Welcome back to Insight on Business with Michael Libbie our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing, consumer trends and business practices. We're seen LIVE starting today at Noon Central here at Webcast One LIVE. And, because the show is interactive you can ask, answer or comment using "The Chat" or you can contact me directly on Twitter @MichaelLibbie - I monitor the site before, during and after the show. Here, again, is the link to Webcast One LIVE!
Here is the show from today. (Gosh that is a scary look what is this...Halloween?)
The back story? It has to do with Montgomery County, Red Oak and the chair of the GOP.
Also, today our special, in-studio guest, is Jan Post from the Project Management Institute - Central Iowa Chapter. Some of you may know it as PMI. What the heck is that? Hang on, Jan will break down project management, why so many companies don't "get it" and what they can do to...start. Watch and learn today with our special guest Jan Post.
By the way, Jan is the General Manager of Net-Integrated Consulting and we'll find out more about that as well.
"The Worst Ad of the Week" - Come on kids...I know you have one or two that you would love for us to showcase tomorrow! Let me know what and where and we'll make it work. It's a regular Thursday feature and we need some nominees.
I've also got a brief Mid-American Energy failure story for you. Why oh why do "consumer centered" businesses resort to automation for communication. It really sucks and lowers your brand. And...I'm just calling you...back. What should be done? We'll share.
Last night I went to a "house party" here in Des Moines and visited a bit with former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack who is now the United States Secretary of Agriculture. We talked about the "Fertilizer Flap" that started yesterday between Governor Chet Culver and challenger Terry Branstad. We also discussed the election, the "Iowa Brand" and remembered his first come from behind victory...I'll also share the back story on this video:
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing and communications. We're part of Webcast One LIVE and you can catch the show LIVE starting at Noon Central. You can also take part in "The Chat" and make contact with me using Twitter, I monitor @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show.
On the show today I talked about the impact of the World Food Prize, The Iowa Hunger Summit, the recent flap over the potential regulation of fertilizer proposed by Governor Chet Culver and the Terry Branstad response. I then showed a series of video clips with a focus on how to use video to market your company. We talked branding, what works on YouTube and what should...but often doesn't.
NatraTurf - Still putting chemicals on your lawn? Why...there is a better way: www.NatraTurf.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - The idea is to get your business...noticed. Let Cindy Taylor help: www.ESP4All.com
Lotus Moments - For unique wedding invitations and business announcements visit with the folks from Lotus Moments: www.LotusMoments.com
Thanks for coming by and being part of Insight on Business a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications www.InsightCubed.com and brought to you by:
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. You can catch the show LIVE starting today at Noon Central right here at Webcast One LIVE! And, because we're interactive, you can join us in "The Chat" or on Twitter @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the program. Today is Monday and that means we crank up the Metro Monday Edition, our look at local trends, issues and marketing. But, we promise a "nugget" that you can use no matter where you live.
Here is the show from today...all the links for the information are below the video.
Saturday night I had the pleasure of being with the
Iowa Junior Chamber as they made Outstanding Iowan awards to community organizer Max E. Canderias, Habitat for Humanity worker Melissa Schoneberg, Iowa State Senator Jeff Danielson and football great Kurt Warner. Here is a brief video with US Jaycee President Jeff Lank and Iowa Jaycee President, Jennifer Gracey.
Thanks again for the invite and the opportunity to say a few words...
Chuck and Carla Offenburger are good people and for the past year both have been battling cancer. Chuck's sister, Chris Offenburger Walsh is doing more than talking about it...she is raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with a book called Hawktivity. She's gotten the approval of the University of Iowa to use their logo in this 22 page activity book filled with puzzles, drawings and more. Here is the story from the Des Moines Register here is a link to Amazon where you can purchase the book and here is a link to the Offenburger's Blog and Website. We wish you well... You know, some things are more important than "The Silly Season".
Last week we told you about corn prices...and a less than perfect season for yield. That has sparked a dramatic rise in the price of corn on the Chicago Board of Trade. So? So...here we go again with the "Food vs. Fuel" debate and yes...expect an impact at the grocery store. Hey, it's Iowa...we've got to talk a little agriculture.
