Insight on Business

CLE Productions with Matt Kiernan

When you go to an event, be it corporate or entertainment, it's always cool to check out the things that make it all pop. The sound and lights and staging. It all creates an experience long remembered. That is the business of CLE Productions based in Des Moines but doing business nationwide. Our guest is Matt Kiernan who sat down with me to talk about what CLE Products does and also make sure you know about a special event featuring internationally acclaimed specialist on planned events, Joe Goldblatt who will be in Des Moines on October 7th for CLE Production Talks. Here is our conversation.

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm 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. 

Our Sponsors

AARP-Iowa

National Tractor Parts Dealer Association

Oasis - A Paychex Company

Tero International

The Business News Headlines & More 5 July 2019

Miss us?  We missed you.  We took the 4th of July off to be with family and friends. But, of course we were still out there on Twitter, @IOB_NewsHour. Today Wall Street trended lower and we'll share why.

• The Jobs Report and Cold Water;
• The BEST food chain in the U.S. is...;
• Small companies tackle ways to combat Alzheimer's Disease;
• Co-Founder of Wikipedia says the social media giants are "appalling";
• Dog treats making people sick;
• For some the economy is great...for others;
• Leadership and working from home...

Those stories plus our weekly round up of Stuff to Do in the Des Moines, Iowa Metro with Jeff Pitts from Cityview Magazine is right here!  Think history, houses, cars, music, sports. We've got it covered: 

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday starting at 5pm Central. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm 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. 

Our Sponsors

AARP-Iowa

National Tractor Parts Dealer Association

Oasis - A Paychex Company

Tero International

A Small Business Spotlight - Premium Solutions with Kris Gregersen

Today we're talking about the world of promotional products with Kris Gregersen who has been in that field for two decades selling to Fortune 500 companies to small businesses. We start off by talking about why having a local consultant trumps the online world. Then it's into what is selling, what is hot what companies need to consider when using promotional products to market themselves and more. No doubt, based on the data, you have used promotional products in the past and will again in the future. What you might not know is how the promotional products business has changed over the years.  Today it's Premium Solutions in our Small Business Spotlight. 

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday starting at 5pm Central. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm 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.

Business Networking, Education and Trade Shows with Laura

Each Monday afternoon Laura Kinnard from Drake University and DMBizMixer joins us for a conversation about networking, social media, marketing and education events going on in and around the Des Moines Metro. Today we'll talk about Million Cups, AMA-Iowa, a small business conference and trade show marketing. DO NOT GET ME started...but too late. We're already there. 

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday starting at 5pm Central. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm 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.

Three Marketing Professionals from AMA-Iowa

Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is a production 
of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and is the only daily, hour-long business broadcast in the region. The News Hour is made possible through the sponsorship of: The Greater Des Moines Partnership, Shaul & Desmond CPA of West Des Moines, Iowa Soft Water of the Des Moines Metro, Aureon of West Des Moines, Iowa Computer Repair of Windsor Heights, ReMax Real Estate Concepts of the Des Moines Metro, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, The Strudl Haus of Des Moines, Tero International, and the Kreamer Law Firm of West Des Moines.

We attended, along with about 150 others, the American Marketing Association - Iowa Chapter Experience 2017. We caught up with three of the professional marketers who addressed the group to learn more. In this segment we talk Marketing Analytics and knowledge of what consumers really want with Heather Lamb of Zirous which is based in Ankeny. Then we talk about trade shows and how to get the most out of your next event with Cari Rosno the owner of Skyline Dynova of Des Moines and Omaha. We wrap up this segment with Tiffany Tauscheck of the Greater Des Moines Partnership about how to work local but still be global. Three very different topics but all valuable information for business. Have a listen.

Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business broadcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday starting at 5:05pm on AM-940, FM-104.5 and in HD at 103.3 HD2. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications through a business relationship with The Des Moines Radio Group. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 

Marketing Midwest Seminar with Deb Brown

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 region. 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, Tero International and the Kreamer Law Firm of West Des Moines.

Coming this weekend a day-long seminar in Mason City at NIACC called The Midwest Marketing Summit for Social Media and Business. Here, we visit with Deb Brown, the Executive Director of the Webster City Chamber, one of the organizing groups behind the Summit. This is for business to learn how to use social media to move the bottom line..up. Here is how to register and here is our conversation: 

 

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, here is our Facebook Page.

