Insight on Business

Disaster Marketing and More - June 30, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday news/webcast about advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We're on LIVE starting at 12 Noon Central.  You can find Insight on Business on WebcastOne LIVE hope to have you on with us.  I monitor Twitter @MichaelLibbe before, during and after the show and you can always join us in the chat while the program is on.  Here is the link to WebcastOne LIVE.

On the show today:

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

 

Yep, "disaster marketing".  For some it's a scary time for others it's money in the bank.  We'll take a look at the various ways the media and business "profit" from disasters.  It's not pretty...but it's real.  Here's an example from The Washington Post on how insurance companies profit from...fear. It's just creepy and we'll talk about it.

This came up during our trip:  Let's say you had a major brand that delivered fast food to consumers.  You would think you would offer to the consumer some information on the nutritional aspect of the product you're selling.  Right?  Well, not Smashburger.  It seems they have not yet posted those items.  Maybe it's time?  And, yes, there is nutritional information for other fast food companies.  We'll talk about consumer information a bit today. 

We talk about the "Green Industry" all the time.  We've got several clients involved in R&D and they've been doing great...even during the recent recession.  Part of the secret to success is that they've continued creating products and services that are "sustainable" and then releasing to the hungry consumer.  Here is a look at what's been going on at Procter & Gamble (P&G) and how committed they are in delivering what the consumer wants.  The article is from Heather King and it's a great lesson in...listening.

Our friend Lee Odden has a great post on "Five Search Engine Trends that Impact Your Business".  The bottom line is this...if you are NOT engaged, daily, you'll be missing business that is going "someplace else".  Think it's time you...spent some time learning why?   Here is the "short list":

• On-line Search - Off-line Buys
• Life Beyond Google
• Mobile Search Comes of Age
• Social Media & Advertising
• Paying for Traffic is it Worth the Investment

Banking in your Backyard - So, what does small business have to say about banking relationships and community owned banks?  It's not surprising and here's an article from Gwen Moran about relationships and why they matter in these tight credit times.

How about FIVE things you should know about...SLEEP?   No kidding.  We'll talk about the power of sleep and how it can impact your business.  But, don't fall asleep during the conversation.  Here is the article by Cline Roque for the Web Worker Daily.

Back to work kids...catch you at NOON Central.  Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:

NatraTurf - Now you can have a sustainable lawn with the help of our friends at www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Business announcements and wedding invitations that make folks go, WOW! - www.LotusMoments.com

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

Thanks for coming by...

 

 

Road Stories - June 29, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday newscast about advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We're part of WebcastOne LIVE and you can find us on the channel starting at 12 Noon Central.  You can watch, listen and take part in the live chat for our show and others by heading to WebcastOne LIVE and we monitor Twitter @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show for your comments and questions.  Join us today at 12 Noon!

On the show today (the text and the links are right after the video - Video starts at :40 seconds in)

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

 

I've got some insights from our recent trip to see Mom.   She turned 90 this month and my son, Aaron, and I headed to very rural Northern Michigan.  Coming back, yesterday, we visited the Village of Milford my "hometown" of 6,200 people just 35 miles from Detroit.   Is there life in a depressed economy and how to take advantage of what you already have. In this photo The Milford House.  Taking a gas station and an ice-cream shop to cool and trendy...

Why all national brands, no matter who they are, are vulnerable to the "boots on the ground" and what you...as a business owner needs to do the make sure your business doesn't fall trap to sloppy service and worse...lousy conditions.

The "local angle" of being in business as a BP Retailer.  I'll share a story about a visit I had with folks from Blarney Castle who have several convenience stores with a BP brand attached.  What are they feeling and experiencing?  We'll talk about it.

While gone I gave a business, Flowers Unlimited, what I think is a powerful idea to help them increase business AND brand.  I'll share it with you today.

Here is a photo of "my office" over the past several days. It's a Burger King in Indian River, Michigan.  The draw...was free Wi-Fi but the "come back" was the daily treatment from the staff.  And, yep, across the street there was a McDonalds.  I'll share why Burger King beat McDonalds in this adventure.  Something you, no matter the business, can learn from.  Sorry Ronald...strike two.

