Insight on Business - September 21, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Friday look at the world of  advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  Our goal is to help your business, no matter the size, get a better grasp on what works...and what might need more work.  Thanks to our friends at NatraTurf and Bindery One for helping make this possible.  Ready...let's go:

Old School or Good Manners?

Over the years, as we've become more accustomed to "instant communication", I've noticed a real lack of communication when it comes to the telephone.  We'll make a call to a media firm with a question and get voice mail.  We might want to buy a product or service and we get...voice mail.  We always leave a message but often don't get a return call.  I'm told folks prefer-email and texting...and I think that is a HUGE MISTAKE.  Why?  You leave out the inflection of the conversation.  I can tell you, by voice, that I think, "You're crazy!" but my inflection doesn't mean your insane but rather you are loads of fun.  Your Tip:  Always answer your voice mail.  Even better change it up on a daily basis (go ahead call me 515-331-3207) it takes only a few moments and let's folks know...you actually use it.  Oh...and one other thing:  If you record an outgoing message...say on May 18th and it's September 20th.  I might think you don't pay attention to what's going on.  Ya think?

Audience Smaller - Rates Higher

This week there was an article in the Wall Street Journal discussing the amazing reality of how networks are charging more for ad time but delivering fewer eyeballs on commercials.  How can they do that?  Easy...because most companies are simply familiar with buying 18 - 49 year old for $30 a thousand.  And, nobody else can anybody deliver massive numbers like...broadcast TV.  Oh...and because it's easy.  Rather than do the work and actually communicate with the target demo just buy an ad for $250,000 and hope you connect.  Your Take-A-Way:  If this sounds like your company and even your local market buys for TV I want you to stop...and think for a minute.  Is your product and service for everybody or...is it something that you can better target if only you had the right information.  Bet we already know the answer.

Know When To Fold 'Em

Several months ago Burger King killed the King.  We're glad because it was just...creepy.  When their new ad for the California Whopper rolled out we had to say...WELL DONE!  Here's the ad:

 

Why do we like it?  Because Burger King didn't change their message because some new person was selected at VP of Marketing.  They didn't change because they thought it would be...cool.  Clearly they changed direction because they now know consumers are more interested in food/health then they are a 1970's Creepy King.  Burger King listened to consumers and made the right call.   Nice job...

Facebook Changes & People Pissed

My son posted a piece on his FB Page about people getting pissed off with the latest changes to Facebook as if they were paying to use a product that is delivered to them...free.  Same old story a FB change and people go nuts.  They did it six months ago and they'll come back and do it at another round of changes.  Silly...just...silly.  Embrace the change...walk toward the light.

Thanks and Let's Connect

Thanks for coming by for a quick read and our view of our craft.  If you want to leave a comment here, feel free.  Or, we can connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie (personal and business) or @InsightADV (business baby...business).  And, speaking of Facebook, here is our advertising agency Facebook Page...if you want.  Have a great Wednesday!! - Michael

 

Comments

[Graphic Design Forum]

Nice idea, very informative post. I think this should be adapt on every business and make a strategy for it make your business successful.

[Michael Libbie]

Thanks for the comment...but I'd really be interested in exacty WHAT IDEA you thought might be helpful. - Michael

[Ferlyn]

Your concepts were easy to understand that I wondered why I never looked at it prior to. Glad to find out that there's a blogger out there that certainly understands what he's discussing. Excellent.

[Cheap Hermes Store]

Very, very nicely done!

[integrative marketing agency]

Fantastic despair, I keep in thoughts analyzing that when I was a kid. It was in my local choice. I'd definitely forgotten who it was by, but it put me off movie games for many (they were clearly the location of weirdos). Your ideas were clear and understandable that I considered why I never checked out it before. Grateful to discover out that there's a writer out there that certainly knows what he's talking about. Fantastic.

[Michael Libbie]

A Chic Event Company? I had to look...interesting. Thankful that, at least in California, there is insightful folks who move ahead of any recession talk. - Michael