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Companies for a Cause

Everyone is passionate about something. It could be for a charity, an activity, a group of people or even animals.

And, we all donate some of our personal time and money to these causes.  For those of us fortunate enough to own or manage businesses, we also donate some of our corporate time and assets, as well. 

But few of us take advantage of an excellent tool---our website. 

Netwave Interactive has developed a new concept that we have called “Start a Cause.” What we are suggesting to our clients is to include a “causes” page on each of their sites.  We’re so enthusiastic about its potential that we have included one on our page (Netwave's Causes) and we offer to build a free causes page on every new site we develop.

You’re probably thinking why would I post something that may not be relevant to my products or services?  Or why post something that my customers may not be interested in?  While both are very good questions, we invite you to think outside the box for a moment.

Incorporating this idea into your company web site accomplishes many things:

1. Strengthen Exposure:

   You are doing your part by helping your cause and further promoting what they stand for. As a business owner, your website brings in traffic from all over; traffic that may not otherwise be aware of this cause.


2. Good Samaritan Standing:

   You demonstrate good corporate citizenship.  You’re showing that real, compassionate people are behind the pages of company products and information. It adds a new dimension to the perception of your company.

3. Staff Involvement:

     It’s easy for your staff to get behind this cause or suggest some of their own causes.  While doing something good, you’re also building camaraderie.

4. Increase Traffic:

   Finally, this web page will help bring different visitors to your site. People interested in this cause will locate your page and conveniently find themselves on your company website with your products and services in reach.

 

From an altruistic viewpoint, it helps strengthen the communities you operate in.  Moreover, we often forget that the Internet is essentially a communications medium.  To view it merely as a sales tool is to grossly underestimate its value. All of us saw its power demonstrated during the Iranian election protests and how powerless the government was in preventing its atrocities from being globally broadcast.

A cornerstone of your social networking strategy

Ever wondered if social networking (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) is for your business?  A Causess page is a good place to start.  Social networking is all about finding people with common beliefs, then communicating with them.  If business happens as a result, so much the better.  But it begins with a common bond.  If you want to see how its done, visit our page and link to our Facebook and Twitter pages.  Ask us to devise a strategy for you.

Here are just a few of the ground rules we suggest you follow when setting up your Causes page.

1. The causes should not be divisive.  This is not the place to debate foreign policy, political views or religion.  There are other avenues for these discussions.  For example, Netwave supports two organizations—The Wounded Warrior Project and The 200 Club of Ocean County.  The first organization helps our seriously wounded soldiers adapt to their drastically altered life. Similarly, the 200 Club supports Police, Fire and First Aid members who were killed or injured in the line of duty.

We won’t debate the war or law enforcement policies on our pages.  We will focus on the needs of our heroes serving their country and communities.

2. Choose causes your entire organization can focus on.  This can be a tremendous team building exercise for your staff.  Seek their involvement and opinions.  Avoid selecting a narrowly focused cause that makes you feel good but alienates your staff.
3. Leave the fund-raising to the organization.  Your goal should be to raise awareness not funds.  Include a link to the organization web site.
4. Tell a story. Many successful cause creators have shared personal or otherwise captivating stories in the body/description of their causes - this helps convey urgency and lends universality to your causes that more people can relate to.
5. Expand your causes’ exposure through social networking  Through regular postings and by forming groups, you will be amazed how quickly you can build a diverse and enthusiastic following.  Hint: Utilize your younger staff members for this task.  They already understand the technology and ground rules of social networking. 
6. Start debates and discussions on your "Wall" to create personal connections and to empower individuals to express what this cause means to them.

Your passion is important. Why not share it?

Your website is powerful. Why not maximize it?

Contact us if you’d like some guidance in setting up a cause page on your site.