Future:Media:Change

Since the days of Edward Bernays, marketing has attempted to convince consumers of their hidden desire to buy products. Have fifty years of manipulation run their course? Many leading members of the cause marketing industry feel that consumers are beginning to demand corporations not only provide quality products but also become responsible members of the community. Can your nonprofit afford to not become part of a cause marketing campaign? I spoke with three leading practitioners of cause marketing to find out.

A survey of over 900 nonprofit leaders revealed a sizable inadequacy in their ability to connect with their audience and portray their primary messages.

“Are all nonprofits the same?” If nonprofits in general conduct similar work, why do some people feel more inclined to donate to one over another? It boils down to the experience that organizations can offer to their community, but what next?

While many corporations are using the phrase ‘going green’ as a marketing tool, your non profit can actually help save the environment by changing simple aspects of your web site.

While there is no formula for making something ‘viral’ there are elements that we can examine that are common to most viral videos. Epolitics outlines some of the key characteristics in their Online Politics 101 guide.

If there is one thing I’m more geeky about than Google Wave, it’s Augmented Reality. With the first few applications being launched this year, Augmented Reality has picked up steam and will continue to become another outlet for both consumer and advertising applications. Is augmented reality something that non profits should get on board with? Is this our chance to finally jump ahead of the technology curve?

Green is in, which means companies are doing everything in their power to try and convince consumers they are on the environmental bandwagon as well. Alternet outlined 12 of the most hilarious examples of companies trying to Green Wash their products.