Insight on Business

Janis Robinson & Insight on Business - September 20

It’s already the end of September…those of us who are busy with our business wonder,  “Where in the heck did that month go?”  Welcome back to Insight on Business our daily, Monday – Friday, radio show that focuses on advertising, marketing, consumer trends and best business practices.  We’re part of Des Moines Local…LIVE 42 broadcasters bringing more talk radio to Des Moines (and the world) than all the other “local” talk radio stations…combined.  Our show?  We’re on at 12:30 Central.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and you can keep up with us on Twitter – @MichaelLibbieor @InsightADV.  Come on by and let’s visit.

IF you MISSED the LIVE show:  HERE is the PODCAST!

Our special, in studio guest, is Janis Robinson of  The Robinson Equation.  Janis is an expert in organizational behavior and helps not only individuals but also corporations realize their full potential.  It’s all about identifying goals and dreams and then working toward a solution to actualize them.  If you are a business leader, business owner and want more punch from your organization join us today for an in depth talk about how to maximize and realize greatness.  Janis Robinson…today on Insight on Business.

In other stories we’re following the interesting “Pay to Tweet” side of social media.  Over the course of the past several months a couple of companies and individuals have emerged that get paid to post on Twitter.  Here’s an article from early this summer by Adam Ostrow from Mashable.  Since this writing Twitter has taken off as a solid promotional and marketing tool for corporations large and small.  Call us “old-fashioned” or “prudish” but paying somebody to blog for you or to Tweet for you…doesn’t make sense.  It’s then just like any other commercial out there.  Or is it?    More and more corporations are in the world of paying bloggers and Tweeps to push their products.  Here is a client listfrom IZEA who…also employees several local folks.  What got us interested in this was a note from a friend on Omaha who tells me he ran into a guy who gets paid $30 a Tweet from K-Mart.  THIRTY BUCKS a TWEET?   As my friend Claire Celsi said in response, “$30 hell, tell them I’ll do it for $20!”  So…what do you think?  We’ll talk about it.

How have shoppers changed?  They are shopping less and saving more.  The “new” Frugal Shopper is a focus on a story we’ve talked about before.  We’ll give our thoughts on this story by Trent Hamm.

Come on by….you can tune us in on www.MacsWorldLive.com

Insight on Business is proudly brought to you by:

Lotus Moments – Nothing says success like the quality business announcements from www.LotusMoments.comand wedding invitations…you should see the quality and the design.  And, very affordable.

SpotGone by NatraTurf – Fall is here…and if you’ve got a dog and a lawn so are the yellow lawn spots.  Best time to take care of them is now before your lawn goes dormant.  And, remember SpotGone from www.NatraTurf.comalso fixes spots from salt and winter kill.  Put it on your list.

Exceptional Speciality Products – If you are looking for a way to get your message to existing customers…or new customers see Cindy Taylor at www.ESP4All.comshe’ll hook you up with some amazing products you’ll be proud to give away.

Thanks for reading, listening and for watching!  Michael Libbie – Host and Advertising Agency Guy

Mike Wagner, News & More - September 29

Back from an emotional and spiritual adventure for the Jewish High Holyday of Yom Kippur.  Big “thank you” to Mac who took the hot seat for Insight on Business

yesterday.  We had scheduled another host however, that didn’t work out at the last minute so Mac stepped up.  Thanks again!

Insight on Business is this nation’s only daily, live, 90-minute radio show dedicated to advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  Monday – Friday we’re here from 12:30PM to 2:00PM Central talking about ideas to help keep you rocking in this economy or any.  We are part of Des Moines Local…LIVE and the show is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications.  You can keep up with us on Twitter – @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV.  Let’s go…

On the show today we’ve got a friend and an all around great guy, Mike Wagner from the White Rabbit Group.  Mike is all about branding, leadership and getting business to understand the deep connection between the customer the product and the company that makes…the product or service.  If you’ve never listened/watched the show before.   We’ll also talk about his stunning good looks…we’ll maybe not but who knows.   THIS is going to be a major treat full of ideas and suggestions for your business.  Join us today as we visit with Mike Wagner

Along the way we’ll cover a number of other issues that are hot in the news today.  Come on by starting at 12:30 Central.  You can find us at www.MacsWorldLive.com

Insight on Business is brought to you by:

Lotus Moments – An event starts with a great invitation and for business announcements to wedding invitations you must see what is available at www.LotusMoments.com.  Along with great design they offer speed and great low prices.

