Insight on Business

Des Moines Business Events with Laura

Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is a production         
of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and is the only business broadcast in the Des Moines Metro. The News Hour is made possible through the sponsorship of: Merit Resources of Urbandale, Iowa Computer Repair of Windsor Heights, ReMax Real Estate Concepts of the Des Moines Metro, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, DWebware of Urbandale, The Strudl Haus of Des Moines, Manpower of Central Iowa and the Kreamer Law Firm of West Des Moines.

Each Monday afternoon Laura Kinnard joins us for#DMBizEvents a look at her top picks of "Stuff to DO for Business in the Des Moines Metro". From networking to seminars to educational opportunities she's got the goods!

 

Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only business broadcast in the Des Moines Metro and a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in Des Moines.  Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.

Mayor Steve Gaer of West Des Moines

Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is a production of our                      
advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and heard Monday - Friday from 5PM to 6PM on 1350-KRNT, Des Moines. The News Hour is made possible through the sponsorship of: Merit Resources of Urbandale, Hy-Vee and the Hy-Vee Market Grille near you, Iowa Computer Repair of Windsor Heights, ReMax Real Estate Concepts of the Des Moines Metro, In the Bag Corporate Corporate Cuisine of Des Moines, Triplett Office Essentials of Des Moines and the Kreamer Law Firm of West Des Moines.

We invited Mayor Steve Gaer of West Des Moines in for a chat about the economic development of his community, the future of new developments, bike trails, malls and a reflection with regard to the the new Iowa Medical Marijuana Law which he was instrumental in shepherding. Here is our wide ranging discussion:

 

Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is heard Monday - Friday from 5PM to 6PM on 1350-KRNT, Des Moines.  Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.

Insight on Business - The News Hour - June 24, 2013

Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is powered by our advertising agency Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and can be seen LIVE at 8:45 Monday Mornings at Webcast One Live or right back here on your time. Made possible by our friends at FUIRSA - "Tax and Accounting Professionals who work hard for you until the cows come home". We monitor our agency Twitter Feed @InsightADV before during and after the show and here is our agency Facebook Page...just in case.  This week:

Lynn Hicks

Our special guest this week is Lynn Hicks the business editor of the Des Moines Register.  We'll talk about the historic move the Register made last week to new offices, what he looks for in business stories, what changes he's seen with regard to the Des Moines Metro and a host of other issues.  Lynn Hicks live with us at 9:15.

 

Data Farms & Economic Development

Last week West Des Moines announced Microsoft will be guilding a milti-million dollar data farm in their city.  The project was given $20 million in tax credits by the state to provide 30 jobs.  We don't do politics here but this is an interesting story about how already successful companies use tax dollars to expand.  Is it "Corporate Welfare"?   We'll talk about it.

Women Owned Businesses & Iowa

Several years ago American Express listed Iowa as having the worst record in the nation for support of women owned businesses.  Iowa is last, dead last.  Last week the Iowa Economic Development Authority announced a $50,000 project awarded to a Cedar Rapids company Ascent to look at ways Iowa can do better.  What might be some suggestions?  We'll share.

 

Video & Business

What happens when companies put together a well scripted and designed video that explains what it is they do?  In this story we'll look at how one company boosted their on-line conversion rate by 20%.  Video as a corporate investment.

Selling Sails?

My friend Mike Wagner tells the tale of the three reasons a business fails. We'll visit about that in detail and ask how many of you might want to go into business selling...sails.  Hey, it could make a comeback.

 

New York Times & Mobile Readers

Beginning on June 27 folks who access The New York Times will be allowed to view only three articles each day.  It's the continuing attempt by the newspaper to boost revenue in the "pay to view" world of on-line reading.  Will it work or will users just go away?  We'll share some thoughts.

 

Those stories and some words about using Facebook Photos of bikini clad college students and the $2 million dollar lawsuit filed against a public school district in Georgia.

 

Insight on Business - The News Hour with Michael Libbie - Thanks for coming by!

Bye Bye Brands, Car Talk and a Taxi: 06/03/13

Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and can be seen LIVE at each Monday morning at 8:45 on Webcast One Live or right back here on your time. Insight on Business the News Hour is brought to you by our friends at FUIRSA - Tax and Accounting Professionals that will work hard for you until the cows come home.  You can join us before, during and after the broadcast on our Twitter Feed @InsightADV and, if you like, here is our Facebook Page.  Today:

 

Bye Bye Brands

Each year Wall Street 24/7 lists out what brands they expect to disappear in the coming year.  We'll roll through each and give you the background story in the first segment.  Is your favorite brand among them?

