Too Old for Social Media?

It happens all the time. Most recently I was at The Island Coffee Haus on Anna Maria Island (If you have not been, you must go!). I was working on The Business News Hour and using their Wi-Fi. I thought I'd shout out on Twitter and asked the owner what their handle was. She told me they didn't have one, yet, but they had Facebook and just started using Instagram. "We really need to get on Twitter but I don't know how."

I said, "Hey, no problem. If you want I can set it up for you and then link it to your Instagram account."  She said, "You know about social media?? I'm impressed that you keep up on that stuff."

It's the gray hair...

I mentioned that social media is just one of the tools we use for ourselves and our business, "It's what we do." I don't think she believed me...  

Hey, I offered.

Age bias and social media?  Sure. Because the platforms are new folks think the only people who can master the media are young people under 23.  Not so.  How about some updated social media tips?

• Don't Marry Them - I'm talking about Facebook and Twitter because they are two very different platforms and methods. Tweets are here and gone in a matter of minutes while Facebook Posts linger and the audience isn't the same nor is how you communicate.
• Blog Often - Beyond the engagement of Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram there is the blog. This is an amazing tool to offer people the back-story of your business. Remember blog 3 times a week each week and keep it under 400 words.  Great for SEO by the way.
• Hashtag Use - If you want to boost engagement check the #Hashtag for your particular industry and use it as well. #Coffee #BusinessLaw #Radio #IaWx (or whatever state) for weather. Find your industry and take part in the conversation. On our Business Broadcast Instagram account we use #CelebrateWorkers and post random shots of people doing their jobs...fun.
• Communicate - Ask questions, post surveys, ask for input. Remember social media isn't a one-way conversation or your private media outlet for sales.  They call is "social" for a reason.
• Plan Your Effort - Have a plan for what you are going to share and talk about.
• Video - Just use it!

Have more? Share!

 

 

 

Can Local Retail Compete with Amazon?

The information from the report is stunning. According to data compiled by Forrester Research…Amazon.com generated about 60% of total U.S. online sales growth in 2015 far outpacing the competition.

The report found that the retail giant tallied $23 billion more in U.S. e-commerce sales in 2015 than 2014. Twenty-Three billion...dollars more in sales in just one year.  And that's not all...Forrester forecasts that U.S. e-commerce sales will grow to more than $530 billion by 2020, with more than 206 million shoppers spending money online. 

Is it any wonder that mall anchor stores and big box stores are closing so quickly. We have entered into a new economic reality and one that sends shivers down to spine of every small business retailer in the nation. Or, should it?

You see the report also offers some hope. The report goes on to say more than three-quarters of consumers (78%) say shopping on mobile devices is still hindered by things like slow download times and screen size. Your brick and mortar does not have that issue...right? And your optimized retail website allows people to access YOU with a call or email...from the home screen...right?

And, the report has several other suggestions on how to stay relevant in this new retail economy: "Retailers should offer unique merchandise and seek out new ways to monetize the business."

Now, if you want a lesson in how to offer unique how to monetize your business to a broader audience go see my friend Chrissy (photo) at Domestica located in Des Moines East Village. In my mind she does this better than just about anybody. Honest...   

 

The Business News Hour - Friday Wrap

Our ad agency is the fuel that powers Insight on Business the News Hour. It's the only daily, hour-long business news broadcast in the Midwest. (No, really...we checked.) It airs Monday - Friday starting at 5:05PM on AM-940, FM-104.5 and (if you are really cool) in HD at 103.3 HD2. While we don't record and save the news and markets (that could get old....) we do save the long-form business interviews.

Also, we've been informed by the Iowa Broadcast News Association that the Business News Hour is now the Award Winning Business News Hour. We'll be picking up that honor this weekend in Waterloo at their Annual Convention. Thank you all..

Our long-form business interviews from this past week are below. You can click on the name of our guest or on the player to catch the interview.