SpotGone from NatraTurf – If you have a lawn and if you have dogs…you’ve got yellow spots due to pet urine.  Don’t treat those spots with chemicals, dyes or grass seed that won’t match.  See www.NatraTurf.comand check SpotGone.  Keep the Dog…Lose the Spots!

Exceptional Speciality Products – Getting noticed is important…and so is getting noticed by quality speciality products.  You’ll get that and more with you visit with Cindy Taylor at www.ESP4All.com.  See her and make an impact.

Thanks for reading and for watching and for listening!

Michael Libbie – Host and Advertising Agency Guy

Small Business Failure and More - September 25

It was a wild show today on Insight on Business.  As I shared with the

listeners/viewers I was up two hours late (7am vs 5am) and spent most of the day trying to re-capture the lost time.  (Can’t be done.)  So, there was very little time to prepare and script the show for today.  So…on our daily, live, 90-minute business radio show we turned to some real world, right now stories.  Here is a review…and the link to the show from today.  By the way, we’re on Monday – Friday starting at 12:30 Central and we are part of Des Moines Local…LIVE.

If you MISSED the LIVE show…here is the PODCAST!

In our Social Media segment I spoke about making sure you, as a business, understand the idea of Giving vs Getting when it comes to using social media for your business.  You need to give into the conversation and stay away from the overt sales pitch.  Remember the 80/20 rule.  80% is the conversation…join it and build relationships.  I referenced a video “The Secret Sauce of Social Media”.  Not that it was that good but it was a great reminder.   We also talked about this photo.  The folks at Amici Espresso in Downtown Des Moines would like you to follow them on Twitter.  It’s a great idea…except WHO do we follow?  I went in after the show and asked.  “Opps, good point!”, said the perky redhead.  So you know, it’s @AmiciEspresso.  And, yes, we followed!   (Go ahead and tell them how you heard about it…what a hoot!)

I then share with you real life stories about the failure of small business to understand and be part of e-commerce.  We’re not even talking social media…this is the failure of what I believe is the majority of small businesses to grasp the power of on-line sales and marketing.  And, I gave examples.  Who can help fix this?  In my view the trade organizations many belong to need to step up.  The local Chamber of Commerce needs to stop with the silly ribbon cutting and give their members solid information on how to survive and thrive.  Stop fund raising and “feel good” and give your members the tools they will need to stay in business.  And, I gave several solid examples of businesses that I know…that just don’t get it and if they don’t they are done.  It’s frustrating…  If you want to…you can read the story right here as part of our advertising agency blog.

At the end of the show I announced a couple of big stories regarding our congregation and gave you an example of two miracles that happened just this past week.  Look, I usually don’t go there but this was special stuff and if you want to read the story on the Beth El Jacob Blog…here you go.  Powerful but not preachy.

Insight on Business is brought to you by:

Lotus Moments – If you are planning a special event, getting married or having a business meeting you must check out the announcements and invites created by www.LotusMoments.com.  Not only are they memorable but also value priced.  Go ahead, have a look!

SpotGone from NatraTurf – If you have a lawn and a dog (or two) you’ve got yellow lawn spots from pet urine.  Now you can get rid of them without chemicals, dyes or foreign grass seed with SpotGone from www.NatraTurf.com.  It works and it’s safe!

Exceptional Speciality Products – If you really want to get noticed why not give some great gifts to your existing or potential customers from www.ESP4All.com.  Cindy Taylor is the person to visit with…and here products…amazing.  Buy something already!

Thanks for watching, reading and listening!  You can keep up with us on Twitter – @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV and learn more about us on our site, www.InsightCubed.com

Michael Libbie – Advertising Guy and Host

Going to the Dogs...and More - September 24

Hi and welcome back to Insight on Business this nation’s only daily, live, 90-minute radio talk show with a focus on advertising, marketing, consumer trends, business practices and friends.  We’re on Monday – Friday starting at 12:30PM Central.  As

part of Des Moines Local…LIVE you can hear us at www.MacsWorldLive.com.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communicationsand you can keep up on Twitter – @MichaelLibbieor @InsightADV. Come on by for a visit?

