Insight on Business

Insight on Business - July 26, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is a daily look at the world of advertising,  marketing and consumer trends.  We do this to help your business learn what works and what doesn't...in our professional opinion...when it comes to marketing your product or service.  And...it's still...free.  I'll not ask you to share your e-mail or your cash...well, maybe your cash.  Let's go:

In My Next Life....

I shall become a Mind Reader.  Running the creative for various clients can be frustrating when we don't get the full attention of those who "know".  Here's s tip for those of you who own a business and have professionals working on your advertising and marketing messages:  Share your thoughts.  That means it may take more than a three word note or a one word "yes" or "no" answer to a question.  Those of us who do this work know consumers, we know what folks in the various silos want and what will motivate them to action.  However we can't match that up with your wishes...unless we...know.  The simple answer to avoid confusion and cost over-runs is communication.  Often that means picking up the phone and explaining things.  Sitting down, face to face and talking it out.  The email system is great...but not so much when it comes to sharing creative ideas and rational.  Hope it helps...

Consumer Interaction

Ready?  Get out that old drum, we're going to bang on it again!  For companies engaged in using social media as part of their marketing plan you do realize that the real gift, the real goal is...consumer interaction...right?  Let me give you an example:  Last night we were watching "The Lincoln's - A House Divided" a great documentary of Abraham and Mary Lincoln by The American Experience on PBS.  At the end of the show I Tweeted: "Thank you IPTV for this great programing, "The Lincoln's - A House Divided" is amazing #IPTV".  This morning I had a response from @AmExperiencePBS -"Follow along using the hashtag #lincolns - we're live tweeting Episode 5, "This Frightful War".  I was already a fan...now I'm writing about it so many more know.  That, my friends, is the power of using Social Media for marketing but...you MUST BE ENGAGED (watching, listening and communicating) and not simply using Social Media for "broadcasting" a "one way message".  "Rata-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat on the drum".  (Quick...what song?)

But...Let's Say You Don't Believe Me...

I understand...we're just professional marketers sitting in, of all places, Des Moines, Iowa.  "What could they possibly know?"   For those of you who need a bit more "proof" have a gander at this piece about Whole Foods and the fact that 85% of all their Tweets are responses to consumer comments.  That is called being...engaged. Here is the full story from Jesse Stanchak of SmartBlog on Social Media.  Go on...we'll wait. 

More on Fabio and Old Spice

We wrote about it last week and, indeed, the joke may be on...all of us.  Old Spice agency Weiden + Kennedy replaced Issiah Mustafa with...Fabio.  Our thought last week was "It's a play to get us to talk about...Old Spice Body Wash...and it's working."   So are the views on YouTube.   Here, in his latest adventure The New Old Spice Guy challenges the Old Old Spice Guy to a duel.  Talk is...talk and eyeballs is eyeballs and it's all...marketing.   I'm thinking we were spot on....you?

 

Seems he struggles a bit with the English...  The lesson here is, "What outrageous thing can you do that will catch consumer attention and have them...help you market?"  Come on now....think.

Thank You and Let's Connect

Thanks for coming by...three stories...three tips and no "tip jar".  If you want to leave a comment here...feel free.  Or let's connect on Twitter:  @MichaelLibbie (mostly personal) or @InsightADV (business baby...) or our Facebook Page Thingy is right here.  Insight on Business News Hour is a production of our advertising agency and made possible through the support of Bindery One and NatraTurf.  Have a great Tuesday! - Michael

Insight on Business - July 25, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our look at our craft of advertising, marketing  and consumer trends.  We'll spend an hour (or more) checking into several stories and giving you some ideas and tips for your business.  Our thanks to Bindery One and NatraTurffor helping make this possible.  IoB is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications.  Today:

Advertising with a Guarantee and a String

Much of the media world took notice last week when Des Moines based Meredith Corporation announced they are now guaranteeing, "..more people will see and then buy and/or interact with companies that advertise in our family of magazines."   Meredith, who publishes a slug of solid titles like Better Homes and Gardens as well as Ladies Home Journal, is making this claim using past data and...to only their largest advertisers.  All of it makes sense...when you think about it.  The catch is that participants must commit to 12 months of advertising across several Meredith titles.  Nice marketing idea but don't look for something like this from your local media outlet.  The metrics are not there...yet.  Here is the full story from our friends at AA Mediaworks.

