I’ve periodically written about and conducted online and person seminars about cause marketing. I was delighted to read this series on the subject from my colleague Ralph Allora, co-founder and marketing director at TRAY Creative, a Seattle-based creative agency specializing in brand identity, marketing campaigns and web solutions for forward-looking companies and nonprofits. I thought I would share them with you.

Women, Take a Lesson from Girls Scouts: Start Your Social Media Engines

by Geri Stengel on Dec 6, 2012 - 12:20am

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How do you create more businesses owned by women, especially businesses with revenues in excess of $1 million dollars?

“Outside the Box” Marketing Reaps Big Rewards on a Small Budget

by Geri Stengel on Mar 1, 2012 - 12:20am

Case Studies cause marketing How To Marketing Nonprofit nonprofit branding Small Business social media social responsibility Social Responsibility

I’m sure you are all aware that the cost of advertising is just plain…well…outrageous. Placing ads in magazines, newspapers, and on the radio can cut deep into a business owner’s pocketbook. So what are small- to medium-sized businesses supposed to do? You sure can’t compete against the advertising budgets of the big guns! And if you try to say, “Why bother advertising or marketing at all?” you risk going completely unnoticed, which could put you out of business.

Local Projects Can Be Great Causes for Small Businesses

by Geri Stengel on Feb 2, 2012 - 12:20am

cause marketing Commentary / Opinion Small Business small business marketing Social Responsibility

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: Cause marketing is a great way for small businesses to build their brands, increase customers loyalty, and grow. Successful entrepreneurs know this.

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Consumers Worldwide Expect, Reward Responsible Businesses

by Geri Stengel on Dec 15, 2011 - 12:20am

business social responsibility cause marketing Commentary / Opinion consumer activism corporate social responsibility Research Social Media Social Responsibility

I knew it! But it’s nice to know that 10,000 consumers in 10 countries confirm my belief: Companies have a responsibility to promote social good and consumers will support those who do.

How-tos of Cause Marketing for Businesses, Nonprofits Laid Out in New Book

by Geri Stengel on Sep 19, 2011 - 12:20am

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Both nonprofits and small businesses stand to gain a lot from cause marketing. As you know, that’s a partnership between a business and a nonprofit to raise money for the nonprofit and attract new customers or more sales for the business. For big examples, think Project(RED) and its partnerships with clothing manufacturers. Or Home Depot and KaBOOM building playgrounds together.

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What Small Businesses Need To Know Before They Choose A Cause-Marketing Partner

by Geri Stengel on Jun 30, 2011 - 12:23pm

cause marketing cause marketing partner How To Nonprofit nonprofit Small Business small business owners Tips

You’ve heard it before: Cause marketing helps small businesses improve their bottom lines while increasing their visibility in the community. Consumers notice when you show you care.

In fact, successful entrepreneurs start working with nonprofits when when their businesses are just starting. It seems to be good karma.

Pink Ribbons Show Power of Cause Marketing

by Geri Stengel on Oct 14, 2010 - 6:55am

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If you aren't a fan of cause-marketing, you might look around you this month and reconsider. How many pink ribbons do you see?

That's the power of cause marketing. Organizations from Yoplait to the Susan G. Komen Run for the Cure are sending a message everyone instantly recognizes: that pink loop of ribbon means both donate and get a breast exam.

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5 Tips for Making Your Small Business Stand Out

by Geri Stengel on Jun 17, 2010 - 6:00am

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Social responsibility is a powerful marketing tool, one that can set your business apart from the one down the street and increase customer loyalty. Stand out by standing up for your community, your workers, and your planet.

Cause Marketing Run Amok or Smart Move By Nonprofit?

by Geri Stengel on May 6, 2010 - 8:00am

cause marketing Commentary / Opinion ethics KFC Komen

The nonprofit world and the branding blogosphere have been running pink these days as bloggers and commentators dispute the wisdom of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure partnering with KFC to raise money for breast cancer research.