Along with business news, trends and marketing information we’ve got something special today.  Sort of “going to the dogs”.  Our in studio guests are Holly Hartling and Becky Mollenkamp (above - Right) two young business people that have a

passion for…dogs.  Over the past few months they have teamed up to build awareness in the idea of fostering homeless pets.  You read that right.  Fostering homeless pets.  The current economic realities have made it difficult for some to care for their animals and that has caused an increase in shelter critters.  To Holly and Becky…that’s simply not a positive way to deal with the issue.  So…they are all about fostering.  We’ll talk about that and how social media has been helping people and critters find each other.  Iowa Pet Alert @IowaPetAlert  is one such project that has embraced social media and there are more in the very near future.  We’ll talk about the experiences that have led Holly and Becky to this point and discuss the possible answers for the future.  Join us today starting at 12:30PM and for our interview with Holly Hartling and Becky Mollenkamp at 1:00PM.

So, what else?

Do you ever ask your employees, creative people or your team to “Challenge the Status Quo?”  Bet you have in one way or the other.  In a great article from Steve Tobek he suggests you better first define exactly what that charge means…or it could be trouble.  Here is his articleand we’ll have some solid comments about his ideas.

You’ve heard us talk about this before…that you can sell high priced items IF you are matching the price with outstanding service and giving the customer the value at the same time.  It seems to be a paradox but, if you really look at it…it’s not.

  People will pay more for high quality items that last, and last, and last.  I made that point several months ago when I was talking about Allen Edmonds Shoes.  High price but the HIGH QUALITY makes them very affordable.  Remember?  Now comes an article about paying for news and information.  Is it really so odd?  Farhad Manjoo doesn’t think so.  Here is his article.  We’ll talk a little more about offering value to your customers and then HOW to get them to understand the idea.

Is radio still a good buy when it comes to the youth market?  According to brand new data out yesterday from the Nielsen Ratings Service the answer is a resounding “Yes!”.  The survey took at look at radio listening habits among land line youth and, this is important, Cell Phone Only (CPO) listeners and the numbers are solid.  We’ll tell you about them in the first half hour of the show.

All of this and more today on Insight on Business.  Join us at 12:30PM Central for the information you need to make a difference in this economy…or any.

Insight on Business is brought to you by:

Lotus Moments – Considering a special business event, planning a wedding or just a super party?  To really attract the attention your event deserves you need to see the products from www.LotusMoments.com.  These folks have been serving the business community for decades but the name, Lotus Moments is new and designed to expand their base to individuals who appreciate nicer things…at a value price. 

SpotGone from NatraTurf – If you have a lawn and if you have a dog…you’ve got yellow spots in your lawn. Now you can get rid of then with out more chemicals, dyes or grass seed seed that won’t match your existing turf.  For more about this natural and organic way to deal with lawn spots head to www.NatraTurf.com.  Keep the Dog…Lose the Spots!

Exceptional Speciality Products – If you want a unique way to get your message out…see Cindy Taylor at www.ESP4All.comyou’ll be amazed at the quality specialty products that are available.   The next time you want to get attention…make it count.  See Cindy and buy something already.

Thanks for watching and for listening.  Michael Libbie – Host and Advertising Guy…

Insight on Business - September 23

Hey, it’s Wednesday and we’re back with another full show all about advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  Welcome to Insight on Business this nations only

daily, live, 90-minute radio talk show with a focus on marketing.  We’re part of Des Moines Local…LIVE and you can hear us Monday – Friday starting at 12:30 Central on

www.MacsWorldLive.com  come by and join us?  You can follow us before, during or after the show on Twitter – @MichaelLibbieor @InsightADV and following the show we’ll post the podcast here as well.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and, yes, we are responsible for its content.

If you MISSED the live show, no problem.  Here is the Re-Broadcast from today.

