In case you've run out of stuff to worry about...one word: Russia. It's the business news headlines for Friday the 11th of February, thanks for being with us again today. Here's what we've got for you:
Yeah, that Russia thing;
Gold and Oil prices spiked today;
To tame inflation the Fed may do something drastic;
Speaking of drastic...think trucks and Canada;
People are moving for many different reasons we'll share;
We've got a list of the top 10 U.S. grocery stores and why;
The Wall Street Report;
Super Bowl ads on Sunday some thoughts and costs.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.
Yesterday was...yesterday. Today we just don't know about that U.S. and China "deal". It's the Business News Hour coming up today:
So, who did you say was going on that G-20 trip?;
More job cuts in the news today;
Payless Shoes gets customers to buy their shoes at up to $600 a pair;
Housing appraisers, we don't need no stinkin' housing appraisers;
New jobless claims are up and that has some folks concerned;
A fashion re-branding coming to Des Moines, Iowa;
What happened on Wall Street and why.
We're talking cookies and charity with our favorite foodie, Beau Fodor. Coming up on 13 December is the Annual Cookie Exchange. This year at at new swanky venue and with a new charity. Always fun to have Beau on with us.
We'll also present this encore conversation with Melissa Ness the President/CEO of Aureon HR. It's all about worker productivity and how that is impacted by workplace culture. This is seriously good stuff.
Insight on Business - The News Hour with Michael Libbie is seen each
Monday morning at 9 from our studios at Webcast One Live and today also starts our Monday - Friday radio news hour at 1350-KRNT in Des Moines.
So, what is the difference? Plenty.
The Web/Television News Hour is broad in scope with news and information from the world of advertising, marketing and business. The radio program on 1350 KRNT is much more local. Local news about business and economic development in and around the Des Moines Metro.
On the TV/Web News Hour Today:
Making The Office Cool - Four Tips
Social Media a "Waste of Time" says MIT
Turkish Television - Kelly Brook & AXE
How is Your Package? - Worst of the Week
Des Moines Cycle Club - Pedal Off the Pounds
Best of the Week - Skittles and MAXIM Model Chrissy Teigen
And, we'll post the videos here later in the day.
THEN...
Tonight at 5PM we kick off Insight on Business - The News Hour radio edition at 1350-KRNT. A full hour of news and information about Des Moines Metro businesses. Our guests this evening include Christian Renaud of Start-Up City and later Beau Fodor from Panache. Between guests we'll have a report about the Iowa Distilling Company and what's happening in the Indian Grocery World. Those stories, the stocks of local interest and more. Join us as we launch the daily radio edition of Insight on Business.
Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is fueled by our
advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and is designed to offer ideas, tips and information about advertising, marketing & business. We're live at 8:45 each Monday Morning at Webcast One Live and right back here whenever you want, on your time. We monitor our Twitter Stream @InsightADV before, during and after the News Hour for your comments and questions. You can also join us on our agency Facebook Page which is right here. This week:
Designed to Flop?
Last month Apple switched up and started running a campaign called, "Designed by Apple in California". It's an emotional campaign that, no doubt, came together due to the negative press Apple has received regarding its overseas manufacturing. What else about this "soft ad"? We'll share our thoughts...
Naughty on Facebook?
Starting today Facebook will start scrubbing ads that may not be safe for work. We'll share what happened and why.
Driving Customers Nuts
Our friend Seth Godin offers up some ways you can cut the frustration with regard to incoming business calls. And, we add our comments about how how your phone skills can damage your brand.
RAGBRAI The Book
Des Moines Native Greg Borzo has just released his new book RAGBRAI a collection of interesting stories and images from the wacky event held each summer in the Hawkeye State. We'll share a bit for you but, if you can't wait here is how you can buy.
Creighton Cox & DSM Home Starts
The news has been that home values have started to rise here in the Metro. What about home starts? We'll have the executive director of the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines in for a conversation about the business of home building, what's going on to fuel the resurgence and property taxes in one of the metro communities.
