The Race Isn't Over

"Dear Fred,

As the 2009 Tour De France comes to an end, I wanted to say thanks you for the overwhelming support I’ve received. While I didn’t win the Tour this year, my return to professional cycling was never about the bike – it was always about improving the lives of the 28 million people around the globe who are living with cancer today."

This was the beginning of an email I received from Lance Armstrong along with all the supports of the LiveStrong Campaign. Powerful isn't it. This is cause marketing at its finest. Lance Armstrong is all in!

If you are going to get behind a cause you need to be all in as well. Throwing money at a cause is great but it may not get you or your company the recognition you could receive with a little more involvement. Here are 5 minor thing you can do to get a little more out of your cause marketing.

1. Find the best fit. Lance is a Cancer survivor so his support of cancer survivors is a perfect fit. At Costa Vida in South Portland our cause is Breast cancer awareness having the CEO wife a breast cancer survivor. I am personally involved in Easter Seals, Boy Scouts of America and the Maine Botanical Gardens, all of which I can relate to.
2. Volunteer. Don't just sit on the sidelines there is lots to do. I am a board member and committee member for 4 Non-profits. It is all of 6 hrs a month commitment.
3. Make it a year round effort. You are more connected when you cause market all year round.
4. Be an Ambassador. Speaking on behalf of a non-profit is a great way to meet build a relationship of trust with someone. Those to whom you speak are usually very passionate about the cause and you may form an instant bond.
5. Sponsor fundraiser. I started going this just to help out. Most of what I do is provide a meal or auction item. My name gets splattered all over the place and, again, those associated with the cause with frequent your establishment more often in support of your support.

By the way I have tickets to the Easter Seals Maine Gala on November 7, 2009, please contact me to get yours.

Fred Abaroa aka “CostaVidaFred”
The Marketing Imagineer

Twitter: @CostaVidaFred
Blogs:
www.CostaVidaFred.com
Podcasts:
WordOnTheTweet.net
MakingMountainsOutOfMoleHills.com