardens can happen and you're just the person to start.  Learn more - www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Wedding Invitations and Business Announcements from a family owned company that works hard for your business - www.LotusMoments.com

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

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

 

Metro Monday - Pete Jones - November 22, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world  of advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We're seen today, starting at Noon Central here at Webcast One LIVE!   Because the show is interactive we invite you to take part in "The Chat" or on Twitter, I monitor @MichaelLibbie before during and after the show.  And...it's MONDAY, which means it's the Metro Monday Edition of Insight on Business. The show from today...links are below:

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

 

On this date 47 years ago I was sitting in my 7th grade English Class when the teacher quickly left the room on an urgent call from the office.   Moments later she was back, sobbing, and telling us that President Kennedy had been shot.  Then, as if by magic a radio broadcast began throughout the school.  We sat silent and listened to what, for us, was a life changing moment.  When the news came that the president was dead the school dismissed and we went home to more of the tragic news and shocked parents.  Those days in November of 1963 stood still for many of us.

Today is Metro Monday and we're going to be visiting with Pete Jones of Catchfire Media...he is also the author of Des Moines Is Not Boring a blog post about our lives in the best city in the best state in the nation.  We'll visit about what he thinks of Des Moines (suspect it's positive?), where social media is headed in the next couple of years, why it makes a solid addition to any marketing plan and learn more about Catchfire Media and SM in Des Moines.  Yikes...lots of stuff to talk about!

Join us today at Noon Central for the Metro Monday Edition of Insight on Business with Pete Jones.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:

NatraTurf- Chemical free lawns and gardens is possible and so easy with NatraTurf - To learn more:  www.NatraTurf.com

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

Lotus Moments - A family owned business that creates fantastic wedding invitations and unique business announcements - www.LotusMoments.com

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

 

The Stuff We See & Alec Baldwin

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a Monday - Thursday show about  advertising, marketing and consumer trends here at Webcast One LIVE!   So, what are we doing "bothering you" on Friday?  It's our "end of week" post about "The Stuff We See" as well as a little marketing information to tide you over until Monday.

If you didn't catch the post about consumer trends for holiday shopping - 2010...and you are in retail...here you go.  It is a "must read".

Yesterday our producer Max Crabb, who is always on the lookout for us, sent me a note that Alec Baldwin is doing commercials for Wegmans, a New England based grocery store chain.  What is an Oscar nominated, Emmy winning star doing pitching for a grocery store?   One word:  "Mom".  It seems Mr. Baldwin's Mom shops at Wegmans and Alec just wants to help out.  Here is one of the ads:

  

Critics are saying it's on par with "The Worst Ad of the Week" the kind of stuff we show you each Thursday.  We think not.  It's really kind of neat and if (and we can't think of why not) Mr. Baldwin likes Wegman's and wants to help out.  Now THAT is "The Spirit of Giving".

From "The Stuff We See" Department - We were in Sioux City, Iowa doing some video work for a client when I ran into this poster hanging in their business office.  If you listen to the chatter behind me not many people understood the significance of what's been "hanging around" for years.   This is very cool...and I wish I had it:

 

There you go...some stuff to keep you in the groove until we air again on Monday at Noon Central.  It's a Metro Monday Edition and we're out to prove that "Des Moines Is Not Boring".  It's a real deal...

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

NatraTurf - Chemical free lawns and gardens is possible and better for you, your family, pets and the planet.  Learn more:  www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - A family company, based in Des Moines that turns out high quality, unique wedding invitations and business announcements - www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your company get noticed!  Here is their business blog and this is their site:  www.ESP4all.com

Thanks again!  And, we can keep the conversation going on Twitter:  @MichaelLibbie for starts...  Or @InsightADV for business.

Holiday Trends - November 18, 2010

Hi and welcome to Insight on Business with Michael Libbie part of Webcast One LIVE! 

We're not in studio doing the show...again...today.  We're all wrapped up in a major photo shoot for a national magazine and we just could not make the time work.  At our backs is some questionable weather and we've got to go..when we can.  I am sorry...  HOWEVER, I want to share this quick video blog with you about Holiday Trends 2010 from our friend John Gerzema a "consumer guru" who understands consumer trends and has several predictions.   Watch:

   

If you follow our show and our blogs you know that not much of this is new...however it is reinforcement for those of you wondering what the future holds.   We've said for years, "If you can focus on trust and value you can sell nearly anything in this market."  