Lionel In The Fridge
We'll share the latest ad from our friends at Tap King. Fun stuff and they nailed it.
Thanks for coming by. We look forward to seeing you LIVE at 8:45 Monday and back here for the video later in the day. You can catch the show LIVE at Webcast One LIVE.
Insight on Business - The News Hour with Michael Libbie is our advertising agency's look at advertising, marketing, consumer trends and...business. We're live each Monday morning at 8:45 onWebcast One Live or right back here with video on your time. If you want to stay in touch before, during or after the live broadcast we monitor our Twitter Stream @InsightADV and here is our agency Facebook Page. Let's get started with some business tips...for your company:
The No Decision - Decision
We'll share how making no decision on a product or service really is a decision and how that decision is hurting your brand. Five tips to keep your brands luster.
Who Controls Your Brand?
Here's a real time story about how critical it is you pay attention to the little things. Otherwise all the branding money you are paying out goes up in smoke. Tip of the hat to the Des Moines Register.
Social Media - Lost Its Way?
What started out as a way for individuals to communicate across great distance about all sorts of issues has been kidnapped by...marketing. What's the result? We'll share.
Visual Campaigns - Did This Go Too Far?
A campaign to point out the need to get tested for cervical cancer was launched last week and some are saying "poor taste". We'll share.
Selling with Sex
We'll share with you the new campaign from H&M and also wonder aloud why we didn't get it. But, then again, maybe we're not the target?
Got Panache?
Beau Fodor says that everybody can get it if they want it. We'll visit with Beau and have him explain the roots of his business, define what panache is and exactly how you can get some. Beau Fodor in the guest chair talking Panache about 9:15.
Best/Worst Ad of the Week
It's a toss up but we'll still share.
Insight on Business - The News Hour will be LIVE at 8:45 Monday Morning at Webcast One Live and right back here, on your time, a little later. Thanks for coming by...and thanks for being one of the 11,750 viewers we've measured so far in the past eight weeks. Bam! Nice to have you.
Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is powered by our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. It's our way of sharing news and information about the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. If we can offer up a nugget that will help improve your business...we're in. We are live at 8:45 Monday Morning on Webcast One Live and right back here on your time...whenever you want. Let's go: (Vides starts at :18)
A Racist Ad?
Depends on who sees it, who thinks it's funny or...racist. Mountain Dew stirred the hot water last week and we'll share our thoughts on being careful with what you think is funny but might turn off others.
Careful Who You Hire
Last week I met a "Social Media Strategist" who must have stock in Facebook. I'll share the story and what you need to know before you hire your Social Media Guru...
On The Bus...But, In the Right Seat?
Last week we had a meeting and one of the best quotes about who may be driving your business. Who? We'll share.
Are You a MILF?
We think this is a classic turn for a lingerie company. Just edgy enough but also wholesome. We'll share and offer up our thoughts on using things like this for your marketing.
Dan Halstead
Our guest today is Dan Halstead who, just a few months ago, decided to remake himself and his brand. We'll talk about his business, employee and employer relationships, kickstarting and what's new in the world of visual marketing. Dan Halstead from Evolving Edge Graphics in the house.
Why Apple? This is Easy
I'll share with you another reason why we moved to Apple for many of our agency products. Personal story about customer relations and shopping.
Best Campaign of the Week
While it's not as edgy as MILF or as bad as Mountain Dew we do have a sample of when it's in the best interests of a brand to say,"I'm sorry". We likey a bunch!
Let's Connect
If you want to comment before, during or after the show on Twitter we monitor @InsightADV. If you would like to come by our advertising agency Facebook Page that is right here. If you wish to comment on this post you may but...because of a HUGE increase in SPAM (ya know when things are going well when the spammers come to play) we've had to begin monitoring comments. Sorry, that's not the best way to get things done but...hope you understand.
Once again, to watch LIVE at 8:45 Monday head to Webcast One Live or come back here on your own time for the videos. Thanks for coming by!
