Five Questions with… Michael Libbie
Posted on July 16, 2007 in Five Questions by DM
Five Questions With… is a new weekly series on DMweblife highlighting Des Moines area bloggers and their blogs! Our inaugural edition features Michael Libbie of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications.
1. What’s the main reason you began blogging?
We began blogging to better communicate with existing or potential clients. And, frankly, an attempt to become of interest to potential clients. We want people to understand “how” we view advertising, marketing and communications.
2. What aspect of blogging do you enjoy the most?
The creative. It’s fun and as a writer (in another life) it keeps me current. I do three Blogs. One for the business, one for our radio show (http://highway6.insightcubed.com) and one for my congregation (www.betheljacob.org)
3. What’s an activity besides blogging that you can’t live without?
Family…I am so lucky to have a great wife and kids. And, a beautiful grandchild. Family time is important…but we get so little.
4. What’s the best advice - personal or professional - you’ve ever received?
Listen…first.
5. What’s something you’ve accomplished in the past five years that you are particularly proud of?
Opened up our own business. It’s scary…but also liberating.
And the “Secret Sixth Question” just for Mike and the Insight blog:
6. How did your business come to be focused on marketing for rural lifestyle companies?
I was born and raised in Detroit. Thought that milk came from the store. I moved to a farm after college. The farm we purchased was 138 acres and bought it for $120 an acre. (It has since grown to nearly 1,000 acres that my oldest son works). It had no running water and no electricity. But it had 50 head of cattle, two milk cows, two mules, a pen of chickens, a 2 acre garden, and some hogs and horses. So, I went from city to country in the span of 12 hours. Nearly everything that is important to me I learned there. We raised cattle and horses and I got to live the life of a cowboy. (Jewish yet!) Even did the rodeo thing for a bit. Left there for Iowa and purchased an acreage. So, this whole “rural lifestyle” thing comes pretty natural. About eight years ago I started a magazine called, Acreage - The Magazine for the Rural Lifestyle. I wrote most of it, did the layout and photography. This was when I was working for a publishing company here in Iowa. So that’s the story - we just understand the difference between a plow and a planter. You would be amazed at how many folks in ag advertising have no clue.
Thanks, Michael, for participating in Five Questions With… and keep up the great blogging!
Des Moines-area bloggers: to be considered for this feature, just drop me an email with your name, location, and blog address, and answers to the five questions I’ve asked here. I’ll reply with your “Secret Sixth Question”!
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2 comments to “Five Questions with… Michael Libbie”
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You know…this is a really interesting idea. Nice. I’m hooked.
Glad you like it - welcome! Hope you will stick around! ~ J.