Insight on Business

The Friday Wrap - Business & Marketing News

No, it's not "Fish Wrap" but The Friday Wrap a look at some of the business,
advertising and marketing news you may (or may not) have seen.  Of course each is laced with our opinion.  If you agree or not we hope you'll make contact with us by leaving a comment here or follow us on Twitter @InsightADV or if you want a peek at both my professional and (sordid) private life it's @MichaelLibbie our advertising agency Facebook page which is right...here.  

It's All in the Name

In the Midwest there is a grocery store chain called Hy-Vee and they have 300+ stores.  Recently the employee owned company made the decision to get into the convenience store market.  Makes sense because why not take advantage of an even higher margin on the stuff you're already selling 50 yards away.  The name of these convenience stores is (ready for this?) Hy-Vee Gas.  Hy-Vee...Gas.  We would have thought maybe Hy-Vee Fuel...but...GAS?  You would think our friends might have learned a lesson from Hy-Vee Drug Town...yep, Drug Town.

Do We Really "Hate Them"?

We love advertising and so do political people.  Expect, over the next 130 days, to be held captive to political attack ads from...everybody.  We saw that in Wisconsin where over $60 million was spent, mostly on television and radio attack ads.  We're told all the time, by consumers, that they "hate" political attack advertising.  A recent study by a Baltimore agency said that 47% of respondents hit the mute button or changed channels when one came on. (That leaves 53% who did not...) And 88% said they were turned off by these ads.  But, don't expect them to go away. And, it's been "money in the bank" for the media houses. (Remember when we told you to book your radio/television ads five months ago?)  Here's a great review on the subject from our friends at MediaDaily News.

Cheap Advertising Takes...Work

If you own a small to mid-size business you know how expensive advertising can be. But if done well the cost of advertising is simply an investment in attracting new customers.  But, what if we shared with you a way you could boost your marketing footprint by just "doing a better job".  You can and here's a quick read from this past week where we shared the success stories of three small local companies.  Oh, and it's free.

Small Should Mean "Agile"

We were in a protracted marketing meeting this past week with a major client.  One of the points we stressed was the necessity not "over thinking" in the decision making process.  Small should mean agile...or so it's been said.  Yet you would be astonished at how gridlock sets in when a company or the company owner attempts to micro-manage each and every decision.  You know it's true.  That's why, when I saw this piece by my friend Jim Connolly it hit home.  Go ahead, have a read...but promise to come back.

No Guts...

That meeting reminded us of a post written at the height of the recession.  Back in 2009 "No Guts" was our reaction to polls showing how few pioneers we have in the business world.  It reminded us of a presentation by Joel Barker and the difference between "pioneers" and "settlers".  Here is that 2009 post...does it still ring true?

Consumers - "Too Smart for Traditional Marketing"

Last week Brian Solis was in Des Moines.  It was a great afternoon with about 230 of our friends who wanted to hear more about Brian's new book, "The End of Business As Usual".  One of the comments he made was, "Today consumers are too smart for traditional marketing."  Now, Brian is a smart guy but we had a slight issue with that suggestion.  So, are consumers too smart?  Here's the post, with our rational, as to why the claim may not be correct. 

Confusing the Consumer

This piece caught our eye when we went to our local Urbandale Hy-Vee.  Seems they are selling babies...and at 80% off!  If we consider, according to this story from the Des Moines Register, that it now costs parents $234,000 to raise a child maybe it's not such a good deal.

Worst Ad of the Week

Every day we see ads that make us scratch our collective heads.  Sometimes, as in this case, it's the headline.  We found this in the Des Moines Register today.  Note "Clogged gutters aren't just "mans work"..."  What the hell does that mean?  Anybody? At first we figured it was a reference to Father's Day?  But nowhere in the copy do we get a connection. Go ahead, click on the image to enlarge.  Congratulations...we're confused.

Thanks for coming by and for connecting 

 

 

Insight on Business News Hour - May 20, 2011

The Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by: Bindery One - A world class digital print and direct mail  facility doing business nationwide www.Bindery1.com ; NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns & Gardens start here: www.NatraTurf.com

I Don't Do Politics...