Back To School Advertising

It's almost like "Christmas in July".  I was wandering through Target not long ago and  they were setting up "Back to School" racks.  Never mind that a vast majority of kids won't head back to the classrooms until late August...retail centers are promoting early...and often.  Here's why: according to the National Retail Federation back to school spending is the second biggest sales season trailing only the holidays.  With expected sales to top $68 billion...you begin to understand.  Meanwhile...spending per student is down a bit from last year.  Consumers are wary of the economy, many incoming college kids already have many of the gadgets and shoppers are continuing to seek value.  That means not only price...but reliability.  They may buy less...but will buy...better.  Remember our two words, "Trust" and "Value".  Keep them constant...

Melissa Molinaro Copycat?

Who?  By know you know.  Melissa Smith (her mom's name is Molinaro...) is a real singer, actress and...she is the subject of a law suit involving Old Navy and Kim Kardashian who says Melissa looks too much like her to be pitching for companies she has also pitched.  Speaking of pitching.  Seems Melissa is is a catcher too.  She is dating Kim's ex former football player Reggie Bush. (Oops!)  Here is a video of her doing a spot for a taco chain Del Taco and making fun of those 900 Numbers.

 

Over the years many companies have used "look-a-likes" in their advertising...many.  But in this case we have companies who once used Miss Kardashian now using Miss Molinaro and she is dating Kim's..."ex".  Ouch. 

World-Wide Consumer Outlook - Dismal

I found this...stunning and right in line with what I wrote earlier about Back to School Shopping.  31% of US Consumers say they have "no spare cash" for discretionary spending.  That's higher than the Middle-East (25%) and Europe (22%).  Another sign of the shrinking Middle-Class.  How do you combat in your marketing?  Offer more...service.  Over more...personal work.  Offer more...sales.  Offer more...more.  Here is the full story from our friends at the Neilsen Wire.

Thanks for Reading and Let's Connect

Really, thanks for putting in some time to read Insight on Business. Our goal is to offer you some thoughts and ideas as you move forward...always...forward.  If you want to leave a comment here, please do.  We can also connect on Twitter @InsightADV or our agency Facebook Page is right here.  Thanks and have a great Monday. - Michael

Insight on Business - July 22, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our look at the world of  advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We'll spend an hour writing about our thoughts and opinions and you get to spend ten minutes reading and then, perhaps, using something from our work.  It's our craft and we love sharing.  Thanks to Bindery One and NatraTurf for their continued support.  Today:

Using Stock Photography

We're guilty of it...and so are many advertising agencies.  Usually the reason we, and some businesses use stock photos is because of perceived cost.  The client doesn't want to shell out the cash for us to do the original photo session.  Sometimes it works and sometimes...  (Click on the photos to enlarge.)

This week we received two different mailers, on the same day.  Both were for local heating and air-conditioning companies. (above left) Aaron noticed it right away and shared it with me.  Notice the image.  It's the same stock photo. (R) Maybe not such a big deal..but the same  type of companies, in the same town, sending out on the same week.    Want to see how WE almost got caught doing the same thing?  Follow this link to the Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications blog to see what nearly happened with some dog food packaging we did years ago.  Best advice...use original photos...you'll thank me for it in the end. 

Speaking of Odd Ad Placement

How is this one for you?  We were sent this image yesterday of a billboard campaign.  I don't have to comment...but how ironic.  In addition, we didn't take the photo and have NO idea if it is original...but it wouldn't surprise us.  Another thing to be careful of...when buying outdoor media ask who else might be using the space and if there are contracts on the boards you're after.  Ya...think?

