The Friday Round-Up

Before you put the feet up for a relaxing weekend some of the business/marketing/advertising stories you might have missed and some things that are brand new.  Here we go:

Bring Value

Often companies ask me not only about the business to consumer relationship but the very important business to business to business relationship.  We think one word makes the difference between success and long term business and failure:  Value.  Do you take extra value into the transaction?  Here's a couple of ideas how it works for us...and how it can work for you.

Selling and Social Media

Since we began our professional relationship with social media and our efforts to educate business on how to use these amazing tools we've witnessed our share of failure.  Some start using tools like Twitter, for a few weeks, only to quit because they don't "think" it works.  Usually it's because business sees social media as their public broadcasting outlet where they can, for little money, sell, sell...sell.  Selling 24/7 fails when it comes to social media.  Here's why in "Just Stop It".

I've Never Done This Before!

Going along with the "Just Stop It" post was this video blog about how, way too often, some business people are actually hurting their brand when they incorrectly use Twitter. One of the first things we do is look at Twitter Profiles and Timelines to help us judge the effectiveness of their effort.  Often...it's so...sad.  Don't hurt your brand, help it...by getting some help.  Here's the video blog, "I Have An Idea".  (I can't believe I'm "selling myself".)

Using The Back-Channel for Service

Several years ago I learned a valuable lesson.  Rather than call "customer service" and visit with "Susan" or "Billy" (who can't quite grasp English) use the "Back-Channel" of social media to get nearly instant results.  For me two of the best are Enterprise Rental @EnterpriseCares and Mediacom @MediacomSupport.  These back-doors into service are fast, friendly and competent.  Oh, and when it comes to pointing out service flubs and service super-stars...once again Social Media rules. Here's the story from our friends at Online Media Daily.

OnMedia And Ravvid - Something New

Cable television advertising can be a boost for many small businesses located in a specific geographic area.  For example, data suggests that most purchases happen within a 6 mile radius of many local businesses.  (Why do you think there is a Walgreens or a convenience store every few blocks?)  In the Des Moines market area there are 435,000 households.  Local television stations blow their signal from Des Moines to Fort Dodge.  But if your business is going to draw from a six to ten mile radius why are your ads being seen fifty, sixty or a hundred miles away?  That's the logic behind cable television advertising and for some companies it's great.  Now Mediacom is launching Ravvid.  Part social media, part Groupon it's a way for small business to offer all sorts of things and track response.  For your business it might be worth looking into.  (Warning...it's still a little clunky...but we think they'll smooth out the edges soon.)

Meanwhile Facebook Deals...WOW

Let's say you own a business and you've got 1,000 friends who follow you on Facebook  And, let's say it's Wednesday at 11AM and business is sort of slow.  Why not offer a Specialto your 1,000 customers?  And, your special offer doesn't just show up on their Facebook Stream...it also goes to their e-mail.  And, if you've got e-mail on your smart phone...bingo!  It goes there too.  To redeem the coupon or special deal just show it to the business...on your phone  Yep...my friend Phil K. James from Good Milk Shake was sharing that with me...and if you're interested in learning more.  Give us, or him, a call.

The Shocking Truth of Central Iowa Bloggers - #CIB

I've been fortunate to be part of this group from the start.  Often folks ask me, "What happens at CIB?  Do you have to be an expert blogger or social media user?  Do you have formal meetings, dues or programs?"  I'll let this short video speak to those questions:

 

CIB or Central Iowa Bloggers meets (informally) early in the morning (about 7:00) the first Friday of each month at Panera on University Avenue in West Des Moines.  Hope to see you there. 

Thanks for coming by...hope it's been helpful.  Now get out there and enjoy your weekend.  If you want to connect, leave a note here, or head to Twitter @InsightADV (business) or our advertising agency Facebook Page is right here. -  Michael Libbie - Insight Advertisng, Marketing & Communications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Greg Hauenstein]

"Most people are engaged... and then there's Greg."

I was only on coffee number one, Michael! You have to at least give me credit for being coherent enough to speak.

[Michael Libbie]

It was fun...thanks for allowing me to use you in the video. And...I understand. Rock on my friend! - Michael