Insight on Business

Insight on Business - September 1, 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 our thoughts on what works...and what might need more work.  Our goal is to help your company enlarge your marketing footprint by introducing you to new ideas and suggestions that match consumer interests.  Our thanks to NatraTurf and Bindery One for helping make this possible.  Let's go:

Pens Vs. iPads?

Is the sky falling?  Last year electronic gadgets were all the rage.  This year economic concerns have parents choosing pens and pencils over iPads.  The survey of 1,500 respondents was done by MediaVest who found 90% of these consumers ranked sales, rebates and discounts as "somewhat important to very important".  But...a word of caution before you rush to the bottom of price offerings:

• The media fails to share with you how many people are working vs. the number of unemployed.
• Likewise if you follow most news/talk formats they would have you believe "the sky is falling".

We don't buy it and caution your business to resist rushing to price points.  Hiqh quality, high value items are still in demand.  Oh, one other thing...there are additional choices available today that were not available last year.  That also has a direct impact to the study.  Want to make your own conclusions?  Here is the story from our friends at Media Daily News.

Marketing During Tough Economic Times

The notions above leave me no choice but to, once again, have you see this great video on cutting R&D and Marketing...during tough times.  It's a classic and worth two minutes of your time.

 

Told you...

QR Code Talk..

We love it when we help folks learn.  Just his morning I was visiting with a real estate professional who, last month, shared with me she was putting QR Codes on information sheets attached to the for sale signs.  We suggested she place the QR Code directly on the sign...that way if/when there are no info sheets individuals can still access video, stills and information about the listing.  She listened...  Nice and we know it will help.  But, don't take away the info sheets...not everybody is comfortable with QR...yet.

Webcasting & Livestream

Some of you remember the genesis of this post was our daily program Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie.  (Video) We originated from a studio in the financial center of Des Moines and shared much of the same information via video and audio...along with this blog.  We were, once again, way ahead of our time and when personalities collided we made the choice to end our two year run. (But, we are in negations to bring a specialized program...back).  So, how "on target" were we?  Here is a post from our friends at American Express Open...  Livestream has seen a 600% increase in...business.  Cutting edge marketing my friends...for a fraction of the cost of traditional television.

In Store Displays Take Work...But Pay Off

This week I stopped into the Urbandale, Iowa Hy-Vee grocery store and saw this display. (you can click on it to enlarge)  The reason I'm calling your attention to it is because...it works.  It's not only a display that you'll notice there is also an interactive component regarding recipes and information about the product being displayed.  It takes loads of work to get something like this accomplished but the value to both the shopper and the store is...huge.

Thanks and Let's Connect

Thanks for coming by.  If you would like to leave a comment here, feel free.  Or, we can connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie (personal and business) or @InsightADV (business baby...business).  And our advertising agency Facebook Page is right here.  Have a great Thursday and welcome to September! - Michael 

Todd Razor & Metro Monday - Insight on Business 01/31/2011

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a show dedicated to offering up news and tips on advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  Along the way we interview interesting business people, reporters and people making a difference in the business community here and worldwide.  You can watch live or catch the rebroadcast here at Webcast One LIVE.   Today we dial it into the Des Moines Area with Metro Monday...but no matter where you are...we promise you'll learn something that you can use in your business...starting today.  Let's go:

 

We've talked about Gusto Pizza Co. of Des Moines several times

How a group of people who understood the power of good food, excellent service and digital communication got together to create a new restaurant in Des Moines.  What we think was proof...for the doubters...was that on Saturday night Gusto Pizza Co. had a "soft open" which had only been shared via New Media.  Did it work?  We were there; and here's the video.  I'll add some commentary.

 

Did I mention they spent ZERO on print, television, radio, fliers, handouts...ZERO.  Will it last?  We think so...but they, and we, know you've got to work it.

The IowaWinterDeathStorm2011 Part One

Will it...come?  That's the question today...as weather-casters across the Metro ramp up their Doppler Images, scan the horizon and regularly blurt out warnings and watches.  Weather...it's big business in Iowa.  Folks in other parts of the country marval at how we've made it such a cash cow for broadcasters.  We'll talk about it.

