Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Friday look at our world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. We'll comb through some stories and share with you our opinion of what works...and what needs some work. It's our attempt to help your business thrive in this economy or...any. Thanks to Bindery One and NatraTurf for their support of this project. Today....
Do-Dads & Widgets
It's always surprising to me how many "Do-Dad and Widget" companies are out there selling...stuff. In our Metro there must be three dozen if not more. But, it's something folks buy to give out to others and business must be good. I've followed this blog from Exceptional Specialty Products for some time. Just because it's fun (uhm...and my Bride authors the thing...OK?). So, lots of people sell this stuff but I'm thinking creative is what really sells it. Nice nails.
Speaking of Creativity...
Butter Cow 2012 continues to roll on in the GOP Presidential Campaign. (I know ANOTHER post about Butter Cow 2012! - Hey, we're MILKING this for all it's worth!) Yesterday my friend and "prankster", Jack Mathews, shared with me they have sold loads of t-shirts and having a blast at the same time. A recent e-mail from New Jersey tied in President Obama's trip to Iowa with a way to sell even more. Fun stuff and just what our country needs...a candidate who will walk the walk and moo the moo. We'll be visiting with Butter Cow 2012 later in the afternoon as we head out to the great Iowa State Fair. Oh, and who says you've got to be 25 to be..."creative"? Yep, that's Jack creative and a bit over...40.
And The "No So Creative"
Do it yourself...logos? That's right. Now, thanks to the web, you no longer have to be bothered by pesky ad agencies and designers when you construct your "logo". Uhmmmm. I'd honestly not heard of this before but it seems, according to our friends at Logo Design Love, there are a number of websites out there where you can go and rip-off famous logo designs and use them for...yourself. Seriously. There is a slight problem...folks notice. Maybe not right away...but they will. Here is the post from our friend Steve Douglas on the Perils of Do-It-Yourself Logos. Be careful out there because once you buy the logo...and, as in this case, it's a rip-off you'll have some trouble getting your money back.
And Now For Something...Different
Model Andrej Pejic is a...guy. But he walks the runway as a man and a woman. Here's a quick video from our friends at New York Magazine...their cover shoot.
I was just thinking, we don't have nearly that many people around when we do a photo shoot for clients. Must charge more?
That's It & Thanks...
Thanks for coming by. If you wish to leave a comment here, feel free to do so. Or let's connect on Twitter: @MichaelLibbie (personal and some business) or @InsightADV (all business baby!) and our agency Facebook Page is right here....where we post these...first. Have a great Wednesday! - Michael
Moving Forward...is a choice. Following two years of doing a daily business news hour we've made the decision to go on vacation. Not really, but taking some time off to re-focus on several things. What that means is more time to focus on the business of our clients here at Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications.
But, it doesn't mean we're going away.
We think the Insight on Business News Hour Blog has become an independent source of information for people wanting to know more about advertising and marketing. Each day we'll continue to lift the curtain on the "Mystery of Marketing" and share with you local, regional and national news stories we think make an impact on your business marketing decisions. That won't change.
The Delivery Will.
Over the next several weeks we'll be adding to this continuing series of marketing and business tips. New ways to use video and more ways to interact with...you. And as always...we're anxious to learn more about you and your take on marketing.
What I'll Miss The Most:
I'm going to miss driving into the financial heart of Des Moines, the guy at the shoe-shine stand. My friends at the Verizon Store next to the studio. I'm going to miss Max and Esme, two very talented production people. I'll miss the co-hosts from the other programs...many who have already exited the platform. And, I'll miss the daily chatter, the five minute rush to air and... Those of you who have watched, listened and been the amazing guests of the News Hour. I have learned more than I have taught. Thank you all...
Here is what goes on behind the scenes each day as we get ready to do Insight on Business. Max Crabb is a fantastic producer, loads of fun and I've enjoyed working with him. Have a peek!
I Know This Seems Sudden...
