The Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie part of the Webcast One LIVE Network takes Friday off...sort of. It's the day we get our house in order for the coming week and a day we share with you some of, "The Stuff We See" as it revolves around our world...and yours. Ready?
In Iowa - Sanity Is At A Premium
News out of the Iowa Legislature that the so called "Ag Protection Bill" which makes it a felony to create video images on a farm is being re-worked in the Iowa Senate. We have said, since this bill was introduced by Rep. Annette Sweeney (R-Alden) that it is a bad idea for Iowa Agriculture and for Iowa. The Senate changes seem to be much more in line with what we suggested last month. Make it a crime only if the crime (cruelty to animals) is not shared with the authorities within 72 hours. We would rather see 48 hours IF we're really concerned about cruel treatment. Want to read the convoluted reasoning of the people backing the House Bill? Here is the link to our friends at The Des Moines Register.
Sanity in Iowa Questioned - Part Two
We would do a story on this mess but...we don't do politics. However, little has been done by the Iowa House to address issues such as jobs. They have been more concerned with wombs and bedrooms. Want proof? Once again we turn to our friends at The Des Moines Register for this story. When does this session end so we can get back to the real work of...work?
Twitter for Business
This week I did a seminar for the Urbandale Chamber sharing information with members about how to best use Twitter for Business. It is a powerful tool, when used with a solid plan and making sure you follow some simple rules. For those of you NOT there...and those of you...EVERYWHERE here is that information sheet. Go ahead and enlarge by clicking on the image. Hope it helps!
Nice Touch From Homemakers Furniture
We're always talking about how business might make a difference and allow consumers to know that business really cares about...their business. Kimberly Conley, one of the folks who sat in the Twitter for Business Seminar, works at Homemakers Furniture. When I sent her a note and the handout (above) I commented that we love their store and had just been there on Sunday. She wrote back: "Glad you found something you liked on Sunday. I've been having a hard time staying out of the outdoor/grill section myself :-)." What is cool about this is...she didn't have to say that. But, the fact she went, looked and acknowledged the purchase (in a very subtle way) rocks! It takes so little to connect with your consumers and make an impression.
Business Is Good
One of our long time clients recently posted that they have only enough product to fill the orders of dealers who had pre-paid for delivery by the first of the year. It's not like they haven't been manufacturing. Their plant has been working 24/7 since last fall. Demand has been high because it's a good product, it works, and we did the right thing by sharing that news with the end user through traditional and non-traditional media. The result: Sales...big time. So, how are things in your business? Just checking.
Pay to View - The New York Times
In the nearly four weeks since The New York Times announced that readers had to "pay to read" the paper reports over 100,000 people have given up their credit card numbers to access the news. Is that "good news" for the Times and for publishing or...? Depends on how you read those numbers. For the full story check this from our friends at Advertising Age.
Diet Pepsi to Increase Ad Spend & New Ad Released
It's been four years since Diet Pepsi has spent significant dollars on ad buys. Over the past three years the brand has shelled out a meager $500,000 in measured ad buys. That has just changed. Why? They lost market share and now are coming back with new ads and new ad buys. Here is the latest commercial.
Remember when we told you...years ago that the worst thing you could do was to reduce ad spending in the face of a recession? Guess our friends at Pepsi weren't paying attention. Welcome back.
Who Came By This Week? (Click on each photo to enlarge.)
Here is our friend Marc Daniels with Jerry Holub from Earl May Garden Centers in to talk about Weeding Out Hate and planting Peace. Neat conversation and Earl May is distributing the seeds at their locations and this year at the Iowa State Fair.
This is Jeremiah Terhark from DSM Daily who came in on Monday to talk about the launch of his new local coupon adventure...already with over 10,000 users. Thanks Jeremiah for the insight on your business.
On Wednesday our friend Pete McRoberts (we love that name) came in to talk about his business Capitol Writers and the importance of using a well crafted press release and making contact with the press. Great tips and a super interview. Thanks Pete...see you around campus.
Thanks and Thank You -
Thanks for coming by. Insight on Business News Hour is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications www.InsightCubed.com and made possible by the support of:
NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns and Gardens www.NatraTurf.com
Bindery One - A nationally known digital printing house with a great direct mail facility it's www.Bindery1.com
Weed Out Hate - There is a better way - www.WeedOutHate.org
If you would like to stay in touch: @InsightADV (Business Baby...business) or @MichaelLibbie (personal and business) or you can leave a comment here, send me an e-mail or...gosh, call? Have a great weekend!
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