Insight on Business - Jonnie Wright - September 13, 2010
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. On Monday we tend to focus on more "local" business issues, it's the Metro Monday Edition...but I promise you, no matter where you live you'll find a "nugget" or two you can use for your business. You'll find us at Webcast One LIVE today at Noon Central. And, because we're interactive you can watch the show, chat about what's going on or connect on Twitter I monitor @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show.
Leading off is the (Un) Secret Shopper, Jonnie Wright. Jonnie is the man behind a very successful customer service training and secret shopper company called the Buyosphere that launched in 2005. Using his experience, humor and the tools garnered from a lifetime of shopping, Jonnie not only reports on customer service he trains companies at how to become...better.
For those of you in business and if you have ANYTHING to do with customer service and public interaction...this is a MUST WATCH program. Learn what your company can do to become more responsive to consumers. Learn the primary difference between selling and customer interaction. What companies suck...and who gets it right. That's all today with Jonnie Wright the (Un) Secret Shopper, Noon Central.
In other news:
The 2010 VMA's from our friends at MTV is history. In case you missed it: The VMA is a valuable pop culture check-in (and a great place to see creative advertising). In summary: Lady Gaga won hearts (maybe not minds), Paramore killed it, Taylor Swift got sad, Kanye West kept it simple and Mary J. Blige can still sing the roof off the house. Sure YOU could have spent hours sitting and watching...but hey.
Sorry, I got distracted from Metro Monday.
Kum & Go going...green? Actually the word is "sustainable" as the Des Moines based convenience store chain announced last week that they will, use sustainable materials to build 5,000-square-foot stores, install skylights, energy efficient refrigeration and buy materials from local vendors. Here is the story from last week's Des Moines Register. Your nugget: If a CONVENIENCE STORE can understand the sustainability trend WHEN will you match your product or service to what the consumer has on his/her top of mind? When? And...what? And...how do you let them know? Let me know??
And when did Mike Templeton land a gig at Kum & Go? How'd I miss that?
Staying on the "convenience store" thread: Looks like 7-Eleven has the edge in the battle to take over Ankeny based Casey's General Store. Great...can you say... "Slurpee"?
And, just HOW MANY convenience stores can you have in a four block radius of Des Moines? It's becoming inconvenient.
In business there is always politics. Last week former Governor Terry Branstad, who is running for another shot at the job he left 12 years ago, said he is open to consideration of ramping up the Iowa film industry with tax credits. Meanwhile Governor Chet Culver says nope, "We're not going to be taken for suckers." Word: If Branstad becomes governor...it's back. After all, it was during his watch the Iowa Film Office got its start.
NatraTurf - This fall make your lawn safe for kids, pets and...you. Learn how: www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments - Wedding invitations and business announcements that are really different...because you are. www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - The goal is to get noticed. Let Cindy Taylor help you do just that: www.ESP4All.com
See you at NOON Central on Webcast One LIVE!
Comments
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Thanks for the mention, Michael! I've been settling into my role as Social Media Manager at Kum & Go over the last seven weeks.
Sustainability and social media are topics that have grown in focus for us, both driven by our company's leadership and the will of the customer. People want to do business with companies that are cognizant of their environmental impact, and they want to connect through their preferred communication channels. We're moving in a direction to support our customers in those needs.
I'm looking forward to the show today. Give me a heads up a bit earlier next time if there's an opportunity to be more involved. Thanks!
Mike - You are dead on about following the consumer and what is top of mind for them. One of the things our studies continue to show is an increase in the environmental concerns many have. Once considered a "hippie" issue...it has become mainstream. Making sure we don't "Greenwash" is key to embracing the concept. Thanks for reading and for the comment!
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Thanks for the mention, Michael! I've been settling into my role as Social Media Manager at Kum & Go over the last seven weeks.
Sustainability and social media are topics that have grown in focus for us, both driven by our company's leadership and the will of the customer. People want to do business with companies that are cognizant of their environmental impact, and they want to connect through their preferred communication channels. We're moving in a direction to support our customers in those needs.
I'm looking forward to the show today. Give me a heads up a bit earlier next time if there's an opportunity to be more involved. Thanks!
Posted by: Mike Templeton | 09/13/2010 at 10:54 AM
Mike - You are dead on about following the consumer and what is top of mind for them. One of the things our studies continue to show is an increase in the environmental concerns many have. Once considered a "hippie" issue...it has become mainstream. Making sure we don't "Greenwash" is key to embracing the concept. Thanks for reading and for the comment!
Posted by: Michael Libbie | 09/15/2010 at 05:35 AM