Creativity

R.C.L. Productions with Rikkia Lillard in our Small Business Spotlight

When I sat down with Rikkia Lillard I didn't expect to learn about all the talents this young woman has...but soon into this conversation it became apparent that she is something very special. Rikkia owns R.C.L Productions which is an event planning and design business. Here slogan is, "It's not just a party. It's a production." And a production it is. From weddings to bar mitzvahs Rikkia turns on her magic and you get to learn all about it here. Enjoy! If you want to connect with her here is her email. 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 
Our Sponsors
AARP-Iowa
National Tractor Parts Dealer Association
Oasis - A Paychex Company
Tero International

Business News Headlines 4 March 2020

It's the day after Super Tuesday and the markets reacted to the Joe Biden win and some positive economic/jobs news. Here's what we've got for you today:
Former Vice President Joe Biden wins big;
Starbucks cancelled an event;
President Trump gives airlines a pep-talk;
United Airlines cuts flights;
GM to take on Tesla;
Ikea recalls 800,000 pieces of furniture;
In iconic book publishing house is for sale;
The Wall Street Report
Pay people to move to your city...it works.
Those stories and a quick marketing tip about QR Codes and why we're seeing more of them.  To hear that fast three minutes click here. 
Thanks for listening! 

Welcome Back QR Codes - A Marketing Tip

Over the years the QR Code had fallen on hard times. People may not have known what they did, businesses didn't use them correctly and you had to download a QR Code Reader to view what was behind the image. It wasn't very handy.  But now Apple has addressed that issue and we're seeing more QR Codes being used again. Here is a quick marketing tip about what they are, the technology that is now widely available and where to get them.
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 
Our Sponsors
AARP-Iowa
National Tractor Parts Dealer Association
Oasis - A Paychex Company
Tero International

The Business News Headlines 19 February 2020

It's mid-week and the markets bounced back today and no doubt would have gone higher if it wasn't for the Fed suggesting that interest rates are going to stay put for a bit.  Here are the stories for today:
More and more seniors are entering the job market...and what are they doing?
Bottled water is in trouble in more than one state;
Another restaurant chain ignoring child labor laws;
The Wall Street Report
"Friends" continues to make new friends and lots of money.
Those stories plus a Marketing Tip this time about podcasting. What is it about content that really impacts? You will be surprised. Also in this segment I'll offer some equipement tips, social media tips and more.  It's called "Think Before You Podcast" and you can here that...here. 
Thanks for listening! 

Think Before You Podcast

Every so often we put out a Marketing Tip. Today this will center on PODCASTING. It's a great way to connect with consumers if it's done well. One of the false narratives out there is that what you say is critically important. Well, that's not quite true. The "content" of the spoken word is worth about 7% of your ability to connect with your audience. What really impacts your message is the visual and the vocal presentation.
Give a listen and learn more about podcasting and what we use to make it all happen.  And, as promised here are the links to the products/services I mention.
Check out the BLUE Yeti;
Your link to B&H Audio/Visual;
Your link to Audacity;
Your link to Podbean to host your podcast.
Thanks for listening! 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 
Our Sponsors
AARP-Iowa
National Tractor Parts Dealer Association
Oasis - A Paychex Company
Tero International

Three Marketing Tips for Business

Some of you know that the engine that powers the Business News Hour is our advertising/marketing agency. Over the years I've had hundreds of companies and business owners as how they might get better at "getting noticed". Some have taken my advice others...not so much. Recently I was in Arizona at an international meeting and a man who owns a company in Alberta, Canada told me he thought the advice I offered years ago was "screwy" but figured he might try the formula anyway. He said that it's had an amazing impact on his business. That conversation prompted me to share this short piece that originally aired on News/Talk 1540 KXEL and now...you get it. Enjoy and let me know your thoughts.
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 
Our Sponsors
AARP-Iowa
National Tractor Parts Dealer Association
Oasis - A Paychex Company
Tero International

Stuff to DO with Cityview

Put away your cares and woes...turn that frown upside down...it's time for "Stuff to DO" in the Des Moines Metro this weekend into next week with Jeff Pitts from Cityview Magazine. Yes, we laugh, giggle a bit and share Jeff's top picks of places to go. Like:
Tea Time
Zoo Stuff
Hairball
Garden Stuff
And much more. Hey....it's all in fun and if we upset anybody...we really are...sorry. 
Thanks for listening! 

Meet Rantizo - Drone Spraying for Agriculture

I was in the Media Room at the Iowa Power Farming Show and asked around about new technology and adaptations for agriculture and I was told I should check out Rantizo who came to showcase their new drone spraying device. Working the booth for Rantizo was David Pieper the Director of Sales for the Iowa City based company. We sat down to talk crop spraying and drone usage.  Gotta love technology. 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 
Our Sponsors
AARP-Iowa
National Tractor Parts Dealer Association
Oasis - A Paychex Company
Tero International

Business Events in the DSM Metro with Laura Kinnard

It's the third full week of January 2020 and Laura Kinnard is back with us to chat it up about business events in the Greater Des Moines Metro.  Laura, from Drake University and The Runway at Southridge is also the author of DMBizMixer.com where you can learn more about what we're talking about today. From better understanding finances to social media to marketing she has a full week of events. To have your event included just create #DMBizEvents on your social media and she'll pick it up.  Here's Laura....
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 
Our Sponsors
AARP-Iowa
National Tractor Parts Dealer Association
Oasis - A Paychex Company
Tero International

Kelsi Ziemann in the Small Business Spotlight

It's taken us nearly a year to get this interview with entrepreneur Kelsi Ziemann. Why? Because she has been a very busy woman. Her business, Kelsi Ziemann Artistry is where she, and her staff, transform women with some amazing makeup work and teach them the tips to help them look their best everyday. Then she recently started KZA Cosmetics (Site under construction but where you can sign up to get the latest.) where she sells products from makeup to some makeup hardware. We talk all about it in this segment.
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 
Our Sponsors
AARP-Iowa
National Tractor Parts Dealer Association
Oasis - A Paychex Company
Tero International