For those of you who are surprised at this sudden departure let me reassure you it's not health or business or the marriage. It is the realization that when things go out of control and you don't "own" the direction...it's time to leave. I wish all the folks who I've worked with the very best. I just don't/can't be part of the message they wish to carry on.
In The Meantime...
We'll continue to share with you information and ideas on a daily basis...it's the Insight on Business News Hour...an hour for me...and ten minutes for you. Sound like a plan?
Insight on Business News Hour is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and brought to you by:
Bindery One - A world class digital printing company with direct mail services. Family owned and ready for business anywhere in the nation. www.BinderyOne.com
NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns and Gardens - It's a consumer trend! www.NatraTurf.com
Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie takes Friday...off. Sort of. We just can't leave you alone! A reminder that you can view the archive videos here or head to Webcast One LIVE- (I'm linking you to the UStream Section) Yikes... If you would like to stay in touch: Leave a comment here, drop me an e-mail, or follow us on Twitter - @MIchaelLibbie or @InsightADV or @WebcastOneLIVE - Yes, we connect! Let's go:
Office Depot Worried - We're Not
The "suits" over at Office Depot are worried that their recent performance will not be sufficient to be able to attract a "high quality CEO" to take over from departed chief Steve Odland, who got a nice $11.2 million "exit package". Dear Office Depot: We've got your guy. His name is Kenn Bakker and he's been with your company for over two decades. He understands customer service...first. He's not a flashy kind of a fellow...he'd just make sure customers felt like they were...Number One. Just saying...and I'll bet you could get him for far less than you think. You're welcome, we're here to serve.
New Study Suggests Social Media Has Little Impact
Here we go kids. We've always been impressed with Forrester Research and while we've not come into contact with GSI Commerce we think this new report on Social Media and Retailis greatly flawed. Like this comment from Fiona Dias, "It's been a mystery to me why the media is excited about social media. From a retail and commerce perspective, it seems to have no effect." Really Fiona? So, let me understand it correctly...if somebody tells you, Fiona, that the really cool product they just purchased is neat would you...look? Would you ask another question? No...we're NOT talking about buying a lawn mower from a Tweet...we are talking about "World of Mouth" marketing. We're talking relationship marketing...we're talking peer to peer marketing. It's not all BROADCAST for crying out loud. Weary kids...I get weary.
Got An...Agenda?
The "study" above drives this thought: When you have an "agenda" that you want to prove why not release a study that "proves" your point. I know that's not earth shattering but what is earth shattering is, "What if my agenda is to do the very best for my client...and that, in turn, is what drives business to my...business?" It's how we look at what we do... Just a thought.
Meanwhile A Social Media Story About...Customers
Many times, since we've been streaming into your home or office with the Insight on Business News Hour, we've told you how now, more than ever, the consumer has the real power in the world of Customer Service. Traditional methods, while they still work, are being given over to real time customer service that gives individual attention to issues. Here is a great read on the subject by Jason Miller. Go ahead...we'll be here.
Iowa Department of Economic Development & Texas
This story made us see...red. Last year the Iowa Department of Economic Development sent $2 million to Texas PR and Marketing Firm Burson - Marsteller so the department could become "more visible and known". Last week the Board of the IDED votes to send another $2 million to Texas so they might "do better" in their marketing efforts. Two tragic things:While our friends at Burson - Marsteller may have connections to foreign companies like the Saudi Government(three days after 9/11) they don't know squat or have the passion for Iowa that folks here have. And...TWO: Sending $4 million to Texas doesn't help any local economy or local people or local business. Unless the folks from Burson - Marsteller and client Blackwater visit the East Village during a fly-over. Sad...but they DO have 383 Fans on Facebook! Oh my....weary, Debi...weary. (Photo - Debi Durham - IDED Director)
On Tuesday we had Kelly Boon in fromCHAOS (Creativity Humor And Other Stuff). While the red noses might fool you she had some serious things to say about workers, stress and leadership. Now, if we could just get her laugh under control. Thanks Kelly for coming in good things.