Iowa Power Farming Show - This Week

Even in Des Moines agriculture is...king.  I know, hip, trendy folks will turn their nose  up but how may of them are running a multi-million dollar business with multi-million dollar investments in land, equipment and inputs?  Nearly...zero.  Enter the Farmer.  Starting tomorrow the Iowa - Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association will open the doors at the fifth largest all indoor farm equipment machinery show in the nation.  Here in...Des Moines.   We'll tell you about it.

Todd Razor from the Business Record

Todd is a return guest to Insight on Business and we'll be talking about commercial real estate.  Months ago we told you it was the "next shoe" to drop.  Millions of empty square feet of commercial real estate dot the metro.  What's the answer?  What does the future hold?  What has the Business Record learned and where does commercial real estate go...from here.  We'll talk about that and several other interesting stories today as Todd Razor joins us with Insight on Business.

Those stories and more today.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:

Air Design - Manufacturer of high quality scrapers for agriculture this Scobey, Montana company also makes some great gift ideas for offer, home or farm - Have a look.

NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns & Gardens start...here:  www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Unique wedding announcements from a family owned company and they'll ship...anywhere.  www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - They'll help your business "get noticed" - www.esp4all.com

Let's keep in touch?  I monitor Twitter @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show, you can leave a comment below or head to our business page on Facebook.  Thanks for reading and see you...LIVE at Noon Central.

 

 

 

 

Insight on Business - October 27, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  You can see the show live by heading to Webcast One LIVE today at Noon Central.  We'll also post the show later in the day.  Because it is interactive we're interested in your comments, questions and...answers.  You can do that on Twitter @MichaelLibbie before, during or after the show or on "The Chat" during the show.

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

 

Today:

Our special in studio guest is Steve SchraderBachar from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.  You might remember that name.  He is the fellow who invited me to Ankeny, Iowa for a presentation on using social media to build a personal and professional brand.  He'll be in to talk about his two books, the overall market and how he uses social media MortgageMinuteto make personal connections.  Steve SchraderBachar today with Insight on Business.

There are some shocking predictions about the future of retail coming from our friends at The Nielsen Company.  They have looked at the changes in consumer shopping habits and suggest what changes might be coming to your neighborhood by 2015.   Want to learn more?  We'll talk about it and run down the list of "game changers for retail" today...first thing.  Here is just one of the predictions:  "Pet Stores will increase."  Were we just talking about this last week?  Join us at Noon!

Is the iPad a game changer or a casual product for entertainment.  Here is the story, once again from our friends at Nielsen.

Procter & Gamble has a unique marketing campaign in the works - "Have you tried this yet?" is the new line P&G is using in North America to push specific product awareness.  An amazing stat:  99% of all homes in North America already use at least one P&G product but, according to the company, "...there is still more market available and that's why we're asking the question."   What can your business learn from this giant?  We'll talk about it.

Remember when we told you to focus on two words in your marketing campaign?  Over a year ago, based on consumer trends, we said that if you can find  a way to incorporate the words "trust" and "value" into your general campaign you will touch more shoppers with a message they are searching for.  Here is an example of a company, ConAgra, and their new tag line for Banquet Foods:  "So good for so little."  See, there are tiny ways in which you can relate and it doesn't take much.  However in this case ConAgra is spending millions in print, radio and television.  What's your take?

That's it...much more to talk about but need to get this to YOU.  Steve SchraderBachar with Insight on Business a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and brought to you by:

NatraTurf - Now you can take your lawn and garden natural...and get rid of costly chemicals:  www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Wedding invitations and business announcements that are truly different:  www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Speciality Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your company get noticed.  www.ESP4All.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Bratz - Insight on Business - September 14, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at consumer trends, advertising and marketing.  The show can be seen here...and at Webcast One LIVE starting at Noon Central.  We talk about ideas that will put more eyes on your product or service and then give you solid tips, that you can put into practice...  Come learn with us?  I monitor Twitter @MichaelLibbie before, during and after each show...and you can always "chime in" with your thoughts by using "The Chat" live.

