We catch up with Burt Ward who played Robin in the 1960's Batman series. In this wide ranging interview we talk about the new Warner Brothers animated feature with Robin, Adam West and Julie Newmar and he gives a preview of the next movie with William Shatner as the villain "Two Face". We then talk about his passion of rescuing very large dogs and how that drove he and his wife Tracy to create Gentle Giant Rescue and Gentle Giant dog food that Burt says can extend the life of your very best friend...it's a "fat thing". Please have a listen we thought it amazing.
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.
It's been Week 4 of Insight on Business the News Hour and we're so grateful for the early support! We're heard Monday - Friday starting at 5PM on 1350-KRNT, Des Moines, Iowa. Along with the business news of the Des Moines Metro we had loads of friends stop by to share their business stories, start-up ideas and more. We thought you might like to see them:
Thank you all for making time for the News Hour.
If you've got a story for us send it along and we monitor Twitter before, during and after each broadcast. Join us there and over here at our Facebook Page.
For nearly three solid years several of us poured our energy into an online Radio/Television station known as Webcast One Live. It was an amazing adventure that was full of promise. I still think it is a vision of the future. Much of this quick video was shot a year ago when the station was moving, we thought, into a much more broad world of shows. It was fun to find the video and, now, share it with you.
While I carry on Insight on Business with Michael Libbie as a blog feature, this was an exciting adventure and it helped me use some of the TV talents I had long ago moved away from. Big shout out to my two talented friends, Maxwell Crabb and Esme LeJeune. Great folks to work with. If you want to connect here...feel free to leave a comment or we can connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or our advertising agency is @InsightADV. Thanks for watching! - Michael
Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. We'll offer up our thoughts on what works...and what might need more work. Our goal is to help your company enlarge your marketing footprint by introducing you to new ideas and suggestions that match consumer interests. Our thanks to NatraTurf and Bindery One for helping make this possible. Let's go:
Pens Vs. iPads?
Is the sky falling? Last year electronic gadgets were all the rage. This year economic concerns have parents choosing pens and pencils over iPads. The survey of 1,500 respondents was done by MediaVest who found 90% of these consumers ranked sales, rebates and discounts as "somewhat important to very important". But...a word of caution before you rush to the bottom of price offerings:
The media fails to share with you how many people are working vs. the number of unemployed.
Likewise if you follow most news/talk formats they would have you believe "the sky is falling".
We don't buy it and caution your business to resist rushing to price points. Hiqh quality, high value items are still in demand. Oh, one other thing...there are additional choices available today that were not available last year. That also has a direct impact to the study. Want to make your own conclusions? Here is the story from our friends at Media Daily News.
Marketing During Tough Economic Times
The notions above leave me no choice but to, once again, have you see this great video on cutting R&D and Marketing...during tough times. It's a classic and worth two minutes of your time.
Told you...
QR Code Talk..
We love it when we help folks learn. Just his morning I was visiting with a real estate professional who, last month, shared with me she was putting QR Codes on information sheets attached to the for sale signs. We suggested she place the QR Code directly on the sign...that way if/when there are no info sheets individuals can still access video, stills and information about the listing. She listened... Nice and we know it will help. But, don't take away the info sheets...not everybody is comfortable with QR...yet.
Webcasting & Livestream
Some of you remember the genesis of this post was our daily programInsight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie. (Video) We originated from a studio in the financial center of Des Moines and shared much of the same information via video and audio...along with this blog. We were, once again, way ahead of our time and when personalities collided we made the choice to end our two year run. (But, we are in negations to bring a specialized program...back). So, how "on target" were we?Here is a post from our friends at American Express Open... Livestream has seen a 600% increase in...business. Cutting edge marketing my friends...for a fraction of the cost of traditional television.
In Store Displays Take Work...But Pay Off
This week I stopped into the Urbandale, Iowa Hy-Vee grocery store and saw this display. (you can click on it to enlarge) The reason I'm calling your attention to it is because...it works. It's not only a display that you'll notice there is also an interactive component regarding recipes and information about the product being displayed. It takes loads of work to get something like this accomplished but the value to both the shopper and the store is...huge.
Thanks and Let's Connect
Thanks for coming by. If you would like to leave a comment here, feel free. Or, we can connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie (personal and business) or @InsightADV (business baby...business). And our advertising agency Facebook Page is right here. Have a great Thursday and welcome to September! - Michael
It's been a very long vacation...almost 90-days since we've been in studio for a show. Starting today Insight on Business is back with new equipment, new platforms and new ideas for business development and growth. You'll find Insight on Business, LIVE today at 12:30PM Central on WebcastOne Live. Come on by for a view of what professional webcasting is about. We're excited.