But, I am interested in what goes on and how candidates, and parties, brand themselves.  This week the Iowa Republican Party received, yet another, slap aside the head.  "The Donald" pulled out of the GOP Presidential Race and pulled out of the June 10th Iowa GOP fund raiser, "An Evening with Donald Trump".  It was to have been a gala event and the whole mess speaks volumes about how unfocused the Republican Brand has become.  So unfocused that they canceled the event rather than have a back-up.  Caught with their pants down?  The Party that once lazered in on business, economics & tough talk has become...fringe...more interested in what goes on in the bedroom, the womb and chasing wacko stories like birth certificates.  It's been a sad thing to watch and even high ranking Republicans are now saying that unless they find a strong, sensible candidate President Obama is going to sail into victory in 2012...and take out many of the "bright young stars" of the GOP with the win.

OK...One More - Just For Back Up

Yesterday I received the e-newsletter from Iowa State Senator Brad Zahn (R-Urbandale).  Brad is a favorite among my Tea Party Friends.  Know what...I'm not going to write about it after all.  Way too depressing and sad.  Let's make some money for your business!

I Didn't Know...LinkedIn Update

LinkedIn held their IPO this week and while that has been the business buzz, here's a quick story from Tech Crunch, we're always finding NEW ways to use the product to boost your professional profile and your company Buzz.  Here are "10 More Things You Never Knew You Could Do on LinkedIn" by our friends at the Business Insider.  The stock?  There is lots of speculation that it's much about...nothing.  However that's what they said about Apple Stores ten years ago... 

Apple Celebrates Ten Years of Brick & Mortar

About the same time Gateway Computers was struggling with stand alone stores for their "cow brand" Apple made the decision to open up proprietary stores featuring their products.  Experts said it wouldn't work.  The accepted model was having all kinds of brands in a "Big Box" not stand alone stores.  Ten years and 300+ stores later the company continues to roll out flashy well packaged retail outlets.  So, what is your take-away from this?  What is it about your product or service that screams "different", "up-scale", "unique".  Are you spending time and money on creating great products AND great packaging?  Or...are you just like everybody else in your particular silo?  Think about it...and break out. (photo - Rob van Esch / Shutterstock.com)

OK Kids - Time To Review...

I've shared this with you so often that I feel like a teacher on Monday morning.  Let's review how your business can stand apart from others and have your content shared with consumers.  Three Words:  Original, Entertaining, Content.  (There he goes again!)  But know what?  Please do not take my word for it.  Have a peak at this article from eMarketer on what you can learn by HOW consumers share content and...what they share.  Go on...we'll wait.

Will Memorial Day Move You?

To buy a new car?  Talk about weary...this could rank as "The Worst Ad of the Week".  Here in Des Moines a local dealership is crowing (and old crow by the way) about how Memorial Day is a day for remembering and for buying a brand new "American made vehicle from our huge stock!".  They mix some stirring patriotic music with a call to...buy a car.  Please make it go away.  I "get it" that many Americans will spend most of the Memorial Day Weekend...doing everything other than remembering and honoring.  But being in several wars that have drug on forever, seeing daily kill or wounded numbers mount a "Memorial Day Car Sale" wrapped in the flag seems...desperate.  Sorry.

Worst Ad of the Week

We had to do some digging for this one.  No, it's not new.  In fact, it's very old but it's one of a series of ads we've been posting on our Facebook Pagethat hearken back to a time when we all knew "a woman's place".  That, once upon a time, marketers actually ran stuff like this shocking...  The "Woman's Place" ad line has been replaced by "The Dumb Husband/Father/Male" line of ads and someday we'll look back at those and wonder, "What the hell were we thinking?".  Just an observation.

Thank You and Time is Up

The deal is...I'll research and write for an hour and you take ten minutes to learn a little more about advertising and marketing.  My time is up...and I suspect yours too.  Thanks for coming by.  If you want to stay in touch you can leave a comment here, head to our Facebook Page or on Twitter it's @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV.  Have a great weekend! - Michael

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insight on Business News - May 5, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbieis part of the Webcast One LIVE Network and  brought to you by:  NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns and Gardens start right...here www.NatraTurf.com, Bindery One - a world class, high quality digital printing and direct mail facility doing business nationwide www.BinderyOne.com and Exceptional Specialty Products - The Know What You Want www.esp4all.com

Thanks for coming by...today:

 

140 Character Conference - Des Moines

I know, we've talked about this for a couple of days...that's because we think it's important that your company know how to better use social media for business.  Yet, in my experience, 95% of the business owners fail to fully grasp the power of social media and the consumer.  This conference will change that...and we'll talk about it during the first hour.  For details about the conference - 140 Character Conference Des Moines where you'll find the list of speakers and ticket prices.

