Insight on Business

Insight on Business - August 30, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our look at a number of stories that cross our  desks revolving around advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  Our goal is to share with you our experience and point out what works...and what needs more work.  Perhaps we'll be able to give your business an idea or two...and you'll sell...more.  Thanks to NatraTurf and Bindery One for their continued support of this project.  Let's go:

If The Economy Stinks...

Smart marketers are paying attention to who is working...rather than who isn't.  We wrote about that last week (Focus on These People) and we're continuing to see movement among higher end brands that also believe it's better to build a better market base than to contract.  The latest piece of news is that our friends at Starwood Hotels and Resorts and their upscale Luxury Collection are going to launch a global campaign that talks about the "little things" that make a hotel stay...memorable.  In print you'll be seeing them in Forbes, The Financial Times and others.

Sometimes Odd...Wins

In that same post from last week we mentioned that all marketing doesn't need to be...serious.  KIA thinks so too and later this month it's the return of "The Hamsters" as they kick back and promote the SOUL nameplate.  I dunno...maybe I'm out of the demographic but I found it odd...sort of like the ads for Quiznos.  Since they aired...I never went back.  Odd...just...odd:

 

Stuffed and deformed "Spongmonkeys"...  Odd...

Vehicle Wraps - Drive By Ads

They are all over the place.  Folks are finding that in a saturated world of marketing why not add...something else like rolling billboards.  We see them all over the metro but...you want to be very careful.  The other day we saw a vehicle wrapped with Kosama logos.  The guy driving it exited a Kum & Go with a Twinkie and a fountain  drink.  And...he looked more like me...than a Kosama Guy".  Might that be called... "Brand Confusion" or maybe it was the "before" image?   Anyway, the cost for what are called "Drive By Ads" is low ($200 - $400) and that's what is fueling the local...trend.  Here is a story from our friends at Media Daily News.

So, How Is Business...HP?

One of the interesting things to watch is how some companies...self destruct.  Or how some companies change their entire market focus...because???  Usually it's a new VP of Marketing who comes in and must put his or her "stamp" on the company and changes stuff that doesn't make sense.  Or, in the case of Hewlett-Packard it might be "knee jerking" and silly moves.  Textbook case on leadership gone...wrong from our friends at The Wall Street Journal. The lesson here is stay focused...focused...focused and don't let outside/inside silly ruin your business model.

Thanks And...Connect

Thanks for coming by for a quick read.  If you wish to leave a comment here, feel free.  Or...let's connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie (personal & business) or @InsightADV (all business baby) and there is always our advertising agency Facebook Page where folks get this...first.  Have a super Tuesday! - Michael

 

Insight on Business - August 29, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is a look at our world of advertising, marketing and  consumer trends.  We'll offer up our thoughts and opinion on what works and...what needs more work.  Our goal is to help your business increase your marketing footprint and...sell more.  Thanks to our friends at NatraTurf and Bindery One for their continued support of our project.  Let's go:

Consumer Trends & Food

Yesterday I visited my local Hy-Vee grocery store and ran into the store director.   Josh is an amazing young man who loves his work...even on his day off.  He said something that struck a cord: "I'm always looking for the next big thing so that I can help craft our marketing message."  That would be us...as well.  I shared with him the rapidly developing change in how consumers select the food they eat...and how it is grown.  While this is not a new trend...it's ramping up quickly here in the Midwest.  Today, thanks to Josh, I've got three stories for you that prove the point.

Kert Henning & Marketing

Henning's Cheese is a family owned cheese manufacturing company that has been around for 97 years.  They have a total of 25 employees and they are busy.  I had the opportunity to visit with Kert regarding the challenges of selling a premium product in tough economic times.  He told me, exactly what we've been sharing with you for nearly three years.  Now is the time to ramp up your research and development along with a robust marketing plan.  Here is two minutes on that:

 

If you would like to learn more about Henning's Cheese, here is a link to a longer video we did where Kert explains the company and how it has grown over the years.  What is the draw?  Reality...and a passion for high quality.

Iowa Hospitality & Home Grown Food

While it's true that we'll get 25,000+ people at the Des Moines Downtown Farmer's Market each Saturday...understanding why...is more of a challenge.  Until you consider this video done by my friend Maxwell Crabb.  It's a simple video of a dinner party held at Butcher Creek Farms.  Jennie Smith, who owns Butcher Creek Farms had a dozen people over for dinner made up of her produce and other local Iowa products. 

 

Nice huh?  Once again...high quality and value.  Thank you Crabb Media...

