Reputation Marketing with Phil K. James

Google Reviews...matter. But it's difficult to get them. The usual way this works is that the business asks for a customers email. Phil James 25 March 2024 Sometimes you get it but far too often you don't.  If you do get the email that results in the business sending out a note asking for a positive review. You might get it but more than likely not because it's not "in the moment".

So, let's fix that and allow your customer to leave you a positive review moments after they have raved about the service, the food or the job.  How does that happen? Meet Phil K. James my friend and the owner of Good Milkshake Digital who for nearly 15 years has been helping businesses, mostly restaurants, with some great creative the drives customers.  Now, he has a system that allows your satisfied customer to instantly create a positive review which in turn moves you up the chain in a Google search.  How does all of this work?  Listen to our conversation from a recent segment of Insight on Business and learn. It will blow your mind...and it works.

Thanks for Listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFMPodbeaniTunesSpotifyStitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.


Little Things Make the Difference

I'm a big fan of fountain pens. Bought my first Montblanc (image) back in 1987 to celebrate a big job promotion. I remember going into a Ink by Pilot store some months prior to that and looking at them. The staff person asked me if I wanted to buy it.  I said, "No, not yet, I've not done enough to deserve it." She looked at me and said, "That much guilt? You must be either Jewish or Catholic." She guessed right.

Fast forward to this year when I gave my Bride a fountain pen created by Rob Beers of the Quill & Nib located in Valley Junction in West Des Moines, Iowa. I filled it with some standard black ink but she wanted a color and suggested green. So, back to see Rob and picked up a bottle of Iroshizuku (colored drops) ink. Pricy? A bit but the color was right and after I cleaned and filled her pen she commented on how smooth the writing was. What? The kind of ink makes a difference when it comes to the ease of writing? I had no idea that such a little thing would make such a huge difference.  So it was back to the Quill & Nib for a bottle of black ink. And, yes, it is amazing!

Rob Beers Jan 2019The story here isn't so much about ink but about the little things that can make a huge difference when it comes to performance. So the question to you might be: "What small changes can you make to your business that will pay huge dividends for you and your customer?" It's worth thinking about and then taking action. You never know until you try it.

One more thing. Several years ago I sat down and did an interview with Rob. It was a Small Business Spotlight for our program Insight on Business the News Hour. Years ago Rob was chided by his Mother suggesting that he get a "real job". A guy that marches to his own drummer, he decided to go into retail but in something very special. Rob liked custom and high end pens. Have a listen to that 2019 conversation below. While the Quill & Nib is a great store he doesn't have a website or do social media. You want to connect you'll have to call him at 515-223-6299. This way you can also support local.

Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays! 


Adding Value That Lasts

Recently a non-profit client that we've worked with for nearly twenty years began asking their members for donations that would go Value toward various programs at their upcoming Conference and Trade Show. It's sort of a new thing for them. In discussing all of this with the staff we asked the question, "What value added opportunities are you offering the donors?"

We were told there would be signage, mention in their printed magazine, social media notices and, perhaps, even a "thank you note" sent to the member company. 

All good and proper but in our mind much of that is fleeting. (However, we do know that a written thank you is something many people hang on to...simply because it's such a lost art.)


Video singleOur next thought was, "What can we do that will really ad value to that companies brand? What can they use over and over again to boost their business and explain to others who and what they are?"

It's here that we suggested doing recorded interviews with the higher level donors and adding video to the interview. Then packaging all of this up and sending the video interviews to the company following the event. They, in turn, could use those on their website, in their social media or their video platform.  No additional cost but done in such a way that our "thank you" lasts and lasts.

We got the "go" and so looking forward to adding real value to these corporate donors.

Thanks for reading! 

 

 


Why Not Both?

Recently I was visiting with a client who is considering a website.  I know...it is 2023. It's a story...believe me. Anyway we were talking Man Thinking about how a website works, content and search engine optimization. For years these folks have had a weekly blog and he was asking why, if they have a blog out there, would they need a website.

The answer is pretty simple but often hard to understand for some folks. 

I explained that a website could offer some history of the company, what the mission is, how to make contact with decision makers, offer a calendar of events, etc.  He asked me, "So can't we just put that information in a blog then we would not need a website?" Trouble is, that a blog is...rotational. Yes, we could put that information in a blog but in a matter of weeks we would have to do it again because that particular blog would drop several issues down and many people are not going to scroll through several editions.

So, Why Not Do Both?