Sabra Hummus and Twitter Use

On Wednesday Sabra, the company that makes some fantastic hummus in all sorts of  yummy flavors, announced a Twitter contest.  They gave "Tweeps" (that would be those of us who use Twitter) until 12:AM on Thursday to send in a photo of Sabra sitting in their fridge: "The first 300 who send us a photo gets a $1 off coupon." (Ours is here and yes we scored a coupon.)  I was interested in their campaign, how it worked and their insight on social media.  Here is the conversation I had with Ben Lebowitz who is on the team working the campaigns for Sabra. @Sabra on Twitter.

• What was your overall goal? - "We constantly strive to encourage the on-line culture that keeps our followers checking in with our Tweets on a daily basis.  Incorporateing promotions and contests of this kind did exactly that, and we definitely plan to execute similar promotions, but with more enticing incentives."
• How long did this take you to flesh out? - "This was a test promotion.  We wanted to see if offering any incentive to take a picture of Sabra in your fridge would prove any success and it was a learning experience for us.  We did not reach our goal of 300, but we did get a nice percentage of response, which ended up leveraging our total reach in yesterday's tweets to nearly 40,000 impressions."
• Were you pleased with the results? - "We definitely were.  We gained five-times the normal amount of followers we normally gain in a 24-hour period and the overall engagement of our on-line community has seemingly grown stronger."
• How many folks in your Social Media Team? - "Sabra has a strong social media team, with at least two people dedicated to the strategy full-time."

A couple of quick observations:  1)  This was a low cost way to connect with the most ardent fans of Sabra who, like us, will talk about it.  Think residual value.  2)  Remember, Sabra is a national brand and they didn't get 300 folks to send in a photo...but they did get bounce.  This means nearly anything you do that will connect with your core audience is worth the effort.  3)  We think that the images they received would be a "hoot" for a future on-line piece for their website.  "Sabra, taking a peak into your fridge."..or something like that.  Again, residual value.  One other thing:  We were amazed that Ben was so willing to discuss the campaign.  So many companies hide under some "policy".  But, remember in this world of social media consumers run much of the marketing...opening up...it was a very smart thing to.  Thanks.  One more:  If you want to see how NUTS we are about Sabra...here is a video we did last year... "In Search of Sabra Jalapeno Hummus!"  Pay close attention to the end...and watch Kizzy Bird nod in agreement.  

That's It...and Thank You!

Must share this with you....now.  Thanks for coming by and, perhaps, learning something for your business.  If you would like to leave a comment here...feel free.  And we can connect on Twitter, @InsightADV or we've also got this Facebook Page Thingy...  Have a great Friday and a fantastic weekend! - Michael

Insight on Business - July 21, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our look at the world of  marketing, advertising and consumer trends.  We'll put an hour into the writing and you put in ten minutes learning and, perhaps, building a stronger business by better understanding what's new, what works and what doesn't.  And know what?  It's all...Free.  I'm not going to ask you to send me your e-mail or your cash.  We do this because it's our craft and we love it...  Today:

Business is Good...

For all the whining and crying we hear about the economy from politicians (who's job it is to whine and cry and keep your focus on getting them re-elected) business must be...good.  Yesterday I became aware of two events in separate parts of the state (Iowa) where actions speak louder than words.  One business from the world of agriculture, Art's Way of Armstrong, Iowa posted $1.1 million increase in sales for Q1 - 2011.  That's a 16.3% increase.  Meanwhile a privately held finance company out of Central Iowa had a meeting where they handed out a total of $30,000 in gifts to their employees.  Saying, "We're not out of the woods yet but we are doing so much better and it's because of your hard work.".  Nice...thought you might like some positive stories to start the day.

But, Then There is This...

Do your employees trust you to make the right decision?  A survey of 2,000 employees conducted by Maritz Research finds that only 10% of them trust management to make the right decisions in tough economic times.  Meanwhile, only 14% believe their their company's leaders are honest and ethical.  Finally it's getting worse rather than better.  The research also suggests that 25% of employees have less trust in their business leaders than...last year.  What's going on?  We think that when  your values conflict with the values of your workers...you're going to have serious issues.  And, those values need to be addressed more than once a year during the Christmas Party.  See we balanced out the good and bad...