But Wait a Minute

We posted something about Volvo being only a memory by 2014 and our friend Josh Dreyer from Willis Auto Campus of Des Moines said, "Not so fast!".  We've invited Josh into the studio to tell us why Volvo will remain a US nameplate.  Join the discussion at 9:00AM.

 

Taxi, Taxi!

 

In Des Moines, Iowa there is a rule regarding who may and who may not operate a taxi business.  Many would be surprised that most of the taxi business in the city is a monopoly and quirky laws prevent outside companies from providing this service. Two weeks ago a member of our group needed a ride to the airport and at random called Cab Trans.  He came up on an amazing story and we'll share it today.  Our guest is Christopher A Brueggeman owner of Cab Trans.  It's a great story about a start-up, what he does that is different and how his business is growing...fast.

 

Those stories and more coming to you LIVE at 8:45 this morning at Webcast One Live or back here later in the day.

Insight on Business - The News Hour - 03/25/13

Insight on Business - The News Hour with Michael Libbie is a look at the world of advertising, marketing, consumer trends and the tips our advertising agency offers to business owners and managers.  We're LIVE each Monday morning at 8:45 at Webcast One Live and right here in this blog anytime you want.  Before, during and after the News Hour we monitor @InsightADV for comments and questions. IOB-The News Hour is brought to you by FUIRSA Tax, "Working hard for you until the cows come home."   This week:

 

The Scary Buying Cycle & Retail

Once upon a time retail business owners controlled the advertising media.  They would create a print, radio or television ad and push that message to consumers.  They still do that but the consumers have taken control of the message.  That has lengthened the buying cycle and if your business fails to engage...  We'll share what has happened and what you can do to get "back in the game".

Want To Build A Crowd?

This past weekend some savvy new business owners had a Grand Opening.  Hundreds of people flocked to the event.  They sold out of several items within hours and the crowd shared their experiences with their friends encouraging them to join in on the fun.  All of this without buying one second of radio or television time.  All of this without buying one piece of print.  How did they do it?  It was not "free" and it was not "easy" but it worked.  We'll break it down for you and congratulations to the 515 Brewing Company for some nice work.

 

Co-Create Your Next Product/Service

Who Says YOU have the best ideas?  No doubt...you.  But, have you ever thought your consumers might be able to help you create create the "next big thing"?  We'll give you four solid ideas on how successful businesses turn their customers into the new research and development department and why that works.

 

Repackaging Works & Why

Last week Pepsi announced the first major repackaging of their product in 16 years.  We're wondering what took them so long.  Sure, it's not that they had a lousy product or bad packaging for those 16 years. But, repackaging sells and creates a buzz.  What your business (and Pepsi) can learn from the heady days of Detroit automakers.

 

The Business of Politics

We've invited Susan Judkins and Desmund Adams into our studio to talk about the area of politics most folks never see...the business side.  We'll talk about what they learned from their recent run for public office, what business decisions they were surprised they had to make and how politics and business go hand-in-hand.  It is "The Backstory of Running For Office" with two bright friends.  Believe me...you'll learn something here.

 

Worst Ad(s) of the Week

Each week we share with you either the BEST or the WORST ad of the week and help you better understand why we "crown" our "winners".  This week we'll show you two.  Two ads we thought were disgusting.

We're LIVE at 8:45 Monday Morning at Webcast One Live...join us!

Insight on Business - September 12, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Friday look at the world of  advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  It's what we do for our advertising agency business and something we offer you to help your company grow...and sell more products and services.  Our thanks to NatraTurf and Bindery Onefor their continued support of this project.  Let's go...

For Some...It's Important

There are many ways to "ghost market" your company...here's one from our friends at the Iowa convenience store chain, Kum & Go.  The other day I was getting some fuel for my bride's vehicle and noticed this sign at a newly constructed store.  It let's folks know that materials used in the construction are environmentally friendly.  I took a photo and Tweeted it.   Mike Templeton from @kumandgo responded that all of their "...new stores are built with LEEDS specifications in mind...".  Two points about this story:  1)  It is, in a sense, cause marketing; for some it matters and letting folks know that is important.  2)  The response time on Twitter was impressive...Mike responded in less than fifteen minutes...on a Sunday afternoon...nice.

