Community Activism
One for of marketing often overlooked is community activism. Much like corporate sponsorship, community activism can allow you to be a part of your community through giving and sharing. Companies engaged in activism often establish themselves with a business plan for a business such as marketing, restaurant, retail, internet, foundations, research, public organizations and universities, computer stores, clothing stores, daycares, or any other type of business.
Community activism can be a double edged sword. For a win-win: contribute to your community on the least politically hot concept you can. Meaning, being an activist against cutting down old growth is may not be the best event to get involved with unless your business forest preservation type business. Otherwise you run the risk of alienating possible customers who don't aggress with your particular brand of activism. Remember, a business is there to make money and supply services, not to be a soap box for political rhetoric generally. Some business can be politically active, but most are best to take neutral stance to not possible ward off part of their potential market. This should be a addressed in the company's internal business plan as early as possible.
Community activism and business planning do now have to be at separate ends of the spectrum, but they should be clearly defined on what the marketing objective is before engaging in the activism. The dedication of resources and time to the cause should be paced by the return on investment to the business. If not, its better suited to be a passion pursued outside the business name rather than in itto avoid the resource drain on the business and its parties. If putting this in the business plan is too much to consider, call a professional business planner at 877-453-2011 to discuss how this unique marketing angle can help.
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