Cause marketing meets common sense

Observation:   Today’s Springwise newsletter includes an overview of a project called “Cause.It.”  The effort is basically an app that brings a fresh approach to Cause Marketing.  Instead of (or in addition to) simply making donations to various charities, Cause.It is an app that allows the business to reward volunteers with discounts.  In doing so, giving is potentially more personal and fulfilling for the volunteer, and cause marketing dollars become more measurable for the sponsor.

Implications:   The app is very smart, but the principle is even smarter.  Instead of (or in addition to) giving money, free product, or other in-kind donations to an organization, this article suggests that you reward the people who fuel accomplishment.  What’s not to love?

The next time your approached by a worthwhile non-profit organization, you might ask whether—instead of or in addition to giving to the group—it might make sense to create a similar plan.  If you’re offering special discounts to folks who help clean up a park, walk or run in a charitable race, or volunteer to read aloud at an area school or library…  consider the goodwill that might be generated with this focused group of consumers.

This is the kind of smart marketing that stands a chance of building a bond with a new group of constituents.  It suggests that your company respects and appreciates the effort involved with volunteerism… and respects a cause that is close to the consumer’s heart. 

Mike Anderson, for the Elm Street Economics consumer trends blog. A service of The Center for Sales Strategy, Inc.