Wednesday Keelia Paulsen visited us to talk about Shoe Lust. OK...my words, not hers. Keelia is an artist and designer who produces art work for you to wear. Her company KHENRI started because she had a passion for "different". We're real fans and wish her continued success. For those of you with a dream...you might want to watch this. She works hers...every day.
Thanks for coming by!!! We'll be back on with the Metro Monday Edition of the Insight on Business News Hour and our guest is one of the most POSITIVE people on the planet, Steve SchraderBachar from Wells Fargo Mortgage. See you then.
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:
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!
Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie, part of the Webcast One LIVE Network, takes Friday off...sort of. Friday is the day we get caught up on several projects and make sure we've done the right thing...every day...for our clients. But, because we don't want to leave you alone too long, we offer up "The Stuff We See". It's a look at some weird, interesting, strange happenings in our world...and yours.
Simon Leaves American Idol to do Radio in Des Moines!
I couldn't believe it! This week I was rolling around Des Moines and tuned into 1040 W-"Tea Party"-HO and I hear Simon ranting about something and it had NOTHING to do with Paula Abdul! Gosh, this is so, way cool! A real celebrity doing talk radio in Des Moines and...oh, wait a second. It's NOT Simon Cowell. It's Simon Conway a real estate agent from Florida, by way of Great Britain, who has entered our Midwest Air Space and shares his brilliant banter with us each afternoon. Same tune as Steve Deace but less about the Bible and more about "The Sky is Falling". One other thing: I know of only two locations in the Metro with Palm Trees and I don't think either is for sale.
Child Time Learning Center & Privacy
Yesterday a planned protest led by Paula Poland of Des Moines against the corporate culture of Child Time Learning Centers, with a facility in Ankeny, was called off. Paula tells us the husband of the seriously injured wife and father of the two children who died in a horrific traffic accident last year, asked the group planning the protest to cancel, "...to honor our request for privacy." She did...we think it was interesting timing. If you want, here is the back story.
Property Values Fall in Des Moines
The Tax Man tells us property values of homes in Des Moines have fallen...big time. It's a mixed bag. While this means homeowners will pay less in property taxes it also means less money for police, fire and other services. Meanwhile, and somebody clue in Simon, there are 37 MORE million dollar homes in Polk & Dallas County than a year ago. Now we're talking! Here is the story and locations from our friends at the Des Moines Register.
I Don't Get It...Can You Help Explain?
Every time I go out and buy seven "Lawn & Leaf Bags"for eight dollars I see red. Somebody explain this to me? We can't burn this stuff because we are saving the environment and burning leaves is a health risk? Got it. We are soooo much healthier today than forty years ago. Maybe we should be banning other things like, cars, airplanes, fireplaces and... As always, when I don't quite understand something I offer up my "blanket answer". It must be...JOBS!
I Am Glad I Don't Do Politics!
Or else I'd share with you that I've finally figured out why we're cutting public education dollars, why we are cutting wages, why we are reducing grants for college, why we're crushing unions. The reason: We are attempting to compete with Mexico for JOBS! You're welcome. It took me a couple of years but glad to pass along the info.
The Perfect PizzaPalooza?
LONG before Hy-Vee talked about PizzaPalooza...I did. It's a staple around our home. Well, for half of the people who live there. Last night my Bride attended Dog Eat Dog Trivia Night, a fund raising event for the Pet Project of the Midwest. It went well. Me? I was enjoying the Perfect PizzaPalooza and watching Flying Leathernecks. It's a thing of beauty.
That's It - Thank You and Happy Birthday J. Michael McKoy
It's Mac's birthday today. We could not let that go by. I understand that his Bride may have gotten for him this lovely purse. It's very nice Mac. And, because we live in Iowa..it's still OK. I'd be careful though. If your buddies in the Iowa House make headway and changes to the Iowa Constitution things could...change. I am sooo glad I don't do politics!
