Insight on Business

Marketing for Business - Episode 24 - Internal Marketing

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie, now in our sixth year, is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing &  Communications and is the only  daily, hour-long business news broadcast in the Midwest. You  
can hear  the broadcast Monday -  Friday at 4:30pm on our Radio Blog, and each Sunday on News/Talk 1540 KXEL starting at 2pm. The Business News Hour is made possible through the sponsorship of: Action Coach Monte Wyatt and Live2Lead Des Moines,  Iowa Workforce Development,  Aureon of West Des Moines, The Strudl Haus of Des Moines, Tero International, The Iowa Business Journals, Country Vet Naturals and AARP-Iowa with state headquarters in Des Moines.

We get it. You are busy making stuff, selling stuff, doing a valuable service for your customers/clients. But, do you spend time looking at your internal marketing? Some may call it "branding" or the public persona you are building across many media channels. In this segment of Marketing for Business - Episode 24 with Phil K. James from Good Milkshake Digital and Michael Libbie from Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications we talk about everything from Website looks, wording, social media posts, hard copy brochures, business cards...the works. But, be aware there is a process in making sure you are projecting what your customer/client really needs. Steps you can take now to make sure you are meeting the demands of your customer and not just offering noise.  Maybe right here we should apologize to banks, financial planners and insurance companies? Click through for more... 

Here, in Part Two of Marketing for Business - Episode 24 Phil and Michael share some step by step thoughts and actions to help you better identify what your customer really, really wants/needs and then how you can parrot that back to them in a way that makes your company more...human. 

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 4:30pm here on 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.

11th Annual YPC Community Volunteer Fair

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: 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, Manpower of Central Iowa, Tero International and the Kreamer Law Firm of West Des Moines.

What a great program...it's called the Young Professionals Connection and the Volunteer Fair coming up on August 18th. This is an opportunity for all community members to learn more about various agencies who seek volunteers.  We also talk about business and VTO or Volunteer Time Off and how to get started. Meet Nick Peterson, Nick Wood and Emily Van Oosbree who graced our studio to talk about doing good and you are invited to the event! 

 Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only hour-long, business broadcast in the Midwest. You can catch us at 5:05PM on AM-940, FM-104.5 or in HD at 103.3 HD2. It is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising/consulting agency based in Des Moines. Connect with The Business News Hour on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more, here is our Facebook Page. 

Iowa Manufacturing, Ag Equipment and Trade Shows

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.

He perhaps knows more about Iowa agriculture, the impact on manufacturing and what it all means to the overall economy. Andy Goodman is the president of the Iowa Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association which is also responsible for two of the largest indoor farm shows in the nation. Here is our wide ranging 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.

The Business of Signs with Steve Smith

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.

In his twelve years as a sign maker Steve Smith of Fastsigns in Clive, Iowa has seen plenty of changes and growth. How has the business changed, what are the trends in signage, are there new technologies that help in the design and effectiveness of signs for business?  We asked Steve those questions and...more. Have a listen before you head out to your next trade show or order your next business sign. 

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.

Try It! Metro Des Moines with Greg Edwards

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, 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, DWebware of Urbandale and the Kreamer Law Firm of West Des Moines.

"What is the most surprising thing about Des Moines?" "How are you funded?" "Are "out of towners" shocked by what?" "Who's coming to the Metro next?"  Those are just some of the questions we asked Greg Edwards the CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. We should have also asked where he gets his suits! Here is that wide ranging conversation:

 

Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in Des Moines and 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.

Ron Feingold on the Business of Comedy and More

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.

Ron Feingold has been doing stand-up comedy for years and we talked about that side of his business and something brand new that he is launching.  He calls it FlatHead Ads.  We thought so much of the idea we asked Ron to share it with you.  Enjoy: (We sure did!)

 

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.

7 Tips to Improve Your Trade Show ROI

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.

Just the other day a business owner was sharing the high cost of doing trade shows and questioned his return on investment.  Had he been listening to the News Hour he may have seen a big difference. From our advertising agency, "Seven Tips to Improve Your Trade Show ROI". Here you go: 

 

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.

