Not long ago I gave you a quick glimpse of what goes on when producing voice tracks for radio or television. There's lot's of stuff that has to be done pre and post production just to put out a thirty-second ad.
Television is no different... In fact shooting television takes LONGER because you're not only working with sound but also...visuals. There are lots of distractions on a live set and a thirty-second TV ad can take several days to write, produce and edit.
Here is an example of some behind the scenes takes and some goofy stuff that goes on that viewers fairly see from the Nead Inspiration television show seen on KCWI TV23 here in Des Moines. Our thanks to Tim Clark from The Amish Housein Urbandale for letting us raid his store.
The set up is that Liz is pitting two "networking professionals" me and Rebecca Zoet of Zoet Consulting against each other as we help people in a real world event. Here is the four-minute video:
Rebecca is going to win...she is much nicer and more organized. ;-)
Just a news break about WebcastOne LIVE we'll be doing our thing from our new studios in just a few days. We're excited and hope you'll come by for a peek.
Welcome to Insight on Business with Michael Libbie a regular look at news from the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. While we're part of WebcastOne...LIVE this is also part of our business based education efforts for those of you who want to learn more about how to increase your market share through solid tips and ideas. Let's get started!
Pet food - We have a client in the pet food industry so we watch consumer and industry trends then report what we think looks like something that needs attention/consideration by our client. For several years the push has been to "natural" and "organic" foods which clearly matches the public acceptance/demand for these products. We're starting to see something else make some waves: "Limited Ingredient Products" - Huh? The idea that "less is more" seems to be catching on in this industry. Look at the back of any food product and you'll see lots and lots of ingredients. (We know, we've created packaging for this industry for years.) Now, what we think is an off-shoot from "natural" and "organic", is a movement to reduce the number of ingredients in a move to mimic the minimalist attitude going on with human food. (Think "raw foods" and more...) Something to watch and it maybe "crossing over" outside of food....?
I've seen three posts in the past 24-hours about little things, doing enough and customer service. In one Seth Godin speaks to those "little things" that seem "Hardly Worth the Effort" but in reality THAT is what you get paid for. Drew McLellan had a post on how important it is to sweat the small stuff in customer service and Craig Dick wrote a newsletter about staying in a fancy hotel at $170 a night where EVERYTHING cost extra and wondered out loud, "Do we give our customers what they expect and what we promise them?" I think it was the room without a coffee pot and then $3.50 for a cup of "Joe" at the cafe. What little things in your business can you improve on...TODAY without any cost increase? Think about it.
Now this from our sponsor - Atlantic, Iowa:
See you soon!
Here is a trend for you: Mommy Blogging. There are 82 million "moms" in the United States and 26-million of them are engaged in social media as "Mommy Bloggers". And, "Mommy Blogging" takes in all sorts of "Moms". "Mommy Blogs" not only talk about children and families but also pets, parents and products. Want to learn "Ten Tips for Targeting Mommy"? Here you go it's from our friends at Ad Rants. Why is it so HOT? Hey, everybody "loves"...Mom.
So, what is the best age to start a new company? Did you know that folks over 55 start more companies than younger people and it's not in reaction to job loss. "Boomers" are still pioneers...and here is the story from Scott Shane of Small Business Trends.
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a daily look at news regarding advertising, marketing and consumer trends. We're part of WebcastOne...LIVE and glad you made the stop to read. On Monday's we take a look at local business and marketing issues but promise that no matter where you live you'll get an idea or two you can use.
Have you noticed the new construction going on in many parts of Des Moines? Old buildings being torn down and new buildings going up. If you don't travel one section of town for a couple of weeks and then go back...WHAMO! New buildings. Nice.
Speaking of construction, it looks like the Des Moines City Council has said "Nyet!" to pawn/payday loan shops coming into the city. For at least 6 months. Late last week the racing and gaming commission said no to three of the four casino bids in the state. What might be your consumer trend "take-a-way" from this? Maybe, just maybe there is a mood or trend that suggests more sleaze isn't the way to go? Watch, in 24-hours that will change. But...maybe. And your marketing position might be? Come on...think about this one.
Social Media and Business. This week I get to travel to Atlantic, Iowa to present a day-long seminar on building relationships on-line. Should be a hoot. Looking forward to the opportunity.
Hey, did you happen to see this video from our friends at KDC Built?