Iowa Pet Expo with Joel Silverman and Kathy Erickson

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 region. 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, Tero International and the Kreamer Law Firm of West Des Moines.

For 16 years the Great Iowa Pet Expo has been coming to Des Moines. Today we chat with the founder of the event, Kathy Erickson and this year's headliner: author, actor, trainer, Joel Silverman.  We talk about the expo and the personality of...dogs. Have a listen! 

And have a peek at the back-story of Joel and Duchess as they filmed the recent ad for Chase Bank:

 

 

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, here is our Facebook Page.

Insight on Business - 02/04/13

Welcome back to Insight on Business with Michael Libbie a weekly news and information program about advertising, marketing, consumer trends and the interviews that give us a "back-story" on what makes business...business.  We air live each Monday morning at 8:45AM Central on Webcast One Live and "whenever you want" through podcast and video.  Our Twitter Stream is @InsightADV and if you want to connect on Facebook our advertising agency page is right here.  Lots of stuff on the show today and I promise you a nugget of marketing wisdom in each segment.  Here is the show from today...and yes, we need to bring a little more light to the program.  Show starts at about :45 seconds:

Watch live streaming video from desmoineslocallive at livestream.com

 

Twitter & Business

Our advertising agency uses Twitter daily for ourselves as well as our clients because Twitter is a major source of news and information about...consumer trends.  However most business people, as well as some advertising agencies, have little understanding on how to use Twitter correctly.  We'll share our Top Ten Tips for Twitter during the first segment of the show.

Trade Shows & Your Business

Nearly every business has the opportunity to exhibit at a trade show of some kind and you spend thousands of dollars showcasing your products and services.  My bet is that your company is wasting thousands and thousands of dollars investing in a marketing effort that is failing you and you don't have a clue on how to fix it.  Today we'll help you better understand, in simple language, what you can do to make your trade show experience a success and boost the return on your very expensive investment.  Trade Show Tips in the second segment of the show.

Modeling Anyone?

We all see them...strutting on the catwalk, wonderful photos of attractive men, women and children wearing expensive clothing or...at least with adults...nothing at all.  The world of modeling, to the outside world, seems not only attractive but also alluring.  But, what about the business side of modeling?  Is it a rewarding experience?  How does a person get started?  Do you "go it alone" or do you ink a deal with a modeling agency?  What does it cost to get started in modeling?  What's hot in modeling trends?  Today we welcome both sides of the conversation to our studios.  Trisha Hunter goes by the name, at least on Facebook, of "Trisha Trixie" and she is an independent who likes to work the "pin-up" and "retro" scene. We'll ask her about the independent role and about her work designing...aprons.  Also with us is Shelana Laing a partner in the Des Moines modeling agency Runway Model & Talent. Shelana is going to share with us the "back-story" of modeling, working at an agency, what it takes to get started and some of the unique stories common to the industry.  I know...modeling in....Des Moines, Iowa?  Yep...and hope you can join us for this fun adventure.

Those stories, the stock outlook and much more today as Insight on Business with Michael Libbie returns live at 8:45AM today.  See you in a bit!

Insight on Business Marketing - June 21, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our daily journey into the  world of marketing, advertising and consumer trends.  We share our ideas, stories and opinion on a wide range of topics in the hope that it might help you build a better business.  If you want, leave a comment below, join us on Twitter or send me an e-mail.  Let's get to it:

Sharing The Excitement

The other day I found it.  I've been looking for a very unique idea for a client when I stumbled on a new bag design from a business in an unrelated field.  It was/is perfect.  Our goal isn't to copy the other bag but to change it and make it even more relevant to our client's product.  When I shared the idea...they were not as enthused as me.   It took, "Look, this is perfect for you.  We've been doing your product packaging design for nearly eight years.  Trust us on this.  We've been spot on every time."  Again, this is the craft of an advertising agency.  To step outside the manufacturing process, look to the consumer trend and then build something that will...sell.  Ya think?