Say It Ain't So!

This week we learned that Old Spice has replaced Isaiah Mustafa with...hold on...ready...Fabio.  Fabio!  OK...so maybe the joke is on us...but talk about something...tired.  We're hoping the entire campaign is "tongue-in-cheek" giving us all a laugh while trying to understand what the hell the Italian is trying to say.  Just goes to show you that when you have lots of money you can do almost anything in advertising...

 

So, what do you think?  Never mind...at least we're talking about it and that is brilliant.

Mobile Mom Marketing

You see them everywhere...grocery store with a tablet.  Gym with a smart-phone.  Driving a "Soccer Wagon" with a smart-phone.  And marketers know Mom is on the Go so increasingly new mobile marketing campaigns are targeting these "Mobile Moms" with deals, messages, tips and more.  Mostly it's the BIG GUNS in advertising but there is nothing to say that you can't get into the loop as well. Here is the story from our friends at the Washington Post.  Which begs the question...your website is...ready for mobile viewing...right?  No?  Call us...

Thanks and Let's Stay In Touch...

Thanks to our friends at NatraTurf and Bindery One for helping our agency make this daily look at advertising and marketing a reality.

Thanks for coming by for ten minutes of what we do.  If you would like to leave a comment...feel free.  Also if you want to connect on Twitter it's @InsightADV or our Facebook Page Thingy.  Have a fantastic Thursday - Michael 

Insight on Business - July 20, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is a look at our craft of advertising, marketing and  following consumer trends.  We do this to help your business take advantage of our years of guiding brands by knowing, often in advance, of what moves consumers.  It's not our hobby...it's our job.  Thanks to our friends at Bindery One and NatraTurf for the support of this project.  What's up today?  Let's go:

Trade Shows & Management

I wish I had a buck for every trade show I've attended...it would be retirement time.  I've been an exhibitor at shows from agriculture crops to multi-million dollar aircraft and attended a bunch in between.  One of the most common issues business faces (other than a lousy booth) is finding the right people to work the booth and then get them to do their job.  Some quick thoughts:

• It's Not Always Sales - Your best trade show booth workers may not come from the sales department.  I've found that many times the company administrative assistants know more about customer service than sales people.  The key is to find somebody that really loves the company and their job and willing to ask questions and tell the story.
• Pre-Train- Going to a trade show without a plan is like heading to Pig Flats, AR without a road map or GPS.  You'll be...lost.  What are the three key points?  How will you interact with consumers?  What is the "pitch"?  Who does the follow up?
• Graphics Must Pop - Your booth must look...good.  If the product or service you are delivering is "home-made" then...go with a "home-made" booth.  But...even then.  Invest in your image...you'll be better off

Finally, how do you motivate your staff?  Here's a nice piece from our friends at Smash Hit Displays...good stuff.

Ding, Ding, Ding!  We Have A Winner

"How do you do it?"  It's a question we sometimes get when talking about consumer trends, customer service and advertising.  I suspect the real question is, "How do you come up with stuff?"  Maybe it's how we look at things.  You might see a crowd at a concert. I tend to look at what they are doing and how they are reacting to...products and messages.  Spending time in the beer line at the hockey game, listening to what is being said about food choices, seats and the customer service, or lack of, is what...we do. (And some folks think we are simply "distracted".) Some people do tax returns...some of us pay attention to marketing and advertising.  I couldn't do what they do...ever.  What do you do and do you carry that craft into other aspects of your life?  Are you always looking...searching for the next idea or the next consumer trend in your silo?  Might...start.

Throwing Up...

The other day I was asked by a good friend to review some work he was doing.  It's really good stuff.  But he took too long in his presentation to get to, "His Story".   Sometimes when doing a presentation...presenters tend to lay too much ground work and we throw up all over our audience before we get to the real "meat".  By that time...you've lost many.  Think of a formal presentation as a television commercial or better yet...a radio commercial.  Share a little background and then hit them early with why your idea sparkles...  If you can do that you'll capture their attention much more quickly.  We think...