Insight on Business - The News Hour with Michael Libbie is designed to offer you ideas and information on advertising, marketing & consumer trends. Why? So that your business can learn and thrive in this economy or any. From decades of advertising & marketing experience to you for...free. All from our advertising agency Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can watch live at 8:45 Monday at Webcast One Live or come back here for the rebroadcast. Feel free to comment here or @InsightADV and our agency Facebook Page is here. Insight on Business - The News Hour is brought to you by FUIRSA Tax - "Working hard for you until the cows come home!" Lot's to share, let's get to it:
Are You "Snackable"?
My friends over at Skyward offered up three simple thoughts about the information you share online. The bottom line is..."Snackable Information". I'll explain how critical that is when it comes to not only digital advertising but advertising in general.
Not All Networking...Works
If you're active in the world of "networking" you know how many different events happen each week. Not long ago I was talking to a person who told me he attends four to five each week. Really? I'll share with you what we've noticed as critical differences between the many events we've attended and what might be your best bets.
Sending Consumers/Customers/Leads Away?
I'll share with you a true story about how a company routinely sends consumers to their competitor(s) and can't understand why that is not in their best interests. Maybe it's time to take a hard look at your communication procedures?
Three Solid Tips for Blogging
I know, you don't have the time. But, the other big question is, "Do you have the patience?" Sharing your story is not a quick fix. We'll share more about what you should be doing.
The Back-Story of Renting Apartments/Condos
So much has changed since I rented my first apartment. Back in the day perspective renters would scour the newspaper. Then somebody thought it would be cool to put out little magazines dedicated to rental properties. Then Craig's List and now several companies are at work marketing rental options online. Lots of changes and options out there. Our in-studio guest is Tina Padavich who is the president of the Central Iowa Apartment Alliance an "industry support and educational organization" who "...advocate for quality rental housing in Iowa". We'll visit with Tina about the focus on rental housing, the growth in the industry, what folks in this industry are most concerned with and how they advertise and market their properties. Should be interesting. Tina Padavich in the seat, join us.
Best Rental Ad...Ever?
Advertising that works is often...edgy. We'll show you one that made us do a double take. Hey...worked for us.
Worst Ad of the Week
Actually, this isn't so much an ad as it is the Worst Campaign of the Week. It's hot, fresh and oh so...dumb.
That's it. Join us LIVE at 8:45 Monday Morning at Webcast One Live or right back here later in the day for the re-broadcast.
Each Friday we look at some of the stories you may have seen or missed, add our
comment and offer up Insight on Business. Why? To help you learn what's going on in the world of advertising/marketing and communications. Tips you might be able to use in your business to create...better business in this economy or any. Several original posts and some new information. If you want to leave a comment here, feel free. Or follow our Twitter Stream @InsightADV and our advertising/communication agency Facebook Page is right here. Ready? Let's go!
LOGOS - Round One
Last week we authored a piece on Logos. The bottom line to this message is the fact you can (if you want) purchase logo ideas from on-line marketers and it will cost you between $69 and $100. However, buyer beware. Most of these "custom logos" are re-hash stock pieces that have been used dozens if not hundreds of times. Our belief is that you want something that will last and be a unique identifier for your business, no matter its size. Here's that post and the original, "So How Much for A Logo?" Or, if you want to have another lesson here is one regarding the price some folks charge for logo design. Can you spell $1,000,000? Yikes!
Logos - Round Two - ebay
This week ebay launched their new look for their logo. The idea is to help position ebay as a seller of goods and services beyond the "old auction model". The existing logo served for well over 17 years. The new, sleek piece uses the same color pattern but seeks to simplify and update. Great lesson here about how to alter your logo without causing confusion and grumbling among your consumers. Think...GAP?
What's In A Title?
ABC News is finding out that Iowa may not be such a sleepy place as yesterday they got hit with a $1.2 billion lawsuit. The Iowa based company Beef Products, Inc. contends that ABC News spent lots of time talking about "pink-slime" a name coined to incorrectly describe "finely textured beef" a product made from beef and included in hamburger. The consumer outrage/scare was enough to upset even 92 year old mothers (mine included) and close down several BPI plants which cost 700 jobs. This is going to be interesting to watch. BPI has asked for a jury trial. Here's the story from our friends at the Des Moines Register.