Tallgrass Grocery Co-Op

And..one more:  Tallgrass Grocery Co-Op is coming to Des Moines.  It's a place where you can buy locally grown food and products that's organic and mindful of consumers needs and producers work.  The physical store is located in Historic Valley Junction and, while not yet open...will be shortly.  What a very cool idea and something we're proud to promote.  Have a look at their site...

Tie It Together

The common theme here is not price but...value.  As more and more people value what they eat and where it comes from they will spend the extra money because they are connected to the cause.  Cause marketing?  Sure...but with an added incentive...healthy, robust taste and...value.  Looking for the "next big thing".  Here you go....

Thanks & Connections

Thanks for coming by and should you wish to leave a comment here...feel free.  And we can also connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV and there is always our advertising agency Facebook Page.  Have a great Monday! - Michael 

Insight on Business - August 26, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Friday look at our world of  marketing, advertising and consumer trends.  Thanks for coming by.  It's made possible by the support of our friends at Bindery One and NatraTurf.  Let's go:

A Video Blog on Cutting Costs:

We're offering up something different today...a video blog featuring Kert Henning from Henning's Cheese based in Wisconsin.  I caught up with Kert who was doing product demos at Des Moines Metro Hy-Vee locations. 

So many business people are concerned with the economy and rather than focus on who is employed (as we did in this post) they choose to "join the recession" Not Henning's Cheese.  In this clip I asked Kert about marketing and development during tough economic times.  I think you'll find his reaction...spot on:

 

If you would like to learn more about Henning's Cheese here's a piece we did that speaks to how they make the premium cheese, what is unique about their company and how it's become a tourist destination...even though it's off the beaten path.  Thanks Kert for a nice conversation.  Clearly you love your work...and what your family creates.

Thanks and Let's Connect:

Thanks for viewing, I hope it's helpful.  If you would like to leave a comment here, please do.  Or we can connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV.  And, if you would like to join us on Facebook, where you'll get these updates first plus other interesting advertising, marketing and consumer trend thoughts...Here is our agency Facebook Page.  Have a superior weekend! - Michael

Insight on Business - August 25, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Friday look at our world of  advertising and marketing.  We then share our thoughts and opinions on what works...and what may need some more...work.  Thanks to our friends at Bindery One and NatraTurf for their continued support.  Let's go...

Steve Jobs...More Than Apple

The business world is reeling with the news Steve Jobs has resigned as the CEO of Apple.  We've watched Mr. Jobs over the years and marveled at his ability to create excellent products...and also amazing advertising messages.  From very humble beginnings to a person who will go down in history as one of the greatest minds.  Here is, what some say, is the best commercial...ever.  The Macintosh ad from the 1984 Super Bowl:

 

Super...huh?

ROI of Social Media

We hear it from business people all over the country, "OK, this social media stuff might be fun and interesting but what is the ROI?"  Here's a quick story we posted on our advertising agency page:  Our client went to a retail distribution meeting, one of dozens of companies who were there to pitch products to a room of buyers.  The men who were listening to the pitches had already been there for hours and the room was "tired".  Our client showed their products, new packaging and talked about retail support.  The buyers said some nice things and dismissed our client.  While walking toward the door our spokesperson heard her voice coming from the back of the room and somebody said, "Wow!  This is really neat!."  They had activated the QR Code on the point of purchase display we had created and within seconds others were accessing the codes.  The codes were programed to go to a short "How To" video on product use. The buyers invited them back to the table with renewed enthusiasm and...made a buy.  What might have happened if they had not been engaged in social media?  Are you there?

Voice Over Work

I was struck by this the other day when working on some VO material for a national  client.  How many business people fail to use professional voice over artists and simply have the TV or Radio Station talent voice their commercials is...astounding.  Or, worse yet, the business people voice the ads and they are usually less than appealing.  Look, when I worked in radio I voiced many, many commercials...daily.  The trouble was it was the same voice...over and over and over again.  What is it worth to really stand out?  Just a thought.

Thank You and Connect?

