Welcome back to Insight on Business a regular look at advertising, marketing and consumer trends. A word about the studio...we're building! Here is a quick peek at the construction going on. Our goal is to have not one, but two studios and the hosts will use the setting they are most comfortable with and the setting that best matches the program. More about Webcast One...LIVE as it comes in. You'll be among the first to know what...is...what.
Leading off today...Media and Marketing Plans and how critical it is to building business a few "insights": And, yes, that is Miss Kizzy in the background toward the end. She HAD to get into the act!
In other news: here in the Des Moines Market we're, for the first time I can remember, hearing Aldi Food Store radio commercials. If you pay attention to the ads it uses the two key points we've been talking about for months: "Value" and "Trust". If you are not using this message in your marketing materials...it's not too late. But...do it well and not cheesy. These ads are well done. The ads come out of of the Detroit agency, McCann Erickson. Here is the story about them picking up the account and why fromCrain's Detroit Business written by Bill Shea.
I think I'm getting old...the line-up for the Iowa State Fair Grandstand shows came out recently. I recognize about three names. Yikes!
Welcome to Insight on Business a regular round up of news and information about advertising, marketing and consumer trends. A note about the new studio. The hammers are whacking stuff and the studios are being constructed. A brand new ball game with a robust platform designed for "no fail". Oh the things we've learned. WebcastOne...LIVE on the way and you'll be the FIRST to know more. We're doing this right and not rushing... K?
When I walk into a gathering of social media types I'm usually the oldest person in the group. Yesterday was no different as I attended a meeting of The Social Media Club of Des Moines. I love it...and it's an exciting platform but there is also this reality:
Being part of something "new" can be scary...ask those of us who were broadcasting on FM radio...before most folks had FM radios...yep, I'm that old. Is it worth the effort to be able to connect with your customers and clients using this "new" media? I think so...you?
In other news:
Spending TOO much time on Social Media? I have to be honest. There was a point in my life I got to sleep until AM. Now I'm up most mornings at 4:30 so I can spend two hours on this page, client pages, and others for our agency. Here is a great post from Keith Kochberg on that issue and what large and small business owners need to consider when putting SM to work marketing their business. It's from our friends at iMediaConnection.
Like I had to prove my point from the video - CitiBank offers up this new survey on marketing using social media. They questioned 552 executives at U.S. companies that have annual revenue of $100,000 or more and less than 100 employees. The elephant in the room: 81% of the respondents said they have yet to even TRY social media as a tool for marketing their goods and services. Like I was saying... Here is the article from Inc. written by Courtney Rubin.
Do you use Power-point in your business? No doubt...you are using it...all wrong. So says Seth Godin. I'm getting ready to do a presentation in Southwest Iowa and this really caught me. Like you, I have been to dozens and dozens of presentations where the speaker uses Power-point...wrong. This, makes...sense! Here is the original 2008 piece written by Seth. Will you be making some changes to see if it...works? This picture says IT ALL! Are they engaged...or bored? You get the idea...
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EuroTier- If you thought the largest all species farm show was in the USA...you would be wrong. Learn more in June when EuroTier comes to Iowa for the World Pork Expo. www.EuroTier.org
Lotus Moments- Your wedding invitations and business announcements don't have to look like...everybodys - www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Cindy Taylor can help your business get...noticed. www.ESP4All.com
Each Monday Insight on Business does a focus on advertising, marketing and consumer trends as it relates to the Des Moines Area. However, just because we've looking "local" doesn't mean you won't find a nugget of gold you can use...no matter your location. Let's get started:
Are you willing to pay more for superior customer service? Here is a brief look at a real example:
Thanks Emily for being a sport! On the day this happened I spent 25 minutes in the store. She never rushed but worked to make sure she solved my problem. $118 later I left very satisfied. Now, I could have gone out and purchased a new video/still tri-pod set at a "big box" but....it was worth it to me go get it right and retain the rest of my professional equipment. The business, once again, is Christian Photo and the service, knowledge and even FREE advice is available in Urbandale, Iowa. Or...you might have a place like this in your town. Use 'em. And, yes...I realize I called them "Christiansen Photo". I can't read my cue cards! Sorry, it is CHRISTIAN Photo..