Tuesday was a "nuts" day.  I was up very early to gather some last minute thoughts for a presentation I did on marketing and social media for the RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts agents.  About 35 people learned why it's so important for them to build and manage their personal brand.  Thanks Robb Spearman for the opportunity.  Lots of friendly faces in the crowd.  Nice to re-connect!

One of those faces belonged to Jeff Bratz the host of "Your Money - Your Future" which airs each Monday at 4:15PM.  I was so concentrated on the presentation I didn't put in the time to build a decent show.  Jeff to the rescue.  

Jeff, a certified financial planner, and I talked about Social Media, Consumer Trends, Financial Planning and I think...Attention Deficit Disorder.  Yikes.  Here is the entire show.  Thanks again Jeff!

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocalliveat livestream.com

Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and made possible by:

NatraTurf - Putting chemicals on your lawn or garden isn't good for you, your children or pets.  There is another way:  www.NatraTurf.com 

Lotus Moments - Your wedding invitation or business announcement should be as unique as...you.  www.LotusMoments.com 

Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your company get noticed:  www.ESP4All.com 

Thanks for coming by.  See you Wednesday, Noon Central with more Insight on Business.

The Business of Real Estate - Insight on Business - August 25, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is about the world of advertising, marketing, consumer trends, branding and best business practices.  We're on Monday - Friday starting at Noon Central and you'll find us at Webcast One LIVE!  To engage in the conversation I monitor Twitter @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show.  You can also join us in "The Chat" while we're live. 

Here is the show from today:

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

Good stuff and all the links and the Flying Ostrich video...are below!

Today we're talking real estate with our guest Lance Hanson a real estate broker with the RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts office in Altoona, Iowa.  Why?  Because you and I don't get it.  The American Dream is to own your home yet the process is complicated, frustrating and full of danger zones.  We'll talk about marketing real estate, how new government programs are trying (but also failing) to keep people in their homes.  We'll share stories about what you should and should not be doing to help market your property and we'll visit about the current market in Central Iowa and elsewhere.  We'll also talk about the show Lance hosts here at Webcast One LIVE!

Lance Hanson today with Insight on Business...join us live at Noon Central.

In other stories:

In case you missed it, Wieden - Kennedy took home an Emmy last week.  "Huh?  Who is Wieden - Kennedy?"  That is the advertising agency that created the wildly successful Old Spice "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like" series of ads featuring Isaiah Mustafa.   Oh but wait!!!  You mean Old Spice executives didn't come up with the advertising message?  You mean the Old Spice Marketing Department didn't direct the program?  No kids...it was the advertising agency.  It's what we do...it's not what Old Spice does...or your business does.  Creative and information push...it's what advertising agencies do for successful companies.

Careful, I am feeling a bit snarky today...

Speaking of CREATIVE check this new ad for Cadbury - The Flying Ostrich:

Notice something?  No? Yes?  We'll share our thoughts and why we like it.

Yesterday we told you that if you are considering buying local, regional or national television expect to write a bigger check.  Why?  Mid-Term Elections.  Inventory is going to be crunched and because it's supply and demand...well you know the story.  Now comes word from Reuters that network television ad spending is up 17% over last year.  That is even with all the other "viewing options" available to viewers like you.  What does this mean for your business?  We'll share our thoughts today and also a caution or two.

Any nominations for "The Worst Ad of the Week"?  We'll have that for you tomorrow!

Pushing this out the door.  Look forward to having you come by for a visit at noon.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications, www.InsightCubed.com  and made possible by:

NatraTurf - STILL putting harmful chemicals on your lawn?  Don't have to, learn more at www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - For everything from business announcements to wedding invitations it's www.LotusMoments a family company in Des Moines.

Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your business get noticed, www.ESP4All.com

See YOU at Noon!