Re-Branding a High School and wondering, out loud....why?  I'll share with you a little about the Milford Redskins...now the Milford Mavericks...and...why.   I'm still wondering.

Enough...of "show and tell".  In other news:

We talk about the "Green Industry" all the time.  We've got several clients involved in R&D and they've been doing great...even during the recent recession.  Part of the secret to success is that they've continued creating products and services that are "sustainable" and then releasing to the hungry consumer.  Here is a look at what's been going on at Procter & Gamble (P&G) and how committed they are in delivering what the consumer wants.  The article is from Heather King and it's a great lesson in...listening.

Our friend Lee Odden has a great post on "Five Search Engine Trends that Impact Your Business".  The bottom line is this...if you are NOT engaged, daily, you'll be missing business that is going "someplace else".  Think it's time you...spent some time learning why?   Here is the "short list":

• On-line Search - Off-line Buys
• Life Beyond Google
• Mobile Search Comes of Age
• Social Media & Advertising
• Paying for Traffic is it Worth the Investment

Banking in your Backyard - So, what does small business have to say about banking relationships and community owned banks?  It's not surprising and here's an article from Gwen Moran about relationships and why they matter in these tight credit times.

How about FIVE things you should know about...SLEEP?   No kidding.  We'll talk about the power of sleep and how it can impact your business.  But, don't fall asleep during the conversation.  Here is the article by Cline Roque for the Web Worker Daily.

Back to work kids...catch you at NOON Central.  Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:

NatraTurf - Now you can have a sustainable lawn with the help of our friends at www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Business announcements and wedding invitations that make folks go, WOW! - www.LotusMoments.com

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

Thanks for coming by...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketing/Business News - June 23, 2010

Insight on Business comes at you Monday - Thursday at 12-Noon Central only on WebcastOne LIVE!  Our news/webcast is all about advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We'll look at ways in which you can boost your sales, with advertising and marketing tips that really work.  We also take a look at the business headlines and give our perspective and our thoughts on how it impacts you.  Insight on Business with Michael Libbie, to see/hear and interact with us follow this link to WebcastOne LIVE!

On the show today:  All the links follow the video re-play:

desmoineslocallive on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

 

Hate to start off Hump Day with a dire prediction...but, the "other shoe" is about to fall.  We talked about the looming commercial real-estate crisis months ago.  Look for the general media to start picking up the coverage.  How will it impact you, your city and your business?  We'll talk about it.

Our first studio guest today (yes TWO) is Matt Coniglio of Fastline Publications will be with us talking about marketing and advertising in the world of Rural America.  Matt is the National Accounts Manager for Fastline Magazine which has been a staple of the American Farmer for decades.  We'll talk about branding and the difficulty he has in re-branding a storied magazine and where he sees the rural market headed when it comes to "the Majors" and shortline equipment manufacturers.  It's all about rural consumer trends.  Matt Coniglio today with Insight on Business.

In addition to Matt we've just secured Claire Celsi for this afternoon.  Claire just returned from a trip to Dell HQ where she participated in a quality session.  Claire, "The Public Relations Princess", has had her "issues" with Dell and has been very public about the problems she's encountered.  Here is her post from today .  We hope to be able to have her in studio so you can hear first hand...the story of "Dell Hell" and where everybody goes from here.  Look, it doesn't matter if you are Dell Computers or Jim's Flower Shop...you'll hear the same sound advice for how to listen, handle and fix consumer issues.  Join us....  Claire Celsitoday at 12:45PM Central with Insight on Business.

"How much time will social media take?"  It's the very first question I hear from small and large business owners who fear spending large chunks of time on something that they can't, immediately, see a return on their investment.  Good question and today we'll look at a recent survey that suggests most marketers spend only ten hours a week.  We'll break it down for you and share our thoughts on how much time social media engagement REALLY takes.  Tip:  It's like everything else...you get out what you put in.

A program note:  Insight on Business will NOT be on tomorrow or on Monday.  I'm taking a couple of days for a celebration.  Mom is 90 years old...  I'm blessed.

Want to start a business but just not sure what might work and meet consumer demands in the coming years?  Inc. takes some of the pressure off with their suggestions of The Top Ten Businesses You Should Start...NOW.  It's an eclectic mix of what you might imagine...and what sounds goofy.  Really a ferry boat business?  We'll share today.