Insight on Business News Hour returns next week with the Metro Monday Edition. Our guests on Monday - Marc Daniels from Weed Out Hate and Jeremiah Terhark from DSM Daily will be in studio. Join us at Noon Centeral on the Webcast One LIVE Network...have a great weekend...and thanks for coming by.
The Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie takes Friday...off. Sort of. We're not in the Webcast One LIVE studio today but do offer up some thoughts on "The Stuff We See" - Things that are swirling around in the world of advertising, marketing & consumer trends. We'll be back on Monday with the Metro Monday Edition...but for now. Let's see what...we see:
The Parallel Universe
Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak to a group of architects about marketing & advertising. It was a small group that attended the seminar in Ames. Architects don't really need much in the way of marketing help. Like most businesses they've already got it down. But, for those eager to learn more...it was fun and thanks for the invite. Toward the end of the discussion I asked the group if they had ever heard of VineMe, Dwolla or FlareCaster. Blank stares. How is it that those three things are part of our lexicon...and others, who are smart...have no idea? They do now....
I Did a Bad Thing...Very Bad
On Tuesday Webcast One LIVE played host to the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce. We had a great time and there were lots of people who had their first look at our studios and came to a better understanding of what we are and what we do. Here's a quick video of that event.
Anyway, Sandy, our friend from Plaza Florist, created some arrangements using some neat vases and Bird of Paradise flowers. They were very cool. So neat that I took one of the two home, took a photo and posted it on my personal Facebook Page. That's when I got caught:
But, I did get a hug from Esme...
Driving Customers Away -
This past week we did a segment "Nine Ways You May Be Driving Consumers to the Competition". It was about the stupid things business does and then wonders where the heck their customers went. One of the "Nine" was: "Policy Before Common Sense". You know, "We're sorry, it's just not our policy to allow our customers to blah, blah, blah." And then the obligatory, "We're sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused."- I just see...red! Here is a story from yesterday about a Des Moines area day-care, Childtime, a corporate day-care company based in Michigan. It's from our friends at KCCI and MSNBC...yep, it went national. Dear Amy Hellebuyck (Manager of Public Relations): We're sorry...for any inconvience this may cause you. In case you want more...here is their Facebook Page. Let's see...policy trumps compassion, dead kids and fractured lives. We understand Amy...must be the "Michigan Model".
Have A Great Weekend!
Enjoy the rest of the week and maybe some "down time" this weekend. It's our a grand-daughter birthday this weekend for us! We'll get back to business on Monday. Insight on Business News Hour is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:
Weed Out Hate - A simply way for teachers, parents and organizations to show there is a more peaceful way: www.WeedOutHate.org
Bindery One - A national leader in digital printing and direct mail services serving all fifty states: www.Bindery1.com
NatraTurf - Moving us to a chemical free world for lawns and gardens. - www.NatraTurf.com
Thanks for coming by... You can leave a comment below, head to our agency Facebook Page Thingy, send me an e-mail or follow us on Twitter @InsightADV or @MichaelLibbie. Your choice. Thanks...again!
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie takes Friday off...well, sort of. It's the day we play "catch up" on loads of projects but...we don't want to keep you out of the loop on marketing, business and consumer trends (and a little fun) so we post this about The Stuff We See. We'll be back to Insight on Business with the Metro Monday Edition next week here at Webcast One Live. In the meantime..."The Stuff We See".
Everybody Likes Free Stuff - Maybe
You know that I know Social Media and Marketing and when I travel around speaking on the "what" and "how" of everything from Facebook to LinkedIn to business owners they too figure it out too. Sometimes I get follow up calls asking for help. I've never turned them down. Sometimes the answers are simple: "Michael, how do I get my picture right on Twitter?". Sometimes they are more...difficult:"Michael, could you spend some time and look at my website and give me some pointers on Social Media?". Those answers are a little more involved sometimes taking several hours...that I do not bill for. It's about friendship and "passing it forward". But, what irks the hell out of me is when I get a return message several weeks later like this: "Thanks for your information but my "Webmaster" just doesn't think incorporating a blog with our website is a smart thing to do at this point." Did I mention I think most "Webmasters" are idiots? Worse than that their clients are even more the idiot. Just sayin'. Next time, after a note like that...I'll send a bill.