They are doing the studio re-model for WebcastOne...LIVE while Mac and I have been playing. Speaking of Mac...check THIS. Can you say, disturbing? LOL!!
I was listening today to local radio and I heard at least three ads...all for different accounts use this phrase or something much like it: "Shop the rest and then buy from the best." Ladies and Gentlemen, that trite copywriter phrase has been around for dozens of years and ranks as one of the worst "copy crutches" on the planet. We think the very worst is: "Your one stop shop!". Please....make it stop. It might have been "cute" 40 years ago...
So....a question: What might be the worst copy crutches you've ever heard? This might be fun. Anybody? Anybody...here is another starter: "We'll make your cash register ring." Who has heard a cash register "ring" in say the past...fifteen years? Come on...got a winner? We'll send you a surprise package with several "neat and nifty" prizes from our Prize Vault. (Gotta get off this radio gig.)
When you're having a bad day...just think, you could be Shalom Rubashkin. I know Shalom...pretty well. It is all painful to watch.
Did I tell you I just found out I can record voice notes on my Blackberry? And, you thought I was a "tech master" of some kind. Not! Or "Neyt!"
Thanks for coming by...Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and also part of of WebcastOne...LIVE and made possible by:
EuroTier - Learn more about the world's largest animal agriculture expo: www.EuroTier.org
NatraTurf - A natural, chemical free lawn? Yes and it starts here: www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments - Now, wedding announcements that will make you go...WOW: www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor of Urbandale help you get your business...noticed. www.ESP4All.com
Let's connect on twitter? @MichaelLibbie (business and personal) or @InsightADV (all business baby) Thanks for reading! Soon see you...LIVE on WebcastOne...LIVE.
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is your daily dose of advertising, marketing and consumer trend news designed to help you better walk through the land mines of doing business. Each day we bring you nuggets you can use...and all at no charge. We're part of WebcastOne...LIVE and we'll be back on the network first week of June. We are...excited.
The other day I shared with you the importance of following consumer trends and gave you several examples of trends we follow for our clients...and ourselves. One of those trends centered on food and farmers markets. We have told our clients for years they need to spend time and money following the organic/natural trend and be there with new products and services. Some have heeded our words. Others are still "waiting". Not to rub it in...but, we love it when we are spot on. In spite of the recession, in spite of reduced purchasing power... Whole Foods posted an 8.7 percent increase in same store sales in their second fiscal quarter. And, a 9.5 percent increase so far in the current quarter. Nope, we don't make this stuff up. Here is the story from our friends at Reuters.
What consumer trends do you follow...and how/when are you going to act? Do not wait too long...
What is your favorite word to say? Mine: Rutabaga. "We now rejoin our regularly scheduled program, already in progress."
Connections... My bride and I stood in the kitchen last night talking about friends we have never met. We talked about where they live, what business they are in and what we've learned from them all through social media. From Candace Karu to Jenny Gardiner to Bruce Tretter these are people we have NEVER met but feel like we could have a great conversation in person. For folks who think there is no personal interaction with Social Media...sorry...there is and it works.
Thanks for coming by...gotta run! Been on a very short leash today!
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is all about news and ideas with a focus on advertising, marketing and consumer trends. We're part of WebcastOne...LIVE and to learn more about that...head to the site.
Quick question: What first point of contact says volumes about your view of consumers? If you, wisely, answered your telephone you would be 50% correct. More direct, and if you use one, your "automated answering/routing system from HELL". You can tell I don't take this lightly. Look if you really want to HIDE from your customers install something like several businesses in the area use. You know, the kind that has you "spell" a person's name to connect. But what if you are trying to reach "Cathy" but she spells her name "Kathi". Lost... BUT, I may have a solution for you. Our friends at DWebware use a voice recognition system that allows you to "speak" the name of the individual you are looking for as well as pressing a number. It is VERY cool! Wanna try it? 515-270-1701
Social Media robbing you of your TIME? Focus, focus, focus. Remember YOU run Social Media...it does not run you. Stay on task and win. Remember, there is a reason some social media experts don't have an internet connection and rely on free Wi-Fi.