Thanks for reading/viewing/listening and engaging.  Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and made possible by:

NatraTurf - Today you can help change the environment and make a difference simply by doing your lawn a favor.  Learn more:  www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Business announcements and wedding invitations that will make you go, WOW!  www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Learn how they can help get your business noticed!  www.ESP4All.com

We monitor Twitter before, during and after the show.  Comments or questions..  It's @MichaelLibbie  Thanks again...see you at 12-Noon Central on WebcastOne LIVE!

 

 

 

 

Advertising/Marketing News - June 22, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our daily (Monday - Thursday) look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends all in an effort to give you some solid tips on how to promote your product or service in this economy...or any.  Join us, at our new time 12-NOON on WebcastOne LIVE.

The text is right after the video:

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

 

In the news/webcast today:

I had a great meeting last night with my friend Matt Coniglio from Fastline Publications.  (Seen here is a sample shot for marketing the company.)  Matt is the National Accounts Manager and he's in town to see the folks at John Deere Credit and visit with other ad agencies.  We got together to talk about the state of the ag economy, agricultural equipment dealers, major tractor manufacturers and shortline manufacturers.  I was hoping to have Matt on the show today to have this discussion but our time change to Noon now prevents him from making it to the studio.  You would be amazed at his depth of knowledge in a field that impacts so much of Rural America.  Perhaps next time.

It's going to be interesting to see how, my bank, Wells Fargo sells this one to it's customers.  In the wake of federal regulations which are intended to help protect consumers from skyrocketing bank charges on credit cards and other services many banks are doing away with many of the "free" services that consumers have come to expect.  In the case of Wells Fargo the "lost revenue" amounts to millions of dollars each quarter.  What will be fun to watch is how they and others will now position themselves in their marketing campaigns.  Meanwhile, expect many locally owned, "community banks" to stay put regarding fees.  Watch...

I was going to share the story about Frontier Outfitting yesterday but our visit with Dr. Moravec from Mercy Health Care Sciences on business ethics was so engaging...we didn't get to it.  It's a story about what could have happened IF they had listened to us.  They didn't and now they are out of business.  We'll talk about what we suggested, why and why our strategy would have...worked.

Yesterday, in the Des Moines Register, there was some news about Rabbi Shalom Rubashkin, who received 27 years in the federal prison system. There was also a story about Paul Gray the bass player for Slipknot who died of an accidental drug overdose.  I doubt these two people ever met however they are linked.  Here is what I wrote yesterday about how wrong it is that the Des Moines Register encourages anonymous posts on their site.   It's all about money and clearly not about the ethics of journalism and it is a shame.  We'll talk about it today and why this practice is just plain...creepy.

What's going on with GM and the Buick nameplate?  Party on Garth!  How is this for stereotyping?  I've long said that IF you see a tan Buick on the road you can be 95% sure the driver is well over the age of 65.  In other words the core consumer for the Buick was...dying.   In the wake of GM's boneheaded move to remove the word "Chevy" from it's lexicon comes this interesting twist on how they are trying to re-connect with a younger demographic that...they believe will save the nameplate.  It might be working...the Buick moved from 17th place to 8th in "tonal buzz"according to this story from Brandweek. 

Have you heard about Project Safe Water coming out of Omaha and Midwest Labs?  No?  Here is the link and it's a great example of Cause Marketing.  Tip of the hat to my friend Brent Pohlman.

If you've been watching/listening or reading us for sometime you know this story:  "Those companies that made the choice and succumbed to the notion that to survive the recession they must CUT their advertising and R&D budgets lost market share.  However, those companies that did the exact opposite and increase advertising/marketing spending...win."  We were...right.  Here is the latest report from our friends at Advertising Age.  Now...go ahead...let me know why it was a good idea to cut your advertising budget...  I am listening.

OK we've gotta push this out the door and help our clients make some money!  Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and made possible by:

NatraTurf- You can have an impact on the environment by starting with your lawn.  Learn more:  www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Business announcements and wedding invitations that make folks go, "WOW!" www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Let the folks at www.ESP4All.com help your company get notice.