Farming In South Georgia

Last week we were on the road shooting video on the Davis Farmin Doerun, Georgia.  It was a great trip and Bart Davis shared an interesting story with us.  Bart was an orphan at 18.  His mother and father both died within six months of each other.  He got an old house and a couple of hundred acres of farmland.  He married his high school sweetheart, Paula.  He was twenty...she was seventeen.  We shot video on the day his new John Deere 7760 cotton picker arrived...price tag: $580,000.  Here's a quick video I did...while we were shooting the real footage...about his registered Angus cattle, his new cotton picker and...peanuts.  Fun.

 

Thanks Bart...

This Isn't Business...But

Yesterday was, of course, September 11 the tenth anniversary of 9/11.  Not far from our home is the Clive, Iowa Fire Station.  While there may have been larger memorials I'm not sure they could have been more touching than this.  High on the top of a ladder truck the American Flag...and below that a smaller flag for each of the firefighters who died from that tragic event ten years ago.  This isn't marketing and it's not politics...it was and is memorable.  Thank you for all you do.

Packaging - Heinz Ketchup

We love new and different packaging ideas...it's also part of what we do.   And, to   prove to you I don't get out much...I just discovered this neat small portion container from Heinz.  Not only in the shape of a bottle of ketchup but TWO ways to open:   1) At the top to squeeze out the contents and 2)  Peel back the bottom to dip stuff in.  Nice...very!  OK...so it's the little things that get me going.

Thanks & Back At It

After being gone for most of last week...we've got tons of stuff on the front burner.  Thanks for coming by and if you want to comment here...feel free.  Or my personal Twitter account is @MichaelLibbie and our advertising agency is @InsightADV and our agency Facebook Page is right here.

Have a great Monday - Michael 

Insight on Business - August 29, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is a look at our world of advertising, marketing and  consumer trends.  We'll offer up our thoughts and opinion on what works and...what needs more work.  Our goal is to help your business increase your marketing footprint and...sell more.  Thanks to our friends at NatraTurf and Bindery One for their continued support of our project.  Let's go:

Consumer Trends & Food

Yesterday I visited my local Hy-Vee grocery store and ran into the store director.   Josh is an amazing young man who loves his work...even on his day off.  He said something that struck a cord: "I'm always looking for the next big thing so that I can help craft our marketing message."  That would be us...as well.  I shared with him the rapidly developing change in how consumers select the food they eat...and how it is grown.  While this is not a new trend...it's ramping up quickly here in the Midwest.  Today, thanks to Josh, I've got three stories for you that prove the point.

Kert Henning & Marketing

Henning's Cheese is a family owned cheese manufacturing company that has been around for 97 years.  They have a total of 25 employees and they are busy.  I had the opportunity to visit with Kert regarding the challenges of selling a premium product in tough economic times.  He told me, exactly what we've been sharing with you for nearly three years.  Now is the time to ramp up your research and development along with a robust marketing plan.  Here is two minutes on that:

 

If you would like to learn more about Henning's Cheese, here is a link to a longer video we did where Kert explains the company and how it has grown over the years.  What is the draw?  Reality...and a passion for high quality.

Iowa Hospitality & Home Grown Food

While it's true that we'll get 25,000+ people at the Des Moines Downtown Farmer's Market each Saturday...understanding why...is more of a challenge.  Until you consider this video done by my friend Maxwell Crabb.  It's a simple video of a dinner party held at Butcher Creek Farms.  Jennie Smith, who owns Butcher Creek Farms had a dozen people over for dinner made up of her produce and other local Iowa products. 

 

Nice huh?  Once again...high quality and value.  Thank you Crabb Media...

Tallgrass Grocery Co-Op

And..one more:  Tallgrass Grocery Co-Op is coming to Des Moines.  It's a place where you can buy locally grown food and products that's organic and mindful of consumers needs and producers work.  The physical store is located in Historic Valley Junction and, while not yet open...will be shortly.  What a very cool idea and something we're proud to promote.  Have a look at their site...

Tie It Together

The common theme here is not price but...value.  As more and more people value what they eat and where it comes from they will spend the extra money because they are connected to the cause.  Cause marketing?  Sure...but with an added incentive...healthy, robust taste and...value.  Looking for the "next big thing".  Here you go....