EuroTier - Coming to Des Moines for the World Pork Expo representatives from the world's largest animal agriculture exposition - EuroTier of Germany: www.EuroTier.org
NatraTurf - A better environment starts with...you. Learn more: www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments - Wedding invitations and business announcements that..sizzle: www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor...help your business get noticed: www.ESP4All.com
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a daily look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. Our goal with this program is to give business ideas. Ideas that can help you retain customers, build new customers and thrive in this economy...or any. We're part of WebcastOne...LIVE and we're back in our studio the first week in June. Looking forward to connecting...again.
Some of the stories (and two videos below) we're following include:
Bob Janet is a "sales guy"...an old fashioned sales guy. The kind that thinks sales should be made fact-to-face. Seems silly in today's world of technology and social media? Not at all. Here is a post from our agency blog about "Thanking Your Competition". Bob, we thought has some great ideas...unless he is talking about your business.
If you are in Iowa and if you know about the Des Moines Farmers Market where 20,000+ people flock to purchase food and other items at prices 15 - 20 percent higher than "Big Box" you may chuckle at this story from the Los Angeles Times. But, then again, consider how many people "out there" have no conception about where their food comes from...who is responsible for raising it and what is in the food they buy. That begs this question:"How many people in your market have no idea what you do, what you manufacture or sell and how you do it?" I'll bet more than you can imagine. While you can't get the LA Times to write about you...you can start writing about yourself. A tip of the hat to Business Blogs... Need help?
Time for a little relief? The FLIP CAM WAR 2010 between me and Mac J. Michael McKoy heats up. Think of it as...building customers for our new adventure:
Silly? Yes...Back on track!
YOU LOVE MEETINGS...right? Me either. I have spent DECADES in meetings or so it would seem. We do, however, love FastCompany and their take on business. I know you've heard it all before but, before you call that meeting...some things to think about. Like how much is it really costing you? It's written by Gina Trapani and well worth the time to read.
Just because it is so cool! My long-time friend, horseman Craig Cameron, recently signed on with our client, Running Horse Feeds based in South Dakota. It's going to be exciting, fun and wonderful to work with him again. Here is the announcement from Running Horse.
There is a reason some video/audio television and radio ads sound and look great. The reason is...professionals who take their craft seriously take the time to write the message, script the words, film the ad, and deliver it in a way that generates listeners, viewers and creates action. Here is a quick sixty-second look at behind the curtain and what goes on long before you see or hear the message.
That was our second video posting of the day...keeping us going huh? By the way, the person making "the magic" is my friend Keith Brown from Crystal Soundhere in Urbandale. We've known each other for nearly thirty years. He is a serious professional and it's always a thrill to work with him. Also in the video is Robb Spearman from RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts of Des Moines.
I asked this question yesterday, "What makes a Social Media Expert?" It's something that has bothered me since this past weekend. My answer is simple, "A social media expert is somebody that understands social media is a process and just ONE of the tools you should use in marketing and advertising your product or service. Anybody that tells you it is "easy", "cheap" and "something anybody can do" is flat...wrong. Nothing, see above, just happens. It takes a plan and I know of far too many "social media experts" with a laptop and free Wi-Fi that don't have a clue. Not one... Just sayin'.
Insight on Business and Metro Monday...that day of the week where we look at local business stories with a focus on advertising, marketing and consumer trends. I promise you that even if you don't' live in Des Moines you'll find a nugget or two here that will help your business grow. It's all about...ideas.
We're part of WebcastOne...LIVEand will be returning to the studios early next month. By the way, the walls are up, painting is done and equipment starts to move in this week. We're back...soon.
On our show page today:
There you have an extended look at Loki's Garden just west of Des Moines. An interesting "side story". It took the guys months and months to get financing even though SBA was covering 75% of the risk. Once again we've got to ask the question, "What is the duty of big business when it comes to the overall health of our economy?" Or is there none? Sadly, for much of small business their story is common. The key here, we believe, is finding a LOCAL bank that "gets it". If you haven't, you must, take a 20 minute drive west and visit Loki's Garden.
One of the consumer trends we follow centers on agriculture...more specific...to the public perception of how we grow/raise what is fed to the world. (We're in Iowa...it's a big deal!) It looks like Unilever is also paying attention to the current "cage free egg" debate. They've just announced starting NOW you can buy Hellman's Light Mayo that is made with "cage free eggs". The question for you, and your business: What consumer trends are you following that will change the way you manufacturer, package, market, sell and build your product or service? Are YOU paying attention?