Des Moines Downtown Farmer's Market

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, Bindery One of Des Moines, ReMax Real Estate Concepts of the Des Moines Metro, Lotus Moments Event Center of Des Moines, In the Bag Corporate Corporate Cuisine of Des Moines, Triplett Office Essentials of Des Moines and the Kreamer Law Firm of West Des Moines.

This weekend kicks off the 39th Annual Downtown Farmer's Market and it has truly grown up. Kelly Foss is the director of the market which is run by the Downtown Community Alliance and she came in to talk about what's new and exciting this year and...she brought treats!  We talked about the trends in farmer's markets and more. Well done Kelly!  Here is that conversation..with goodies:

 

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 - 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 - August 19, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our daily (M-F) look at our world of advertising,  marketing and consumer trends.  We'll share our opinion on what's making news and give you some tips along the way.  Why?  It's our attempt to help your product or service gain better market traction in this economy or any.  Thanks to our sponsors NatraTurf and Bindery One for helping make this possible.  Let's go:

Ride Sharing and Technology

It's not a big thing here in the Midwest.  Maybe if and when fuel gets to $5 a gallon we'll see more interest in climbing into a car with a stranger.  And, you can bet there are several ways to make it more convenient than word of mouth.  Here's a review of four ride-share apps from our friends at Fast Company.  Just in case.

Will Madonna and Smirnoff...Mix?

Yes, she has name recognition and so does Smirnoff but how will this new combination go down with younger demos?  This week Smirnoff announced that Madonna will front a new series of ads pushing a contest to become the next dancer for the singers tour.  It's part of a larger promotion called the Smirnoff Nightclub Exchange Project that seeks to "unite the globe" in one big party this fall.  (Rosh Hashanna?  Who knew?)  Anyway,  we've got our doubts.  This is the second interesting campaign we've seen in the past month where established brands (the other was Bud Light with their label tweak.)  are seeking to connect with younger demos. But, Madonna?   If it were Lady Gaga might make more sense...  Maybe.  Thought you might like to see a 1967 ad featuring ZaZa...for Smirnoff.   Just for fun!

Keeping Your Message...Clear

We've written and spoken about this many times:  Businesses that hammer home clear, simple and relevant marketing messages...win.  When clients come to us we're always trying to steer them to...simple and un-cluttered messages that stay on point.  Sometimes it's tough and we'll argue with them.  The companies who listen...win.  But, you've heard us say that way too many times.  Perhaps, if you read this great piece from our friend Diane Helbig for American Express Open, you'll see our point.  Go ahead...we'll wait.

Using LinkedIn for Trade Shows

Savvy companies that do trade shows can boost their connections by using LinkedIn.  Think about it, with millions of B2B connections on LinkedIn you can use it to promote your relationship for a face to face meeting at an industry focused trade show.  Warning, for B2C events it might not be as powerful but...it you've already got an online relationship with decision makers in the industry you want to target...why not use it?   One other thing.  Many industry decision makers tend to think of LinkedIn as a better "business tool" than say, Twitter or Facebook.  To them it just feels more like, business.  Use it?

Healthy Pet Message

We've been having discussions with a client for nearly four years.  The basis of our push is this:  "People who have pets will, for the most part, spend more money on healthy, natural products."  It's a trend that has been rolling for years and I think we've finally gotten some traction as we're designing packaging for a new line of "natural/health" products.  But...just to push the point further, have you seen the new Petco logo?  Uhm...told ya.

The Stuff We See - "Fly Me!"

Finally a trip down "Memory Lane".  We stumbled on this nostalgic video about National Airlines...  Just in case you want to see how flying was like a several decades ago.  Enjoy.

 

Thanks - Let's Connect

Thanks for coming by for a quick read.  If you want to leave a comment here...please do.  Or we can connect on Twitter: @MichaelLibbie (personal and some business) or @InsightADV (business baby, business) and here is our ad agency Facebook Page.  Have a great weekend! - Michael