Insight on Business

Good and Goofy Ideas - IOB - 12/22/2011

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our regular feature dealing with our thoughts on social media, advertising, marketing and a host of topics in a quick read, quick link experience.  Thanks for coming by.  If you would like to connect with a comment here, feel free or we can get together on Twitter @InsightADV and our advertising agency Facebook Page is right here.  Let's go:

Good Idea #1 - Eagles' Wings River Retreat

If you are anywhere in the Des Moines Metro and you're looking for a place for a business meeting, planning seminar, small party, or an afternoon with the Board (profit or non-profit)...and you want to escape the sterile environment of a hotel/motel meeting room go...here:

 

Eagles' Wings River Retreatis just minutes from downtown Des Moines and is part of Mike Taylor's food service business, In The Bag.  Nope, Mike didn't pay for this recommendation.  We just think it's a cool place.  Enjoy.

Good Idea #2 - Ed Snuffin & Iowa Computer Repair

Ed and I have been "Facebook Friends" for a couple of years.  That means we "know each other" sorta.  Last month I invited Ed to our home for an event.  In his RSVP he responded that his business, Iowa Computer Repair was within walking distance from our place in "The Village" of Windsor Heights.  This week my Bride had a major issue with her computer and I called Ed.  Not only did he get to this right away (His policy is to clear the work-bench before the end of the week.) he also loaned Georgie a computer and sat down with her to explain loads of things about Windows 7.  If you are in the Metro and you need your computer to...work.  Visit with Ed.  He's a bunch better than Big Box...any day.

It Gives Us All A Bad Name - Goofy Idea #1

They would love for me to say their name...but I'm not.  This week we received this brochure in the mail from a company based in Illinois.  They are selling Social Media Services for small businesses for $300 a year with "no set up fee".  Here is what you get:

• Weekly Facebook Post;
• A Facebook "Like" Button for your website;
• Comment to Fans on Your Behalf;
• A Daily Tweet;
• Custom Twitter Background;
• Monthly Status Reports mailed to you...

Seriously?  It's what gives those of us deeply committed to social media a lousy name.  What's really sad is somebody out there will buy this.  Goofy, my friends from so many angles.

Fix Stuff People Hate - Good Idea #3

Let's say you know people who hate a particular service or product.  It might be merchants who hate paying expensive transaction fees on credit card charges so...you invent Dwolla where each transaction is only $.25.  Or you know customers hate paying interest charges and you come up with an idea that even on your charge cards you'll not make those interest charges...sorta like Von Maur.  Or you know people hate paying fees to access their money from generic ATM's so you create an advertising supported platform...with no fees.  Or you realize that folks hate to pay shipping so you ship products from online...free.  The bottom line is find something people hate...and fix it.  Give them an alternative.  Bet it...works.

Thanks for coming by.  Feel free to pass this around...if you want.  And, do me one small favor.  Spend 20% of your holiday shopping dollars...local?  Drop the Box it means a world of difference to Main Street. - Michael

What Happens When You...Don't?

I don't have the reach that Gary Vaynerchuk has so, perhaps you've seen this fifty-seven second BLOW UP regarding ROI (Return on Investment) and social media.  If not spend a minute and learn why using Social Media for your business is not only smart...it is necessary.

 

But, as always, there is a kicker...  You have to do this correctly.  Our recommendation is to use these platforms to not only project your voice and your brand but to also listen, hyper-listen, to consumers so that you can match their need/wants/desires with your product or service long before the competition.

If you would like to leave a comment here...feel free.  Or let's connect on Twitter @InsightADVand our advertising agency Facebook Page is right...here.  - Michael

Insight on Business - December 5, 2011

Some of the stories we find interesting that just might help your business succeed in this economy or any.  If you want to leave a comment here, feel free.  Or we can connect on Twitter @InsightADV or here is our advertising agency Facebook Page.  Let's talk...

Social Media 2011

We spend a bunch of time learning and teaching about using social media for business.  But, just how many folks are connected, what are their ages and what are they doing on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube?  Here's a neat little video we found that helps answer that.

 

By the way...just "having a social media account" for your business won't fly.  You've got to be able to use it effectively...like any segment of your marketing plan.  OK?  Tip of the Hat to my friend Steve SchraderBachar @MortgageMinute for the thought starter.

Branding Starts With...

We read lots about "branding" and we help our clients better understand what they must do to create a successful brand and...if they don't, what will sink it.  We've always said that "the suits" or owners are not really in charge of "The Brand".  The brand starts with the people who have real interaction with consumers.  Last week a DirecTV tech came to our house to install service. He was amazing. Mike showed his ID at the door, put on little"booties" to walk into the house, took his time to explain everything, was cordial, professional and interested in what solutions he could bring to our needs.  Contrast that with a Dish Network installer we had eight years ago who was gruff, didn't talk and was interested in how fast he could get in and out.  Look, spend your time with line staff who come into contact with consumers and give them the training and pass on the passion to become great brand builders.  It works.

Buying Local Builds Community

If you own a small business we feel your pain as you watch droves of holiday shoppers drive past your store and go to "Big Box".  We understand that the dollars spent local, stay local.  We get it and we're on a mission to spread the message.  Imagine if shoppers changed their buying habit and switched 20% of their shopping to locally owned businesses...  We're working, right now, on a project we think will drive local and we're hoping to announce at the start of 2012.  More to come but between now and then impress to your friends, family and customers the importance of buying local.  But remember, you must deliver the service that earns the business.  Just being "local" isn't enough to earn consumer confidence.   BTW: Here is a neat image Jack Huff (click to enlarge) from Adventure Lighting of Urbandale, Iowa posted last year.  Pretty much sums up the story from the economic side of things and we likey!

Filming and Video

Last week our crew headed to Northwest Iowa to start work on a piece with the working title of "After the Harvest".  Thought you might like to see just a bit of what things look like "behind the scenes". 

 

And you wonder why GOOD television commercials and GOOD videos cost some serious money?  We shot for three hours but lead in time, set up and planning took well over twenty.  It's what we do...

Thanks for coming by and here's wishing you a fantastic week! - Michael