Folks are saying that the World Food Festival was a huge hit. Great weather turned out loads of people...congrats, again! But really...Krispy Kreme Cheeseburgers from the Machine Shed? Does that even sound like a good idea to foster on the rest of the world?
Got time for one more? Des Moines is the home for The World Food Prize and this week the eyes of the world are on events and activities marking World Food Prize Week. Tomorrow is the Fourth Annual Iowa Hunger Summitthat will be taking place at the Hotel Fort Des Moines. The Summit calls attention to the role Iowa plays in feeding the world as well as bringing to light what else can be done. The Iowa Hunger Summit is free and open to the public. Here is a link for more information about The World Food Prize and World Food Prize Week.
Those stories and more today with the Metro Monday Edition of Insight on Business a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications and made possible by:
NatraTurf - Still putting chemicals on your lawn or garden? There is a better way: www.NatraTurf.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - You want your business to get noticed right? Let Cindy Taylor help, www.ESP4All.com
Lotus Moments - For wedding invitations and business announcements as unique as...you: www.LotusMoments.com
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends seen here at Webcast One LIVE. That doesn't mean that we take Friday off... It simply means we often head out to the people to listen and share our thoughts about customer service, marketing, branding and social media. And that's what happened in Denison, Iowa this morning.
Getting up at 3:30AM to make a 7:00AM speaking engagement isn't a "day off". It was well worth the investment. Don Luensmann (pictured) is the Executive Director of the Crawford County Chamber and Economic Development Council. Don and I go back to our days in broadcasting and the United StatesJunior Chamber of Commerce and when he called I was thrilled to make the date. I learned that Crawford County, Iowa has an unemployment rate well below 5%. I learned that on "Main Street" there is a sense of helping each other, pulling together for the common good of the community and there is a yearning to learn.
My job was to talk about branding, the power of the media, how social media can be used to augment traditional media and why it's so critical to listen to the consumer. I also introduced them to this video...I believe it was the first time the majority of people came to understand the depth of social media:
So...who drank the "Kool Aid"? In the end there were questions about time, ROI, the defensive posture of social media, using SM to gather data, and "How do I get started?". It was a fun morning. Thanks, Don, for the invite...and Mike, hang in there for a couple of months and make some connections. ;-) Oh...Gina, I've sent you the link to the Socialnomics video...enjoy!
I love what I do...and Don...the invitation to do a show is open. I'll bet the folks from around the country would love to know what's happening in Rural Iowa...it's the best!
Let's connect using Twitter: @MichaelLibbie and come on by the site to learn more about Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications...And, tomorrow night? I speak to the Iowa Junior Chamber of Commerce at their annual Annual Outstanding Young Iowan event in Des Moines...we don't sleep, much.
Back from a day away from the Webcast One LIVE Studio! Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. You can catch us LIVE starting today at Noon Central by heading to Webcast One LIVE. And...because the show is interactive we invite your comments, questions and answers in "The Chat" during the show and I also monitor Twitter @MichaelLibbie before, during and after. So...let's connect?
Here is the show...all the links are below the video. Thanks for coming by!
Yesterday we were out on a photo/video shoot for a client. A couple of thoughts about when YOUR business makes plans for a major event like this. Seriously...stuff that needs to be covered before the day of the shoot. It's our way of helping.
The Political Season- Each year what I see and hear angers me more. I honestly didn't think it would ever get worse than the "Swift Boat" wing-nuts. But...sadly it has. Candidates will say ANYTHING about ANYTHING...and there is zero accountability from the media usually because their focus is on making money...not giving us the news. Yesterday I heard a series of ads that were so outrageous (heated sidewalks) and so full of false innuendo that I wrote a check out to his opponent, Stacy Appel. It's getting that bad. Why "preaching to the choir" may not be the best tactic in marketing politics or products. We'll talk about it.
It's GOT to be a PUBLICITY STUNT: The folks at GAP, without fanfare, introduced their "new logo" on their website. While this isn't our "Worst Ad of the Week" it's a real close second to the dumbest idea since "New Coke". Not only is it a lousy representation of an iconic brand...it looks like a software company...the bigger issues is, "WHY?". Here is a company that is rolling along with $18 billion in sales and they have a winning logo. Why the change? (Maybe because store sales were off last year by 4%. But...so were others.) Again...I don't want to hire the designer of the logo...but would LOVE to know more about WHO sold GAP on this bone-headed idea. Freezers are needed in the North Pole...