He is the master of events. Meet our friend Beau Fodor who has, for years, put his special touch on event after event. From small gatherings to Iowa's Gay Wedding Planner to the man behind the Bollywood Ball. His company, Panache Points continues to adapt and grow.

 She's back...and each Monday Laura Kinnard joins us to share her top networking opportunities that are available here in the Des Moines Metro and we end up with a quick Social Media Tip...for business. This time we talk about content...what to share.

It's an interesting family business that's been around for generations. Mike Wells joins us to talk about the beginnings of Wells Blue Bunny, where the name came from and what's this re-branding they've been involved with? We also talk about the Iowa Business Council and what that means for Iowa and Iowa businesses.

Last month Thomas Kutz an attorney with the Kreamer Law Firm of West Des Moines attended South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. We were interested in why he attended, what his impression of the event was and what people there thought about Iowa. We talk music, business and impressions.

For over 70 years Woodard Hearing has been assisting people correct their hearing loss. Sure the technology has changed but, according to owner Diana Kautzky, the careful care of their patients has not. Our Small Business Spotlight shines on Woodard Hearing and their special event coming up soon. 

We love startups and today we learn about Servons from co-founder Steve Schott. Servons helps non-profits not only track volunteer hours but also serves as a way to reward and keep volunteers engaged. How does it all work?

The program is called Embrace Aging and it is a series of educational conversations on healthy aging in Iowa. The upcoming session is called Managing Chronic Diseases. The event is scheduled for 26 April at Drake University, Olmsted Center. With us is Dr. Yogesh Shah a geriatric specialist from Des Moines University and Kent Zimmerman from the Calvin Community of Des Moines. A deep conversation about health issues and outcomes.

Over the past several months two local shopping malls, Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines and Valley West Mall in West Des Moines have requested that bus service be removed from their property. Is it safety, congestion or something else that is driving these decisions?  In a written response from Kris Walter of the Merle Hay Mall we are told it was because Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) was misusing the drop-off area and causing congestion. We asked DART about that and more. With us is Amanda Wanke the Communications Officer for DART.

Thanks for reading & listening! Catch you tonight at 5:05 for the Business News Hour!

 

The Business News Hour - Friday Wrap

Our ad agency is the fuel that powers Insight on Business the News Hour. It's the only daily, hour-long business news broadcast in the Midwest. (No, really...we checked.) It airs Monday - Friday starting at 5:05PM on AM-940, FM-104.5 and (if you are really cool) in HD at 103.3 HD2. While we don't record and save the news and markets (that could get old....) we do save the long-form business interviews. 

ICYMI here's our guests and what we covered this week. You can click on the name or on the player to listen to the podcast. Easy....no?

No matter if it's a house you own or d duplex you know the headaches of being a landlord. Enter Renters Warehouse of Des Moines. We chat with owner, Brad Neal about what services his company offers, what they do before, during and after the renter is part of your world. An interesting opportunity for many of you who own but hate to manage.

There is no lack of opportunity in Iowa and the association that has been on the front lines for business opportunity here is the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. Here to talk about that and the upcoming conference, "Taking Care of Business" and the Leadership Institute are Emily Schettler and Jessie Stewart.  Listen in! 

Here is a fascinating conversation about our global economy and how, if you have not mastered intercultural skills, you may be falling short. Joining us from Tero International is our friend Deborah Rinner. Join us as we talk about common errors and how you, and your business, can better learn how to become a multi-cultural expert...for business and your personal life. 

Always seeking opportunity Peter Sherinian is in our Small Business Spotlight. A manager for Hensely's Big & Tall Outfitters Peter also has his hand in the Quill Pen and Nib in Valley Junction. Learn more about both of these unique retail outlets in the Des Moines Metro.

When Kristen Hall from KH Mediation joined us several weeks ago she touched on collaborative divorce a way to tamp down the frustration and anger while going through the process. Perhaps this is something you need to hear or pass on to people you know.  Have a listen! 

