Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications

Sunday Morning Coffee - December 13

Ahhh...Sunday Morning the perfect day to kick back with a hot cup of "joe" and catch up.  That's what Sunday Morning Coffee is all about...  Stick around for a visit?  We'll get back to business on Monday.

The Winter Death Storm 09 blew through his this week and deposited 15+ inches of snow in the Des Moines Metro.  The winners?  The media that hyped this to the max getting loads of people whipped into a frenzy.  Minute by minute of storm tracking was even done by our friends at the Des Moines Register...  The other winners were those who took what they got and made something of the time.  (That's our grand-daughter Jovie...isn't she adorable?

Folks like Heidi Rockwell and her husband Sam who own Yumi's Bakery in Grinnell, Iowa.  The afternoon before the big storm I had, on our radio show Insight on Business, talked about using "snow days" to be creative and proactive.  When the snow came and nobody NOBODY came out to buy Heidi's' baked goods she remembered the article she had read on our blog.  She went to the phone and started calling motels along I-80 and offered them delivery service.  History was made that day as Yumi's Bakery had the biggest day in their history delivering to stranded motorists.  Thanks to Jack Mathews of Our Grinnell for the story!

In another winter storm related story we remind you that your "good name" is valuable.  Jim Ericson works for Group Benefits Limited of Urbandale.  The company is owned by Brian Hewitt.  Jim doesn't own a snow blower.  This past Thursday he was ready for work but the snow trucks had buried his driveway.  He flagged down a guy driving a truck with a snow-blade and offered to pay him to clear out a path.  The truck driver asked Jim if he worked for Brian Hewitt, Jim was wearing his Group Benefits Ltd. jacket.  When the driver learned that Brian was Jim's boss he said, "I owe Brian one." and cleared the driveway for free.  As Jim wrote to his fellow workers, "You can be very proud of where you work and who we all work for.  Don't be afraid to brag about it.  You never know when you'll receive an unexpected benefit."  Neat...and remember to wear your company logo...if you are proud.

Today is the second day of Chanukah.  If you've always wondered what these eight days are about...here is a link.  Enjoy.

Another nail in the coffin?  This past week Editor and Publisher ceased to exist.  The 125 year-old publication, known as "The Bible of the Newspaper Industry" decided to throw in the towel and stop printing.  Might it hang around in some form?  Perhaps...but it is yet another sign that things are changing...fast.  And if you are not making the serious changes in your business by increasing your digital footprint.  Well, you know that story.

If you are a LinkedIn user would you consider taking our Poll on "Holiday Closings"?  Many folks have and it's fun to see what people think about taking time off during the holidays.  And, if you've got a comment...feel free to leave one.

I uploaded UberTwitter on Friday afternoon...so far...so easy.  Do you yet Tweet from your mobile device?  Just checking...

Thanks for sharing a cup of coffee with me.  Learn more about us at our agency website, www.InsightCubed.com.  Keep in touch with us on Twitter:  @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV or @RuralLifeRadio.  Here we are on Facebook and this is the link to Des Moines Local Live.  Have a great Sunday and thanks again!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Branding, Talk Radio, Government

Hi.  Just before the weekend hits thought we'd share with you the radio show from today.  Monday - Friday starting at 12:30PM Central we do a show called, Insight on Business.  Now with over 30,000 listeners/viewers each day, Des Moines Local...LIVE is becoming something really special.

Today on the show we talked about branding, marketing the Midwest, how staff can get in the way of a brand and tradeshows with @TheBrandWarrior, Mark True.  Here's the show, enjoy!

 

Sunday Morning Coffee - October 18

Sunday Morning...the perfect time to sit back and visit about the past week and look forward to the next.  Not a bunch of advertising and marketing news...we'll get back to that tomorrow.  Grab a cup...and let's share some thoughts during Sunday Morning Coffee.

Des Moines, Iowa was the "Center of the World" this week with the World Food Prize events.  An exciting week filled with speeches and hope that the one-billion people who go to bed hungry...will, through technology and the realization of human dignity, diminish.  Iowan's can be proud and hopeful.  Our current Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey (a Republican) had great things to say about the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack (a Democrat) during our radio show last week.  See...there is hope.

Talking about the radio show, Insight on Business, I'm out of the chair Monday and Tuesday of this week.  However, we've now got a seasoned marketing and media person to take those days when I'm traveling or with clients.  Brooke Benschoter will be in the "hot seat".  We introduced you to her last week.  I'm grateful she has accepted this role and I know you will be in good hands.  Thanks Brooke!

