SEPTEMBER 17, 2013 EDITION
A compilation of cause marketing resources, information and expertise sourced on Twitter to keep you inspired and “in the know.”
CHIPOTLE UPS THE ANTE
I’d say Chipotle is all-in on the cause marketing storytelling trend. This dramatic new animated anti-factory-farm piece and video game (yes, gamification too) makes a powerful statement about what Chipotle stands for – with barely a mention of the brand. Fiona Apple’s distinct voice takes the intensity up a few more notches. Definitely memorable. (This post that I wrote about Chipotle back in 2011 offers some back-story.)
“HARD-WIRED FOR GIVING,” ARE YOU USING THE BIOLOGY OF GIVING TO YOUR ADVANTAGE?
New research shows that not only do humans have a generosity gene, but there’s a biological basis for why giving feels good. This post is chocked full of the scientific support and some jargon-y factoids you can toss around at your next cocktail party, like: “altruists show more nucleus accumbens activation than egoists”). The post also includes a Wall Street Journal interview on the topic, if you’re into that kind of thing. For an actionable guide for how to leverage these principles in your cause marketing strategies, check out our recent post: Behavioral Science Class For Cause Marketers – Are You Flunking?
“NEW METRICS” IS A BIG BUZZWORD – HERE ARE TWO NEW WAYS TO THINK ABOUT MEASURING PROGRESS AND IMPACT
Financial Indice: Cause marketer Paul Jones developed an index of 25 companies, screened for components relating to CSR and cause marketing activity. Results compared to other indices? Paul uses the word “trounces” to describe the growth comparison. He also explains his methodology and shares some numbers. Check it out.
Globally: The Social Progress Index “allows individual countries to identify specific areas of strength or weakness in terms of social progress, as well as to benchmark themselves against peer countries both at the level of individual indicators as well as overall.” Learn about the methodology here and the findings here. Very interesting.
WILLIAMS-SONOMA & SHARE OUR STRENGTH ENVISION: NO KID HUNGRY
Williams-Sonoma has launched its month long fundraising efforts to support Share Our Strength. In its third year now, this partnership is running on all cylinders. Fundraising activities include Kid’s Cupcake Decorating Event fundraisers in all stores, an exclusive Apple Cinnamon Oat Pancake and Waffle Mix (20% retail price donated to Share Our Strength through Dec. 31, 2013) with in-store tastings September 23 and 30 (I can almost smell it now – yum!). Other partnership activations include a fundraising event with Share Our Strength Chefs and corporate bake sale fundraising. No cause-washing here.