Insight on Business is about advertising, marketing, consumer trends and best business practices. We're on Monday - Thursday from 12:30PM (Central) until 2:00PM. On the show today:
The BP Oil Disaster is a lesson in how and why we don't usually elect business people or former CEO's as political leaders. The way BP has handled this disaster and the issues that led up to it are bad enough. However, when the "man at the top" whines that, "...all I want is my life back." It's became clear to me why business people can make lousy political leaders. We'll talk about it.
You may not have seen the video coming out of Israel regarding the May 31 commando raid on "the flotilla". We'll have it up for you this afternoon. No, it's not a political statement but it is a look at yet another way to get the message across to a new demographic using...YouTube. It's effect? We'll talk about it.
This week starts the World Pork Expo and producers, suppliers and agri-business people from across the Globe will be headed to Des Moines to learn, buy and communicate about some of the latest ideas in the world of pork production. The mood of the producers is much better in 2010 than last year. We'll talk about the event and why there is some hope on the farm.
Last week I was at the Case IH Magnum Tractor Assembly Plant in Racine, WI. I took a private tour of the the facility where, at one time, 4,500 workers produced tractors. Today there are 450 workers manufacturing state of the art agricultural equipment. That is the set up...but the story is how your company could learn a thing or two about how Case IH treats their customers and visitors. Good stuff.
We're getting a little heavy in ag today huh?
Making decisions on bad numbers? Business people do it all the time. Jim Connolly wrote this morning about how listening to a minority of people who offer an opinion can ruin a good thing. But, there is more and that is "listening to the echo". We'll talk about it today.
Over the past couple of weeks we've been doing some taping for the Liz Nead Show - Nead Inspiration. I thought I'd share some insights into television advertising production and help you understand why, often, the cost of production is higher than the cost of airing the ads...and why that is important. Remember...free is...free you get what you pay for.
How much time should you spend with social media? It is a question we get ALL THE TIME. Here is an excellent piece from Social Media Examiner. We'll talk about it.
Once there is a marketing plan...who's job is it to make sure it happens?
OK...that's it! Pushing this out the door before 10AM! Yes!! We'll catch you LIVE today starting at 12:30PM on WebcastOne LIVE. Swing by?
Welcome to Insight on Business with Michael Libbie a regular look at news from the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. While we're part of WebcastOne...LIVE this is also part of our business based education efforts for those of you who want to learn more about how to increase your market share through solid tips and ideas. Let's get started!
Pet food - We have a client in the pet food industry so we watch consumer and industry trends then report what we think looks like something that needs attention/consideration by our client. For several years the push has been to "natural" and "organic" foods which clearly matches the public acceptance/demand for these products. We're starting to see something else make some waves: "Limited Ingredient Products" - Huh? The idea that "less is more" seems to be catching on in this industry. Look at the back of any food product and you'll see lots and lots of ingredients. (We know, we've created packaging for this industry for years.) Now, what we think is an off-shoot from "natural" and "organic", is a movement to reduce the number of ingredients in a move to mimic the minimalist attitude going on with human food. (Think "raw foods" and more...) Something to watch and it maybe "crossing over" outside of food....?
I've seen three posts in the past 24-hours about little things, doing enough and customer service. In one Seth Godin speaks to those "little things" that seem "Hardly Worth the Effort" but in reality THAT is what you get paid for. Drew McLellan had a post on how important it is to sweat the small stuff in customer service and Craig Dick wrote a newsletter about staying in a fancy hotel at $170 a night where EVERYTHING cost extra and wondered out loud, "Do we give our customers what they expect and what we promise them?" I think it was the room without a coffee pot and then $3.50 for a cup of "Joe" at the cafe. What little things in your business can you improve on...TODAY without any cost increase? Think about it.
Now this from our sponsor - Atlantic, Iowa:
See you soon!
Here is a trend for you: Mommy Blogging. There are 82 million "moms" in the United States and 26-million of them are engaged in social media as "Mommy Bloggers". And, "Mommy Blogging" takes in all sorts of "Moms". "Mommy Blogs" not only talk about children and families but also pets, parents and products. Want to learn "Ten Tips for Targeting Mommy"? Here you go it's from our friends at Ad Rants. Why is it so HOT? Hey, everybody "loves"...Mom.
So, what is the best age to start a new company? Did you know that folks over 55 start more companies than younger people and it's not in reaction to job loss. "Boomers" are still pioneers...and here is the story from Scott Shane of Small Business Trends.