I've been asked to lead a Social Media Session next month at the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) annual meeting to be held in Atlanta.  Looking forward to helping shortline equipment manufacturers learn more about connecting with folks who are their current...and future customers.  We'll show them how they can, with little more than an investment in time, become more than what they are today.  We'll explain the power and then help them set up their own accounts.  Explain how to use social media and still stay sane. Thanks for the invite....there will be sorcery afoot in "Hot-Lanta".  More to come.

Former Governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad, announced his "retirement" from Des Moines University on Friday moving one step closer to formally entering the gubernatorial race already filled with Republican names.  Is Governor Chet Culver worried?  He said this week there are 400 days until the election and, "any number of things can happen."  But running against a (4 term) 16 year, popular former governor?  At the same time the Democrats can't wait to get at the Branstad record.  One can't govern that long without making some serious enemies.  400 days...

Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield sent out over 90,000 postcards to senior citizens this week apologizing for a brochure that went out earlier asking seniors to call at 800 number that, by mistake, was a sex chat line.  We shared that story with you on Wednesday and  received a copy of the postcard wording from Wellmark corporate in an e-mail.   It seems the phone number may have been a "rented" number...that over the course of time was rented to the porn site.  At least that is the story we're hearing.  Still...  But at least they owned up to the error.  Yikes, what a costly mistake to the brand.  But remember, mistakes...do...happen. 

If you are in Des Moines and you love pets the 10th Annual Great Iowa Pet Expo is at the Iowa State Fairgrounds today.  It's a great time for kids and adults.  And, while you're there visit with the guys from SpotGone! they can tell you how you can get off the "chemical express" when it comes to your lawn.  The company is NatraTurf and SpotGone! is just one of several natural, organic products designed to treat the soil...first.  Do your part for the environment...starting with your lawn.  And cities and towns....what do you think about truly becoming "green"?  It can happen...with NatraTurf.

Somebody pinch me...the Iowa Hawkeyes are 7 and 0.  IF they win in East Lansing this Saturday and go to 8 and 0 it will be the first time the team has done that...ever.  At least since they have been keeping stats...which was back in the late 1800's!

Staying on sports for a moment...  Des Moines is STILL without professional hockey.  No Iowa Stars, No Iowa Chops...and many of us are in a very, very deep funk.  My whole mood is poor.  My winter days must now be fueled by...what?  I look bad...my anger issues... Yikes!!   My friend, HA Gross from Plaza Printers who is a HUGE Detroit Red Wings fan, suggests that we simply move.   But, HA...you really want to go to Detroit??????  Not sure I could head back there...  I'm sure it's changed...yikes!

CUDOS to Mr. Gross and Plaza Printers for saving our butts!  I went to pick up a banner a client of ours ordered.  It was to have been done on Friday.  However it wasn't and worse the company said they had shut down production for the day...at 3:15PM.  I called HA and within two hours I was holding a beautiful four-color 9' x 3' banner, fresh off the press.  You rock gang!

OK...enough...thank for reading and give us a comment or two?  Have a great Sunday and let's meet up again on Monday for some real advertising and marketing information.

Michael P. Libbie - Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - Keep up with us on Twitter - @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV or @RuralLifeRadio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

To Blog or Not to Blog - Mike Sansone

Many of you know that Insight Advertising does a daily business radio show, Insight on Business (catchy name huh?).  We're on Monday - Friday on Des Moines Local...LIVE now a broadcast group approaching 50 broadcasters delivering more locally produced talk radio to this market (and yours) than any of the landbased stations...combined.

On the show today we featured the "Don" of the Blog World, Mike Sansone.  We talked about why 54% of U.S. Business prevents their employees from accessing social media while at work and why (fear is a great motivator).  We visited about who should and who should not blog and we talked about best practices and the dangers of Chief Information Officers...  Here is the show...enjoy!

Click Here to View the Show from today...

A Preview of Internet Radio

Over the past five months we'll been conducting an experiment here in Des Moines.  What started out as five or six broadcasters has now bloomed into 40 people broadcasting to 13,000+ people each day.  Des Moines Local...LIVE has started something that is truly cutting edge.  When we signed on in May we had NO idea of the impact we would make.  We figured it would take a long time to dominate local talk radio in this and other markets.  But...it's happened quickly.  Sure there are limitations...like you can't listen in your car...unless you have a smart phone and blue-tooth it into your receiver.  But...that is coming.  Heck...six months ago nobody would have thought a station could go on the air and have a following like we have today.

So, we're live and local and international at the same time.  Here is a sample of the "Show Page" done for our show, Insight on Business heard daily, Monday - Friday at 12:30PM Central.  Some of you might very well recognize the guest we've got lined up for Friday.

