Cause Talk Radio: The Cause Marketing Podcast

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan, and Joe talk to Sloane Lucas, Manager, Corporate Citizenship, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, about their cause marketing efforts on behalf of Operation Homefront whose mission is to build strong, stable and secure military families so that they can thrive in the communities they've given so much to protect. One creative fundraiser launched last summer was Operation Rocker. With the purchase of a rocker on Cracker Barrel’s website, the company donated an adult rocker to Operation Homefront. Cracker Barrel also offered this same opportunity for each eligible rocker cushion set purchased online during this time.  On the show, Megan, Sloane, and Joe discuss: What is Operation Homefront and how did Cracker Barrel begin working with them? Operation Rocker is a new, major initiative for Cracker Barrel. They promoted both online and in stores. The first year they sold/donated 700 rockers. Why Cracker Barrel chose rockers instead of food for its cause marketing promotion. Rockers

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to co-founders Matt Sharp and John Rougeux at Causely, a service that helps businesses use cause marketing to grow and build community.  With Causely, the business benefits from a big increase in word-of-mouth (typically a 4-6x increase in social media impressions!). Businesses also earn a charitable reputation in the process. Customers benefit because it gives them an easy (and free) way to support great causes. And, of course, non-profits benefit as Causely has donated over $2 million since it launched. On the show, Megan, John and Joe discuss: How Causely works (Facebook check-ins) and who they work with (Today, 3,200 businesses!). What type of businesses benefit most from Causely? How does Causely work with the business to coordinate Facebook check-ins and donations? Why couldn't businesses do this themselves? How are donations funded? Do they come from the customer? The business? Causely? What are "social goods"? What causes have been most popular with busin

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Patrick Adams, Managing Director, Secret Weapon Marketing, the creative minds behind the Helpful Bowl, a bigger, better Super Bowl that has SoCal Honda donating money to Boys & Girls Clubs in Southern California for every Big Game ad that has an advertising cliche. On the show, Megan, Patrick and Joe discuss: How the Helpful Bowl got started by Southern California Honda dealers. Ultimately, people wanted to be helped! How the Helpful Bowl works. They're not advertising during the Super Bowl, but they will be donating money based on the commercials. Why Megan and Joe will be looking for puppies and aliens in Super Bowl ads. Megan asks: "Is the Helpful Bowl an example of 'causejacking?'" Yes! Other ways SoCal Honda are being "helpful" and serving the community. What are the business objectives of the campaign? Patrick's thoughts on how cause marketing has evolved over the past decade. The power of a brand having a year-long cause platform as opposed to a tra

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Jessica Li, Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Kansas, about a new article that explores how corporate social responsibility efforts are perceived by different cultures. These efforts may not be effective for all consumers or in all countries. On the show, Megan, Jessica and I discuss: Why Jessica and her team decided to do this research. The team focused on two "individualistic" cultures and two "collectivistic" cultures. How people had different feelings toward CSR programs executed by domestic and foreign companies. How marketing messages need to differ for individualistic and collectivistic cultures. Tips for U.S. companies that want to engage in CSR activities in foreign markets. The importance of companies having a long-term commitment to a cause regardless of the country or culture.  The need for more research on consumer behavior, especially in collectivistic cultures. Megan and Joe suggest two companies that may be excelling in fore

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Allison Weinhagen, Director of Community Engagement at City Market, a 16,000 sq. ft. community-owned food cooperative in downtown Burlington, Vermont. Anytime you check-out at City Market, you can choose to "round up" your total to the nearest dollar. Each month, the spare change collected during Rally for Change is split between three great non-profits that align with the co-op's mission. Since the program's inception, City Market has raised over $300,000 for charities. On the show, Megan, Allison and Joe discuss: How Rally for Change got started with a conversation with a local food bank. Why did City Market choose a round-up instead of donation boxes or charity pinups? How does the round-up work with the store's POS system? How City Market distributes the money it raises to charities. The initial customer response to the fundraiser was mixed. What advice would City Market give to other businesses that want to replicate their round-up program? How City Mark