Tupperware - Social Media & Kelly Clarkson

It ain't your Mother's Tupperware...  That's the message the way the folks at the Orlando based company want you to know and to get that across Tupperware, next week, will be rolling out new social media projects to capture a younger group of people.   Kelly Clarkson will engage consumers on Facebook while staff create consumer directed conversation on Twitter and Blogs.  Yeah, I know...this stuff really doesn't work.  ;-)

Consumer Trend - Who Uses Eco-Friendly Items?

Meanwhile, a new study tells us that older consumers are more likely than younger 18-34 year olds to embrace and use products and services that are more friendly to the environment. It all has to do with...price.  In fact, the study tells us that folks over the age of 55 are more inclined to buy eco-friendly products than any other demographic.  So, how does this change the way you market your products/services in an eco-friendly world? One way...get emotional to show the value of the cause.  Your ideas?   Come on...I know you've got an opinion.  Here is the story from our friends at Media Daily News.

 Social Media & Time

Susan Gunelius would have you believe, in her new book, "30-Minute Social Media Marketing" that you can get all of this done in thirty minutes a day.  She is counting reading, writing, creating content and marketing.  Uhm...we don't think so.  But IF you are able to get it done in 30-minutes PLEASE show us the way.  Our daily budget is about 90-minutes.  But, then we are doing all sorts of cross-channel work.  Your thoughts?  Here is the article from Steve Strauss.  Remember yesterday when we said....W-O-R-K?   I thought so...

Is Your Idea Too Early?

Boy, does this hit home!  Having a great start-up idea does not mean success.  It's all about...timing.  I am living this dream right now with Webcast One LIVE.  To get your feet wet, here is a great article from Business Insider on great ideas that went...nowhere.  Not because they were not GREAT IDEAS...but because they were too early.  Wow!!

The Worst Ad of the Week -

It's Thursday and that means we're coming at you with another friendly example of what NOT to do with your advertising dollars.  We'll cover this in the closing moments of the News Hour.

Thank You & Let's Stay In Touch

Insight on Business News Hour is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications.  Let's connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV and our agency Facebook Page is right here.  Thanks for being with us.

  

Insight on Business News Hour - April 28, 2011

The Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is brought to you by:  Bindery One - A world class digital print and direct mail facility for...business:  www.BinderyOne.com; NatraTurf - Chemical FREE lawns and gardens for your home, kids, pets & the planet:  www.NatraTurf.com.  Thank you!

Webcast One Live is where you can see us live today at Noon Central.  You can also download the Podcast from there. Here is the News Hour from today.  All the links are under the video.  Enjoy.

 

Can YOU Help Me With This?

I'm having an issue and need your input.  Early this month I was asked to present at a Social Media Conference Event here in Des Moines.  I was flattered by the call and more than happy to help this non-profit with some strong content that would be valuable to attendees.  Then, yesterday afternoon, I received this e-mail: "In my excitement I forgot to tell you that your fee for speaking at our conference is $75.  It's a great way to help our cause."  Uhm...  You want me to prepare a fresh topic, spend an evening with business people sharing content and pay you too?  I dunno...  What do you think?  We'll talk about it today.

What Keeps Business People From...BLOGGING?

One of the topics I deliver to audiences is Budgeting Time for Social Media...why?  A recent poll from our friends at American Express - Open and Robert Jones tells the tale.  The question:  "What's your biggest fear about blogging?"

• "I don't have the time." - 39.58%
• "Insufficient return on investment" - 29.17%
• "I don't know what I'd write about." - 24.48%
• "I'm not a good writer." - 6.77%

Where do I begin?   We'll share today.

 When You Are TOO Close...

It happens in so many business situations.  The people responsible for marketing or advertising the business are too close to the company culture to understand or consider other avenues to attract new customers.  I see it every day.  Yesterday it happened twice.  I'll share a brief story about it and let you know the real value of "another set of eyes".

