Here is an interesting concept… A business actually putting their charitable donations where their mouth is

http://mbstories.quora.com/This-should-totally-be-a-thing-everywhere

A coffeshop that allows their constumers to pay in advance for meals/drinks for the less fortunate to come in at anytime and consume. This is a more actionable way to actually DO what you say your brand is doing when it comes to the greater good. The trend of consumers investing in a “charitable” brand for the gratification of knowing they are making a contribution has been gaining momentum,  however a lot of the time no one is really aware of where this “ghost money” goes. Most don’t even know how much of it, when, to who, and how! We just belie that it’s being put to good use and trust that the brand is keeping their promise, although most aren’t forthcoming about the details of the impact it’s having. Makes me wonder if it’s having an impact at all.

This BOGO (Buy One Give One) approach seems much more genuine and sincere to me as a marketer and as a consumer. Granted to all companies are positioned to implement this type of service, however those who are should. Seems like a win-win to me. People give when it moves them knowing their contribution is making a much more immediate impact and companies don’t split a portion of their earnings but instead make an additional sale.

I’d go out of my way to do business with them for sure.

Thoughts are welcome.

liz

BTW – IF YOU CAN’T OPEN THE LINK THE ARTICLE IS COPIED AND PASTED BELOW 🙂

This should totally be a thing everywhere!

Kavya Guddehithulu Nagesh

2895 votes by Prerna Sharma, NaveenKumar Nanchari, Shaurya Chopra, (more)

“We enter a little coffeehouse with a friend of mine and give our order. While we’re approaching our table two people come in and they go to the counter:
‘Five coffees, please. Two of them for us and three suspended’ They pay for their order, take the two and leave.I ask my friend: “What are those ‘suspended’ coffees?”
My friend: “Wait for it and you will see.”

Some more people enter. Two girls ask for one coffee each, pay and go. The next order was for seven coffees and it was made by three lawyers – three for them and four ‘suspended’. While I still wonder what’s the deal with those ‘suspended’ coffees I enjoy the sunny weather and the beautiful view towards the square in front of the café. Suddenly a man dressed in shabby clothes who looks like a beggar comes in through the door and kindly asks
‘Do you have a suspended coffee ?’

It’s simple – people pay in advance for a coffee meant for someone who can not afford a warm beverage. The tradition with the suspended coffees started in Naples, but it has spread all over the world and in some places you can order not only a suspended coffee, but also a sandwich or a whole meal.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have such cafés or even grocery stores in every town where the less fortunate will find hope and support ? If you own a business why don’t you offer it to your clients… I am sure many of them will like it.

P.S -The intention of the whole story being shared is to convey that invisible act of love and kindness can touch one’s heart,especially homeless needy people.This is not about business but a cup/meal of goodwill and hope.
The feeling you convey that someone cares for you,someone wants to make sure you are not hungry gives a lot of hope and restores faith for a better tomorrow.

Bad Client!! BAD!!

When clients ask if there is a business opportunity within the Hispanic market I secretly roll my eyes in a here-we-go-again way. I’ve had it with that question for many reasons but mainly because it’s the wrong one.

That’s like a client/corporation asking “We’d like to sell some Peanuts. Will Americans like peanuts?”Well Mr. Client…No. Not ALL Americans will like peanuts.Some won’t like them and other will downright hate them. Heck. Some are even downright allergic to them. Now, does that mean peanuts shouldn’t be targeted and sold to Americans?

NO. No one would take than answer and halt all efforts meant to reach that market. So if that is the case, why do they continue to do so for the Hispanic market? In terms of numbers that is like turning down the opportunity to approach the 2^nd largest Hispanic “country” (the only country in the world with more Hispanics is Mexico).

Going by Pareto* (some smart Italian economist guy) and Joseph M. Juran (another equally smart econo-geek), 80% of your business revenue/sales come from only 20% of your clients. 20%. With this being the case why are clients expecting to have revenue generated by 100% of U.S. Hispanics or the deal is off??

And anyway, assuming there isn’t an already existing specific taste or affinity towards a certain product, that doesn’t mean there won’t be one. That’s our job as marketers. To create a need and a want. It’s not to just speak to people who are likely to fancy what we are advertising…You already have those people in the bag. Lets start casting the net further out to get those people who aren’t considered an “opportunity” because of the weak and unfounded assumption that they just won’t like what you are selling.

After all, no one ever got laid by not asking the other person out on a date first, right? Same goes for brands…Ask someone the right 20% of consumer to go on a date with your brand and you’ll get lucky.

Ok, I feel better.

Laters!

L

*I had no idea about the Pareto thing until my finance geek boyfriend brought him around and introduced us. Who would’ve thought I’d end up dating a complete and total nerd.