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Dan Goldenberg, Executive Director of the Call of Duty Endowment, which was founded by Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick. Dan was last on the show in November 2015. Since then, the endowment has expanded on its cause marketing and the Endowment's impact. On the show, Megan, Dan and Joe discuss: A recap on the mission of the Call of Duty Endowment. The Endowment's long term partnership with GameStop and the results of their latest and newest joint fundraiser. How the Endowment secured its first point-of-sale fundraiser with GameStop. The Endowment was joined by another charity, Snowball Express, in their fundraiser with GameStop. How did that partnership work? What was the ask at the register? How the Endowment is raising money with in-game "vanity items," and the key role these items play in educating gamers about the cause. The fourth year of the Race to Prestige exposed over two million viewers to the Endowment. Since gaming is such a growing industry, ho

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Alex Meysman, national event director at Love Your Melon (LYM). The online retailer donates 50% of the profits from each sale made to find a cure for pediatric cancer and to support families impacted by cancer. From LYM’s Cyber Monday sales alone, they donated over $400,000 to Pinky Swear Foundation and CureSearch. The sales for LYM were the highest the company has seen since it’s inception in 2013. But the truly amazing thing about LYM is its success motivating millennials to purchase cause-related products. LYM merchandise often sells out at soon as it hits the website, an accomplishment that must leave many national brands green with envy! On the show, Megan, Zach and Joe discuss: How LYM got started by two college students. LYM raised $2.5 million in 2016. Why the co-founders decided to focus on hats and pediatric cancer. The success LYM had on Cyber Monday. They didn't even discount their products! How LYM has activated "Campus Crews" as brand ambassadors

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Sarah Durham, CEO of Big Duck, a communications firm that is a leader in Brandraising — a proven approach to fundraising that puts the focus on marketing, branding, and communications. On the show, Megan, Sarah, and Joe discuss: Speaking of brands: Where did Big Duck come from? Why branding is important for nonprofits. Sarah's definition of "Branding". What do you need in place before you go through a rebrand? How Big Duck tracks the ROI of a rebrand with its clients. How communications isn't decorative for a nonprofit - it's a workhorse! How to get the key people on board within your organization for a rebrand. And the main difference between a nonprofit and a for-profit rebrand. Where does social media fit into a nonprofit's communications strategy? What stands in the way of a successful nonprofit rebrand? In 2017, will we see more nonprofit content brands (i.e. nonprofits that prioritize communications)? Links & Notes  Big Duck The Rebrand Effect Sara

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to David Hessekiel, the founder and president of Cause Marketing Forum Inc., which recently changed its name to Engage for Good! This wide-ranging conversation includes the rebranding of the organization, the evolution of cause marketing and what we can look forward to in 2017. On the Show, Megan, David and Joe discuss: Joe muses on a new illustrious title for David: "The Commodore of Cause Marketing." David's backstory: why did he start the Cause Marketing Forum? Why CMF is rebranding to Engage for Good. How cause marketing has evolved since the forum launched in 2003. How companies are becoming more cause-oriented instead of nonprofit-focused. Why companies will always need nonprofits. The history of the Halo Awards and how organizations can apply for a 2017 award. The future of cause. What will be the expectation of businesses when it comes to cause? How will the election impact cause marketing? When is the Engage for Good conference? Links & Notes Engag

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan, and Joe talk to Beth Bellanti, Program Manager of Vodka For Dog People, one of the philanthropic arms of Tito's Handmade Vodka, about their vision to help better the lives of pets and their families far and wide. They see a future in which dogs won’t need rescuing at all! On the show, Megan, Beth and Joe discuss: The background of Tito's Handmade Vodka and the birth of Vodka for Dog People. How Tito's sales people were eager to promote the program to clients and saw the potential of Vodka for Dog People as a sales driver and a great cause. The importance of businesses starting with a cause about which they are passionate. How the program progressed beginning in 2012 and their focus on third-party events - "Yappy Hours" - all over the world. What lessons Tito's has learned in developing and growing the program. Other philanthropic activities Tito's is involved in. The importance of developing community around Tito's philanthropic work. Links & Notes Vodka for Dog People