Following consumer trends isn't difficult. You don't need a staff of dozens to know that "organic", "natural", "micro-business", "private brands", "value" and a "localizing of business" are all consumer trends that are HUGE. How do we know? That's the stuff we do for our clients and what you should be doing for your business. (Lecture over...)
Well, not quite. Think for a moment: "Why would 20,000+ people converge on Downtown Des Moines, Iowa each Saturday morning for five hours buying food that is 15 to 20 percent more expensive than they can get at any number of supermarkets and Big Box Stores in the city?" Get my point?
We grow a bunch of corn in Iowa. Yesterday our friend Dan Piller from The Des Moines Register had this great article on corn prices and the "good news / bad news" for farmers. If you think it doesn't effect Urban America... Well, have a read and learn something. Another...trend.
Stop me...I can't help myself! What is NOT strange about this headline? "Wells Fargo is Top Ag Lender"? Anybody? Anybody? Hint: When you see a sure bet, in the face of a recession, you go after it. Agriculture = Food = Money
What is a "social media consultant"? Following the Social Media incident of last Friday it struck me that far too often it means a laptop and free Wi-Fi. Or is there more? Also, wouldn't you "think" a "social media expert" would use their REAL name...even on Twitter? I am just asking... I think I have the answer but interested in your take.
EuroTier - The world's largest animal agriculture exposition is in...Germany. Soon to be in the USA at the World Pork Expo - Learn More: www.EUROTIER.ORG
NatraTurf - Now you have the power to create a safer environment in your own back yard. Learn more: www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments- Now wedding invitations and business announcements that will make folks go...WOW - www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your business get...noticed. www.ESP4All.com
The stress of every business is enough to make folks...crack. Hi, Michael Libbie for Insight on Business your daily news source for advertising, marketing and consumer trends and part of WebcastOne...LIVE!
This week fellow webcaster Mac - J. Michael McKoy started a "Flip Cam War" with me. I don't know...but we're knee deep in launching a new news/entertainment platform called WebcastOne...LIVE and he wants to play war games? What looks like FUN is...sort of. It's also a way to engage and demonstrate what we hope to bring with our new venture. Here is my response with Miss Kizzy the brains of Insight Advertising:
OK...it's not serious but then...it's not supposed to be. In other news we're following today:
Something we did NOT do, but should have, was follow these "16 Tips for Successful Video Campaigns". OK, we used about seven of them...but it was FUN, remember? This article is from our friends at The Social Media Examiner and written by Amy Porterfield.
Several weeks ago we shared a story about how "store brands" were taking over many "name brands". The idea was the recession boosted the private label over better known brands. Now, this story from our friends at The Nielsen Wire we learn that younger consumers are turning to store brands more frequently giving comfort for the long term? And, the economy plays right into favor with store brands. Your "take-a-way" from this is you can create a great private label and compete in the marketplace. IF you do it well...
Gotta get this out. I was at Central Iowa Bloggers this morning followed up with a photo shoot for a client so this is a BIT late out the door. Insight on Business is a production of our ad agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible on WebcastOne...LIVE by:
EuroTier - For the world's largest animal agriculture show head to Germany: www.EuroTier.org
NatraTurf - Now is the time to make a difference in the health of your lawn and the environment: www.NatraTurf.com
Insight on Business is your daily dose of news and ideas for advertising, marketing and consumer trends. We are part of WebcastOne...LIVEsoon to be sitting in our new digs at the ReMax Reality Concept Studios on the Des Moines Skywalk. First week in June, we suspect. Have a look at our Facebook Page. Photos you know. Here's what's on today:
Can you be successful if consumers can't find you? This week I had a meeting with a new client. They have been in business for 20+ years and done pretty well. The recession slowed down their demand so they figured it might be time to get a couple of things done. Like name their company, maybe get a business phone line, some business cards and oh, yeah...a website. Talk about jaw dropping! "You mean you've survived and never advertised or even had a business name?" It was pretty amazing. So, what else drove them toward "getting found"? They came to realize that in their highly specialized business with high profile people...they were becoming unknown as old families and older businesses sold or folks retired. Amazing story and wish I could tell you who. But, soon many folks will come to know them. That's the goal.
Customer Service - Sort of like Military Intelligence? Not all the time. Here from Glen Stansberry of Wise Bread is a look at "10 Examples of Shockingly Excellent Customer Service". Good stuff and perhaps some ideas for...you?