Fifty-One Percent
I don't do politics but this was too rich to pass up. It seems that a recent poll of Iowa Republican Caucus Attendees 51% believe President Obama was not born in the United States another twenty percent are "not sure". A year ago thirty-nine percent didn't believe the president is a United States Citizen. The Iowa GOP "straw poll" is set for August 13, 2011. I think I will go...I have not been to a circus since our son was maybe eight. In the meantime I need to start marketing more like the GOP...just say...anything.
If Only Media Relations Was as Good as Their Twitter Presence...
On January 19, 2010 I communicated with the Media Relations Department of Qwest Communications and spoke to the Director. (I'm still looking for my notes for the name.) We had a nice conversation...I was in a cab in Orlando on my way to do a social media seminar. The reason for my call was to request an interview about how Qwest uses Social Media and why. Several times the "Twitter Folks" @TalkToQwesthave answered questions and comments within minutes. Yes...minutes. We were impressed. So why not do a story about it? I'm still waiting for the answer. Hello.... Hello...can you hear me now? Oops..
And...fail number two: We're also impressed by the Social Media work on Twitter being done by Enterprise Rental Cars @EnterpriseCares. They too have been amazing with their response to Twitter comments. So...we asked for contact information for Media Relations. I called (three times) to a Laura Bryant. On my most recent call, back on the 8th Laura said, "We've processed your request." Processed my request?
Bottom Line - When your Twitter Brand outperforms your Corporate Brand you are in trouble. The face may look good but...there are some serious issues that "Media Relations" still hasn't bought into. What do you think?
My Grandfather Would be Proud or Would He?
I don't remember my Grandfather. He died when I was just a year old. My Mother says that I favor him in how I interact with people. "Your Grandfather was a friend to everybody and people enjoyed listening to him speak." He spoke a bunch. Frank was a Union Organizer for the AFL before the merger with the CIO. My Grandfather helped unionize much of Wisconsin including JI Case in Racine. He thought a forty-hour work week, paid vacations, health benefits and job security were important...way back in the 1930's. (I suspect you sorta like that too.) And because he did so he had more than his share of scuffles with "union busters" and "company men". The "Union Busters" now sit in Statehouses and live in Governor's Mansions...and...the most recent example is in Wisconsin. This clip from Jessica Arp posted to YouTube:
Frank is turning over in his grave.
Yesterday I Learned Something NEW!
I had a friend ask me if I had the "Scheduling Capacity" to attend an event in April. "Scheduling Capacity"? Why, yes...yes I do. (I think.)
From the Family Photos...
Last night my bride held some sort of jewelery party. It was built around a Mexican Theme...I do not know why. However as part of the "hook" to get people to come to our home, spend money and enable my bride to win "free stuff" she threw in a "little extra". She promised the ladies who came to the event that they would get to meet and be served by "Pedro the Pool Boy". You see kids...this is called "marketing". Indeed, Pedro greeted each guest at the door and served them some yummy Sangria (made by Pedro). As you can see in this photo...it looks as if Pedro was "over-served"? Oh...the event? A huge success...it's MARKETING! And, nope I will not send you a bill...for the advice. For "renting" Pedro...we'll talk.
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie takes Friday off...sort of. We would not want to leave you hanging...so we post "The Stuff We See"some brief insights on what's going on in the world of business, advertising and marketing. We'll be back with our live show on Monday with the Metro Monday Edition on Webcast One LIVE... If you want to carry on the conversation leave me a comment below, let's connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or our Facebook Thingy...yeah...we've got one.