Mexican & Fast Casual Dining

They are two of the consumer trends that has, according to a story from Advertising Age, allowed Chipotle to surge ahead in the fast food wars following only Panera Bread. So...why is Mexican Style food such a hit in the US?  We think it's the same reason why salsa has out performed katsup as a condiment.  In addition, go to any grocery store and look at the number of food products that are "hot" or "spicy".  Pickles to BBQ sauce... What's going on?  It's biology. As we age we tend to lose over 50% of our taste buds...that's a big number.  Given the huge number of folks over 55...  Sure, there are marketing and advertising strategies there...but you can't beat...biology.  One other thing...it didn't hurt Chipotle that their CEO, Steve Ells, was part of the reality show, American's Next Great Restaurant.

Thanks and Let's Connect?

Thanks for coming by for a quick read.  If you want to leave a comment here...feel free.  Also here is our agency Facebook Page and our agency Twitter handle is @InsightAdvertising.  Have a great Wednesday! - Michael 

Insight on Business - July 19, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our daily look at selected  stories from the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We'll give you our thoughts and opinion and then...ask if it works for your business.  Our goal is to help you think...more and build a larger marketing footprint.  Ready?   Let's see what's going on.

 Phone Hacking & Your Business

We've been watching this story about News Corp and the phone hacking scandal that seems to be building each day.  How does a company get...here?  Simple, once you start believing your own twisted story and live in the muck of "muck raking" you're bound to go there yourself.  It's a lesson, we think, about what some folks will do just to sell more...stuff.  In this case the "stuff" is advertising dollars for the press and numbers in circulation.  The other interesting thing is how enamored we are with salacious content.   The story should give all businesses pause to consider what you're saying about your brand and...how truthful is it?

Buying Media Time?

It's July...time to buy media time for next year.  Seriously.  The political ads over the next 16 months will eat up tons of local availability.  That means the prices will soar and if you're not locked into some kind of contract...you'll not get on...or you'll pay through the nose.  Want proof?  One group..one is spending $20 million on TV ads THIS July and August.  There is big money coming from all over and it's not just the presidential elections.  Look for this stuff to hit local races...right down to the school board.   Book..early.  Here's a quick story from our friends at the Los Angeles Times.

It's The MESSAGE!

We're always trying to get folks to use LESS copy in their ads.  Always attempting to get people to relate to the emotion of the product or service rather than all the technical stuff.  Sometimes we win...other times...not so much.  Here is a great example of what works...and why.  This is a :30 ad that ran in June for Oreo's.  It had the highest recall for any ad measured by Nielsen.  It beat out Wal-Mart, Dyson, Red Lobster...all of 'em. 

 

WHY?  We think it's the emotion.  It's also the lack of words and the great job and voice of a young actor.  Put it all together with a cause, "Father's Day" and....BANG!  What does it take to create something this good?  Time and talent...  Nice.

Consumer Trends - What's Hot - What's Not

We love stuff like this....  Folks get into a room and look at what's working and what isn't.  What is old and what is the new hot trend.  We didn't do this...but thought you might enjoy.  Here is an easy to read graph from our friends at Advertising Age...enjoy! 

Thanks and Let's Connect

Thanks for coming by Insight on Business made possible through the support of our friends at Bindery One and NatraTurf.  If you would like to leave a comment here...please feel free...we delete spam by the way.  Want to connect on Twitter? @InsightADV or our Facebook Page Thingy...

Have a fantastic Tuesday! - Michael

Insight on Business - July 18, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our look at the world of advertising, marketing  and consumer trends.  We do this Monday - Friday offering up our thoughts and opinions so you might build a better brand...and a better business.  Thanks to our friends at Bindery One and NatraTurf for helping make this possible.  Today we've leading off with a little Metro Monday action...

