Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our way of sharing with you business news and information about consumers, marketing and advertising. I'll give you an hour of research and writing and you give me ten minutes. Deal? And, because this is "social" if you want to leave a comment below or contact us by Facebook or Twitter @InsightADV how neat is that? Let's go:
Sometimes I Feel Guilty
When we consider the fury of nature, as we've seen over the past few months, I can't help but think, and pray, about those who have been touched by the wrath of natural disasters. It's one thing to cause things to happen by choice but, when there is no choice... Meanwhile we continue to create marketing & advertising messages to sell products and services. Join me in donating to the Red Cross or another worthy cause? Thanks...
Words
I was in studio yesterday cutting some radio ads and thinking how important it is for business owners not to insist on specific words that are difficult to pronounce...next to other difficult to pronounce words. With radio, unlike television where you can mask or replace words with images, tongue twister sentences don't highlight the product or service and the time it takes for multiple "takes" adds up. Word(s): Simple Sells.
Preferred Vendor Relationships
We value ours. We're working on a major project for a client that must look sharp and we're, as always, up against a tight deadline. (How come these things happen even with the best of planning?) Even before everything was settled I took my best estimates of the project to our vendor and laid it out. They went to work on it right away and came back with some hard dates and costs. Once approved by the client they are "on it". I know it will be done on time and within budget because I've worked with them for years. There is value in strong, often local, vendor relationships.
Got Stuff To Do?
I know how it is, the "To Do" list gets longer than the day and by the time the next day rolls around it's even...longer and falling behind isn't pleasant. We all get consumed. Here, from Tony Schwartz for the Harvard Business Review, are "Five Tips to Getting Things Done". I'll add three more:
- Avoid "Time Sucks" - They hide in things like "pick your brain" meetings and endless e-mails when a phone call can settle the matter quickly.
- Clean Your Desk - Seriously, when my desk is clean in the morning I get so much more done. If not my day is as scattered as my desk looks. Trust me on this. Staff around here always comment on how clean things are...it's for a reason.
- Go Outside - Even if it's for five minutes. Take a look around you and marvel at the wonder of life. It tends to put things in perspective.
Speaking of Meetings - Some Neat Places to Meet
We liked this piece by Mike Michalowicz for American Express Open sharing "Twelve Unexpected Places to Host Client Meetings". We've tried several and they work because it's personal and friendly. Holding meetings with clients in stuffy, sterile conference rooms might not always be the best. Go ahead...enjoy, we'll be here.
Just for Fun
When we look back on advertising messages it's amazing what we find and how we've changed over the years. Here's an old ad for Pitney-Bowes that I'm sure they would rather have us forget. What were they thinking? YIKES!
Thanks For Coming By
There you go...an hour of research, writing and telling stories that I hope has a positive impact on your day. Insight on Business News Hour is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:
Bindery One - A world class digital printing and direct mail company that does business nationwide. Really, they are that good: www.Bindery1.com
NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns & Gardens are possible and they start here: www.NatraTurf.com
Have a great Wednesday! - Michael
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