Minimum Purchases to use a Credit Card? Yep...look for it to happen here soon. We'll tell you about it.
We thought this was pretty cool: FIVE Splurges Your Money-Conscious Company Should Make - It's by Adam Fusfeld for Business Insider. Worth a read only if you want to learn something...and NOT want to spend a bunch of cash.
Last week we were asked to "have a look" at a couple of websites built by people who build their own websites. I know...we're already in trouble right? We did and the report was what you might expect. Here are the five things we believe you and EVERY company needs to consider when creating a web presence:
Be Clear - Do not make the visitor "guess" what you do and how you do it or what you sell and how you sell it. Bad experience.
DIY Websites- Look like DIY Websites...sorry. If you really want to attract business allow your site to look like your in business. It's not an after-thought.
Images Sell - So much more can be done with images than text. We are drawn to color and "looks". But...what if you sell multiple things? How about an image of consumers enjoying the experience? That is IF you know what your experience...is.
Skip "About Us" - If you are going to write a BOOK about your company...don't. Nobody really cares. Give us the Cliff Notes version...you'll do better.
You - Who are...YOU? - We see this loads of times when a small business owner brands his/her website. If YOU are the company....be the company. Let's see you, let's hear your voice...please.
BONUS - Make it Easy to CONTACT You - Please...don't make me go through hoops to find your contact information. And...use a name not: Info or Sales or Contact - There MAY be people out there who are named "Contact" but few.
DEAR MEDIA COMPANIES - When you send us a Media Kit include your NAME in the PDF. Honestly you would be amazed at how many media outlets send out a media kit in pdf form and call it, "Media Kit". Then...when we need to find...we've got to search...or re-name ourselves. Silly...YOU know who you are...but we don't.
We've had several suggestions for "Worst Ad of the Week" but many were in "phone calls" to the office. But, because we're a visual/sound media...it's great to send us the radio commercial, video or photo. That way we can show it to...others. Just trying to help. We had several suggest that Iowa Diamond and Chuck Kuba should be included in our "worst ad" selection for today. But...we're not. Iowa Diamond ads may be irritating but...the minute that voice come on...you know it's going to be interesting...and he changes enough that it's worth a listen. HEY...I know Chuck and I'm trying to cut him some slack.
So...our "Worst Ad of the Week" goes to... Liberator Medical for their "Holly Ad" where she bemoans the fact she must "re-use" catheters...daily. And she was "a little nervous talking to strangers" about her condition...but clearly NOT nervous about doing a commercial extolling the issues of pre-used catheters. Yikes!
Thought you might like that...watch for our comments. Again, if you've got a nomination for Worst Ad of the Week send it on. And, yes... Once we get a photo of the "Man Cave Hot Dog" we'll include. ;-)
Hello and welcome! Today we're off working with clients and a major video shoot for TV and the Internet so...no Insight on Business with Michael Libbie. I know our producers, Max and Eric might have something for you starting today at Noon Central. What? Yikes...we don't know. We're back tomorrow with more news and information about advertising, marketing and consumer trends. Catch you then?
Have a great Wednesday and I'll monitor Twitter @MichaelLibbie should you wish to follow and be followed. Thanks for coming by...
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. You'll see us LIVE at Noon Central here at Webcast One LIVE. And, because the show is interactive you can comment using "The Chat" or connect on Twitter, I monitor @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the show. Thanks for finding us and on the show today: Here is the show from today. Links the the stories are below the video:
So you think you have everything under control with your brand. An example of how your brand can go...south in a hurry. This story out of St. Joseph, MO about the "best child day care" in the area located at Wyatt Park Baptist Church. What they did right...and what you should be prepared for. Here is the story from the St. Joseph News-Press.
Anybody want to ask Rick Sanchez about popping off about wacky ideas. The CNN newsman was released last week after a flap with Jon Stewart and his comments about Jews and the Media. We like Rick...thought he was a forceful newscaster but...sometimes you can cause your own train-wreck. Frankly, we're not sure he even understood what the heck he was yapping about. Anyway, here is the Monday segment from The Daily Show.