What do you make of this? Last week Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Iowa informed the media that they will require applicants to certify they are tobacco free if they are to be considered for a job. Existing employees have until October 1, 2010 to certify that they, too, are tobacco free. So far...so good, or so it seems. However "tobacco free" means at work...and at home. I am not, nor have I been, a tobacco user for many years. But, can this be considered...scary? What's next a certificate insuring employees use "safe sex" procedures? Is it just a little creepy or is it me? Here is the story from the Des Moines Register.
The Social Media Club of Des Moines had a rousing meeting today discussing the "how" and "why" of connecting and networking. A panel of SXSW attendees spoke about a wide ranging selection of topics from the "best party at SXSW and why" to, "So is SXSW a bunch of geeks that get together and attempt to out-geek each other or is it some thing for me a person with a foot in both worlds." Good question @ClaireCelsi. One of the other interesting questions centered on "the building of community". I remember the same discussion when we did a project twelve years ago for eBay. The community will survive and grow...watch. It was also cool to see so many friends "face-to-face". On-line networking is great...but so is the human interaction, in person. Good stuff. We're wondering if your community has a group like this and how it's working at getting the message out. Let us know? Who is he? That's Josh Fleming from Lessing-Flynn and Ad Mavericks saying, "Love ya babe." to his fans. ;-)
But, seriously...One of the very best things about going to this meeting was seeing my friend Daniel Shipton from BitMethod in a coat and tie! Stunning my friend!!
That's it...need to push this out before TUESDAY gets here.
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications (we need a new site!) but I'm cheap! Thanks for coming by! Connect with us on Twitter: @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV.
NatraTurf - The reason you should stop using chemicals on your lawn? Look around. Learn more from www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments - For business announcements and wedding invitations that will make folks go, "WOW!" www.LotusMoments.com
EuroTier - Coming to the World Pork Expo this June! Learn more about the world's largest all species show housed in...EUROPE: www.EuroTier.org
Exceptional Specialty Products - let Cindy Taylor help your business get noticed. www.ESP4All.com
Welcome to Insight on Business the regular round up of news and information about advertising, marketing and consumer trends. Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. For today...
Video marketing...Wait let's go to the video...
The bottom line here is using video with your website, social media or even as direct mail can work wonders. And with so many consumers tied to Broadband...it's even more astounding. Seventy-Two percent of Internet users view video on-line and they like it better than broadcast video! Want proof? Knew you would. Here is an article from our friends at Nielsen the decades old media research firm. Ahhh...72% is a big number. If you are having doubts...let's talk?
Back in the "old days" of marketing and advertising we measured the success of a campaign on the "walk-ins", "sales figures" or "post-campaign focus group" numbers. Today it's much different. We have NUMBERS for everything from "click-through" to "Fans". We've talked about this for some time and cautioned our clients about it. "Are you being blinded by...the numbers?"Here is a great read on that subject by Tim Berry of Duct Tape Marketing. It's all about focus...kids....focus.
Nuff for today? Thanks for coming by! Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is brought to you by:
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Lotus Moments- When you want your wedding invitation or business announcement to cause excitement. www.LotusMoments.com
Welcome back to Insight on Business a regular look at news and information about advertising, marketing and consumer trends. Studio questions? It's coming, it's coming. We hope to be back "on the air" soon. More to share as the days go on. In the meantime:
Is your brand an "early adopter"? According to this article written by Jennifer Van Grove for Mashable it is more important than ever to get on the train early...and stick with it. Here she offers several examples of how companies have turned their business into mega consumer directed companies.
In case you missed it... Yesterday in Sunday Morning Coffee I shared this story about Ford Motor Company and how their digital message is out performing their traditional media. According to Jim Farley the recession forced companies to look for other ways to influence consumers. Some, like Ford, have had great success. Here is the story from Advertising Age.
What's the matter with Kentucky Fried Chicken? The company has been the Buzz for several quarters with all sorts of PR moves. But, according to this article from Advertising Agethey lack the identity they once had and that's caused sales to slip. Have you checked your ID lately?
