Big Blues Eyes & Big Giving Heart

I would be remiss if I did not take the time write about Paul Newman today. As many of you know, Paul Newman died of lung cancer at the age of 83 a couple of days ago. Mr. Newman was a Hollywood actor of 50+ years, dedicated husband of 46 years, loving father of five daughters, business man and owner of his salad dressing of nearly 30 years, and a life-long philanthropist who has left a legacy for years to come.

Paul Newman was more than a popular actor and Hollywood icon. He was a man that undoubtedly was dedicated and put heart in what appears to be in every aspect of his life endeavors. Now, I did not know Mr. Newman, but what I can say is he didn't seem to be the type of person who flitted from project to project, relationship to relationship, cause to cause, depending upon whatever the most popular ice cream flavor of the month was. No, in fact he seemed to have had a lasting commitment into just about everything he has ever done. Someone with 'teeth'. Someone who starts something and sees it through every step of the way.

One way this is seen is through his Newman's Own Foundation. His foundation has given nearly $250 million to charities over the years. This organization will continue to benefit generations perhaps in perpetuity. Another project near to Paul Newman's heart was is founding of the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP). I've watched this member organization grow over the years and it's work in the field of corporate philanthropy has been nothing short of amazing. They have elevated awareness of corporate philanthropy and corporate social responsibility around the world.

Paul Newman's legacy in philanthropy will continue long after the movies play. His legacy is part Hollywood but his giving will be his greatest legacy. His presence in the philanthropic community will be missed. Next time you are walking down the "Dressings Aisle" of your grocery store, pick up a bottle of Newman's Own, you just might make a difference to someone somewhere.

Are Wall Street Downturns Curbing Giving?

Recent events around Freddie Mac, AIG, and Lehman Brothers Holdings are not perceptions. They are very real events that not only have an impact on on families, small businesses, big corporations and charities of all sizes.

Corporation and foundation investments are being hit, and hit hard. And small business owners are feeling the pinch as well. No one is truly exempt from economic downturns. Charities are feeling the impact of this curbed giving environment. I have seen first-hand charities facing a decrease in their corporate sponsorships, foundation giving, and business donations this past year. It's not pleasant to look at staff of nonprofits who are wondering if their job may get cut. The Wall Street Journal's, September 22nd article, "Nonprofits Brace for Slowdown in Giving" highlights just how challenging things have gotten for charities in the past two weeks. Gordon J. Campbell, president and chief executive of the United Way of New York, said "There will be fewer dollars coming in the doors." According to Giving USA Foundation, charitable donations only grew by 1% adjusted for inflation in 2007.

So, what does this mean for nonprofits? It means they will be looking for new ways to raise funds. In times like this, they've got to get creative, assertive, ramp up their public relations campaigns and expect their board of directors to step up to the plate and provide leads to open doors to new funding opportunities through their connections and networks. Some may have to consider loans for in the short run. Other short term plans may include partnerships or strategic alliance opportunities.

These times will turn. But for now, their message should to educate donors and communities about their organization's needs and the impact that lean times will have on their programs and services.

Boost Your Brand by Giving Back

Join me for my "Boost Your Brand by Giving Back" FREE Teleclass

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When: Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Time: 3:00pm EST
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This information-packed teleclass will inspire you to rethink just how important giving can be for your business. Learn my three secrets for boosting your brand and building connections with your customers and your community.

You've heard me say, giving makes a difference for your business. And it does. Did you know that customers/clients have a more positive image of businesses that support causes? This isn't fluff. It's based on solid studies and it's not just for Fortune 500 companies either. Any business of any size can have successes for their brand by giving back.

I'll be revealing my three secrets for boosting your brand and building connections with your clients, customers and community. You'll learn:

1. How your giving decisions influence your marketing message,
2. What you need to do to create an emotional appeal with clients and customers, and
3. How to make your brand stand apart from others in the marketplace.

Not sure if your giving back is building your brand? If you can’t define your giving program through your brand, your customers won’t be able to either. Your brand and giving program must be aligned to authenticate the brand connection with your business, customers and communities.

Read more about the teleclass here.This is one of my most favorite topics, and I'm ecstatic to be sharing it with you on this live call. You'll also have the chance to ask me questions LIVE on the Q&A portion of the call.

I will share with you the three strategies to positively impact your brand and create meaningful, long lasting connections with your clients, customers and community.

Register Here!

Economic Blues Leave No Room for Green

In AdvertisingAge today, there is an worth a read, "Economic Blues Leave No Room for Green." Essentially, the green-marketing movement is taking a hit from hard economic times. Companies are having to place less emphasis on their cause-related and environmental issues due to downturns. "In fact, marketing that is 'beneficial for society' or that minimizes the impact on the environment now ranked at the bottom of the top five priorities.. for the next 12 months" according to a Duke University study of seventy-two Fortune 1000 companies.

Unilever is just one example. Unilever is having to shift its marketing priorities as a result. One executive acknowledged that while green is a good way to go for consumer product, it's not among families high priorities at the moment. What does this mean for Unilever? While the company hasn't dropped it's cause-related marketing for Dove, it will focus on the new Dove Go Fresh line, and Wal-Mart Stores are even talking less about their sustainability themes with releasing 37 stories a month versus 72 stories a month this time last year.

The wane isn't necessarily the effect that going green isn't important to consumers. Rather, families and individuals are feeling the pinch a the gas pump, grocery store and other areas of their lives. So, while green is good, when it comes to the pocketbook, people will opt for discounts and lower priced products, at least for now.