In Celebration of Dwolla

Last week I saw my friend Ben Milne the founder of Dwolla.  He had given me, long ago, a Dwolla T-Shirt.  I promised a photo promoting his company and how I often see myself...saving one business at a time.   This was fun...thanks Ben.

Worst Ad of the Week - Hey, It's Thursday

Each Thursday afternoon we bring you "The Worst Ad of the Week".  We're not trying to be mean.  We are attempting to be helpful and share with any business, that will listen, what NOT to do.  Today our ad comes from a national company and it's a radio ad.  We'll show you what we're talking about during the final segment of the News Hour...  And, maybe, if the stars are lined up right...we'll get our hands on a local radio ad that is almost as bad as this national piece.

Thank You Hope It Helps...

Thanks for coming by, we hope this has been helpful for your business.  Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications.  Have a great day!  If you would like to carry on the conversation leave a comment below, send me an e-mail, give me a call, join us on Facebook, or Twitter - @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADV. 

 

Insight on Business - April 21, 2011

The Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is a Monday - Thursday look  at the world of advertising, marketing, consumer trends and...business.  We're live on the Webcast One LIVE Network starting today at noon with podcasts and archive footage available at anytime.  Thanks for joining us...let's go, video starts at :23 and the links are below.

 

Look Who is Giving Up Land Lines - Fast

If you are in politics or in business and you use the phone to make contacts with consumers, this should be of interest.  According to the US Government estimates released yesterday 30% of adults in 10 states rely entirely on cellphones.  Leading that list of states is Arkansas and Mississippi.  Another look at the numbers tell us economics is driving the change.  Most poor Americans can not afford a land line and a cell phone.  Wealthy Americans are slower to switch.  This is, or should be, something you and your business pay close attention to.  It is a consumer trend worthy of comment and we'll do that in the first segment.  Here is the full story from our friends at The Huffington Post.

What is YOUR Unique Selling Point - Five Steps to Find Out

WOW...if there is one thing so many new start-ups or new small business owners worry about it knowing, not guessing, their Unique Selling Point.  What makes your business different, really different, from others in your silo?  How can you, strategically, come to that knowledge?  And, after you know...what do you do to capitolize on your new found discovery?   This is critical (and quick) reading for any business and it comes from our friend Susan Reid.  Look, even if you've been in business for awhile you NEED to review.   Great stuff.  We'll talk about it and why most business owners will never do it.

 When the Leader Can't Communicate

Yesterday it became clear to me that even the best communicators, or those who think they are...often can't, or won't, communicate.  If it happens once or twice you can consider it an oversight.  But, when it happens time and time again.  There is a problem.  We'll visit about that a bit today and get your input on Five Steps in Positive Communication for Business.  Who knows, maybe it will help.

An Answer for Rural Business?

Yesterday my friend Mike Sansone posted what he's been up to lately.  What?   He is traveling the roads of Rural Iowa calling on small business owners who have no website.  Nothing.  And, worse, they often think they don't need one...until the question comes up, "So, have you ever done a Google search for a business?"  Of course the answer is, "Yes.".   But, then the issue of what and how much and because times are tough...that's important.  We'll talk about this post from Mike and why, what he is doing, is so important for Rural Iowa...or Rural America.  But, there are concerns.  We'll share.

The Worst Ad of the Week

Each Thursday we bring you "The Worst Ad of the Week".  Not to be mean but to point out some things you should never do.  While we could do a "best of" so many ads are so great that we'd be here for days.  However some are so bad...our goal is to share with you...some caution.  We'll share during the closing segment today.

Thanks and Thank You!

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

Bindery One - The highest quality digital print shop in the nation with a full service direct mail facility.  Great for business - www.Bindery1.com

Weed Out Hate - There is a better way.  This is a great program from parents and teachers - www.WeedOutHate.org

NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns & Gardens - www.NatraTurf.com

See you LIVE...at Noon Central. 

 

 

Insight on Business News Hour - April 14, 2011

The Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is part of the Webcast One Live Network and you can join us live today at Noon Central.  We'll also post the  archived show here or you can head to the network site to download a podcast.  Thanks for coming by.  Today the video starts at 18 seconds...all links are under the video.