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is all about news and ideas with a focus on advertising, marketing and consumer trends. We're part of WebcastOne...LIVE and to learn more about that...head to the site.
Quick question: What first point of contact says volumes about your view of consumers? If you, wisely, answered your telephone you would be 50% correct. More direct, and if you use one, your "automated answering/routing system from HELL". You can tell I don't take this lightly. Look if you really want to HIDE from your customers install something like several businesses in the area use. You know, the kind that has you "spell" a person's name to connect. But what if you are trying to reach "Cathy" but she spells her name "Kathi". Lost... BUT, I may have a solution for you. Our friends at DWebware use a voice recognition system that allows you to "speak" the name of the individual you are looking for as well as pressing a number. It is VERY cool! Wanna try it? 515-270-1701
Social Media robbing you of your TIME? Focus, focus, focus. Remember YOU run Social Media...it does not run you. Stay on task and win. Remember, there is a reason some social media experts don't have an internet connection and rely on free Wi-Fi.
EuroTier - Coming to Des Moines for the World Pork Expo representatives from the world's largest animal agriculture exposition - EuroTier of Germany: www.EuroTier.org
NatraTurf - A better environment starts with...you. Learn more: www.NatraTurf.com
Lotus Moments - Wedding invitations and business announcements that..sizzle: www.LotusMoments.com
Exceptional Specialty Products - Let Cindy Taylor...help your business get noticed: www.ESP4All.com
Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is a daily look at the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. Our goal with this program is to give business ideas. Ideas that can help you retain customers, build new customers and thrive in this economy...or any. We're part of WebcastOne...LIVE and we're back in our studio the first week in June. Looking forward to connecting...again.
Some of the stories (and two videos below) we're following include:
Bob Janet is a "sales guy"...an old fashioned sales guy. The kind that thinks sales should be made fact-to-face. Seems silly in today's world of technology and social media? Not at all. Here is a post from our agency blog about "Thanking Your Competition". Bob, we thought has some great ideas...unless he is talking about your business.
If you are in Iowa and if you know about the Des Moines Farmers Market where 20,000+ people flock to purchase food and other items at prices 15 - 20 percent higher than "Big Box" you may chuckle at this story from the Los Angeles Times. But, then again, consider how many people "out there" have no conception about where their food comes from...who is responsible for raising it and what is in the food they buy. That begs this question:"How many people in your market have no idea what you do, what you manufacture or sell and how you do it?" I'll bet more than you can imagine. While you can't get the LA Times to write about you...you can start writing about yourself. A tip of the hat to Business Blogs... Need help?
Time for a little relief? The FLIP CAM WAR 2010 between me and Mac J. Michael McKoy heats up. Think of it as...building customers for our new adventure:
Silly? Yes...Back on track!
YOU LOVE MEETINGS...right? Me either. I have spent DECADES in meetings or so it would seem. We do, however, love FastCompany and their take on business. I know you've heard it all before but, before you call that meeting...some things to think about. Like how much is it really costing you? It's written by Gina Trapani and well worth the time to read.
Just because it is so cool! My long-time friend, horseman Craig Cameron, recently signed on with our client, Running Horse Feeds based in South Dakota. It's going to be exciting, fun and wonderful to work with him again. Here is the announcement from Running Horse.
There is a reason some video/audio television and radio ads sound and look great. The reason is...professionals who take their craft seriously take the time to write the message, script the words, film the ad, and deliver it in a way that generates listeners, viewers and creates action. Here is a quick sixty-second look at behind the curtain and what goes on long before you see or hear the message.
That was our second video posting of the day...keeping us going huh? By the way, the person making "the magic" is my friend Keith Brown from Crystal Soundhere in Urbandale. We've known each other for nearly thirty years. He is a serious professional and it's always a thrill to work with him. Also in the video is Robb Spearman from RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts of Des Moines.
I asked this question yesterday, "What makes a Social Media Expert?" It's something that has bothered me since this past weekend. My answer is simple, "A social media expert is somebody that understands social media is a process and just ONE of the tools you should use in marketing and advertising your product or service. Anybody that tells you it is "easy", "cheap" and "something anybody can do" is flat...wrong. Nothing, see above, just happens. It takes a plan and I know of far too many "social media experts" with a laptop and free Wi-Fi that don't have a clue. Not one... Just sayin'.
Insight on Business your regular hit for news and information on advertising, marketing and consumer trends. This is part of WebcastOne...LIVE and I'm glad you found us. For a peek at what in the world is going on here is the WebcastOne...LIVEwebsite. I'm looking forward to being back on the "cast" the first week of June during our old time slot 12:30PM - 2:00PM Central. Updates to you FIRST when we get them.