It's important that information on a website change from time to time otherwise The Google, or other search engines may not pick up the site because there is "nothing new".  When you incorporate a blog on the front page of the site you are actually changing content and, for a host of reasons, that's important.  In other words "static" can be bad for search engine optimization (SEO).

Of course there are additional SEO tricks and tools but if you are already doing a blog why not incorporate that on your site?  Or, conversely, if you have a website why not add a regular blog?  You don't have to do it weekly...maybe twice a month?  Not only will it refresh your website but you are now giving voice to what you do.

So...why not do...both?

Thanks for reading! 


Know Your USP?

For decades we’ve told our clients about the importance of staying on message. And, it’s one of the most difficult strategies to employ. So many times we see advertisers go off message because they pick up a hot new topic. While that’s not a bad idea if it collides with your USP you’ll end up confusing consumers.


So, what is a USP?  It’s your Unique Selling Proposition. In other words, what is it that your company does better than anybody else?  To be sure, this takes some real thought and that takes time.  Let me give you several examples of very successful USP ideal.


Kreamer Law USPSam Kreamer
is not only an attorney but also a CPA. His USP is this: “We get things done!” It seems that in his line of work many attorneys’ take so much time doing their job that often clients complain. He thought so much of his USP that it is also trademarked. (You can click on the image to enlarge.)

Von Maur is a regional high end department store that traces its beginnings back to 1872 and in 1928 became Peterson, Harned & Von Maur. Today, 37 Von Maur stores are scattered across 15 states: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma and Wisconsin; and still expanding.   For Von Maur USP decades their USP has been, “Our only interest is you.” The firm does not charge an interest fee on their credit cards and when you visit the store the staff makes you feel like their only interest is in serving…you. Brilliant.

So, what is it that you do better than anybody else in your field and can you distill that activity into just a few words?  Do that and the rest of your marketing/advertising will be easy.


Asking For The Order...

I remember attending a sales meeting at one of my first broadcast jobs. It was a little odd because the "on air" people usually didn't mix Sales Needle with the "sales people" but I was curious as to what they did to keep us...paid.  I'll never forget his wise words that ended the meeting, "Never, ever leave the sales meeting without asking for the order."

So simple yet so profound. Both the sales person and the client know what the meeting is about. I mean I've had sales people take me to lunch, have a nice chat but they never actually asked for the order. 

But this post isn't so much about sales as it is about marketing. Ready?

I'm not sure how much time you spend checking out the various reviews a business gets, say on Google. My Bride always checks the reviews before she buys anything.  And that's where this story goes:

Not long ago I did some business with a printing company for a client.  We had created eight large posters for an event and sent them to our commercial printer who we've used for years for that sort of thing. They did a nice job, they turned the project quickly, we were satisfied and our client was blown away.

Then something interesting happened.

Google Reviews ImageWeeks later I got an email from the owner of the printing company asking me my thoughts about their work and if I would recommend them.  I answered that I was impressed with not only the quality but also the pricing and the turn around.  He then asked me if I would rate them on...Google.

And, of course I did.

He asked for the order.

There is plenty of competition out there for whatever you are selling so, how can you stand out? Ask for the recommendation and make it public.  There are folks out there, like my Bride, who will dwell on those reviews and how many "stars" a product or service has. And it often makes the buying decision easier and more informed.

And, the best news is your cost is practically zero.


The Podcasting Fad...

Back in 2010 we added podcasting to our business. We thought it was the next iteration of blogging so we hooked up with Podbean and Studio May 22 2009 started podcasting the business news interviews from Insight on Business the News Hour. For some reason we figured people wouldn't want to listen to the business newscast. Wrong, and it took us several years to figure that out. Just like the 24/7 cable news shows consumers, it turns out, want the news on their time...not ours. (Photo is from May of 2009)

Our numbers in those early days were rough. We would post up the podcast and share with our guests and they, often, just ignored the opportunity to share those links...even though we sent out a "one-page" on how to get even more traction from their interview. Some even suggested they thought the whole podcasting thing was just another "social media fad".

But, we kept it up and it's turned out to be very successful. So when I saw this article from Inside Radio it didn't really surprise me.  But it might you.  The top line is this:

    "The just-released third quarter Share of Ear report from Edison Research shows that podcasting has captured a 14% share of ad      supported audio listening among Adults 25-54, the age group that advertisers focus on more than any other. That is more than twice    podcasting’s 6% share among ad-supported audio four years go."

MPL and IOBAnd when it comes to the financial side of podcasting check this line: "In terms of revenue, the Interactive Advertising Bureau/PwC outlook for next year forecasts a 31% growth rate."

We'll take that.  If you would like to read the entire piece from Inside Radio here you go!