Bringing Value to the Agency - Client Relationship
The other day I heard a story from a colleague. He had recently purchased what was left of an advertising/public relations agency. The value of the purchase was really just a couple of clients. Clients who thought they were getting quality service and video production from their "old relationship". Here's the story in less than 90 seconds:
Our job is to make our client products/services look good...all the time. We don't...and we're not in business. Bottom line, it's wise to ask a professional who really knows the business because we bring huge value to the relationship.
No Politics - No Religion
I don't do politics on Insight on Business with Michael Libbie. Sure, from time to time we have a comment about the impact politics or the lack of, is having on the business community. But we don't bang the political drum. That being said, after today in Des Moines, there may be a welcome...quiet over at 1040-WHO Radio. Here is the story from our friends at Bleeding Heartland. Whatever Steve decides to do we expect it to be...interesting and we wish him well.
Worst Ad of the Week
In case you missed it...from yesterday's show. Here, in all it's glory is "The Worst Ad of the Week". It's from Groupon and this piece of garbage was their opening introduction to their company back in 2009. While their Super Bowl XLV ads were bad..this is awful...
Just awful....
And then there is this from the Groupon Blog. In less than five days pressure from...you helped Groupon with their decision to pull the three ads. What is startling about this is the cost that went into production and then airing the ads. We're talking...millions. For them to catch the social drift and admit error is a point. It never would have happened, by the way, if not for Social Media. When your connected you know the mood of the consumer and...Groupon got it.
Don't forget...it YOU have a nominee for "Worst Ad of the Week" make sure you send it along. We're going to have to reward you with name mention and our "New Media Love" because we ain't got no money. While we're at it...please notice this nominee from our friends at DSMEgotist.
I think the only thing missing from the video was, "Your One Stop Shop!". Thanks gang...it's in the running.
That's it...gotta go play catch up from a busy week. Insight on Business is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications - www.InsightCubed.com and made possible by:
Bindery 1 - A local, regional and national printing and direct mail center located in the middle of the Midwest. Family owned...they "get it". www.Bindery1.com
NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns & Gardens starts here - www.NatraTurf.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - They know what you want... www.esp4all.com
See you MONDAY with our Metro Monday Edition. We're hanging with the folks from Urban 515...you'll love it. Have a great weekend.
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie takes Friday off...sort of. But, we don't want to leave you alone so we offer up a quick post about some of the "Stuff We See" that you might enjoy. We'll be back to business on Monday with a Metro Monday Edition of Insight on Business here at Webcast One LIVE... Til then:
Clean Water - Got It?
My friend Robert Hidajat has an active second grade son by the name of Nathan. Nathan is having a birthday on April 12th. But...he doesn't want gifts, a party or any reward. He wants YOU to help him raise $1,000 to take water to others. Water, clean water...something we may take for granted that is lacking in so many parts of the world. Have a look at his video and read his message. Nice, very nice.
Media Walks a Fine Line
The 56th Annual Iowa Power Farming Show is in the books and the weather played it tough for the first two of the three day event. So too did the news media who started on Saturday telling people of the dire Winter Storm that was about to cripple Iowa. By Tuesday the media was in a froth telling people not to leave their homes... It worked. The show experienced it's worst attendance in years. Usually bringing 20,000 people to Des Moines we doubt there were 10,000 for the entire event. Should the media...report or scare the hell out of folks? It's a fine line.
Urbandale, Iowa - Rocks...Again
Last night in Urbandale, Iowa the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce held it's annual dinner and awarded Citizen of the Year to Mary Polson. The chamber has about 640 members and 300 were on hand to take part in the festivities which also awarded Business of the Year to Anderson Propertiesand Educator of the Year to, Dania Schuler from Urbandale High School. Folks who went learned much about this busy suburb of Des Moines...including the fact that it seems to be a gem with those companies who rate business/quality of life. And, if you've never seen the comedy/magic of Lee Cole (photo) you've missed a fun time. Ask, Mayor Bob Andeweg who had his severed tie...fixed. I have NO idea how. In the photo above: new Chamber President, Juli Griggs Applegate with her mother Rita and father Chuck Griggs. It was fantastic to see them all. Sheriff Griggs and Rita were fast friends when I lived in Webster County.