Last night I had the opportunity to hang out with a couple dozen folks at a very non-structured gathering of the Central Iowa Bloggers (CIB) at a “TweetUp” in West Des Moines.  Our friend Drew McLellan brought Steve Farber to town.  WHO is Steve Farber?  Here is a link.  He was out promoting his new book, Greater Than Yourself and spent a couple of days seeing and meeting loads of folks in the creative business community.  His new project is all about helping others to succeed.  Those people who work with others to help them become greater leaders, teachers, business people.  That unselfish dedication to not only lending a hand but also a boost through teaching and pushing and most important investing in others.  What is the reward?  It’s as old as time…giving is really getting.  You and I all have had those people in our lives….today we’ll reflect a bit on some of those traits and you’ll get the idea.  And, Steve…come back and let’s spend some time on the show.  I promise I’ll let you roll.  Open invite!

In other stories, we’re taking a look at a story we didn’t have time to do yesterday.  So, just what are the Top Ten Items a new business person (or somebody that has been around awhile) should look at?  We’ll roll through the article by Scott Gerber from Entrepreneur and focus on your business.  Even if you’ve been in business for a long time this is something that should get your attention because nothing works better than…the basics.  Come on by for the listen?

Last week we talked to the folks from OneBody3 and spent some time discussing Employee Incentives and the myth that more is better for employees.  Well, now along comes an article by Lynn Truong from Wise Bread called, “10 Myths About Employee Incentive Programs“.  It is right on and well worth a read.  We’ll talk about it….  Gosh are we keeping things in “tens” today?

From, “This Inner Net Thingy Just Might Take Off Department”:  “The Nielsen Company and Facebook have announced a multi-year strategic alliance to help marketers better use the Internet to develop and market new products.  The first product of the collaboration, Nielsen BrandLift, is designed to give marketers a tool for measuring the effectiveness of Facebook advertising, and will launch in the U.S. with selected test partners later this week, with a full rollout occurring in the coming months.”  So, what does all that mean?  Simple, no more guessing for folks looking toward Facebook as a viable tool for business.  Also….look for a way to build revenue here.  All of this ain’t cheap.

Our friend, Brent Pohlman in Omaha, sent us a note this morning that the City Council there rejected the idea of a “Satellite Dish Inspection Fee“.  If you’re a regular listener you might remember that a city council person sent up this trial balloon several weeks ago.  The idea was to raise several million for the troubled city budget by inspecting homes with satellite dishes.  We said at the time that if it passes it would be challenged in court and had our speculation that Cox Cable was somehow involved.  Seems we were right…amazing huh?  The City Councilman was relying on data given to him by Cox.  The reason the city failed to include the “tax” in the budget.  The people of Omaha saw through the deal, built a social media site and demanded it be nixed.  Chalk one up for the people…it’s a rare victory.  (NO POLITICS, Michael….remember!)

OK…gotta put this to bed…come on by at 12:30 Central on www.MacsWorldLive.comand let’s visit.

Insight on Business is brought to you by:

Lotus Moments – If you are looking for a great way to make a solid impression with your next event or celebration you must see what www.LotusMoments.comhas for you.  And these invites and paper products are priced right….value and quality.  What a concept!

SpotGone from NatraTurf – Got a lawn?  Got a dog?  Bet you’ve got yellow spots in your yard.  Get rid of them with SpotGone by www.NatraTurf.comit’s all natural so you won’t have to worry about your dog…or the kids.  Keep the Dog…Lose the Spots with SpotGone!

Exceptional Speciality Products – Say hi to Cindy Taylor at www.ESP4All.comand have a look at the very exciting, new and different ways to get noticed.  She has some of the most unique and well packaged speciality items on the planet.  Go buy something already!

Thanks for coming by…and watching, reading and listening. Michael Libbie – Host and Advertising Guy from www.InsightCubed.com

Insight on Business - September 22, 2009

What?  It’s Tuesday already?  Welcome back to Insight on Business this nation’s

only daily, live, 90-minute radio show about advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We’re part of Des Moines Local…LIVE and heard Monday – Friday starting at 12:30 Central on

www.MacsWorldLive.com thanks for coming by!  You can keep up with us before, during or after the show on Twitter – @MichaelLibbieor @InsightADV.  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and we are responsible for its content.