Hi and welcome back to Insight on Business your regular dose of news and information about advertising, marketing and consumer trends. Thanks for coming by.
Today our video segment is on Media Plans. Why? Because I've been building media plans for two clients and it's "top of mind". So, here is WHY you should do a media plan and five tips on creating a successful, fair and workable plan.
If you've got Media Plan questions...give us a shout. We'll help where we can.
In other advertising, marketing and consumer trend news:
The Eagles...you remember them right?
As with most of the Mega '70's Pop Groups The Eagles find themselves playing to smaller crowds. Nostalgia only goes so far. There are exceptions...think Elton John or Paul McCartney... But what was HOT then...may not be a "sell out" today. It's the same with your business. You must keep creating and re-inventing your products and services to retain existing customers...and attract new interest. Back to The Eagles...one of their new marketing efforts? If you've got $1,000 laying around and you would like to have dinner with the band...before the show. They will take your money. Paying the Piper...before he pipes...
Did you read this story about "advertising push backs"? The short story is that companies that advertise products and services want you to pay attention. What they don't want, is push back and resistance and anger directed to their brand. Here's a story about advertising push back on Burger King, Nike and POM. You might say, "Hey, at least we're talking about them!" True...buzz is...buzz and if you are a mega company you can afford some critics. But...gotta be double careful when your budget and footprint is smaller. Does that mean you shouldn't go to the edge. Absolutely not...but know your limits. Thanks to my son, Aaron, for pointing out this story.
I just heard, I think, a radio ad for Von Maur...strange. Gotta check that out. Von Maur, in case you don't know, is my favorite store. They've got it done right...every time. But outside of just a few seasons I don't remember them doing much radio advertising. Hmmmmmm
Thank you Forbes... Des Moines moved up from 7th to 1st place in the annual Forbes Magazine List of Best Cities for Business and Careers. It's great to be here...now! We suspect the folks at the Des Moines Partnership are still clanging champaign glasses over this.
Shopping, Why do people do it? Good question and something that Alexa von Tobel tries to answer in this Blog. Good reading...enjoy.
Thanks for coming by! Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a service of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications.
It's Wednesday and you are back with Insight on Business a daily look at advertising, marketing and consumer trends. Thanks for coming by. Right out of the gun...exciting things happening with our broadcast studio. Renovations and floor plans have been submitted, the hosts are cooking up new programs and the website it being worked on. As is a new name for the channel. As soon as we know more...so will you!
Yesterday we offered up Trade Show Marketing Part One with Tobias Eichberg of Eichberg Consulting. Here is a look at booth visitor interaction, booth construction and how to stand apart from others and finally the importance of follow up after the show:
You can contact Tobias through his website, Eichberg Consulting. Thanks Tobias...we'll look forward to you starting your book? ;-)
In other news we're following:
If you are an avid user of social media you know "The Eight People You Hate on Twitter and Facebook". It's written by Kevin Barenblat on iMediaConnection. Go on...have a look and see if you know some of these "types".
Agriculture is attempting to get a "handle" on social media and specific to that is Twitter. I just answered a survey on agricultural use of social media for Alyx Shultz a Doctoral Candidate from Texas Tech University. I believe she will find manufacturers, ag-suppliers and news outlets using Twitter to communicate or try to communicate with producers. Professional producers, and I'm talking large farm operators with a heavy interest in marketing, will also be using social media to gather information and share thoughts. However ag still lags in relationship marketing for a lack of solid understand of how and why social media can plan a huge role in their business. I'm looking forward to the final piece Alyx...share?
Everybody is talking about the new Nike ad featuring Tiger Woods and his fathers voice. Some folks hate it others think it is brilliant. Us? We think it is genius. After all people, who never before were talking about Nike...have been doing so for days. Will it hurt or damage the Nike brand or the Tiger brand? I don't think so. Nike had to find a way to address this issue and a "doe-eyed" Tiger with his fathers voice asking if he learned anything is a powerful way to get it done. What do YOU think?
Lotus Moments - Now folks will go, "WOW!" when they see your wedding invitations or business announcements. www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor of Des Moines help your business get noticed. Here is their BLOG from www.ESP4All.com
A reminder I follow @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV or @RuralLifeRadio on Twitter. Thanks again and have a great day. As always I'm interested in what YOU have to say.