Today we're on six different podcast platforms all fed by our friends at Podbean. If you would like to follow along just Google Insight on Business the News Hour and pick your favorite platform. Or this might make it easier:

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFMPodbeaniTunesSpotifyStitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon 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.

 


Staying Vital in Small Town Iowa

It's a return visit from Lyle Muller of Iowa Watch - The Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism. Today we're talking about the Lyle Muller MPL 1118 incorporated and unincorporated communities in Iowa and the success/failure of business, population growth and quality of life. How some small communities are doing when it comes to all manner of business issues. We'll also talk about broadband and how some towns have been able to go it alone. It's a fascinating conversation that is not unique to Iowa.  Here is that article and here is our conversation. 

Thanks for listening! 

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFMPodbeaniTunesSpotifyStitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon 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.


Join Me at EntreFEST!

It will be really special! People from all over the country will be converging on Cedar Rapids, Iowa for EntreFEST June 10 - 11. Why? Great MPL ENTREFest image 2021 question.  People will be coming to learn and earn for their startup dream or their current entrepreneurial business. On hand will be a host of speakers on topics from finance to marketing to wellness, diversity, sales...you name it. If it has to do with business you'll find something here that clicks.

This will be my first time at EntreFEST and I'll be speaking on Podcasting for Business. I'll cover topics from why podcasting rocks to equipment, sales, promotion and more. Plus, for those who want some "one-on-one" time I'll be available for questions and offer some coaching tips.  So why me on podcasting? We've been doing the daily Insight on Business in podcast form and on the radio for a dozen years.

In addition, because we do this every day.  I'll be there to record some "evergreen" business interviews that we'll use over the next several weeks.  Hey, you get to be part of our "studio audience" as well. 

Here is your link to purchase tickets for EntreFEST 2021 and BONUS...if you use the promo-code LIBBIE you'll get 20% off the price.  Also, if you're not keen on making the trip you can join the event virtually as well.  So, no excuse for anybody anywhere on the planet to miss this great event.

See you in June!


Baby, I'm Amazed...

The ability to connect with customers, clients and co-workers has never been greater. Go ahead, pick a platform from traditional media use Connecting Puzzle Image to podcasting to a host of social media platforms. Never before has there been so much opportunity yet utilization, real utilization, and the understanding of how to make it all happen tends to rest with just a few of us. I'm amazed.

Last week I joined Clubhouse (thank you Ben McDougal) and was involved in a deep dive into journalism. From how people are consuming the news to the many platforms that are available to a deep concern about an aging population that still relies on print and what happens when that goes away. We talked about news silos where people only get their information from a source that aligns with their personal/political view. We chatted about independent writers and journalists that are freelancing and publishing on Substack or on their blog or in an electronic newsletter. Baby, I'm amazed...

If everything that I wrote in that second paragraph reads like some sort of techy gibberish you would not be alone. Think of that entire ecosystem as a layer of knowledge and activity that is going on in what would seem like an alternative universe. And, to a point it is. News Typewriter

While the vast majority of people and businesses survive on some traditional and "old school" models of marketing, advertising and information gathering you need to know those old models are quickly going away or being replaced with other means of connecting. And, that...can be a blessing our a curse.

It all depends on your target market...the people that really matter to your business.

I was watching "Better Call Saul" the other night (If you've not seen it...go...you will not be disappointed.) when the main character Jimmy McGill, a down on your luck attorney and the person who later becomes Saul Goodman, recognizes an opportunity to do something called "elder law". Jimmy_McGill Saul You know, doing wills and trusts for older citizens.  In one scene we see what appears to be a long-term care facility day room with dozens of elderly people talking, playing cards, doing puzzles and the staff is handing out Jell-O Cups.  As the people eat the Jell-O there is a message printed on the bottom of each cup that says, "Need a Will? Call Jimmy McGill" and an image of McGill's face.  And, of course, McGill is in the room glad-handing each person and giving some really over the top complements.

Brilliant...  You see Jimmy knows his customer base and it would be a waste of time and money to try to reach these folks with traditional media and so he does some inventive "direct marketing" on a personal scale. Now, the show doesn't tell us how successful this method is but if he gets just eight people, out of the sixty there, he's made a good return on his investment.  But, the key was he KNEW who and how to connect.

So, where is your key customer? They may be consumers of local radio or television. They may be die-hard print subscribers or they may be digital consumers or early adopters of various communication tools from Clubhouse to Twitter. The question to you is, "Where are my customers/clients/co-workers spending their time gathering information?"

Figure that out and you...win.