Sorry for the brief post today.  We're in the middle of two major film projects and much editing going on today for a piece that needs to be delivered...tomorrow.  If you would like to leave a comment here, feel free.  Or let's connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV and our ad agency Facebook Page is right here.  Thanks and have a great Thursday! - Michael  

Insight on Business - August 24, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our daily (M-F) look at our world of advertising,  marketing and communications.  We'll share several stories and our opinion on what works and what might need some additional work.  Our goal is to help your business learn and try new and different things that will increase your marketing footprint and in the end...help you drive sales.  Our thanks to NatraTurf and Bindery One for their support of this project.  Let's go:

CyHawk Trophy...Do Over

That was the word from the folks connected with the biggest marketing flop we've seen in a very long time.  The Iowa Corn Growers, Learfield Sports and the Corn Promotion Board heard the outcry of football fans across the country and held a press conference yesterday saying they made a mistake and it was time to do it over.  Media outlets across the state reported a 95% disapproval rating for the oddly designed farm family image (of the 1940's) that had no mention of football.  The Iowa Corn Growers, the new sponsors of the trophy, are now going to open up the design ideas to the public.  Good move. Here is a story from our friends at the Iowa State Daily.  Some are wondering if this entire thing was a stunt just to punk the public.  We don't think so...but if so...  Oh, and they turned on their Twitter link again.  @IowaCorn.

Communicating or Confusing?

When you are working with your employees what messages are you sending?  Is it clear communication or confusing mumbo-jumbo?  If you can't win over your employees you'll have a tough time winning over...customers.  Here's "Eight Tips to Improve Your Communication" by Georgia Everse for the Harvard Business Review.

This Was Fun & Thank You

Thanks to a willing bunch of folks we put together this short Flip Video for our friends at Exceptional Speciality Products...you know, the folks who create those "do-dads" you give to people?  Let the Puppies...Poop:

 

Thought you might like that...  The idea is not everything has to be a "hard sell" have a little fun...enjoy.

Focus on These People...

We hear it everyday from the media..."The Sky Is Falling, The Sky Is Falling" and the political conversation is the same.  "America is doomed, we are on a fast road to failure."  Rubbish.  Rather than focus on the lousy rhetoric let's take a look at the real numbers of those people who are employed and what that means to your business.  Time to look at reality...  Here's a great numbers piece from Peter Francese a demographic trend analyst at Ogilvy & Mather.  The article was picked up by our friends at Advertising Age. Well worth a read.

Thanks and Let's Connect

Thanks for spending some time here.   Should you wish to leave a comment on the blog feel free.  Or you can join us on our agency Facebook Page where folks get this info first...or on Twitter @MichaelLibbie (personal and business) and @InsightADV (business baby...business).  Have a great Wednesday! - Michael

Insight on Business - August 23, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our look at our world of advertising, marketing  and consumers.  We'll offer some tips and ideas on what works...and what may need more work.  It's our way of sharing our professional knowledge to help your business in this economy or any.  Thanks to our friends at NatraTurf and Bindery One for helping make this possible.  Let's go:

How Do Fortune 500 CEO' Spend Their Time?

Not being one...but having worked in the corporate world I found this graphic interesting.  Inc. visited with the leaders of the top companies and came up with this info graphic.  Click on the image and it will enlarge.  Then spend some time reading it.  Maybe it's us...but what seemed a bit odd...the CEO's spend zero time "listening".  They talk to a bunch of people...even maybe their customers.  Just found the word use interesting.  But, then they are Fortune 500 CEO's and me?  Nada.

Let's Talk Football and Corn

Later today there will be a press conference where folks from the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, the Iowa Corn Growers and Learfield Sports will huddle with the media to...  We think they will announce they are tanking the now famous marketing blunder known as the "New Cy-Hawk Trophy".  The entire fiasco gave us a teachable moment on "Marketing By Committee"...in this post from our advertising agency.  Oh one other thing.  The folks over @IowaCorn froze their Twitter account.  Mindy must be tired of the public reaction...which has been pretty harsh.

Don't Lower Prices - Raise Expectations

We've been over this...a couple of years ago when companies were racing to the bottom in the face of the recession.  Rather than lower prices, and lose money,  raise expectations on your product or service and then deliver.  How?  Position your product/service as value centered because of the high quality.  Point out how, in the end, your product or service really costs less than inferior brands.  People in any economy are seeking value...but once you position your product or service in this light...make sure you deliver.  Every day.  Want proof?  Here is a pair Allen Edmonds shoes that are now...22 years old.  I paid $300 for them and had them re-soled several times.  But, how many pair of $75 dollar shoes might I have gone through in twenty-two years?  But, if you are not a premium product...don't try to become one...and fail. 

Thanks and Let's Connect

Thanks for spending some time here.  If you want, you can leave a comment here, or on our advertising agency Facebook Page or we can connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV.  Have a great Tuesday! - Michael

Insight on (Monkey) Business - Aug. 22, 2011

It's a brand new week and welcome back to Insight on Business News Hour with  Michael Libbie.  Our goal is to share with you our thoughts, opinion and offer up what we think works...and what needs more work in our world of advertising and marketing.  Today we've got a shortened edition...because I'm beat. Thanks to our friends at NatraTurf and Bindery One for their support.  Let's get to it:

The Iowa State Fair

Earlier you may have caught our video about how we used the Iowa State Fair to engage a wide range of consumers as we test marketed some concept art for pet treats.  Over the past week I shared that story with several people and more than once heard, "Oh, well, the state fair crowd is sorta different."  Wondering what that means?  In our research we spoke with people from all walks of life and of all ages.  Seriously, if you're looking for a great cross-section of the Midwest...it's a great place to connect.  Why more companies don't is a wonderment to us.