Mother's Day... I am so grateful that I get to celebrate, even if it's only with a card, plant or phone call. I realize how fortunate I am...just thought I'd tell you.
My (our) friend Bruce Tretter, you might remember him he's been on our show several times, from "Gotta Eat, Can't Cook" is into Mother's Day. He is offering up a "Mother's Day Breakfast - SAFE for Kids to Make". It comes complete with directions to plan the event and carry it out...kid style and..IT'S FREE! Fun stuff and thanks for sending it Bruce!
Did I tell you I was doing a bike ride yesterday? Late this year and only did 7 miles but felt like the poster boy for "Outta Shape Riders". Back at it today. Bruce wouldn't know anything about that. He's been an avid cyclist for years. Me: Green with Envy.
Leadership and going against the grain...and winning. It's no secret I'm a fan of Southwest Airlines. Not so much for the "low-cost fares" but because of the CULTURE of the company. And that continuing culture is driven by CEO Gary Kelly who, when everybody else was cutting staff and expenses he raised employee pay, let attrition handle expenses and made the decision to NOT CHARGE for baggage. Going against the grain boosted Southwest Airlines to a new level of consumer confidence. Here is the story from our friends at the Los Angeles Times written by Cheryl Hall.
What's with the sudden explosion of opinions on Power Point Presentations? Seems like it's all over the place. Last week we had a story about how to better your use of PP and today another, very similar story from Dave Johnson from BNet. Now, go create a great PP.
Speaking of which...I'm headed to Southwest Iowa, Atlantic to be exact, this month to do a seminar on Social Media and Business. Thanks to the Atlantic Chamber and Iowa Western Community College. Looking forward to it...there is only room for 25 people and I know they are nearly there. To sign up for the lunch and/or the "hands on" learning program contact the Atlantic Chamber, Ann McCurdy, or call 712-243-5527 the date is May 19 the cost is $30 but a grant has reduced the cost to $15. Not too shabby.
Finally, and just for fun, my friend Brent Pohlman from Midwest Labs in Omaha offered up his "Top Ten List - Why Michael Libbie Needs to Come Back to Webcasting":
10. He isn’t going back to Miss Kitty’s Studio
9. I think he’s gotten past the blue screen of death
8. Metro Monday needs to get back on the calendar
7. Some People still don’t understand Social Media
6. He needs something to do in his morning free time
5. He needs to learn never to push that button again!
4. He needs to get the “Let’s Get It Started” Theme going again!
3. He will check his twitter id more often during this hour and a half show.
2. His Daily Business Show Blog needs to be updated daily
1. He is most productive when his ADD and Multi-Tasking are working together for an hour and a half.
I don't know Brent.... *grins* and thanks for the shout out! And, we'll be back soon!
Insight on Business is your regular look at news from the world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends. Thanks for coming by!
I've said from the day we stopped broadcasting at Des Moines Local...LIVE(DMLL)that you would be the first to get the news, when it hit. Now is that time. Hang on for the VIDEO below...
Those of you who followed DMLL for the ten months we were webcasting came to expect some questionable quality in the feeds. (Here is Janet Tingwald in our first studio at Miss Kitty's - June 2009) It was one technology issue after another and when DMLL went down that was the one major things we needed to fix. And, I believe we've done just that. Most of how we will deliver our new channel WebcastOne...LIVE is under wraps until we start casting the first week of June. However, this I can promise you. The quality and reliability will be here. We've taken this time to learn, create and purchase the right hardware to make this real...and real dependable.
The next issue was to fill the channel with high quality programming. We're putting together top talent from across the spectrum. Seasoned broadcasters that understand communication. This is going to be about lifestyle, news and information you can use on a regular basis. If "content is king", and we think it is, you are in for a treat.
Finally...and this is critical. WebcastOne...LIVE has a real business plan. It is created to not only bring you entertainment, news and information it's also a solid approach for marketing and advertising for business and industry. We honestly believe that this is the next generation in marketing...and we're here to be of service to not only our viewers but also our advertisers. (A shot of our second studio in the Skywalk from September 2009.)
The bottom line is this: Reliability, Quality and a Commitment to our partners. Robb Spearman is doing a masterful job...our job is to bring you great programming. One other item, Des Moines Local...LIVE will still "hang around" that story later on.
Hang on kids...this will be fun. Speaking of FUN... Have a quick peek into a "creative meeting" from last week. Poor Robb!