Thanks & Connections

Thanks for coming by and should you wish to leave a comment here...feel free.  And we can also connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV and there is always our advertising agency Facebook Page.  Have a great Monday! - Michael 

Insight on Business - August 15, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our look at our world of advertising, marketing  and consumer trends.  Each day we'll take a look at several stories, offer up our opinion and several tips.  The goal is to help you increase your marketing footprint, get more eyeballs and sell more...stuff.  Thanks to NatraTurf and Bindery One for helping us make this feature possible.  Let's go:

QR Codes - Mobile Marketing - Part II

Last week I shared a quick video (you can click the link or activate the QR Code) with you about how to improve the use of QR Codes or Bar Codes in marketing your product or service.  This morning I read an interesting article about WHO is scanning with mobile devices, WHERE they are scanning from and WHY.  Here's the stats according to comScore and their survey from June, 2011.   That month 14 million folks in the US used their smart phones to scan QR Codes or Bar Codes.  They tend to be male (60.5%), between 18 - 34 (53.4%) and have a household income of $100,000+ (36.1%).  They scan from newspapers and magazines (49%), product packaging (35%) and websites on PC (27%).  Most scan from home (58%), retail (39%) or grocery stores (25%).  These numbers, we believe will only get larger as more products/services up their use of QR and Bar Codes.  But, you've got to do it well...  TIP:  What about a restaurant using "table-tents" with a QR Code and have the chef share the "special of the day"?  Or maybe the drink of the week... Using video it could be done in less than sixty seconds. 

Butter Cow 2012 - Update

Last week we told you about this really fun idea some friends of mine had.  With all  the hoopla here in Iowa about the Iowa State Fair and the Iowa GOP Straw Poll the idea of running the iconic Iowa State Fair Butter Cow for president was...a natural?  Celebrating 100 years at the fair the Butter Cow seemed a logical choice for some...fun.  But, not all the folks thought it so.  "So, what is this a lame way to promote the fair or some graphic designer?", was just one of many Tweets I received.  In other words...some people are grumpy.  Two take-a-ways from this adventure:  1)  When you can mingle two hot topics into something fun you may end up on the Huffington Post and 2) Some people won't get it...and they will be angry.  Sucks to be them.  Have some fun!  Oh, by the way, Butter Cow 2012 is reported to have garnered three votes this past Saturday at the Straw Poll.  She may have beat several others?  You can connect directly with the campaign: [email protected] what the heck...

Boots - A Consumer Trend for Fashion?

We spent a couple of days at the Iowa State Fair and I was intrigued by how many women, of all ages, were wearing boots with shorts and skirts.  I saw this on both Thursday and Friday afternoons.  Might be the acts on stage or it just might be...something else.  We're headed back this week for more consumer insight for a client.  Must do some additional "research".   But, seriously...might "Cowboy Chic" be coming back?

Yo2Go - We Like - Simple

Yesterday my Bride talked me into going to Yo2Go a new frozen yogurt place in  Urbandale.  It opened up early last month and it's been awash with customers every day.  Developed by Metro Area businesswoman Terri Roberts and her husband Mike it's one of several new yogurt outlets in the area.  What we like about it was...the simplicity of the idea.  The consumer isn't waited on by staff, it's self serve and you pay by the weight of what you put in your cup.  Loaded with all sorts of choices in yogert and toppings it's delightfully simple.  And, we LOVE the logo!   It's been a cool place to hang out during the hot summer...what happens when we get -15 degrees?   We'll see.. 

Thanks and Keep Rolling!

Thanks for coming by for a few minutes.  Hope some of this information caused you to think of ways how you might better connect with consumers.  Have a great Monday! - Michael  

Insight on Business - May 23, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is about advertising, marketing and consumer   trends  made possible by Bindery One - A family owned world-class digital printing and direct mail facility doing business nationwide: www.Bindery1.com; NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns & Gardens start here: www.NatraTurf.com.

It's The Metro Monday Edition

On Monday's we tend to stay closer to home but our thoughts are with those who experienced the devastation in Joplin, Missouri yesterday. The weather spawned a tornado system that stretched from Oklahoma to Minnesota.

The "Maid-Rite Maiden" - Really?

Urbandale, Iowa is the headquarters of Maid-Rite, those tasty loose meat sandwiches that have been an Iowa tradition since 1926.  The company now has restaurants stretching from Texas to Minnesota.  Very nice...however:  "The Maid-Rite Maiden"?  I'm not sure anybody has called a woman a "maiden" since before 1926.  While the franchise owners like to hearken back to an earlier day with the decor...a "maiden"?  Really?  But hey...we noticed.