Speaking of the State Fair

Each year the Fair Board contracts with a number of free musical acts.  Last year we were amazed at the number of people who went to see Tone Loc and Vanilla Ice (here's that short video).  This year we went back to see "Here Come the Mummies".  It was a pretty adult show and the A&E Stage was packed.  Here's a video we started 90 minutes before showtime...watch it build. 

 

I'd never seen "The Mummies" before but, I'm a fan.  All original music and loved the horns.  Thanks for bringing them to Des Moines.

Thanks & Let's Connect

Yes...short today.  You might say that during the 11 days of the Fair we were there...too much.  Well, never enough.  It's back to work.  Should you want to connect you can leave a comment here or our agency Facebook Page is here and on Twitter it's @MichaelLibbie (personal & business) or @InsightADV.  Thanks for coming by and have a great Monday! - Michael

Insight on Business - August 19, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our daily (M-F) look at our world of advertising,  marketing and consumer trends.  We'll share our opinion on what's making news and give you some tips along the way.  Why?  It's our attempt to help your product or service gain better market traction in this economy or any.  Thanks to our sponsors NatraTurf and Bindery One for helping make this possible.  Let's go:

Ride Sharing and Technology

It's not a big thing here in the Midwest.  Maybe if and when fuel gets to $5 a gallon we'll see more interest in climbing into a car with a stranger.  And, you can bet there are several ways to make it more convenient than word of mouth.  Here's a review of four ride-share apps from our friends at Fast Company.  Just in case.

Will Madonna and Smirnoff...Mix?

Yes, she has name recognition and so does Smirnoff but how will this new combination go down with younger demos?  This week Smirnoff announced that Madonna will front a new series of ads pushing a contest to become the next dancer for the singers tour.  It's part of a larger promotion called the Smirnoff Nightclub Exchange Project that seeks to "unite the globe" in one big party this fall.  (Rosh Hashanna?  Who knew?)  Anyway,  we've got our doubts.  This is the second interesting campaign we've seen in the past month where established brands (the other was Bud Light with their label tweak.)  are seeking to connect with younger demos. But, Madonna?   If it were Lady Gaga might make more sense...  Maybe.  Thought you might like to see a 1967 ad featuring ZaZa...for Smirnoff.   Just for fun!

Keeping Your Message...Clear

We've written and spoken about this many times:  Businesses that hammer home clear, simple and relevant marketing messages...win.  When clients come to us we're always trying to steer them to...simple and un-cluttered messages that stay on point.  Sometimes it's tough and we'll argue with them.  The companies who listen...win.  But, you've heard us say that way too many times.  Perhaps, if you read this great piece from our friend Diane Helbig for American Express Open, you'll see our point.  Go ahead...we'll wait.

Using LinkedIn for Trade Shows

Savvy companies that do trade shows can boost their connections by using LinkedIn.  Think about it, with millions of B2B connections on LinkedIn you can use it to promote your relationship for a face to face meeting at an industry focused trade show.  Warning, for B2C events it might not be as powerful but...it you've already got an online relationship with decision makers in the industry you want to target...why not use it?   One other thing.  Many industry decision makers tend to think of LinkedIn as a better "business tool" than say, Twitter or Facebook.  To them it just feels more like, business.  Use it?

Healthy Pet Message

We've been having discussions with a client for nearly four years.  The basis of our push is this:  "People who have pets will, for the most part, spend more money on healthy, natural products."  It's a trend that has been rolling for years and I think we've finally gotten some traction as we're designing packaging for a new line of "natural/health" products.  But...just to push the point further, have you seen the new Petco logo?  Uhm...told ya.

The Stuff We See - "Fly Me!"

Finally a trip down "Memory Lane".  We stumbled on this nostalgic video about National Airlines...  Just in case you want to see how flying was like a several decades ago.  Enjoy.