Are you ready for the new wave in broadcast commercials?
That "new wave" includes video ads that are longer, much longer, than the traditional thirty or sixty-second commercials. The bottom line with these new messages is they must be entertaining as well as present a commercial message. That means better content, better production and better placement. The question for small business: "Will this "new wave" price me out of the market?" Here is my take on the entire issue in a post done just this morning.
We're pretty high on Des Moines as is Forbes when they ranked our city the best in the nation for business and careers. Now Forbes has released the top eleven states that are serious about attracting small business. While Iowa didn't make the list there are some here that may surprise you. Did you see...Michigan? Here is the slide show from Forbes along with details. Enjoy.
My friend Chris Brogan put this piece together about how some are beating their social media community to DEATH as in "Wack a Mole". You must read this...and then learn how to be more creative than simply "re-tweeting" over, and over. Gotta LOVE IT!
Thanks for coming by! Insight on Business with Michael Libbie and part of WebcastOne...LIVE is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and made possible by:
EuroTier - The worlds' largest animal agriculture event...is in...GERMANY! They will be here for the World Pork Expo...if you're there...we'll introduce you. www.EuroTier.org
Insight on Business your regular hit for news and information on advertising, marketing and consumer trends. This is part of WebcastOne...LIVE and I'm glad you found us. For a peek at what in the world is going on here is the WebcastOne...LIVEwebsite. I'm looking forward to being back on the "cast" the first week of June during our old time slot 12:30PM - 2:00PM Central. Updates to you FIRST when we get them.
Mother's Day... I am so grateful that I get to celebrate, even if it's only with a card, plant or phone call. I realize how fortunate I am...just thought I'd tell you.
My (our) friend Bruce Tretter, you might remember him he's been on our show several times, from "Gotta Eat, Can't Cook" is into Mother's Day. He is offering up a "Mother's Day Breakfast - SAFE for Kids to Make". It comes complete with directions to plan the event and carry it out...kid style and..IT'S FREE! Fun stuff and thanks for sending it Bruce!
Did I tell you I was doing a bike ride yesterday? Late this year and only did 7 miles but felt like the poster boy for "Outta Shape Riders". Back at it today. Bruce wouldn't know anything about that. He's been an avid cyclist for years. Me: Green with Envy.
Leadership and going against the grain...and winning. It's no secret I'm a fan of Southwest Airlines. Not so much for the "low-cost fares" but because of the CULTURE of the company. And that continuing culture is driven by CEO Gary Kelly who, when everybody else was cutting staff and expenses he raised employee pay, let attrition handle expenses and made the decision to NOT CHARGE for baggage. Going against the grain boosted Southwest Airlines to a new level of consumer confidence. Here is the story from our friends at the Los Angeles Times written by Cheryl Hall.
What's with the sudden explosion of opinions on Power Point Presentations? Seems like it's all over the place. Last week we had a story about how to better your use of PP and today another, very similar story from Dave Johnson from BNet. Now, go create a great PP.
Speaking of which...I'm headed to Southwest Iowa, Atlantic to be exact, this month to do a seminar on Social Media and Business. Thanks to the Atlantic Chamber and Iowa Western Community College. Looking forward to it...there is only room for 25 people and I know they are nearly there. To sign up for the lunch and/or the "hands on" learning program contact the Atlantic Chamber, Ann McCurdy, or call 712-243-5527 the date is May 19 the cost is $30 but a grant has reduced the cost to $15. Not too shabby.
Finally, and just for fun, my friend Brent Pohlman from Midwest Labs in Omaha offered up his "Top Ten List - Why Michael Libbie Needs to Come Back to Webcasting":
10. He isn’t going back to Miss Kitty’s Studio
9. I think he’s gotten past the blue screen of death
8. Metro Monday needs to get back on the calendar
7. Some People still don’t understand Social Media
6. He needs something to do in his morning free time
5. He needs to learn never to push that button again!
4. He needs to get the “Let’s Get It Started” Theme going again!
3. He will check his twitter id more often during this hour and a half show.
2. His Daily Business Show Blog needs to be updated daily
1. He is most productive when his ADD and Multi-Tasking are working together for an hour and a half.
I don't know Brent.... *grins* and thanks for the shout out! And, we'll be back soon!