He's spent nearly three decades in the hospitality industry and currently serves as the Director of Sales at the Holiday Inn and Suites based on Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines. We talk with Troy Thompson about the changes in the industry, what he does to help meeting planners and more. Listen in: 

His passion is movies and when he's not working he's going to movies and then writing reviews on McMovie Review a blog about his thoughts on movies and entertainment. We talk with Eric McComb about movie trends and more: 

Our guest is Chris Verlengia from Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield the backbone of The Grand Blue Mile that comes back on 26 April. We talk about the Wellmark brand, the reason they sponsor the event and how the company gives back to the community. 

In addition to our special guests each Monday we feature our Networking/Social Media Contributor Laura Kinnard with networking picks and social media tips for business and each Friday we end with our Friday Fun Contributor Sheryl Tessier from Eat, Play, Love Des Moines and her top picks of "Stuff to DO in the Metro".

Thanks for reading and catch you tonight at 5:05 for the Business News Hour...

 

 

 

 

 

Just Shut It Down!

This past week Twitter celebrated its 10th Birthday. That caused lots of people to Tweet "Happy Birthday" and wonder, "Gosh, how long have I been using the 140 character platform?" Me too.
So, I looked. I joined as @MichaelLibbie on July 15, 2008. Since then I've posted over 39,000 Tweets and interacted with thousands of people and businesses.

I'm not sure what you might consider an expert to be but, I'll suggest to you that with nearly eight years of experience, thousands of messages and giving dozens of presentations on the power of Twitter and Social Media...maybe I get it.

That's why, when I look at the Twitter Feeds of businesses and individuals and see how anemic their attempt is, I often suggest, "Just shut it down, you are doing more harm that good."

That was my suggestion to a former social media client who decided they knew better and said, "We'll just take over the posting duties. I think we've got an intern or some young people here that can get the job done."

Right...  I looked. Had to...it was the 10th Birthday of Twitter and I was wondering how far they have come over the past several months. Crickets.

So here is my social media marketing tip for you and your business. If you've decided to use social media (Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, LinkedIn etc.) but you're not doing it....just shut it down. Stop because it ain't working and you are doing more harm to your brand than good. If you don't have a strategic goal. If you don't have a social media marketing plan. If you don't know....just stop. Or admit that you don't know and find some help.

But, what do I know...  

 

 

Facebook for Business - 5 Tips

So now that you know "Reach Does Not Mean Action" how can you get more action from your Business Facebook Page?  Glad you asked. Here are five tips we use that might help:

Post Often - If your Business Facebook Page only has one or two posts a week it's not engagement. We recommend at least a daily post and/or if something is going on that is a major event you can post around that event leading up to it and during;

Bring Value - People love to be on the "inside" of any business. Post interesting "inside information" about your business, your people, your mission. Then offer your services and insight so others see value in following and engaging with your Business Facebook Page;

Video & Photos - People like visuals so use them in your post. "A picture is worth a thousand words" and it is true. You can even make your own InfoGraphic with tools like this from Canva;

Build the Conversation - Your Business Facebook Page shouldn't be a "one-way street". Respond to people, engage people with a survey, ask questions and answer questions. Build the conversation and your action will increase;

Pay Attention to Metrics - Your Business Facebook Page has lots of interesting metrics available for you to use. Note when most of your followers are online and clicking through to your posts and then make a note to post during those times as well. And, just because your business might be open from 8am - 5pm doesn't mean that you should forget your followers after business hours. That's when they may be checking things out;

There you go...Five Tips for Facebook that, if you use them, will boost the conversation and your activity.  If you've got some more...hit us up!  Love to hear from you! 

 

 

Reach vs. Action

Go ahead, check your Facebook Business Page, I can wait. Notice how many folks your most recent post...REACHED?  So, what does that mean? Perhaps, not what you think. "Reach" simply means how many people saw your post. Saw it. Like in, "Oh, there it is." and nothing else. It does not measure how many people read the post. It does not measure how many people clicked on the post extension. It simple means how many people saw your post.