On the only show dedicated to helping you find more customers and clients we’ve got several key stories we’re following:

Just a year ago gasoline prices were at $6 a gallon in many parts of the country and the focus was on travel, heating and how to get through the fall and winter.  Now that fuel prices for vehicles and heat have come down what do consumers focus on?  Are they looking at other ways to save?  What is on their mind?  You’ve got to admit that NOT seeing $6 gas signs on every block has got to be a relief…but what has taken its place?  We’ll talk about the latest Nielsen Survey and what it might mean for your business over the fourth quarter of this year and into the first quarter of next.

Are we whining about Wine?  Seems to be the case (I know one pun after the other…) in many areas of the country.  What is the consumer looking for, how has the wine industry responded?  More important…what can your business learn from this story?  We’ll talk about it.

Know anybody with a business?  Know anybody that wants to open up a business?  Might they want to know some quick tips that can point to success over failure?  You’ve come to the right place, Scott Gerber has just posted, “10 Tips for the First-Time Business Owner“.  We thought it was so good that even those of you who have been “around the block” for awhile might want to read the piece and consider it as you forge ahead.  Good stuff and well worth the read.  We’ll talk about this as well.

What this current economy has given us is…smaller staffs.  As small business continues to be wary of hiring more and more “front office” folks are taking jobs they once did…back in the beginning.  You know…staffing the mail room, taking out the trash, washing the floors and cleaning the rest rooms.  (Gosh, some of us have been doing that for years…we call it therapy!)  CNN-Money has a great piece, “When the CEO Heads Back to the Mail Room“.  What do you do when…you’re already “in the mail room” to make time to focus on your job as CEO?  We’ll talk about that…in the meantime you can read the article.   Man…how many can relate?

The other day I said to our folks…”I’ve had it!”  I want to share with you a story about the downfall of telephone conversations, e-mail and banking on remote conversations when it comes to client relations.  Time is precious…and this story points out that fact.  And, if you work for or own an agency like ours…you can learn something from this as well. 

Finally, Seth Godin had a great piece today about the customer always being right.  Are they?  Well, if you read his comments you will learn that they may not be…but it really doesn’t matter.  In it he says a very important sentence.  If you want to learn that…you can read the article and we’ll also tell you on the air.  What might it mean to your efforts?  Plenty!

All of this, your calls and comments on Twitter or in the Chat today on Insight on Business…all brought to you by:

Lotus Moments – It doesn’t matter if you are planning an event for five or five hundred. You want to make an impact and with invites and announcements from www.LotusMoments.comyou will…every time.  Plus, you’ll love the pricing.  Great ideas and even better prices makes Lotus Moments a must!

SpotGone and NatraTurf – No doubt if you’ve got a lawn and you’ve got a dog you also have yellow spots in the lawn from pet urine.  Time to make them go away with SpotGone from www.NatraTurf.com.  Don’t put more chemicals on your yard….take care of the problem from the roots up with SpotGone – Keep the Dog, Lose the Spots with SpotGone!

Exceptional Speciality Products – If you are trying to make an impression on your existing clients and customers but not sure where to go?  Go online to www.ESP4All.comand see what Cindy Taylor has in the line of speciality products.  Maximize your outreach with some very unique and well packaged incentives.  It’s Exceptional Speciality Products…go buy something already!

Thanks for watching and for listening….you can learn more about us by heading to our site, www.InsightCubed.com.

Michael Libbie – Host and Advertising Guy…

Insight on Business - September 21, 2009

Hi and welcome to Insight on Business this nations only daily, live, 90-minute talk

show about advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We’re on Monday – Friday starting at 12:30PM Central.  As part of Des Moines Local…LIVE we’re heard on

www.MacsWorldLive come on by for a listen?  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications.  You can keep up with us before, during or after the show on Twitter:  @MichaelLibbieor @InsightADV.  Let’s talk.

If you missed the LIVE show, no problem:  Here is the Podcast from today.