Welcome back to Insight on Business this nations only daily, live, 90-minute radio show about advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We're on Monday - Friday starting at 12:30 Central and as part of Des Moines Local...LIVE you can hear us on www.MacsWorldLive.com.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and we are responsible for it's content.  You can follow us before, during or after the show on Twitter - @MichaelLibbbie or @InsightADV.  Let's connect?

Our special guest today, in our very cool new studio, is Jeff Griggs.  Jeff has spent most of his life in the world of marketing tractor parts to farmers and part-time farmers.  Today he directs a staff from his offices in Urbandale for national ag-parts giant, All States Ag Parts.  ASAP has offices in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa and Missouri.  To say that Jeff has a clear understanding of the rural economy is true.  To say he has a clear understanding of retail markets is true.  And, Jeff also understands the power of selling direct...using the Internet.

We'll visit with Jeff Griggs about how the Internet has grown his business, how marketing has changed over the years and get a look at the rural economy...the driver of so much in this state and others.  Come on by for some information and a look at the reality of retail.

So, there you have it....pretty simple?  But very, very effective.  We'll catch you on the radio...at 12:30 Central.  To listen:  www.MacsWorldLive.com

Why Your Advertising Doesn't Work & Ginger Johnson - Today

It's Tuesday and another day for Insight on Business the daily, live, 90-minute radio show about advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We're on Monday - Friday starting at 12:30PM on www.MacsWorldLive.com and we are part of 40 broadcasters that make up Des Moines Local...LIVE!  We hope you'll come by for a listen.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and we are responsible for its content.  You can keep up with us before, during and after the show by using Twitter, @MichaelLibbie and @InsightADV.

On the show today...it's going to be wild!  Ginger Johnson is a return guest and our topic, "Are You Crazy?".  Ginger is a very talented and gifted (you know what that means...) marketing person who is one of the spark-plugs we know from Central Iowa Bloggers (CIB).  Ginger is behind...Women and Beer and Snap Creative Works.  Two...very creative programs she has designed to impact several verticals.  And...she makes a MEAN Jam Preserve!!!!!   Ginger Johnson, "Are You Crazy?" today at 1:00PM Central right after our advertising and marketing news segment.

In the NEWS today:  We'll talk about the first show with Jay Leno...good, bad or wait and see?  And...we'll give you seven (7) reasons why your advertising doesn't work.  It's a great piece from Steve McKee and if it all sounds too familiar...sorry.  It just might be true!  "Seven Reasons Your Advertising Isn't Working" a great story today on Insight on Business.  Join  us?

 

Does The Voice Match The Brand?

The other day on our radio show, Insight on Business, we talked about radio and television commercials and making sure the voice used on the commercial matches your brand.  If it doesn't...it can harm more than help.

This came up the other day when we were listening to the radio and heard a voice over for a well known Des Moines business.  Now, the national brand of this business is very masculine.  The "voice" and image of the national brand is a deep rattle that matches the trademark sound of the product.  In other words, the "voice" matches the brand.

Except when this local business hit the air.  The voice used in the ad was anything but a "deep rumble".  Oh he tried...but it sounded forced and at one point I thought it was a 13 year old boy who's voice had not yet changed.  To my knowledge this is also the third or fourth voice used in their local radio ads...

A couple of issues:  1)  The items sold by this company are high ticket.  The voice, clearly an amateur, took away from the richness of the brand.  2)  "Voice shopping" should be done in private...not public.  3)  If the company was skimping on voice talent to save money, they did.  But at what cost?

One other thing, and my friends in radio and television will agree, you can get the station to voice any of your ads...for free.  But, then they sound like everybody else who has had the station do them for...free.  If you are paying top dollar to run the ad...wouldn't you want the ad to sound the very best and different than the others?

Voice talent is an investment...not a cost.  Here is proof:

Sam Elliott - Chicken or Beef - People still can't swallow the new Matthew McMonaughey read...sorry.

David Duchovny nailed it for Pedigree Dog Food...nobody could have done better.

Kate Walsh - Cadillac CTS 2008 - Who can forget, "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?"

Bottom line...spend a little more on your production and you'll get more...

Thanks for reading, Michael Libbie - Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications

 

 

Today - Insight on Business Radio

Midweek and only four more days of the Iowa State Fair.  I know...but we're excited.  Welcome back to Insight on Business this nations only daily, live radio show with a focus on advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We'll give you the headlines and the stories and then some tips or "take away" items that you can use in your next marketing adventure.  We do this daily Monday - Friday at 12:30 Cental as part of Des Moines Local...LIVE and you can hear us on www.MacsWorldLive.com.  Come by for a visit?