Join us on Twitter before, during and after the show:  @MichaelLibbie thanks for coming by!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metro Monday - June 21, 2010

It's Metro Monday at Insight on Business; that means we'll take a closer look at what's going on here in and around the city of Des Moines.  Even if you live in Cleveland you'll still get a nugget or two that you'll be able to use in your business.  Our focus is on advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  Join us in our NEW TIME today at twelve-noon and only on WebcastOne LIVE.  To watch, listen and take part follow this link to WebcastOne LIVE.  See you at Noon!

On the news/webcast today:  Note...there is about 3 minutes of "me" getting ready to do the show...  I don't know why either...but it's there.  So...enjoy the warm up?  LOL!!

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

 

Our guest today is Joe Moravec a professor at Mercy College of Health Sciences here in Des Moines.  We're talking about ethics and faith issues...in business.  More about Joe...below.

Getting ahead of the curve.  Des Moines already is noted as the best city in the nation for careers and business, in the top five for communities to raise children and for those of us here.  We love the attention...but now the work starts.  In order to stay ahead of the curve dozens of Metro leaders headed to Washington, DC to pitch loads of projects to lawmakers in the hope of garnering earmark dollars.  You know, those nasty boondoggle cash handouts that everybody loves to hate.  If they are given to "somebody else".  We'll talk about that a bit today.  And in a unique public/private partnership Des Moines is also staying ahead of the curve by encouraging building on empty lots...we'll visit about that too.

It's the first day of Summer and the longest day of the year.  Now what?  Well, we start at a NEW time:  12:00 NOON just a reminder.

The Des Moines Arts Festival is going...social.  Visitors to this weekend's event can use a variety of social media tools to keep in touch with what is going on according this story by Michael Morain of the Des Moines Register.  I skimmed the article and noticed another thing they need...but it's not mentioned.   Think...hash-tag.  Maybe #DMART or #DMAF might work? 

Please, no rain for the festival?  This week starts out wet...the four day forecast says rain...every....day.    So, just what is a cubit?

Big?  Yep, over 34,000 folks braved the threatening weather yesterday for the Iowa Indy Corn 250.  And the winner is:  Tony Kanaan

Our studio guest today is Joe Moravec the Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Mercy College of Health Sciences here in Des Moines.  We're going to visit about ethics in the workplace, diversity issues, customer service and a new program called Pathways.  We're thinking that PRICE isn't the only way to win the confidence of consumers.  You might start with...ethics.  Hope you'll join us for a lively discussion about the workplace, being a boss and being an employee.  We'll cover loads of ground today with Joe Moravec and Insight on Business.

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

NatraTurf - Go "chemical free" on your lawn with the help of www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - For business and wedding announcements that create "WOW!" visit them at www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Get your business noticed:  www.ESP4All.com

Let's connect on Twitter before during or after the show: @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADVthanks for coming by and remember...NEW TIME today 12 o'clock NOON only at WebcastOne LIVE see you then.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video - Insight on Business with Michael Libbie

Hi kids...and welcome back to Insight on Business part of WebcastOne LIVE.  Our program is a look at news and information about advertising, marketing, consumer trends and best business practices.  Our goal is to give you ideas to help your business thrive in this economy or any.  We take decades of marketing and advertising experience look at the current trends in business and then give you meaningful tips to point your company toward success.

On our latest show we talked about business plans, marketing plans, why social media is "such a huge waste of time" and so much more.  Here is the show:

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocalliveat livestream.com

Thanks for coming by.  You can catch Insight on Business, a production of our advertising agency Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications, LIVE Monday - Thursday at 12:30 Central and only on WebcastOne LIVE.  And, if you want to connect with Twitter we're @MichaelLibbie have a great weekend!

 

Planning or Guessing? - Insight on Business - June 17, 2010

Insight on Business is a daily (Monday - Thursday) news and commentary program about advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We're part of WebcastOne LIVE and get to be with you today starting at 12:30PM Central.  We're here to help your business grow and develop by thinking about what works and what doesn't when it comes to marketing and advertising.  We'll also share our thoughts on various consumer trends.  Join us on WebcastOne LIVE and let's talk about business and boring stuff like...success.