On the show today I’ll ask you the question, “What responsibility to the American Economy does business have?  If our economy is consumer driven isn’t it ‘Un-American’ for corporations to be more interested in their bottom line and lay off employees rather than cut expenses in other ways and keep people employed?  Employees, after all are the economic driver of our country.”   I’m not making this up.  I had a fellow as me this question and dared me to ask you.  So…got an answer?  We’ll talk about it.

Staying on the economy for a moment…we’re going to take a look at what’s happening across the United States as corporations cut workers, thereby cutting spending opportunities, thereby cutting tax revenue.  You talk about shocking….this special report from Stateline.org will be a the “other shoe”.  We’ll talk about it.

Our good friend Todd Razor over at the Des Moines Business Record published an article today about “Sticky Fingers” and we’re not talking donuts!  It has to do with tough economic times and the increase in the amount of theft going on in the business world.   He quotes an article out of Iowa City stating that retail there has seen a 52% increase in theft.  So, what is your business doing about it…externally and internally? 

Are you ready for some Football?  Seems America is.  The latest numbers show a dramatic increase in viewship over last year.  So?  So….this might be the time to check with your local television rep to see what inventory they have.  We’ll give you the latest numbers compiled by Nielsen from last week and let you decide.  We’ll talk about what you might want to look for and if you are in the right market.  This could be good for you.  Big time.  Hey, while we’re on Nielsen research.  Looks like video streams are up….by an amazing 41% over last year.   Everything is up, total viewing time, first time viewers, streams by viewer.  Leading the entire pack is YouTube.  But that’s no surprise.  The question here is how are you going to get traction with such heavy use?  We’ll talk about it.

What’s in a name?  When it comes to Blogging…plenty says Tim Berry in Weblogs from Planning Startups.  But…is it really?  Is it all about the memory of the name…or the quality of the writer and the message he or she is delivering?  Several things to think about and we’ll engage you as well.

What is Small Business having to say about the economic recovery?  It may come as some surprise that they are far more optimistic today then just a few short months ago.  We’ll talk about a report from American Express that shows loads of hope…but still some concern that is keeping small business from hiring too many folks.  Here is the report if you want to read it!   Good stuff.

All this and more today on Insight on Business brought to you by:

Lotus Moments – For something really dramatic for your next event you’ve got to see the invitations and announcements that can be created by Lotus Moments.  High quality and high value….see them at www.LotusMoments.com

SpotGone from NatraTurf – If you’ve got a lawn and if you’ve got a dog…you have lawn spots from pet urine.  Now you can get rid of them without chemicals, dyes or foreign grass seed that will make your lawn looks like “patchwork”.  SpotGone from www.NatraTurf.com  Keep the Dog…Lose the Spots.

Exceptional Speciality Products – See Cindy Taylor at www.ESP4All.comfor your next order of gifts and items to boost your visibility.  It’s no longer about pens and screwdrivers, not with ESP!  See her and buy something already!

Thanks for watching and listening!  Michael P. Libbie – Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications:  www.InsightCubed.com

Jeff Griggs - Parts Can Tell You So Much & More - September 18

Welcome back to Insight on Businessthis 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?

IF you MISSED the live show...here is the re-broadcast.  Thanks for listening.

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.

We're also following a number of other stories.  And, today, I promise we'll do the story about using ideas gained by doing restaurant menus into the retail market.  We've tried to get to this story for three days.

Social Media brings with it a whole new understanding of consumer back-lash and staying on message.  Doubt it?  Ask Whole Foods CEO, John MacKey.  He wrote a piece for the Wall Street Journal that turned into a firestorm and consumer backlash.  Adam Ostrow has an article out there that tells us what we might want to avoid...and what we need to do to remember to stay on message.  We'll talk about it.

In case you are keeping track...the Super Bowl ads are now at 70% sold out.  This week Hyundai announced it had picked up two slots for the CBS broadcast.  Not bad considering that ad spending had fallen by over 14% the first half of 2009.  Might this be a sign?  Other big names are Bud Light, CareerBuilder, PepsiCo  Coca-Cola and others.  Still no firm idea on price...but it seems that CBS has been dealing a bit...but not as much as first assumed.

