So the latest addition to the Product (Red) portfolio is Starbucks (RED). May I suggest Me (RED)?

(RED) has always been a favorite of mine in the sense that it is, in the words of Bono, commerce, not charity.  Results show the positive impact cause marketing can have through building brand relationships with charitable causes, but less often is "the cause" turned into "the business."  Such an adaptable business model can work anywhere though, even on a personal level.  From the perspective of Chris Anderson's The Long Tail eventually marketing efforts become less and less about ties to companies and more and more about personalized messages to each individual. If this is the case, can we take the next step and create personalized Product (RED)?  What if there was a national database for pre-tax direct deposit distributions out of someone's paycheck?  Someone could give around $5 a week out of their check between the 401(k) and health insurance withdrawals without missing it, and in turn provide life to someone in Africa.  Talk about making a difference.

That time of year again...

It has come to the time of year when ad agencies everywhere break out Carol of the Bells to soundtrack the latest brands and products looking to make an impact during the shopping season.  Here are a list of some you may have seen:

While these may be cute and even successful in marketing terms, there is also a huge market in this season for cause related marketing.  Consider this video to the tune of...you guessed it:

Still, we have yet to see an ad set to my personal favorite, George Winston's version of Carol of the Bells.  Maybe this is an opportunity for your cause.