Here is a quick rundown in print:

• 65% of Americans are more interested in learning new skills;
• Shoppers will buy Quality over Quantity this year;
• 72% of American Shoppers are willing to pay more IF you offer SOLID customer service;
• Premium Brands...will do well;
• Big...is not better
• 65% of American shoppers are willing to pay a premium for goods and services IF that company contributes back to the local community = Tell consumers what "good" you do.

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

NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns and Gardens is possible - Learn more:  www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - A family company turning out high quality wedding invitations and business announcements - www.LotusMoments.com

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

Thanks again!!

 

 

What Was That? - Insight on Business - November 17, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world  of advertising, marketing and consumer trends which airs at Noon Central here at Webcast One LIVE.  Because the show is interactive...we'd love for you to join us in "The Chat" to ask, answer or comment on the stories we've lined up.  In addition we can carry on the conversation using Twitter, I monitor @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show.   From today:

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

 

From the "What Was That?" Department:  Sorry!  We had a major glitch come into the system last weekend which created issues with our video cards. (I only know this because people smarter than me are whispering in my ear.)  We had to shut down on Sunday and Monday for repairs...my apologies to you and to our scheduled guests and guest host Brooke Benschoter.  We'll have you back.

The reason I've been gone is we've been doing some video work for a client and for  our new friend, Burt Ward.  Yes, that Burt Ward.  Burt, has a program in California called Gentle Giants Rescue where he takes in some pretty big dogs...and to help pay for their care he distributes his own dog food formula called, Gentle Giants.  We were in Sioux City, Iowa (where his brand is manufactured) shooting the process for an upcoming TV special about Burt, his rescue and his dog food.  "Holy dog food Batman!".   Just a side note....Burt Ward is a super guy who is honestly involved, daily, in pet rescue and canine nutrition.

Our in-studio guests today are my friend Jason Kiesau of MERIT Resources and Frank Accurso (pictured) who will be in talking about the world of Professional Employer Organizations (PEO).  What they are, what they offer small to medium size businesses and how they help businesses eliminate risk.

This is a must see for your small to mid-size business and we'll be able to take your questions and comments on The Chat or on Twitter.  Jason Kiesau and Frank Accurso in studio today talking...business with Insight on Business.

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

NatraTurf - Chemical free lawns and gardens are possible and NatraTurf makes it that way.  Learn more:  www.NatraTurf.com

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

Lotus Moments - It's Lotus Moments for Wedding Invitations and Business Announcements that are as unique as...you.  www.LotusMoments.com 

Thanks for coming by!

 

 

Metro Monday - Insight on Business - November 15, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world  of advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We're on starting at Noon Central here at Webcast One LIVE and...a little later if you want to see the re-broadcast.  Because the show is interactive I hope you'll use The Chat to ask, answer or give your input.

It's the Metro Monday Edition of Insight on Business but...I don't get to be in "the chair" today.  My very talented friend Brooke Benschoter will be your guest host.  Brooke, who has loads of marketing experience and is on staff with Drake, has a fantastic mind and I'm grateful that she said "Yes" to help us out.  Brooke Benschoter with Insight on Business...today.

And...on the show today we're talking miracles with Jan Burch and Bob Mitchell.   The Kiwanis Miracle League is a big deal...so big the Des Moines group has built their own baseball field just across from Principal Park the home of the Iowa Cubs.  With help from the Iowa Cubs and thousands of people the Kiwanis Clubs have built a place where kids who want to play but have disabilities can enjoy playing our "national sport".

Bob Mitchell and Jan Burch have been involved in the fund raising and building of the Kiwanis Miracle League Park and they're in to talk about the project and what is going on all over the nation.   Join Bob and Jan and Brooke and find out more about what's been going on in the shadow of Principal Park...today at Noon Central.

That story and more today with Brooke Benschoter and Insight on Business.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and made possible by:

NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns and Gardens is a reality, learn more:  www.NatraTurf.com

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

Lotus Moments- A family business that creates stunning wedding invitations and business announcements, www.LotusMoments.com

Thanks for coming by!!