Speaking of Coca-Cola it is recognized as the worlds most valuable brand.  Coming in second was IBM.  "Value" is calculated by the stock market and ranked by Interbrand.  Wanna see the entire list of who rose and who fell in brand value?  No problem...here you go!

What's this?  Social Media has had little effect on buying habits among women?  Hmmmm...  Interesting story released yesterday.  We'll hit the high points and offer some of our thoughts.

Insight on Business is proudly sponsored by:

Lotus Moments – This is something very new and YOU are going to LOVE IT.  Imagine a place where you can get top of the line items to celebrate special events, invites that nobody else has and you can create all types of printed products for business celebrations, weddings and personal events right here in Des Moines.  At a price you will really like.  Lotus Moments can be found at www.LotusMoments.com

NatraTurf and SpotGone! - Got lawn spots from pet urine or winter kill or salt damage.  Get rid of them naturally and without chemicals, dyes or foreign grass seed.  Learn more at www.NatraTurf.comand head to SpotGone!  Keep the dog...Lose the Spots!

ESP- Exceptional Specialty Products- Got a business?  Looking for some cool gadgets and items to use as promotional tools?  ESP is a brand new company based in Urbandale, Iowa and led by Cindy Taylor.  It's worth a look.  Here is her website...enjoy and buy something already!

Thanks for reading, watching and listening.  Learn more about us at www.InsightCubed.com - Michael P. Libbie - Host

 

 

 

Howard Musin, Accounting & Business News - September 17

Thanks for finding us and our daily, live business radio show, Insight on Business!  We're part of Des Moines Local...LIVE and you can hear our show Monday - Friday starting at 12:30PM Central.  We focus on advertising, marketing, consumer trends and business practices.  Our goal is to give you news and information you can use TODAY to make a difference in your marketing plans or your overall operation.  To listen LIVE head to www.MacsWorldLive.com and join us?  Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and we are responsible for its content.  Keep up with us on Twitter, @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV.  Let's talk!

MISSED the LIVE show?  No Problem!  Here is the RE-BROADCAST

On the show today we'll welcome accountant Howard Musin.  Howard is a tax preparer and works with small business owners across the country.  We'll visit about some common errors small business owners make, when it comes to taxes.  We'll talk about best practices, audits and making sure you are always doing the right thing.  Howard is one of the people behind SSC Services here in Des Moines and while being a very bright guy...he's also lots of fun.  What? An accountant that is....fun? Come on by for some great information...and remember you've got time between now and the first of the year to get things TOGETHER well before tax time.

Along with Howard Musin we're following a number of other stories including one we didn't get to yesterday:

Ever hear of a "menu engineer"?  Us either.  But, that is exactly what Gregg Rapp does for a living and he's got some interesting ideas that retail can use...just by paying attention to...a menu!  We'll tell you about it.

Has Starbucks lost it's steam?  According to Kevin Maney in a great article from Fortune..they have. And the reason?  There are too many of them and they became common.  What about your company or brand?  Too common to be special?  We'll talk about it.  By the way, here is the article.

How do YOU create?  Think of this for a minute.  I've long held to the belief that for me to create many things I MUST actually "see" something that gets the juices flowing.  Yes, I can create by hearing and by touching...but seeing is what works for me.  Now along comes this piece by Gary Bertwhistle that may have an impact on you...or your children. It's a good read and we'll talk about it.

Go to where the people are...  I heard an interview this morning on a local radio station.  The host was interviewing the PR & Marketing Director for the Des Moines Public Library when she said, "Our temporary library at the Merle Hay Mall is attracting a number of new people.  Last month alone we created 500 new library cards."   Got us to thinking...so why do we make people come to us...shouldn't we go to where the people are?  There is a business connection here...and we'll talk about it.

When NBC ponied up $10 Million to promote Jay Leno they expected a bounce.  And...seems they are getting it.  Leno pulled 10.74 million viewers on Tuesday night while Big Brother - Season Finale got second at 7.88 million and the Barbara Walters Special received 6.06 viewers.  Some say it's not a big enough spread.  We're not so sure...we're just staying on this to see what 10 million and mega-stars will get for NBC.