 

Can I Pick Your Brain?

Early today I wrote a piece for our advertising agency blog about the folks who have great ideas for products/services but no idea as to the costs and methods to market what they are trying to sell.  We always meet with them because we learn so much.  Today we'll review during the second segment.

Creative People & E-Mail Bomb

It started on Tuesday as hundreds of creative types (think designers/advertising agencies) were blasted with an e-mail about a still life photographer.  The message clogged computers around the world and caused some ill will for the marketer.  We'll share what happened to photographer Norimichi Inoguchi today.

What Does Consumer Engagement Really Mean?

After our day with Bob Burg talking about The Go Giver and yesterday spending fifteen minutes watching and listening to Gary Vaynerchuk on the Thank You Economy you must be be convinced that relationships are important and that has brought us to the Engagement.  This post by Sean Corcoran helps you even better understand how critical it is to engage the consumer on multiple levels.  I always feel like a preacher...

Child Time Learning Centers - Protest?

The flurry of activity over the firing of a 20-year employee and the manner in which the corporate office in Michiganhas inflamed the situation by their amazing inability to engage their consumers has now led to a physical protest at the Ankeny, Iowa child care facility...that carries the name of fired manager Shelley Huss.  Child Time would like it all to "go away".  But...

The Worst Ad of the Week

Those stories and our regular Thursday afternoon feature showing you what just might be The Worst Ad of the Week...  We're not trying to be mean...just trying to help you understand what you should not do when it comes to marketing your product or service.  In our professional opinion... 

Those Stories the Stocks and More

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

Bindery One - A national leader in high quality digital printing where they also do direct mail services.  Oh... and 1,000 premium quality business cards for $35!  www.Bindery1.com and for the cards:  [email protected]

Weed Out Hate - A great program for teachers and parents from Marc Daniels - www.WeedOutHate.org

NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns & Gardens are possible with NatraTurf www.NatraTurf.com

Thanks for coming by!

 

 

Opening Day - Insight on Business - 03/31/2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie kicks off, live, today at Noon  Central.  We're part of the Webcast One LIVE network of interactive shows where you can see us...and them...live or wait for the Podcast or Archive Video.  Let's stay in touch during the News Hour on "The Chat" or Twitter - @MichaelLibbie before, during and after.  Here is the show from today.  Video starts at :13 seconds.  All the links are below the video.  Enjoy:

 

Opening Day & Consumers

It's a strange combination.  For decades Americans have spent their time and what money they have watching baseball.  When the economy is rolling along there's lots of competition for our entertainment dollars.   However, when consumers get nervous...baseball gets a boost.  Why?  We'll visit about our thoughts in the opening segment.  BTW - Tigers vs. Yankees in NYC today.  Go...TIGERS!

 Trust - Have You Got It?

We've talked about it for years.  To achieve long term sustainable results for your business you must be able to be trusted.  We've also talked about that as it relates to advertising and marketing.   For those of you who "buy into" that process here's a short piece about Jim Quigley the Deloitte CEO.  It's from our friends at N2Growth...enjoy.

Trust But Verify

Where have we heard those words before?  Maybe, and I don't do politics, somebody might want to suggest that line to our good friend Tim Albrecht and his boss Governor Branstad.  Seems that a bill to help create more transparency in government is stuck (again).  The Iowa Governor doesn't so much like the idea of open records and real...transparency.  Is it any wonder why so many people have simply lost faith in "the system".  Seems, to us, the system needs a good dose of whoop-ass.  Here is the story from Jason Clayworth and the Des Moines Register.

Three Steps to Positive Customer Relations...For Life

I know, you get weary of us telling you HOW to build a lasting relationship with consumers.  But, that's our job.  And, just so you don't think we pull this stuff out of our backside...here's the latest story (nothing new here really) from Eric Groves of Constant Contact.  Go on...you can read it now...and listen to what we'll say later.

Who is Tweeting Who?

We touched on this story yesterday when we were visiting with Phil K. James about using social media for marketing.  Seems that a new survey from Yahoo News.  What does it mean?  We'll tell you today and we'll also share the flaws in the conclusion.  OK?  Very nice...we're getting along so well!

