Tom Feltenstein

Many consumers today want to spend their money with companies who care about more than just profit. Cause marketing, as it is referred to, is when businesses and charities partner together to support a common cause. From pink ribbons to celebrity endorsements, cause marketing is rapidly becoming an integral part of our culture. Oscar Mayer, for instance, is offering people a chance to bid on eBay for a “Ride Shotbun in the Wienermobile” package.

(http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=128968).

The lucky winner gets to drive the giant wiener for a day, have a catered Oscar Mayer cookout for 50 and a year’s supply of the hot dogs.  Proceeds from the auction support Oscar Mayer’s “Good Mood Mission” to benefit the hunger-relief organization Feeding America.

Cause Marketing is an effective public relations strategy for your business, because anytime you help your local community you’re certain to reap the benefits of your good dead.  It also positions your business in a very favorable light with your customers and gives you an additional personal connection with them because most business owners pick a cause that they personally care about.  Whether this is a cancer charity or animal rights cause, you will soon find customers telling you their stories about how they are involved with that charity as well. It is a way to feel great and give back as a business owner and get your customers involved on a personal level which enhances their loyalty to your business.

What type of cause marketing have you been involved with or been inspired by?