Insight on Business is proudly sponsored by:

Lotus Moments – This is something very new and YOU are going to LOVE IT.  Imagine a place where you can get top of the line items to celebrate special events, invites that nobody else has and you can create all types of printed products for business celebrations, weddings and personal events right here in Des Moines.  At a price you will really like.  Lotus Moments can be found at www.LotusMoments.com

NatraTurf and SpotGone! - Got lawn spots from pet urine or winter kill or salt damage.  Get rid of them naturally and without chemicals, dyes or foreign grass seed.  Learn more at www.NatraTurf.comand head to SpotGone!  Keep the dog...Lose the Spots!

ESP- Exceptional Specialty Products- Got a business?  Looking for some cool gadgets and items to use as promotional tools?  ESP is a brand new company based in Urbandale, Iowa and led by Cindy Taylor.  It's worth a look.  Here is her website...enjoy and buy something already!

Thanks for reading, watching and listening.  Learn more about us at www.InsightCubed.com - Michael P. Libbie - Host

 

Justin Brady, Design & More - September 16

Mid-week.  Made any money yet or have you been chasing your tail?  Welcome to Insight on Business the daily, live, 90-minute radio show about advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We're part of Des Monies Local...LIVE!  You can hear us Monday - Friday starting at 12:30PM Central on www.MacsWorldLive.com come on by?  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 or after the show on Twitter, @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV.  Let's talk.

IF you MISSED the show today no worries, here is the RE-Broadcast!

On the show today we;ve got a young man who is "on fire" when it comes to his craft.  Justin Brady from Test of Time Design of Des Moines is a regular listener to the show and yesterday he called in just to chat.  We started talking about his work and insight and efforts and asked him to join us today.  (We had an opening yesterday afternoon and so it worked!)  We'll talk to Justin about what works in graphic design and what doesn't.  We'll talk about getting the client involved and common issues every graphic design firm works with.  We'll talk about creativity and how sometimes it can get in the way of the message and we'll talk about the over all message and how important it is that your graphic design firm understands more about your product or service...than  you do.  It's true.

Come on by today for the news portion of the show that starts at 12:30 Central and then our time with Justin Brady starting in the 1:00PM hour.

And, the news?  We're following several stories.

First up is a story about the FDA and Trust.  You know how we've harped about country of origin labeling for food and you know how we have, over and over again, talked about including TRUST in your marketing message.  Now comes a story about the 2007 Pet Food Recall that points to a lack of trust and a consumer trend YOU need to pay attention to.  Ready?  We'll tell you about it.

Is your message relevant?  "Sure it is!", you say.  But is it really?  Do you know or are you just spitting out garbage hoping somebody will swallow the bait?  Our friend Seth Godin has his eyes set on this...but we take it in a different direction.  Seth talks about your online marketing, we take it further and ask about your overall marketing.  Just how much do you know about the consumers you are hoping to get into your shop?

Ever hear of a "Menu Engineer"?  Us either.  But there are such folks and Gregg Rapp is one such person.  Here is an interesting article about "What We Can Learn from a Menu" some ideas for retailers...and others written by Mike Speiser.  Enjoy and we'll talk about it.

This and more today on Insight on Business.  Catch us starting at 12:30PM Central only on www.MacsWorldLive.com

 

Insight on Business is proudly sponsored by:

Lotus Moments – This is something very new and YOU are going to LOVE IT.  Imagine a place where you can get top of the line items to celebrate special events, invites that nobody else has and you can create all types of printed products for business celebrations, weddings and personal events right here in Des Moines.  At a price you will really like.  Lotus Moments can be found at www.LotusMoments.com

NatraTurf and SpotGone! - Got lawn spots from pet urine or winter kill or salt damage.  Get rid of them naturally and without chemicals, dyes or foreign grass seed.  Learn more at www.NatraTurf.comand head to SpotGone!  Keep the dog...Lose the Spots!

ESP- Exceptional Specialty Products- Got a business?  Looking for some cool gadgets and items to use as promotional tools?  ESP is a brand new company based in Urbandale, Iowa and led by Cindy Taylor.  It's worth a look.  Here is her website...enjoy and buy something already!

Thanks for reading, watching and listening.  Learn more about us at www.InsightCubed.com - Michael P. Libbie - Host