Got to remember that Jon Stewart is a COMEDIAN for cryin' out loud.
Just to prove to you we in advertising can do ANYTHING! If given enough money and creative license. Have you heard about the $25 million campaign that is trying to make eating Baby Carrots...cool? The campaign is an attempt by "A Bunch of Carrot Farmers" to impact the market and make a dent into the top-of-mind awareness of healthy living and kids. Look for them in the school snack machines...soon. Here is just one of the Extreame Baby Carrot ads.
I told you....we can do...anything. And we'll also show you the Sexy Baby Carrot ad...whoot! Come on, show Baby Carrots some LOVE. (also, we'll tell you what Baby Carrots really are...wink.)
While it's long been understood that Fox News is a shill for the conservative movement (come on admit it) MSNBC has decided to counter the right and launch a new tag-line and embrace it's political bend with "Lean Forward". It's sort of like what FOX isn't doing? Product tags...nearly as important as the product in getting the message out. Spending time on yours?
Maybe it's a Product Problem- Often when sales are slow business ramps up their marketing efforts...when what they should be doing is ramping up their product. Here is a quick read by John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing. So...what do you think? Marketing problem or product problem. We'll give you some examples and talk about this post.
It's sort of like: Operational Problem - Personnel Problem - Product Problem That's right...the three reasons your sales are suffering. Which do you have? We'll talk about it.
Thanks for coming by...these stories and more today. Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:
NatraTurf - Now you can make the right choice for your pets, family and the environment by not putting harmful chemicals on your lawn and garden. www.NatraTurf.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor help your business get noticed: www.ESP4All.com
Lotus Moments - For wedding invitations and business announcements that are as unique as...you. www.LotusMoments.com
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. Our show can be seen at Noon Central here at Webcast One LIVE. And, because it's interactive you can join the show with your thoughts by using "The Chat" or by making contact on Twitter. I monitor @MichaelLibbie before during and after the show.
We didn't make a conncetion with the Des Moines Downtown Alliance prior to air-time so we had to go with what we...have.
While our show tends to be national and global in nature each Monday we focus on things going on closer to home and today we've got a video report on Farm Crawl 2010 that was held yesterday...and a peek at The World Food Festival happening this weekend. Both events are the result of a couple of consumer trends:
Organic/Sustainable Agriculture - People want to know where their food comes from and what's in it. Farm Crawl is an example of the interest rural and urban folks have when it comes to knowing more.
Diversity Festivals - Again a solid consumer trend. As the world gets smaller people want to learn more about each other and nothing brings folks together like...food.
Both Farm Crawl and The World Food Festivalof Des Moines meet the growing consumer demands for more knowlege about each other and what we're eating. We'll talk about those drivers...and why you need to pay attention.
In other stories:
Last week I recommended to a new company that they contact my friends at KCCI-TV8 to build a television campaign. A couple of days later I get a phone call from veteran media sales pro - Bridget Olson saying "thank you". I think that's the first time it's ever happened and another reason that working with professionals makes all the difference in the world. Your question: You too? Do you go out of your way to make a contact and say, thanks? Nice...
Like football? Have you ever heard of the UFL? Omaha has and the Omaha Night Hawks put 27,000 people into Rosenblatt Stadium this past Saturday Night. Tailgating started around Noon for a 7:30PM game. What the heck? Do I hear..."Road Trip"? I'm counting five teams in the UFL: Florida, Hartford, Las Vegas Sacramento and Omaha. Ummm and 32 Cheerleaders for Omaha? Where did all of this come from? We'll talk about it today.
I got into politics yesterday. Should never have done that...but did. Four stories that will blow your mind...at least they did mine. All from Sunday Morning Coffee.
Speaking of politics - Have you heard about the bill working itself through Congress that would allow the government to shut down various sites? The government... Here is an interesting article from my friend Brent Trout - "Senator Charles Grassley No Friend to the Internet". Interesting.
Going to push this out...now. Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:
NatraTurf - Fall and taking care of your lawn. Get natural ideas from www.NatraTurf.com and stop putting chemicals on your lawn.
Lotus Moments - Because your wedding and business invitations should be as unique as you... www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Get noticed with the help of www.ESP4All.com