Build It - They Will Come

When I arrived in "Sleepy Des Moines" in the spring of 1979 I never would have thought the capital city would get the recognition that now comes to it...nearly every month.  Now, years later, and with lots of work from government, business and each other...Des Moines is a fantastic city with so much to offer.  The latest accolade from Forbes is that Des Moines is the number one city in the nation for young professionals.  Here's an article that speaks the a Decade of Change and gives ten examples as to...why it's from the Des Moines Register.  Enjoy.

We Like This...

I'd not noticed this slogan before yesterday.  I'm sure it's been on the side of the Urbandale Police cars for some time...but who notices at 40mph?  I did a double-take when I walked past the cruiser on Sunday.  I just like it...and it is so...Urbandale. Nice touch gang and a Facebook Shoutout.

There Is A Reason To Go..."WOW"

When I purchased my iPhone the folks at the Verizon said, "Here you go.  If you have any issues with the phone you'll need to go to the Apple Store for fixes."  It was music to my ears...but also a little different.  I'd been by these "Apple Stores" and peered in at the shinny gadgets.  Even work with some folks who are "Apple to the Core".  But...this was going to be different.  And it is.  Last week I had an "issue" with the camera.  While waiting for my "appointment" one of the folks I know, Jordan walked over, asked what the problem was and fixed it...in ten seconds.  "I'll go ahead and cancel your appointment, Mr. Libbie."   Wow...just...wow.  So, why am I telling you this?  Because the Apple Brand rocks.  What kind of service are you giving to your customers that would make them...go...wow?  Can you?  Will you?

Decentralized Social Media

We all know of companies, large and small, who have bit the bullet and started using social media to market their brand and...listen to what others are saying about it.  In large companies this usually means a boatload of people at the corporate HQ...watching...listening, pushing and reacting. How about this idea.  REI is doing so on a regional basis.  Why?  Different markets have different needs and pushes.  REI is attempting to match their social media voice with the...market.  Here's the story from Advertising Age...neat.

Thanks and Let's Connect

Thank you for coming by...hope some of this offers an insight into your marketing plan.  If you want to carry on the conversation, leave a comment here, let's connect on Twitter @InsightADV or here is our Facebook Page...Thingy.  Have a fantastic Monday! - Michael

Insight on Business - July 15, 2011

Advertising, Marketing & Consumer Trends...it's what we do and each day Insight on  Business News Hour with Michael Libbie has several stories and tips to help you grow your market share.  Thanks for coming by...and thanks to NatraTurf and Bindery One for their support in this project.  So...what's cooking today?

"Thrilla At The Grilla"

It started out pretty...simple.  A group of folks sitting around a lunch table talking about promotions.  Georgie Pease, my bride and idea woman, sat with management of the Urbandale Hy-Vee talking about "stuff to do".  That's when the subject of grilling came up.  Who was the best?  Who could out grill the other?  That conversation started "Thrilla at the Grilla" (video) taking place today at 4PM at the Urbandale Hy-Vee.  Chef Jackson and Chef  Curtis will square up and hold the "grill off".  The price for a meal is $6 with $3 going to the corporate Hy-Vee charity, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  Why am I telling you this?  Because sometimes the most interesting ideas come from...conversation.  And...when you marry a promotion to cause marketing...it works.  Your turn...what can you build for your business and your community that is fun, helpful and builds your brand?

Control What You...Can

This week there was a flap generated when Jake Blitsch, who was working with the American Legion Boys State Program at the Iowa National Guard Gold Star Museum,  asked "volunteer Phil" why the center only displayed the photo of Governor Terry Branstad and not President Obama.  The answer, printed in a letter to the editor of the Des Moines Register, given to Mr. Blitsch by "Phil" was that because the president never served in the military his photo was not displayed.  When "Phil" was reminded that the president is also the Commander in Chief of the military "Phil" responded with, "He may be your Commander in Chief, but he's not ours."  Ouch...  We called the Gold Star Museum for their take but, at release time, we've not heard.  However, this points to a very serious issue for your business.  You can't control everything...but some things clearly are within your ability.  Making sure whoever wears your brand stays out of personal feelings about politics might be a good place to start.