Central Iowa Bloggers - #CIB - Wear Red
In just a bit folks will gather at the regular monthly meeting of the Central Iowa Bloggers a networking opportunity for folks who...blog. Business, hobby or fun. No agenda...just coffee and a crowd. Panera Bread- University Avenue in West Des Moines or Clive...you can pick the town. We think it's West Des Moines but there is debate. The Red? The American Heart Association of Iowa asked. @AHAIowa on Twitter. Well, maybe not THAT dress....
Yikes...gotta go. It's time for CIB and I'm not there yet. Enjoy and thanks for coming by for a minute. Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:
NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns & Gardens - It starts here: www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments - Original high quality wedding invitations from a family company - www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Let them help your company get noticed - www.esp4all.com
Keep the conversation going, you can leave a comment here or...let's visit on Twitter: @MichaelLibbie. Thanks for coming by!
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie takes Friday off...sort of. Rather than broadcast here at Webcast One LIVE we regroup and play catch up. But...we don't want to leave you out of the loop so we offer up something called, "The Stuff We See". It's a quick collection of the things we've seen and been part of over the past week. And, as always, you can connect with me @MichaelLibbie, send me an e-mail or visit our advertising agency Facebook Page...let's keep the conversation going..
Today:
We've always thought that advertisements should move the consumer/viewer to emotion. That's what most amateurs don't understand; commercials don't actually "sell" anything. They do, however, drive our emotions and our thoughts and our sense of accepting the message. What we do with that, buy, vote or ignore is an individual choice. With that in mind our friends at AdRants sent this out today. It's a campaign/promo ad from Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota for his new book, Courage to Stand...and a not so subtle introduction into his expected bid for the White House. No matter your political affiliation...this works.
I've not seen a political ad like this...EVER. It rocks and sets a new standard...wow.
Coming back down to earth...Here is the latest from our friends at Gusto's Pizza Co. they open up on Monday at 11:AM. (Well..maybe a little sooner...for a dry run...wonder if they will have beer?) Get ready to "tap your toes":
This little deal has given birth to a new marketing business by our friend Phil K. James who, produced the series of videos, called: Good Milkshake, LLC His role is to help start-up restaurants work social media and traditional media to a successful opening. Nice idea...and best of luck.
This is my friend Kenn - Kenn works at the Office Depot Store on Merle Hay Road here in Des Moines. Last week I needed a little help on a project and Kenn was there...again. Look, I'm not sure what Office Depot Store or Office Max or Staples you're doing business with...but take it from me:
Change - Today and ask for Kenn. He...too rocks!
On other thing - If you are into learning about how business has to operate with Dial Up Internet Connections - Here is a quick look at Southeast Tractor Parts out of Jefferson, South Carolina. Eric Benton came to a New Media seminar I did and walked away with loads of new ideas. He's a believer but is hampered by 40% of his customers left to whittle while on dial-up. Another example of why we need to get broadband to Rural America. Like the president said this week...it will create jobs and a better economy for the folks in the country. It will. Here's the story....
NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns and Gardens start here: www.NatraTurf.com
Air Design - They've been making high quality items for agriculture for years. Now they've taken that technology to creating some great American Made gifts...some with college logos. Have a quick look.
Lotus Moments - Original high quality wedding invitations from a family company - www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Let these folks help your business get noticed! www.esp4all.com
Thanks for coming by...Monday is the Metro Monday Edition of Insight on Business and we invite our friend Todd Razor from the Business Record back. He's got some great information on real estate....in the Metro. Monday at Noon Central. Have a great weekend!