Lesson in Target Marketing
OK, so...let's say you want to boost your sales among young males. What do you do? Perhaps your TV ad shows some great food, cooking on a BBQ. Nah...that's pretty tame. Maybe show that same food being cooked on that BBQ in the hot...sun by a couple of...babes? BOING! We got ourselves a lesson in target marketing. Here's the ad.
Oh, one other thing. For those of you who think writing, filming, directing, and editing good TV ads is something you get from your local television station...you know for...free? Have a look at this post for the back-story of the ad creation. Notice something? Lots of people and a long day of shooting. Come on...pay attention. ;-)
Class Act - Car Dealers
Once upon a time we called out Toyota of Des Moines regarding a "fund raising adventure" after an tragedy. General Manager, Steve Luebke objected but, we understand why. However, we truly wish more car dealers would use this professional approach to their advertising rather than...shouting at us. Toyota of Des Moines, in their TV ads (which we couldn't find) shows Luebke as a rational, professional and polite "car guy". Nice branding and we like. Here is a piece we found from a 2001/2012 series that, while the camera work could have been better, gives a hint at how they think.
And...nope...nobody paid us a dime. We just think it's cool.
Re-Launch of the Social Media Club of Des Moines
Re-launch events are always fun and this one was no different. Held at the new Exile Brewery in downtown Des Moines the event attracted nearly 100 folks interesting in Social Media and how they might help themselves and their business use these tools to do a better job at expanding their marketing/sales footprint. We had several questions about "What's Next". Those were answered by our friend Suzanne Hull in the comment section of this post,"We're In...Now What".
Gosh kids...gotta go! Thanks for coming by and feel free to share. Have a superior weekend!
Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Friday look at our world of advertising and marketing. We then share our thoughts and opinions on what works...and what may need some more...work. Thanks to our friends at Bindery One and NatraTurf for their continued support. Let's go...
Steve Jobs...More Than Apple
The business world is reeling with the news Steve Jobs has resigned as the CEO of Apple. We've watched Mr. Jobs over the years and marveled at his ability to create excellent products...and also amazing advertising messages. From very humble beginnings to a person who will go down in history as one of the greatest minds. Here is, what some say, is the best commercial...ever. The Macintosh ad from the 1984 Super Bowl:
Super...huh?
ROI of Social Media
We hear it from business people all over the country, "OK, this social media stuff might be fun and interesting but what is the ROI?" Here's a quick story we posted on our advertising agency page: Our client went to a retail distribution meeting, one of dozens of companies who were there to pitch products to a room of buyers. The men who were listening to the pitches had already been there for hours and the room was "tired". Our client showed their products, new packaging and talked about retail support. The buyers said some nice things and dismissed our client. While walking toward the door our spokesperson heard her voice coming from the back of the room and somebody said, "Wow! This is really neat!." They had activated the QR Code on the point of purchase display we had created and within seconds others were accessing the codes. The codes were programed to go to a short "How To" video on product use. The buyers invited them back to the table with renewed enthusiasm and...made a buy. What might have happened if they had not been engaged in social media? Are you there?
Voice Over Work
I was struck by this the other day when working on some VO material for a national client. How many business people fail to use professional voice over artists and simply have the TV or Radio Station talent voice their commercials is...astounding. Or, worse yet, the business people voice the ads and they are usually less than appealing. Look, when I worked in radio I voiced many, many commercials...daily. The trouble was it was the same voice...over and over and over again. What is it worth to really stand out? Just a thought.
Thank You and Connect?
Sorry for the brief post today. We're in the middle of two major film projects and much editing going on today for a piece that needs to be delivered...tomorrow. If you would like to leave a comment here, feel free. Or let's connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV and our ad agency Facebook Page is right here. Thanks and have a great Thursday! - Michael