Trade Show Planning

I've written about this for...years.  Sent out videos on "how to".  Shared inside secrets about how to have a successful trade show event.  Interviewed some of the world's leading trade show professionals.  The bottom line:  To have a successful trade show event, where you are spending thousands, you must have a (say it together) plan."   So, rather than have me bellow on about it...again.  Here is my friend Dennis Nixon from Smash Hit Displays.  Good stuff...just do it.

Adam Smith "Wealth of Nations" - A Lesson

When I speak to agricultural groups or folks interested in the marketing of agricultural products/services I often quote a line from the 1776 Adam Smith book, "Wealth of Nations".  It was required reading "back in the day"...is it still?  The line is this: "The nation which controls the food system controls the people."  (I may be hazy on that...must look up.)  I'm sharing that because the price for an acre of crop ground, in Illinois, just hit a record of $13,500.  Iowa still holds the high price point at $13,950.  Wanna get into ag?   Here is the story from my friends at Agri-Marketing.  See the fun stuff we pay attention to?

Krispy Kreme - Healthy Food?

Not far from the office is a Krispy Kreme store.  I remember when Krispy Kreme was THE RAGE!   It had something to do with a light being lit when the calorie laden goodies were there freshest.  And, like the call to Batman...the light in the sky would encourage hordes of high-fat devotes into the store.  Remember?  I've never been in that store...but always wondered how things are going with all the   competition and the "health food drive".  Seems things are looking up and to increase sales Krispy Kreme is adding yogert, oatmeal and coffee to their offerings.  Here is the story from Bloomberg Businessweek.  Which begs the question...what are YOU doing in our market to expand your offerings?  What product or service can you add to increase sales...and:  How will you market them?

Thanks For Coming By!

Insight on Business News Hour is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:

Bindery One - A World Class Digital Printing and Direct Mail Facility in the Middle of the Midwest - www.Bindery1.com

NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns and Gardens start...here: www.NatraTurf.com

Have a great day! - Michael 

Insight on Business News Hour - May 19, 2011

The Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is a production of our  advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing and Communications...thanks for coming by.  I'll give you an hour....if you'll give me ten minutes.  Deal?

Four Business Blogging Tips

Early today I wrote about anxious/new business bloggers who feel like the have to write EVERYTHING in a post.  Problem is...you'll lose your audience.  Here's "Whoa Down Anxious Blogger" and it's still...free.

Meeting Notes and Your Customers/Clients

How many of you take detailed notes when meeting with a client or customer?  My guess is...not many.  Here is a quick business tip for you:  Take notes...in front of your customer/client.  Ask questions, write down the answers.  In fact...have some questions written down so you don't miss asking.  Why?  It shows that you're interested and engaged in what is important to your customer/client.  Then, if you really want to win...type them out and e-mail them back to your customer/client.  "My, he really was interested in our conversation and my business."  Works.

Donald Trump - A Business Lesson from Politics

Once upon a time people would say, "Any publicity is good publicity."  In the fast paced world of news and social media news that's so not true.  Seeking publicity just for the sake of publicity can damage your brand.  It's a business lesson we learned from "The Donald" outlined in this piece from the Harvard Business Review.  Nice piece by Grant McCracken.

QR Codes & Marketing - Trade Shows

They've been around for years but finally catching on with consumers who have higher quality smartphones.  We use QR Codes for Point of Purchase displays near our client products.  But...at a trade show?  Hmmmm...  We're a fan of our friends at Skyline and this piece, along with tips might work.  But...remember.  Don't expect technology to do your work.  You still have to WORK the trade show.   Deal?

Heard of Pop-Up Shops?

We like this.  Let's say you've got a specific product or service to sell and you identify a particular location where your target customer hangs out.  But your brick and mortar store is on the other side of town or...you don't have a brick and mortar store and your business is on-line.  How about a Pop-Up Shop?  Take your business to your consumer...  Of course you'll have to work out city agreements, etc.  But we think it's pretty cool  Here's a story from our friends at the Atlanta Journal & Constitution.

My Hour Is Up & Thank You!

Hope you've picked up a tip or two.  Insight on Business News Hour is brought to you by:

Bindery One - A world class digital printing and direct mail facility in the "Middle of the Midwest" doing business nationwide.  www.Bindery1.com

NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns and Gardens starts right here.  www.NatraTurf.com

Thanks for coming by...have a great Thursday! - Michael