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Abby Lunardini, Vice President of Brand Marketing and Communications at Virgin America, about #TinyDogsTinyFares. With every booking at VirginAmerica.com on Cyber Monday, the airline donated ten dollars to its animal shelter partners: The San Francisco Animal Care and Control, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Animal Haven.  Also this week, the airline is hosted its seventh “Operation Chihuahua” airlift – flying Chihuahuas in style from San Francisco to New York so they can be adopted into loving homes – just in time for the holidays.  On the show, Megan, Abby and Joe discuss: How Virgin American went to the dogs! How "Operation Chihuahua" has evolved since 2010. How Virgin America promoted #TinyDogsTinyFares to its customers. Why Virgin America launched the effort on Cyber Monday instead Giving Tuesday. How "Operation Chihuahua" and #TinyDogsTinyFares fits into Virgin America's social responsibility strategy. Joe's early experi

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Alison DaSilva, Executive Vice President, Cone Communications, about their latest study, the 2016 Cone Communications Millennial Employee Engagement Study. On the show, Megan, Alison, and Joe discuss: Why Millennials are so important to companies. 50 percent of the workforce by 2020! Why Cone decided to do this research. "90 percent of our clients are coming to us and asking about Millennials. How do we keep them happy." How Cone keeps employees happy. The Cone Olympics??? How Cone defines a socially responsible company. Are employers playing catch up with employees since the priority is usually targeting Millennial consumers? How do Millennials want companies to support causes? The importance of social media to Millennials. What were the biggest surprises from the study? The importance and depth of interest in volunteerism. As a Millennial expert, how well does Alison know Millennial lingo? What Cone is planning for future research studies. Links & Notes

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Ryan Harmon, CEO & Co-founder of Press Cleaners. Press is a weekly, subscription-based dry cleaning and laundry delivery service in Texas that is helping the homeless and growing its business with its Socks for Souls program. On the show, Megan, Ryan and Joe discuss: The backstory on Press Cleaners and Ryan Harmon. How Socks for Souls got started. Press will even pick up donations from non-customers! The impact of Socks for Souls on Press' business. "It's frictionless." How Ryan's entrepreneurial journey included lots of cause ventures that made Socks for Souls a natural fit when he co-founded Press. What challenges have Press encountered with Socks for Souls.  Ryan's recommendations for entrepreneurs who want to add cause to their business. Joe challenges Ryan's to come up with cause ideas for new startups. A cause marketing idea for a lingerie store FOR MEN??? Links & Notes Press Cleaners Press Cleaners on Facebook Ryan Harmon on LinkedIn Socks for

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to David Wolfe, Co-Founder and CEO of Leesa Sleep, a certified B-Corp that donates one mattress to a shelter for every 10 it sells. To date, they've donated 9,000 mattresses and are proudly pioneering a way for people to give back while they sleep! On the show, Megan, David and Joe discuss: How Leesa got started by a serial entrepreneur with a generous spirit. How Leesa approaches the intersection of profit and purpose. Which comes first? How Leesa has made mattresses "cool," which may explain why so many Millennials are consumers and employees! How Leesa tracks the social impact of the mattresses it donates. One way is through an "Impact Tour" of shelters they've helped. How Leesa chooses the shelters it donates to. How Leesa balances its donation with new and returned mattresses. More than half of their donations are new mattresses. The real problem of homelessness: no place to sleep. Watch This! Links & Notes Leesa Sleep Sapira Sleep One Company Tackles

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Christine Riley Miller, Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility & Corporate Foundation for Dunkin' Brands, about the company's new, re-branded foundation, the Joy in Childhood Foundation. The goal of the foundation is right in the name: to provide the simple joys of childhood to sick and hungry kids. On the show, Megan, Christine and Joe discuss: Why Dunkin' decided to rebrand its foundation. Dunkin's partnership with Feeding America and their effectiveness working with brands like Dunkin'. Is the rebranding more than a name change? Yes! Focus moving forward are food banks and children's hospitals. How Dunkin' Brands works with its franchisees to balance local initiatives with national programs. How Dunkin' works with children's hospitals - and other organizations that bring "joy" to children. How Dunkin' raises money for its philanthropic initiatives. There is a point-of-sale fundraiser happening right now at Dunkin' stores! Joe and Christine d