Welcome back to Insight on Business with Michael Libbie. Following five days away from the office and attending The Farm Equipment Manufacturers AssociationSpring Management Clinic...I'm playing "catch up". Funny thing about that...when gone the work and in-calls don't stop.
Trade Shows... Nearly every category of business does them. Open public shows, closed association shows...from lawn and garden to banking. Everybody does them but sadly, most do them...wrong. In the five minute video clip I introduce you to Tobias Eichberg of Eichberg Consultinga market consulting group for trade shows and agribusiness. What he has to say about how to do a trade show, figuring the real costs of a trade show and how to get people to your booth crosses all lines. And, as the former manager of the world's largest agri-businness trade show, AgriTechnica he knows something about...trade shows. Have a look.
Tomorrow I'll bring your Part Two...once the booth is up how do you manage it and what should happen after the show.
Thanks for coming by! About the studio: We are building and wiring as I write this. New stuff coming and it will be exciting. You will be the first to know.
Many of you know I can't type and talk at the same time...much less type and drive. So here is a minute on why I think so many of us in marketing are getting push back from business when we suggest the adoption of social media as part of their "Marketing Toolbox".
Think...knowing the rules.
Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications. Thanks to our sponsors:
NatraTurf - Take your lawn from being chemical dependent to free of chemicals. Learn more from www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments - Now folks will go, "WOW!" when they see your wedding invitation or business announcement..when it's from www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your business get noticed. www.ESP4All.com
Been a busy personal week with the holidays... All is well and we're back with Insight on Business a look at news and information revolving around advertising, marketing and consumer trends. Why? To help you and your business grow. Here is what we've got on tap today:
It's a brand new economy says The Economist- No longer is America the "debt" and "consumption" center of the world. The recession has changed to rules and we are becoming a "saving" and "exporting" nation. Why should you care? Because as everything changes you need to know how to adjust to market your product or service to this new model. In this special report from The Economist you'll gain some valuable clues.
Any other day I would have passed on this New York Times Business story but, because I'll be staying at an InterContinental Hotel in Kansas City this week, and have the opportunity to share information with you, I'll pass it along. It's a short interview with Andrew Cosslett the CEO of InterContinental Hotel Group on his management style and what he hopes it brings to his company. I particularly enjoyed the story of his first sales job...selling ice cream that nobody wanted. A quick, good read written by Adam Bryant. And, as always, a nugget of information for your business if you pay attention.
Do you simply want "feed-back" or do you want to build what consumers really want? It's a serious question. For the most part manufacturers get an idea that they then run past a focus group to get "feed-back". Might that be the wrong way to go? Here is a story about "Co-Creation" and having consumers share with manufacturers what they want rather than just offer "feed-back". It's from our friends at BusinessWeek.
That story underscores the value of engaging "outside help" in marketing and advertising. Far too often the "in-house" folks have tunnel vision when it comes to their own products and services. Help from a reputable advertising and marketing company can pay off huge...if you'll listen.
Marketers seem willing to play ball with Major League Baseball. Marketing dollars going toward the advertising support of baseball have grown by three to four times over previous spends. Here is the story from MediaWeek. Our take-a-way from this is "tradition". Marketers and advertisers are betting that as slow as baseball is...there is comfort in image of the "American Pastime". It's not "new" it's not "flashy" but it is "solid" and we "know the rules". That little hint is something you should consider when building your media plan. What traditions can you call on to help sell your product or service? What do you think?
Gotta wrap this up and get it out the door. Thanks for staying with us. New and better things on the horizon for our return to the air-waves...or "computer-waves". As soon as I can...you will be the first to know!
NatraTurf - We told you there was "green stuff" under the show! Now, what are you going to do about freeing your lawn from its chemical dependency? www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments - Now folks will go, "WOW!" when they see your wedding invitation or business announcement. See why at www.LotusMomoents.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your business get noticed. www.ESP4All.com
I monitor Twitter @MichaelLibbie and @InsightADV hope to catch you there too.