Another Sign That Bugs Me...Clive

Locals, and out-of-towners, who roll on 86th Street in  Clive, Iowa pass by a newly renovated park on the corner of 86th and University.  Aasheim Plaza is a stunning surprise as the city works to make the community more...modern. The "Prairie Engine" Art Sculpture by Marc Moulton is very cool and meant to remind us of the importance the railroad had on the early development of the city. Nah...it's very, very cool.  Except...the "a" on this side of one of the sculptures.  It may be a small case "a" but wouldn't a capital "A" look better?  I see this nearly every day and wonder.  You?  It's the little things that get me. ;-)

Sign of "The End of Times" -

We're still here after an odd weekend.  I suspect more people, today, know about "The Rapture" than six months ago.  From that aspect, the marketing plan was a hit.  What does it take for people to sell  their possessions and take to the streets proclaiming, "The end is upon us!"?  They are seeking what they already believe.  I doubt this attempt brought  many to Christianity...but it sure put a hole in some of the theology.  That's a branding problem.  Wacky as it might have been the faithful and pastors of every stripe now have an even more skeptical audience or a teachable moment.  Something to think about if your business over promises yet...under delivers.

Unemployment Rate - Down

Iowa added 700 jobs in April and the unemployment rate ticked down from 6.1 percent to 6 percent.  Most of those new jobs came from the manufacturing sector.  Here is the story from Donnelle Eller of the Des Moines Register. 

Social Media - Love/Hate Affair

This Thursday the Des Moines Social Club will play host to a series of presentations for business about Social Media.  You know...one of those things you love...or hate.  From "how to" better use social media for business to learning a few tricks of the trade it's going to be a great time.  The event is scheduled from 3PM until 8PM at 400 Walnut  (Kirkwood Building) and is a fund-raiser for the Des Moines Social Club as they seek a permanent home.  Admission is $10 at the door or $7 for students.

Time is UP - Thank YOU!

The deal is that I'll give you an hour of research and writing if you'll give me ten minutes of reading.  The goal is to help your business, no matter the size, stop and think about marketing and consumers...and how your business works with both.  Thanks for coming by!  Let's keep in touch - Here is our advertising agency Facebook Page, or on Twitter @InsightADV or @MichaelLibbie.  Have a great Metro Monday! 

 

The Metro Monday Edition - May 16, 2011

It's the Metro Monday Edition of Insight on Business News Hour made possible by:  Bindery One a world class quality digital printing and direct mail facility, family owned, and ready for national business. www.Bindery1.com  -NatraTurf for lawns and gardens that are safe for kids and pets learn more about www.NatraTurf.com

Lotus Market Place

It is the Metro Monday Edition where we focus a bit more on things going on closer to the Des Moines Metro.  Leading off are our friends from Lotus Moments and the Lotus Market Place.  It's a  Free Vendor Fair!  Yes, I said...FREE that kicks off on June 1st at the Lotus Moments Facility 2134 East Grand.  Think of an indoor bazaar with food (cakes and candy) entertainment for the kids, and booth after booth of great...stuff.  It's organic...and very cool.  And, how are they marketing the Market?  "We're all over Social Media"...Tammy Sposeto and Renatta Bolen and something brand new!  We love new stuff and here is the link to their Facebook Page!

More New News - The Latin King

The East Side is buzzing with the news that the Tursi Family is going to buy and build out a new facility out west.  Our friends at the Business Record and the Des Moines Register both reported last week on the plans to open a downtown brewery near the Western Gateway Park.  The building, a 23,000 sq. foot site built in 1929, is located at 1514 Walnut Street.  Tursi says it's "too cool to tear down" and was once the site of a major cosmetics and soap company.  Here is the full story from our friends at the Business Record.

Congratulations to Lyle Steinman & Country Vet

Let us take a minute to offer our congratulations to THREE timeSuper Retriever Series Champion, Lyle Steinman of Castile Creek Kennels based in Stewartsville, MO.  Lyle and his dog "Jack" made history as Jack is the first dog in the history of the SRS to win back-to-back titles.  Here is a link to the results.  For loads more about the SRS and Lyle Steinman...  Well, here are the links.  Congratulations my friend!  Lyle uses Dog Fuel from Country Vet Pet Foods...no wonder we like this news!

It's A Week Old Already!

A week is NOT a long time...however in the world of Social Media it is.  The fact that the 140 Character Conference is STILL being talked about on Twitter and in Business Blogs is astonishing.  The story is we'll be back next April.  Congratulations to Nathan T. Wright and Deb Brown...and everybody who participated.  BTW - I saw Nathan yesterday at Lowes...he looked as lost as me. 

That's It...Must Push Off

Thanks for coming by and let's keep the connection going by leaving me a note here or join me on Twitter @MichaelLibbie.