 

Thanks - Let's Connect

Thanks for coming by for a quick read.  If you want to leave a comment here...please do.  Or we can connect on Twitter: @MichaelLibbie (personal and some business) or @InsightADV (business baby, business) and here is our ad agency Facebook Page.  Have a great weekend! - Michael 

Insight on Business - August 18, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our daily look at the world of advertising,  marketing and consumer trends.  We'll offer our professional opinion on what we think works...and what needs more work.  Our thanks to NatraTurf and Bindery One for helping make this possible.  Ready...let's go:

A Branding Issue

We talk about these things all the time.  How a company says one thing and then does something in exactly 180 degrees from who they say they are.  My good friend Joe Baitinger from Baitinger Consulting/DataSource 360 shared this with me yesterday.  The United States Junior Chamber, a group whom I have great fondness for, has for years told sold themselves as a young professional group seeking only the best members and making them better.  Joe shared that they recently announced a "membership perk" of a 5% discount at Motel 6.  Uhm...wait a minute something here doesn't jive.  Young Professionals and Motel 6...and a 5% discount at that.  Brand confusion my friends.

Consumer Input

Last week, and this week we did some consumer testing for new packaging designs. We did it at the Iowa State Fair.  Not sure how you go about listening to consumers for your product or service but...if you can, and the demographic works...doing consumer testing at a large event such as the fair provides some valuable insight into consumer trends.  A couple of things to remember:  1)  You've got to qualify the people you talk to by asking a simple series of questions regarding their use of the selected product/service.  2)  Be quick about it.  Our interviews took less than 90 seconds each.  We were looking for recognition factors along with how people "felt" about the product.  Great results....

Video Shooting Tips

Today we're doing a shoot for the Iowa Department of Agriculture with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.  It's a reminder of how critical proper planning is when doing any work such as this.  From scheduling to the shoot schedule to crew calls to script writing.  We've crammed a load of up-front work into this as we got the call late last week.  My point here is to share with you the importance of making sure everybody is on the same page when the shoot happens.  It saves loads of time...and time, in this business is...money.

Thanks & Let's Connect

Thanks for taking a few moments to read our thoughts.  If you would like to leave a comment, feel free to do so here or we can connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV and our agency Facebook Page is right...here.  

Insight on Business - August 17, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Friday look at our world of  advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We'll comb through some stories and share with you our opinion of what works...and what needs some work.  It's our attempt to help your business thrive in this economy or...any.  Thanks to Bindery One and NatraTurf for their support of this project.  Today....

Do-Dads & Widgets

It's always surprising to me how many "Do-Dad and Widget" companies are out there selling...stuff.  In our Metro there must be three dozen if not more.  But, it's something folks buy to give out to others and business must be good.  I've followed this blog from Exceptional Specialty Products for some time.  Just because it's fun (uhm...and my Bride authors the thing...OK?).  So, lots of people sell this stuff but I'm thinking creative is what really sells it.  Nice nails.

Speaking of Creativity...

Butter Cow 2012 continues to roll on in the GOP Presidential Campaign.  (I know ANOTHER post about Butter Cow 2012! - Hey, we're MILKING this for all it's worth!)  Yesterday my friend and "prankster", Jack Mathews, shared with me they have sold loads of t-shirts and having a blast at the same time.  A recent e-mail from New Jersey tied in President Obama's trip to Iowa with a way to sell even more.  Fun stuff and just what our country needs...a candidate who will walk the walk and moo the moo.   We'll be visiting with Butter Cow 2012 later in the afternoon as we head out to the great Iowa State Fair.  Oh, and who says you've got to be 25 to be..."creative"?  Yep, that's Jack creative and a bit over...40.

And The "No So Creative"

Do it yourself...logos?  That's right.  Now, thanks to the web, you no longer have to be bothered by pesky ad agencies and designers when you construct your "logo".   Uhmmmm.  I'd honestly not heard of this before but it seems, according to our friends at Logo Design Love, there are a number of websites out there where you can go and rip-off famous logo designs and use them for...yourself.  Seriously.  There is a slight problem...folks notice.  Maybe not right away...but they will. Here is the post from our friend Steve Douglas on the Perils of Do-It-Yourself Logos.  Be careful out there because once you buy the logo...and, as in this case, it's a rip-off you'll have some trouble getting your money back.  

And Now For Something...Different

Model Andrej Pejic is a...guy.  But he walks the runway as a man and a woman.  Here's a quick video from our friends at New York Magazine...their cover shoot.

 

I was just thinking, we don't have nearly that many people around when we do a photo shoot for clients.  Must charge more?

That's It & Thanks...

Thanks for coming by.  If you wish to leave a comment here, feel free to do so.  Or let's connect on Twitter:  @MichaelLibbie (personal and some business) or @InsightADV (all business baby!) and our agency Facebook Page is right here....where we post these...first.  Have a great Wednesday! - Michael