Gen X—and soon older millennials—are redefining what “50-plus” looks like, and the market opportunity is enormous: this group drives a disproportionate share of spending and expects modern, respectful portrayals. For local advertisers, agencies, and media sellers, the practical move is to drop “beige” stereotypes, assume cross-platform tech adoption, and segment by life mode (caregiver, late-career, downsizer, active empty-nester) rather than age alone. The action plan is to audit creative for accidental ageism, build trust-led local + streaming bundles, and anchor messaging in outcomes this cohort values—clarity, competence, time-savings, and confidence.

Whether you are a seasoned executive or simply starting your professional journey, investing in communication training is an investment in yourself that will pay dividends throughout your career. Embrace the power of effective communication and watch as your professional opportunities flourish.

Have you ever played the hot and cold guessing game? “You’re freezing cold, you’re thawing out, you’re getting warmer, you’re on fire!” The person in charge of the game hides an object and then gives you feedback based on how close (hot) or far (cold) you are from what they’ve hidden. Now imagine searching for their hidden object without receiving any feedback on how hot or cold you are.

As with all other advertising media, out-of-home is just as vulnerable to and enhanced by technology. According to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA), 2015 revenues increased 4.6% to a total of $7.3 billion, a significant improvement over 2014’s weak numbers.

Local advertising agencies can use AI to improve efficiency and client outcomes. This article covers how agencies can automate routine tasks like email marketing, enhance content creation with AI writing tools, and optimize ad performance using platforms like Google Performance Max. It also explores predictive analytics and personalization strategies that help agencies deliver more targeted, data-driven campaigns. Real-world examples and case studies demonstrate how even small agencies can start using AI today to gain a competitive edge and deliver smarter, more effective marketing solutions.

Often, when I talk to managers, they tell me how much time they spend coaching. They tell me stories of meeting, weekly, with their people, doing reviews, pipeline discussions, activity discussions—-all sorts of “coaching meetings.” They say, “Dave, coaching is important and we are spending a lot of time coaching…..”

Major ad agency, Publicis Groupe’s claim that 86% of its first-quarter 2026 revenue was tied to AI-powered capabilities signals that artificial intelligence is no longer an experimental side project in advertising. For local ad agencies and media sellers, the message is clear: AI will increasingly shape planning, targeting, creative, optimization and reporting, but human judgment will still determine whether campaigns actually work. Radio, TV, cable, print, outdoor and digital sellers should use AI to become faster, smarter and more consultative—without surrendering the local knowledge and trust that remain their competitive advantage.

Fuel your week with these can’t-miss co-op deals!
• Polaris Gift the Outdoors Holiday Sales Event! — Adventure awaits with Polaris powersports and festive holiday savings.
• Brother Merry Bright Holiday Sales Event! — Upgrade your office or home with Brother products and enjoy cheerful seasonal deals.
• Winchester Holiday Rebate! — Stock up and save with Winchester firearms and ammo during the holiday rebate event.
• Subaru Share the Love Event! — Drive into the season with Subaru and take advantage of holiday offers.
• John Deere Is Turning Black Friday Green! — Power through projects with John Deere equipment and Black Friday savings.
• Enjoy Yuletide Savings From Suzuki! — Celebrate the season with Suzuki powersports and special holiday pricing.
• Ford Year End Sales Event! — Finish the year strong with Ford vehicles and limited-time year-end deals.

Local TV news is certainly not perfect. Complaints include too much focus on traffic accidents, fires, crime, etc. that affect too few citizens; not enough in-depth reporting on local government and issues; and over-dressed, over-manicured and over-coiffed announcers/personalities. Despite these and other shortcomings, a number of recent studies found that local TV news is trusted and believed more than all other news sources.

Welcome to the lighter side of local media and marketing! Our cartoon collection is designed to give media managers, account executives, and ad agency pros a fresh, humorous way to connect with clients and colleagues. Whether you're breaking the ice, following up on a proposal, a clever way to say “I get it", or need a way to collect, these cartoons offer a memorable twist on the everyday challenges of selling, planning, creating or collecting. Think of them as conversation starters with a wink—and a nudge toward smarter, more relatable selling, collecting.

As a kid one summer, I captured grasshoppers in a glass jar. I was transfixed watching the mechanics of them jump. I remember the ping as they flung themselves against the tin lid I’d punched holes in so they could breathe. Before going to bed, not wanting to wake up to a jarful of dead grasshoppers, I removed the lid, fully expecting them to hop to freedom. But the oddest thing happened. They could pop right out, but they only jumped as high as the lid had been before I removed it. I finally had to dump them from the jar to save their lives.

A record 186.9 million Americans plan to shop from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, creating unprecedented opportunities for local media sales and advertising agencies as retailers compete during the industry's most critical period. While Black Friday remains dominant with 130.4 million expected shoppers, Saturday's local business focus and 59% of shoppers using digital wallets demand multi-platform strategies spanning the entire weekend. With 58% of consumers already shopping by early November and total spending forecast to exceed $1 trillion, advertisers must launch campaigns earlier with value-driven messaging across search, mobile, and geo-targeted channels.

National advertising campaigns offer valuable lessons for local media, ad agencies, and advertisers—especially in the areas of consistency, emotional storytelling, and omnichannel strategy. By studying how major brands build Top-of-Mind Awareness (TOMA), use data to target audiences, and measure results, local marketers can apply similar principles at a smaller scale. Emotional resonance, community influencers, and purpose-driven messaging are just as powerful locally as they are nationally. Tools like co-op advertising, AI-driven creative, and cross-platform media planning can help local businesses compete more effectively. Ultimately, the key takeaway is this: think like a national brand, but act with local insight and agility.

The shift from being an individual contributor to leading a sales force isn’t an easy transition. The character traits are different, and so are the required skills. While it’s helpful to have experience in a sales role, by itself, it’s not enough to ensure success. Few sales managers are provided the training and development that would enable them to lead their team and reach their goals. Instead,

A “no” isn’t the end—it’s part of the journey toward a stronger “yes.”
At Marketing Insights, we understand that overcoming objections requires more than tactics—it demands resilience, emotional intelligence, and perspective.

Handling rejection with grace turns challenges into learning moments and resistance into new possibilities. This collection of quotes highlights how mindset and empathy transform pushback into progress, reminding us that every obstacle carries the seeds of opportunity.

This collection highlights:
✨ The power of perseverance and positivity in the face of “no”
✨ How learning from objections sharpens your approach
✨ The mindset shifts that turn rejection into growth