Logos That...WORK

Those of you who follow this piece know that we also follow Logo Design Love.  It's just a fun place to get...information about something we do plenty of...designing logos for products and business.  Here's one that we thought we'd share.  It is for Organ Donations.  Specifically the Committee for Organ Donation in Lebanon.  What works with this is...simple.  And...when you're trying to get across the mission of your product/business...simple...rules.  So, you still want to create you own logo?   Or ask us, "So, how much for a logo?"  Our answer is still the same.  We don't know...it all depends on...what you are trying to...say.  And, if you want to say it...well.

Dangers Of E-Mail

E-Mail...sucks...when doing creative.  There, I've said it.  We work with clients from across the country and there seems to be a proclivity for some to try to give direction/suggestions/input via...e-mail.  Stop it.  Easy messages are great but when you are working on some serious stuff a 15 word e-mail doesn't cut it. Face to face is great but when that doesn't or can't happen...pick up the dang phone.  Let's talk.  So, what do you think?  Really, am I just...old?  Never mind...don't answer that.

That's It & Thank YOU!

Thanks for a fantastic week, for reading this and your comments and suggestions.  If you want to continue to conversation you can leave a comment here, follow us @InsightADV or head to our agency Facebook Thingy...  Have a great weekend!  

Insight on Business - July 14, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our way of sharing advertising, marketing and  consumer trends with your business.  Then, should you wish to follow our advice, you then get to create a larger marketing footprint. sell more and become real friends with your customers.  Neat huh?   And, we think, it works for everybody.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible through the support of Bindery One and NatraTurf.  Let's go:

Using Blogs To Spam Your SEO

We get loads of comments on our business blogs.  Some of them are point on to the discussion and others are simply ways in which companies use our reach to market their product/service.  It's a very odd SEO trick.  We often get comments like, "We see the sun is shining and the world is bright."  And then they link to some on-line retail group.  Some are more creative, like the one from a discount eyeglass center based in...we have no idea.  The comment was on an old postbut it was relevant to part of the discussion. "speed as our friend Geoff Wood and his crew continues to create".  Nice try...it does mention a name of a real person...we think it's still...spam.  And a cheap way to get...seen. Word:  Don't do it...K?  It makes your company look desperate.

The Curtis Stone Can of Worms...

This year our friends at Hy-Vee, a regional grocery store chain here in the Midwest, hired Chef Curtis Stone as a spokesperson.  We wrote about it months ago, and frankly, we were impressed that they would go out and spend the bucks on such a high profile person.  Recently I've been catching some "blow back" on social media sites about Hy-Vee using Chef Stone as a spokesperson for "an Iowa company".  Here is a sample:

• "Hy-Vee sold out they should have used a local chef or celebrity";
• "Stone is over-kill, I see him everywhere";
• "Mistake, Hy-Vee should be pushing coupons and cost saving ideas to the Mom World";
• "We've got great chefs in Iowa, why not use one of them?".

Here's our take:  Brilliant!  Stone is a high profile celebrity that has, for years, taught regular people about the benefits of healthy cooking and eating.  Stone does talk to Mom's...and his recipes invoke the life of a busy Mom...with time issues but who are concerned with healthy cooking yet something new.  Stone moves Hy-Vee from just another regional grocery store to something bigger.  That's a smart move considering the outside competition they are getting from others be it Trader Joe's or Whole Foods.  And, then there is the "eye-candy" aspect.  It doesn't hurt that Chef Stone is...hot.   (Hey, it's Iowa and I can write that sort of stuff...and I've got gay friends who now actually go to Hy-Vee)  Bottom Line:  When choosing a spokesperson make sure it is in line with your brand...or in this case, your changing brand.   

