Good for them. Good for your business (pt 1)

A few weeks ago I cited the Campbell's Soup campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness as a fantastic example of Cause Related Marketing.

Businesses, big and small, are in a unique position with respect to good causes. Not only can we do good by supporting worthy campaigns and charities but we can also achieve many of our own economic goals at the same time. With this in mind it is certainly an avenue worth investigating.

Over a few posts we'll be taking a look at ideas for working with charities and other non-profit organisations. Let's start with 10 simple reasons to get involved:

1. It does good - the most important and obvious reason
2. You can utilise the existing social networks intrinsic in any good cause to help get your joint message out there
3. It's cost effective - even if you don't give money, donations of time and 'in kind' donations are free
4. Your joint message is more PR friendly than either is in isolation
5. It's a positive reinforcement of your image
6. It improves your image in the eyes of your staff and other stakeholders
7. It can increase sales and raises your profile
8. It can provide networking opportunities
9. It can help service organisations build a portfolio
10. Your business gains 'goodwill' by association

If you still need convincing check out the Business in the Community website.

Next installment - putting it all together.