Social Cause marketing is something that all nonprofits are trying to do.Companies with strong CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programs similarly advertise for causes as do Governments. Generally, the marketing and advertising community takes a cue from commercial sales methods of “asking for a sale.” Thus you will see TV commercials and internet ads that exhort you to “Donate Now”.It turns out, that an in your face” assertive message can backfire when a section of your audience does not care deeply about your cause.
Category Archives: Environment/Sustainability
Purpose of a Corporation : What every American needs to know
The most exciting thing for business over the 2019 summer was when the Business Roundtable put out a Statement on the “Purpose of the Corporation.” Signed by 181 American CEO’s all of whose brands are well known to consumers or businesses, the statement reflects the changing times. Download the Roundtable Statement here and check out the 181 signatures from many CEO’s of companies you are already familiar with.American politicians have been telling us what we know to be true – the “American Dream” eludes most folks today due to rapid changes in globalization and technology. Thankfully, leaders of American businesses have taken notice and have decided to move their focus from the “next quarter” to “long term shareholder value” on the shareholder element and have included all stakeholders in the “Purpose of the Corporation”. The times have truly changed in the last decade with all stakeholders having a voice on social media and the old dictum of “just focus on shareholder (short-term) value” can no longer work. See Eric Posner’s article “Milton Friedman was wrong” in the Atlantic.
Coca Cola “social sharing” can is a brilliant idea
Coca Cola results today pulled down the stock market as overall global sales volumes dipped. Just to cheer up all those Coca Cola loyalists out there, check out the Coca Cola social sharing can video which is truly a brilliant idea. The "sharing can" idea has come from Coca Cola ad agency Ogilvy and MatherContinue reading “Coca Cola “social sharing” can is a brilliant idea”
Getting Boeing 787 Dreamliner airborne should be US national priority
Getting the Boeing 787 Dreamliner airborne should be US national priority next week. Its eight days since the Dreamliner was grounded by the US-FAA (see timeline here). Japan, India and European air safety regulators have similarly grounded the aircraft and there is no timetable to put it back up, as of yesterday. And Poland mayContinue reading “Getting Boeing 787 Dreamliner airborne should be US national priority”
Of 2013 resolutions: being outward oriented towards those you serve
This post is inspired by an Indian music radio station that was assuring its listeners that 2013 is "two thousand tera" (tera is yours in Hindi and also means thirteen– thus two thousand tera). All music to be played in 2013 was going to be what listeners wanted and liked- the announcer said as the NewContinue reading “Of 2013 resolutions: being outward oriented towards those you serve”
Sustainable Employment needs a re-think on how we value services
Consider that the world population reached 1 Billion not so long ago in 1804 and is currently over 7 Billion and is expected to rise and stabilize at 10 billion by 2050. Sustainable employment for all these people needs a re-think of how we value services. The problem is acute in Asia with about 60%Continue reading “Sustainable Employment needs a re-think on how we value services”
London Eye has an innovative business model
The London Eye has an innovative business model. It is the giant Ferris wheel that every London tourist must have heard about and you might remember from the 2012 Olympics closing. You will very likely hear of it , if you are a transit passenger with limited time for a London tour. The Ferris wheelContinue reading “London Eye has an innovative business model”
Obama re-election not status quo: Dow plunges and why America will avoid the fiscal cliff
Most folks in America did not expect that the Presidential election results would be called yesterday, November 6 by the news channels just after 11 pm US Eastern time. As more results came in, President Obama seems to have won by a landslide, going by electoral votes. The re-election of President Obama, a Republican majorityContinue reading “Obama re-election not status quo: Dow plunges and why America will avoid the fiscal cliff”
“Unwatering” New York subway tunnels within days: US Army Core of Engineers
Imagine the New York subways with 300-400 million gallons of water after Hurricane Sandy. Well, the US Army Core of Engineers "Unwatering" team are at New York and expect to get all this water out in a matter of days pumping through about a mile of subway at a time. The Unwatering team gets itsContinue reading ““Unwatering” New York subway tunnels within days: US Army Core of Engineers”
Hurricane Sandy: what can businesses really do?
Hurricane Sandy is arriving today at the East Coast of the US and is being hailed as a "Super Storm." Hurricanes are a rarity in the East Coast and local and State Governments, private and public organizations are pulling out all the stops to keep people safe. Businesses have to wonder what they can doContinue reading “Hurricane Sandy: what can businesses really do?”