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A Little Help From My Friends:
Thoughts on Cause Marketing
 Just yesterday my first guest blog post ever was published. You can read it over at Jay Ehret's blog, The Marketing Spot.
The title of my post is Between Selfish Giving and Doing Good: 7 Tips for Authentic Cause Marketing. In it, I share what I've learned over the years about finding ways to give back to the community we do business in.
Cause marketing is just a fancy term for the special relationship that develops between a business and charity-one that benefits both in tangible and specific ways. The business gives, and feels good about it. And the nonprofit gets, and is able to do more of their important work. It's key in this economic downturn to show that you care about the problems people in your community are experiencing. And when you do, you'll find that you will stand out in your customers' minds.
Perfect responses to my cause marketing post
People who commented on my post had some important things to say about cause marketing. Here are some of their insights:
As a culture, we've definitely moved beyond business for business's sake. We are seeing the bigger picture of making our world a better place.
Lynn Baldwin-Rhoades, Shebang Marketing
Unless cause marketing efforts are target market segment relevant, a practitioner is certainly adding nothing to the marketing mix and might be at cross-purposes with the brand image.
Kevin Hoult MBA
If your cause is aligned with what you do, volunteering is as easy as breathing. So it is more than good for business and good for charity, it is good for you.
Betsy Talbot, Lifestyle Consultant
If your business is new and cash flow is an issue, consider donating gift certificates to raffles or auctions that raise money for the causes you support. Our time is as valuable as our money.
Valerie Farris, Farris Law, PLLC
It's important to track the results because that takes you beyond the rush of feeling good and makes it more likely you'll sustain the effort.
Bruce Colthart, Bruce Colthart Creative, LLC
I help people increase their presence and authenticity in front of an audience. I've had ideas about offering my work pro bono to teens or disadvantaged folks. You've raised the issue to the forefront of my marketing mind.
Joe Shirley, Mondo Charisma
Click here to join the conversation.
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