Today on Cause Talk Radio Megan and Joe talk to Lori Davison, Vice President of Brand Strategy & Communications, at SickKids Foundation about the foundation's new brand platform. Titled SickKids VS The Greatest Challenges in Child Health, the platform shows the strength, the fierceness, the fight that’s very real at SickKids and shares it with those who have never stepped foot into the hospital. This isn't your typical hospital ad campaign! On the show, Megan, Lori and Joe discuss: The background of SickKids. They've been around for over 140 years in Toronto and they see over 100,000 children every year. How the SickKids VS campaign got started and the goal to shift perceptions to reach new donors. "We needed to jolt the community." How corporate and individual donors have responded to the campaign. The "massive" lift in donations, especially from male Millennials, that the Foundation has seen since the ad's launch.  How nonprofits can do a better job standing out in a cluttered, apathetic world. How Sic

Today on CauseTalk Radio, Megan, and Joe talk to James Citron, CEO, of Pledgeling and Victor Cho, CEO of Evite about Evite Donations, which has raised over $1M in donations for 20,000 nonprofit organizations across the United States. Evite Donations is a free tool that turns every Evite event into an opportunity to give back. Hosts can select their favorite nonprofit from the 10,000+ members of the Pledgeling network, or recommend a new nonprofit. Guests donate without leaving Evite.com, and Evite never charges a fee to make donations. The backend integration for donation processing is powered by Pledgeling, which includes instant tax receipts to donors for their donations. On the show, Megan, James, Victor, and Joe discuss: How the partnership between Pledgeling and Evite got started and how they developed Evite Donations. Like all good ideas, Evite Donations came from Evite's customers! How Evite and Pledgeling integrated their platforms to createEvite Donations and a seamless donation process. Why Pledgel

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Christy Phillips-Brown, Director, External Communications & Community Relations, for Food Lion, a grocery store chain with 1,000 stores in 10 states, about their efforts to fight childhood hunger. On the show, Megan, Christy and Joe discuss: Christy updates us on how Food Lion, a North Carolina based company, is working to help victims of the flooding from Hurricane Matthew. How Food Lion has changed course on point-of-sale programs over the years. They've gone from eight fundraisers to just one. How Food Lion has had success with giving shoppers a choice between making a flat donation OR rounding-up at the register. How Food Lion has developed other programs to raise money and give back to the community, particularly Feeding America and the 30 food banks in their service area. How Food Lion works with its vendors to donate 3 million meals. How Food Lion's Summer Without Hunger program is feeding needy kids over summer vacation. Food Lion's overhaul of its

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Jeremy Ball, who leads the Big Lots Foundation and is director of philanthropy and events for the parent company Big Lots, about the retailers impressive cause marketing efforts on behalf of Nationwide Children's Hospital. Last fall, Big Lots mobilized its nearly 1,500 stores and raised $2.2 million! But this was just the tip of the iceberg. In August, the Foundation announced a $50 million transformational gift to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Big Lots will support Nationwide Children’s new behavioral health expansion, including the construction of a treatment and research center on the hospital's main campus. On the show, Megan, Jeremy, and Joe discuss: How Big Lots got involved with Nationwide Children's Hospital and their decision to fund children's mental health in a big way! How Big Lots support for Nationwide Children's went from a few pallets of food to a $50 million donation. Why it was important for Big Lots to include its customers and employees i

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Kim Van Syoc, Executive Director at the Banfield Foundation. about the organization's successes and challenges in the first year of operation. The Banfield Foundation was founded in 2015 by Banfield Pet Hospital (BPH), which operates more than 950 pet clinics, mostly located in PetSmart stores across the country. On the show, Megan, Kim and Joe discuss: Joe introduces Megan and Kim to the elusive "cockerdoodle"! (See below) How the Banfield Foundation got started in 2015 and its close alignment with BPH's CSR mission. How the Foundation is funded. Primary funder are customers who give at the register. They gave $2.5 million over the past year! What the Foundation learned from its partner, PetSmart, and its charitable giving program. The Foundation's funding of 150 nonprofits over the past year, and which types of pet issues they focus on. How the Foundation's pinpad program works at BPH, and the key role employees have played in the success of the program. Som