On the show today:

You've heard us say time and time again that you need a PLAN if you are going to even get close to success in marketing your goods and service.  We're believers in being accountable, setting dates and benchmarks for advertising/marketing.  Why some fight us on this is beyond us.  However, we think those are the same people that consider a Business Plan to be a waste of time and money.  Not...so...fast.  Tim Berry of Palo Alto Software asked about a dozen questions about business start-ups and nearly 3,000 responded.  He found that, of those responding, those who finished their business plans were twice as likely to successfully grow their business, get an investor or a loan than those who didn't. Here is a link to his story and to the way in which he did the survey.    Still think planning sucks?

Why would Martha Stewart be able to garner 1-million followers on Twitter in five months while the Governor of the State of Iowa, has been able to get only 1,590 followers since his Twitter account was activated on July 14, 2009?  (he also follows only 119 people - mostly other political people or news sources)  The answer is because she is actually INVOLVED.  Here is what she said in FastCompany: "I write all my own tweets," she said, including recipes and quickie polls. Stewart says she loves the instant feedback Twitter provides: "It's always accurate, informative and to the point."

OK she is a "rock star" compared to the Governor but I have long contended that if @GovChetCulver would engage the people himself, rather than having staff do his Tweets, he too would emerge as a real human and have a much better chance of being a second term governor.   But...just like many in business who view a Marketing/Advertising plan as a waste...he isn't listening.  It's a shame...

Last year I wrote a series of posts regarding the 2009 Study by Razorfish.  I think we should review that lesson because it is as real today as it was then.  Let's start with how Social Media is a HUGE Waste of Time.  We'll then ask you do you wish all this scary Social Media stuff would just...go away?  We'll finish up with the Dark Ages. 

Sound like fun?

Tip of the hat to my friend Brent Pohlman from Omaha for this piece about the future of eating out.   It's from the Wall Street Journal and tells the tale about how some places are using not only social media but also technology to better get into the game.  Good read and we'll talk about this and a conversation I had on Tuesday night on FoodChat. 

Then...if you have time we'll visit what we didn't get to yesterday about rebuilding Rural America with Technology.  You game?

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

NatraTurf - Get REALLY green with your lawn visit www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Find the most creative business and wedding announcements on the planet, www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Get your business noticed www.ESP4All.com

Join us on Twitter before, during or after the show.  @MichaelLibbie thanks for coming by.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Going Natural - June 16, 2010

Insight on Business is your resource for news about advertising, marketing, consumer trends and best business practices.  As part of WebcastOne LIVE our goal is to help you better understand how to reach out to customers, learn what consumers are demanding and find ways to meet those demands.  No matter your business, in each show, you'll find an idea that you can turn into...profit.  Decades of experience coming to you each Monday - Thursday at 12:30PM Central only on WebcastOne Live. 

Here is the show from today the links to the stories are below the video.

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

We'll share with you some statistics regarding non-food organic sales figures.  This consumer trend is huge and if you were with us on Monday when we discussed Cause Marketing you know how much of an impact you can make when you market to this affluent consumer group.  We're going "natural" today.  Listen in for the numbers.

This morning Seth Godin "re-purposed" a blog about the future of the workplace and the "new factory".  Powerful item and we'll add to his thoughts today and give you real world examples on how we think we'll see a revitalization of Rural America through technology.  Say goodbye to "The Office".

Yesterday the world watched President Obama talk about the oil disaster in the Gulf.  Critics say he missed an opportunity, supporters say he was not only firm but also presidential.  We'll offer up our thoughts from a marketing standpoint.  Remember, we'll leave the political talk to others.

Every fired somebody?  If you have, or even if you haven't, you might be interested in this recent survey of 1,190 business leaders and their response to the question, "Have you ever fired someone and then later realized it was a mistake?"  The answers and percentage are as follows:

• No, because I stand by all my firing decisions. - 54.61%
• Yes, but I don't sweat it...it's part a a leaders risk. - 19.82%
• No, because I've never actually fired someone. - 16.99%
• Yes, and it still bugs me. - 8.58%

I've got some comments on this...and thanks to our friends at Smart Pulse for the survey.

WORST logos ever?  Here is a quick look from our friends at Bored Panda!