Smartphone Market to Grow by 50% This Year

If 2010 was a "coming out party" for Smartphones, 2011 will ice the cake.  In this report from BizReport it looks like Android will continue to dominate market share.  (I know, I should have listened to my Bride.)  The critical message here is...what is your business doing about it.  We've got TWO critical messages for you today.  Things that you MUST do...now if you want to have a place at the table.  Come on, you know already right?

The Worst Ad of the Week!

We don't do this to be mean...however it has crossed our minds.   We show and share with you some really lousy advertising messages so that YOU won't make the same mistake.   We'll share our winner in the final segment of the News Hour.

That's a Wrap!

Thanks for coming by.  Insight on Business News Hour is brought to you by:

Bindery One - The highest quality digital printing in the country...that can also handle your direct mail program! - www.Bindery1.com

Weed Out Hate - It's time to dream what it might be like.  Join the dream:  www.WeedOutHate.org

NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns & Gardens - They will be, this weekend, at the Natural Living Expo in Des Moines...how about you?  www.NatraTurf.com

Exceptional Specialty Products - They know what you want.  www.esp4all.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Business of War & Peace - 03/24/2011

The Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is part of Webcast One LIVE where you can catch the news on marketing, advertising and consumer trends live at Noon Central or watch an archive show...or podcast...on your time.  And we connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie (before during and after the hour), use The Chat or call us during the show at 515-244-4655.  For Webcast One LIVE - @WebcastOneLive - Let's go!  Here is the show from today - Video starts at nineteen seconds.  Links to the stories are below this video.

 

Marc Daniels & The Business of Peace

Our guest today is international businessman Marc Daniels who joins us live in studio.  Marc is from Springfield, IL and has been the driving force behind an international program called Weed Out Hate.  Marc travels the world promoting his idea of replacing the "weeds of hate" with the "flower of peace".  When the bus bombing took place yesterday in Israel we connected with Marc and he has connected us with international journalist Ulrich Sahm (photo below) who will be joining us live from his office in Jerusalem.

A 'side note' about Ulrich...he has an amazing Schindler's List story if we can get him to discuss...  

While we don't do politics we do focus on consumers and action and reaction.  We think there are some powerful business lessons here.  Can gardening...bring world peace?  Join us for an international discussion on the business of peace...and hate.  And, yes, we'll take your calls.

Are You Working At Producing Quality?

We follow Seth Godin (and you should too).  His short, to the point blogs are huge thought starters.  In this piece he suggests we should help migrate "angry birds" away from our computer and focus...focus...focus on creating quality.  Not garbage.  WHOOT!  A comment on this and something I learned last night.  Some folks can't take humor...yikes!

The Worst Ad of the Week

No, we didn't forget...  Today we'll show you a dramatic...high cost ad from a national company that we think...fails to make a point.  But, then again, we might be missing it. 

Insight on Business News Hour is brought to you by: Bindery One www.Bindery1.com, NatraTurf www.NatraTurf.com and Exceptional Specialty Products www.esp4all.com

Thanks for coming by!  Hope you are having a great Thursday! 

 

A Consumer Trend Worth Billions - 03/17/2011

Insight on Business News & Opinion with Michael Libbie is brought to you by:  NatraTurf www.NatraTurf.com, Bindery One www.Bindery1.com; Exceptional Specialty Products www.esp4all.com

Here is the show from today for the Podcast you can go to  Webcast One LIVE - www.WebcastOneLive.com thanks for coming by.  The video starts at eighteen seconds.  Enjoy, links are below the video.

 

Consumer Trends - Gardening - Lawn Care and Dollars

It's an industry that cranks out billions of dollars in sales and an activity that is growing among all demographicsin the United States.  No longer locked into homeowners with yards...plant care is on a steep increase. There is huge interest in conservation, Gardening with a Purpose, Consumer Supported Agriculture (CSA) and so much more.

Joining us for most of the hour is Suzi McCoy from the Garden Media Group.  We're going to discuss consumer trends:  Who is engaged, how much each person buys in  lawn and garden products...why and what the future holds for this most interesting of retail sales demographics.  Suzi McCoy, live from her office in Pennsylvania, joining us for the hour.  This is a must see for retailers as well as consumers.  Join us...and spread the word.  On Twitter we're #IOBGarden to join the conversation.  You can ask/answer @MichaelLibbie or @SeedsForThought  (Lynne Whelan) use the #IOBGarden to follow or online during the show we've got The Chat here www.WebcastOneLIVE.com 

Suzi McKoy, Lynne Whelan and their Insight on Business today - Noon Central...