On the show today we're talking about Michael Vick the convicted felon and should the advertisers and sponsors have been let in on his signing by the Eagles?  You might be surprised by our answer.

Robert Jones a a freelance writer has an interesting take on WHO is cutting what when it comes to print and electronic media buys.  We'll tell you about it.

So, what is up with Target?  Expect to see more ads for the chain as we get closer to the holiday season. In fact, Target is going to be spending a considerable amount now in the third quarter in their continued effort to distance themselves from Wal-Mart.  We'll give you our insights on what your company might take from this decision.  Don't miss it...  In the meantime if you want to read the article from Advertising Age here you go.  It's all there but not our insight.

Hey, how about our friend, Dan Shipton?  Here is the article from The Des Moines Register about his latest effort and we think it is too cool!  Way to go Dan.

That story led us to this one:  Are you over 40 and think you are washed up when it comes to being a founder of a new company or a new idea?   Not so fast!  The Kauffman Foundation out of Kansas City has done a remarkable study of 549 company founders.  You might be surprised at what they learned.  We'll tell you.

Know anything about CPM (Cost Per Thousand)?  Well, Mike Shields from MediaWeek has an interesting story about how CPM rates for online ads have started to climb.  Might this be an indicator of better days ahead for print?  We'll give you our insight and some key thoughts about what you might want to be thinking about when it comes to your rates.

In MOO NEWSwe've got breaking news about John Deere.  Looks like it is the worst business sales year in 50 years.  US market steady but overseas isn't looking good.  Here is the article, again, from The Des Moines Register but not with our commentary.  That's only on the show.

Insight on Business is a production of our advertsing agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications (www.InsightCubed.com) and you can contact us there or follow us on Twitter before, during and after the show: @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV - Thanks for listening (www.MacsWorldLive.com), reading and watching!

 

Advertising & Marketing Radio - August 17th

From time to time we'll throw out a post about our daily business radio show, Insight on Business...that you can see and hear from just about any place on the planet.  Today being Monday we thought you might like to know what we'll be talking about at 12:30 Central on www.MacsWorldLive.com.  We do the show to offer you some insight on consumer trends and give you ideas you can use for your own campaign. 

On the show today we're going to take a look at "Buying American".  Who thinks it is important and who doesn't...and what that matters to you when you are marketing your product or service.

Also we'll tell you about the new switch in the marketing for Campbell's Soup and why, as my Mother is fond of saying, "tending to your own plate" is always good advice.

A client of ours called last week wondering about taking their products into the Hispanic Market.  So...we did some looking around and found this great article from BrandWeek.  Something to think about if you're going in that direction.  We'll give you our spin and what we had to say to our agency client.

Is the New GM too much like the Old GM?  A great story from Ad Age...we'll break it down for you and want your input as well.

FIVE things you should never do on Twitter!  What?  Only five?  We'll talk about it.

These stories and more today at 12:30 Central.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications (www.InsightCubed.com) and we are responsible for its content. You can follow us on Twitter before, during and after the show, @MichaelLibbieor @InsightADV.

Today On the Radio...

Welcome back to the work week!  We're Insight on Business a live, 90-minute radio show dedicated to advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We're part of Des Moines Local...LIVE and you can hear us Monday - Friday starting at 12:30PM Central on www.MacsWorldLive.com.

Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and we are responsible for its content.  You can follow us on Twitter before, during or after the show @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV.

On the show today we're welcoming back Debra Rose from the Debra Rose Collection.  If you remember we had some technical issues the last time Debra made the show...so we're making up for lost time.  Come on by and learn more about her jewelry design business and the great things coming to the Iowa State Fair.  Should be fun.

Speaking of the Iowa State Fair we'll also talk about how business has helped bring the fair back and has helped make it the envy of most states.  Thanks to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.

In addition to Debra, who is on from 12:30 until just after 1:00PM we've got another guest.  (Double your pleasure!).  Josh West is our "go to guy" for much of our technical issues for our advertising agency.  Josh is the principal behind Star Crossed Studios who has a slightly different take on lots of things...techy.  Is that really a word?  Not only does Josh know his way around The Web he is also an accomplished photographer.  Come on by for a listen as we uncover more about this talented guy.

Join us for this...and more today starting at 12:30PM today and heard on www.MacsWorldLive.com

Thanks for reading...and perhaps for listening...have a great week!

Michael P. Libbie - Insight Advertisng, Marketing & Communications - www.InsightCubed.com