Our studio guest today is Craig Dick from NatraTurf.  NatraTurf is a sponsor and a client of ours and we've worked hard with them in an attempt to create a brand that can lead homeowners and professional turf people to a better understanding of going with a natural approach to lawn and turf care.  We'll talk about the challenges and the growth opportunities.  Craig Dick today with Insight on Business.

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

NatraTurf - You can have a hand in "going natural" with your lawn and garden.  Learn more at www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments - Business and wedding announcements that ROCK - www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Get your business noticed, www.ESP4All.com

Join me on Twitter before during or after the program:  @MichaelLibbie or @InsightAdv thanks for coming by...see you at 12:30PM Central.

 

 

Video from June 15, 2010

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie from today.  Here we're talking advertising, marketing and consumer trends with you.  We also discuss the Worst Ad of the Week (think saggy), why we confuse people with words nobody understands, what happend to nylons and women...like who started that idea...and we'll also get serious about how to be brief and win the day, and much more. Video starts at 13 seconds.

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

Insight on Business is part of WebcastOne LIVE and we're on Monday - Thursday starting at 12:30PM Central.  Let's connect on Twitter - @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV thanks for coming by.  For a link to all the stories see our text version of today's show.

 

Get To The Point & Strong Language - June 15, 2010

Insight on Business your Monday - Thursday look at news and information about advertising, marketing, consumer trends and best business practices is on WebcastOne LIVE today at 12:30PM Central.  Hope you can make it to our discussion and as always, because it is a discussion we look forward to having you join us Online.  To see the program head to WebcastOne LIVE, join us on Twitter @MichaelLibbie and the Chat during the show.  And, you can always send us an e-mail.

On the show today:

Maybe if SOMEBODY else tells you...   Key to getting a customer's attention and then actually turning a "look" into questions that turn into an opportunity to SELL something is being brief.  Our agency has always erred on the side of "less is more" when it comes to marketing messages.  But, don't take my word for it...  Here is a post from our friend Jim Connolly who says, "Get to the Point!".   We agree...  What do you think?  We'll talk about it today.

  Last week President Obama raised some eyebrows when he uses some mild profanity.  In business we are encouraged NOT to offend but...can the use of profanity actually be good for morale and business?  You might be surprised.  Here is an article written by Dan McGinn, senior editor at The Harvard Business Review.  We'll talk about it and get your thoughts.

Want some ideas on how to help your social media efforts succeed?  You're in luck, we're talking about that today.  Here are the four items and we'll flesh them out a bit more.  Our thanks to Stephanie Miller, Guy Kawasaki, Stacy Kane and Andy Sernovitz for these pointers taken from a panel discussion at Buzz2009 last year.  A year old and, they are still solid:

• Keep it Real - Strive to be authentic and not something else.  Folks will see through it in a heartbeat.
• Make it Easy - Another call to be brief (see above) and to take the mystery out of the project.   If you "think" you need "Ten Points" cut it down to four.  Don't overwhelm.
• Encourage Customer Participation - Remember this is SOCIAL MEDIA and if you are just going to spit out sales message after sales message without asking for input from your consumer group....you're just advertising.  Engage...and learn.
• Ask for Help - If you want input ask for it.  Most people in the world of Social Media are wanting to reach out and help spread the word.  Also, don't be afraid to ask your customers for help.  Finally, never be afraid to give others credit and include them in your posts and notes. 

Good stuff...and thanks to Emily Molitor of SmartBlog on Social Media for the heads up.

How about an example of the Worst Ad of the Week?  Here you go...saggy breasts and all...  Another reason to get professional help?

Purchased your TV or Radio time yet?  If you were paying attention last year...we said you should lock in your rates to avoid spending more for the same coverage now at prices from yesterday.  I know...it wasn't a priority.  But, good news for Radio and TV, revenues for television are expected increase by 14.3% this year and radio should see an increase of roughly 6.4%.  Those numbers come to us from industry analyst, Robin Flynn of SNL Kagan.  We'll visit again about the numbers and why they are important to others besides investors...

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

NatraTurf - Learn how you can join the real "greening of America" by starting with your own front yard - www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Moments- Business and wedding announcements with the WOW Factor.  www.LotusMoments.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - Let the folks at www.ESP4All.com help your business get noticed.

Thanks for coming by...air time is 12:30PM Central with WebcastOneLIVE see you in a bit.