Worst Ad of the Week

And, no we did not forget.  Today is Thursday and...like all Thursday's we'll bring you the Worst Ad of the Week.  We don't do this to be mean...but to show you some examples of what you...should NOT do.  Ever.  Big companies to small...  We'll show you today toward the end of the news hour.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

For those of you who are Irish...might you have a special, blessed day.  To know the history of the Irish people...is to know so much.  Enjoy.  For those of us who are NOT Irish...may we borrow a few hours?  

Those stories, the stocks and your comments today at Noon Central here at Webcast One LIVE!  Thanks for coming by.... 

 

Insight on Business - March 10, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is our Monday - Thursday look at  advertising, marketing and consumer trends.  We're part of Webcast One LIVE where you can see the hour...live (imagine that) or catch the archive show...or Podcast.  Want to see your business...grow? And, it's free.

Brought to you by:  NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns and Gardens www.NatraTurf.com; Bindery One - A national leader in digital printing and mailing services www.Bindery1.com and Exceptional Specialty Products - The know what you want www.esp4all.com

Today:  The News Hour starts in eighteen-seconds...enjoy.

 

Martha Stewart & NatraTurf

Our sponsor, NatraTurf (and a client of our advertising agency) has been selected to be part of a national program At Home in the Garden with Martha Stewart.  It's the back-story that we think you will find interesting.  We'll share that and...if you want to win some cool stuff some lucky gardener will win a years supply of high quality, all natural, organic products from Martha and NatraTurf.  Here is a link to the information from Martha Stewart and Homegrown.

Lessons on Leadership - Steve Boehlke

If you are like me...you are busy.  Busy with your family, busy with your job, busy with your friends...you know...busy!  That's why we like this piece from our friends at Business Insider.  Alyson Shontell distills "Ten Things the Best Leaders Believe".  We'll share them with you...today and get your input on what you think.  OK?

Television Advertising and the Prime Demographic

Quick question:  Which is the most important demographic for television advertising?  People 18 - 49 years old or those over 49?   Go ahead...take your time. Consider that folks 18 - 49 buy lots of stuff...they switch brands over and over.  Will take a shot at buying what you are selling on peer recommedation.  Or...consider that the "Baby-Boomer Crowd" (Oldest now 67 and youngest 47) control over 50% of the spending in the US and...they watch loads of TV nearly twice as much as the younger demographic.   We'll talk about it...and give you some tips.

Young People Do Not Want To Be Friends - With Your Brand

In a related story, Forrester Research has found that only 6% of the people 12 - 17 will "friend" a brand on Facebook.  That percentage jumps to 12% when we get to people 18 - 24.  But here is the scary part for those of you thinking that Social Media is the "magic bullet" that will connect you with the youth market.  Nearly half of the 12 - 17 year olds say that "brands should go away" and not be part of the social media circle.  WOW...  So, what SHOULD you do?  We'll offer up some tips.

Hear About This...LOGO?

Our producer, Max Crabb, found this interesting tid-bit for us.  Those really smart folks over at MIT came up with what they call a "Variant Logo" something they say will last over 25 years and has a possible 40,000 different "looks".  Seems to fly in the face of every logo idea on the planet.  We'll show you the video and give you our take.  One thing...we wish the folks at the 2012 Olympics had gotten the memo.  It's not "The Worst Ad of the Week"...but, very close.

The Worst Ad of the Week

Each week we bring you the worst.  In the past we've shared some print...bad ads.  We have shared with you some lousy logos (see above) we have shared with you some forgettable video.  It's not that we want to hurt anybody.  We simply want to help you save your business from being...The Worst.  We've had several nominees, including the Wisconsin Brand...ouch.  We'll share with you The Worst Ad of the Week in the closing minutes of the News Hour....

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency:  Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications www.InsightCubed.com and I monitor @MichaelLibbie before, during and after each show.  Thanks for coming by!