Social Media Killed Marketing

I loved the headline my friend Craig Dick sent me...the message is even better.  The "Marketing" that is targeted is the "old school" marketing and the idea that the bigger the budget the more able you are to be able to crush your competition social media has leveled the playing field.  Not all the way...and it's only PART of your marketing arm...but still    The "Marketing" being talked about is how we once were able to charge thousands and thousands of dollars for "focus groups" to get the input of consumers.  Now...companies can ask...(with a little help) directly and get all sorts of responses.  The "Marketing" being addressed was the days of the Martini Lunch and Cocktails for Supper.  Smart marketers today know they must engage their consumers...beyond 9 to 5.  Love it...  And if you've not yet made the switch...better get on board.

That's It & Thank You

Here's the deal, we spend an hour writing and giving you original content about advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  You spend ten minutes to come and learn something that you can work into your business and....WHOOT!  We help you build market share for...FREE.  If you want to stay in touch let's do that!  You can leave a, non-spam, comment here. ;-)  Or we can take this to twitter @InsightADV for the business side of things or @MichaelLibbie for the personal and business mix.  Finally (I know...) there is this Facebook Thingy...that where you get this and more...FIRST.  Thanks again and have a fantastic day! - Michael

 

 

 

 

Insight on Business - July 12, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our look at the world of  advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We'll offer up several stories and our opinion on how or if you might consider working these tips into your business.  It takes us an hour...and you ten minutes.  Deal?

Too Much Money?

Yesterday I had a client make contact asking if sponsoring a specific national television show on RFD-TV was a "good buy".   As always, it depends.  The show he was asking about runs for a full year.  They do 26 episodes and they will run the original several time each week and then comeback and do re-runs the rest of the time.  Audience is good and the going rate is $36,000 for a sponsorship.  There are value added items as well.  How does it stack up?  Pretty good when you consider this is exactly the audience our client wants to reach on a national level.  In fact the cost per thousand comes in at...pennies.  What have you potential television have you looked at, will the audience fit your demographic or...are you taking their word for it?

Put Your Name On It...

I was inspired by a short post writing by Seth Godin.  The essence was, "If it's important to you and you take pride in the product/service...sign it."  Far too often too many people in business don't take ownership and, in fact, tend to push it along seeking a way not to endorse the program.  Somebody once said to me, "Michael your name is all over the Internet.  You seem to be, everywhere."  That's because I'm not afraid to put my name on it...  I'm not afraid to tell you what I think about this world of marketing and advertising...because it's my craft and what I believe in.  How about you?  Believe enough in your product or service to let folks know YOU endorse it?

What Is It Worth - Membership

We've been a "member" of American Express for...years.  Each year we fork over our "Membership Fee" and enjoy the peace of mind that American Express gives our business.  That's why I was surprised by this post from Jeff Jarvis...surprised...but not un-expected.  Jeff, a "member" of AMEX for 35 years in vain, tried to work with American Express on several fronts but "un-empowered employees" continued to disregard his requests.  Why did I find this so interesting?  American Express spends millions attempting to get you to "join" and become a "member".  That would, to many of us, suggest that we are part of something...we are somehow...entitled to the benefits of membership...(think tag line).  But his post suggests...not.  Meanwhile American Express does a world of good through their Open Forum...something we read on a regular basis.  Will others follow Jeff Jarvis?  Does American Express even KNOW Jeff Jarvis?  Are they aware of this post...or...even better...his?   Does his story paint a different brand for AMEX?   Wow...

Do You Call...Back?

A couple of weeks ago I shared with you the idea of changing your outgoing voice mail...daily.  We think it gives your in-bound callers knowledge that you actually pay attention to the calls you get and that you "might" call them back.  Last week I called to major players in the row-crop industry for some information.  The folks at Iowa Corn Growers and Iowa Soybean Association...still haven't called back.  Tip for you:  If somebody calls you and leaves a message, make sure you show them the courtsey and respond.  It's part of your...brand.

That's It & Thanks....

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If you would like to leave a comment here that would be super or feel free to head to our agency Facebook Page or let's connect on Twitter: @InsightADV (Business) or @MichaelLibbie - Personal and a little business.