So, why bring this up?  We take the long-form business interviews that are done each day of our broadcast and post them on several social media channels. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and we always use a Bitly Link. Bitly shortens the URL of our broadcast interview and then keeps track on how many people click on the link to access the podcast. Here is a link to Bitly so you can use this technology. Bitly also lets you know where folks are coming from. A website? Twitter? Facebook? LinkedIn?

The number of Facebook "Reaches" is nowhere close to the number of folks who actually clicked on the link to listen. There may be 500 people whom we "reached" but only 50 of those folks actually took the time to click through to listen to the information from the interview.

I'm telling you all of this so that you can better understand that "Reach" does not equal "Action". Some people that I know get all excited because their post "Reached" 200 people and they often think that, somehow, means "Action". It does not...but there are ways to increase the "action" on your Facebook Page.  That story coming up.

And, you're welcome!

 

 

It's About Relationships

Not long ago, on my daily business news broadcast, we had a story about how the Internet has 
changed the way many buy their vehicle. It's not only that you can buy "on-line" but, more importantly, the consumer now has the same, or more, information about the vehicle than the car dealership.

That fact changes the dynamic greatly. Now, the purchase isn't so much about "best price" or "availability" but how the salesperson at the dealership builds a relationship with you the customer.  

No longer "hard data" it's now all about "soft skills".

This shift has happened across the business landscape. The power of knowledge is in the hands of the consumer in most instances. Now the focus, for salespeople everywhere, is about building long and lasting relationships. And, given the availability of social media, it is easier than ever to engage your existing and potential customers.  

Oh, and that hand-written note that's put in the mail with a real stamp...bet your customer will smile and keep it long after that shout out on Facebook.

 

Like vs. Retweet

We love us Twitter! So much going on, so many people sharing so many cool things. However, we've noticed a trend that we think you should know about.  It's the "Like" button vs the act of providing a Retweet of something that you "Like". Confusing?  We get it. 

A couple of Twitter Etiquette thoughts:

If somebody Tweets something and you want to share it with others it's best to Retweet and if you have enough space you might add a comment. And, when somebody takes the time to Retweet one of your posts it's always polite to reach out and say, "Thank you!".

When you "Like" something why not Retweet it?  When you do that it helps spread the word even further. For us, simply "Liking" a tweet is like a handshake after a date.  Sorry...but it was all I could come up with.

In the end, thank you for your "Likes" but if you really want traction take a moment and Retweet we'll all be glad you did!

 

 

 

 

Use It or Lose It

Back in November the Greater Des Moines Partnership (whom I admire and am an active member) rolled out a marketing plan designed to remind holiday shoppers that buying local has an enormous impact on the local economy. Look Local First had all the stuff: Images, a website and even a hashtag #LookLocalFirst to be used to promote the program via social media.

The other day I did a Twitter Search for #LookLocalFirst just to see if anybody had been using the hashtag. You know, spreading the whole idea that "Shop Local" is good for the local economy.  Here is a screen shot of what I found.

Look, I get it.  People get busy, they forget and sometimes it's tough to market a movement...even if that movement helps serve the commercial interests of the area.  So, how about some social media tips for the use of a hashtag promotion?

• Encouragement - If you've got a built in set of social media followers continue to encourage them to use the hashtag and make sure they understand the relationship they have to share the message;
• Use It - In this case the last time I could see that the sponsoring organization used #LookLocalFirst was the end of November. A long range campaign needs engagement all the time;
• Cross Promotion - Use other media to explain the message. A couple of short videos, done by (in this case) small business people gives a human reason to use the hashtag;
• Key Players - Get some key players in your social media world to use the hashtag. People follow people;
• Blog About It - One and done doesn't get it. Sure you can have a big rollout but if you move on too quickly it loses steam. Offer a few success stories;
• Start Early - If it's a campaign meant to cover the fourth quarter or two months of the fourth quarter start the campaign awareness at least a month earlier.

Big companies and organizations often have way too much going on and tend to forget about the campaign they started. That helps nobody. Stay with it and your ROI will improve.