Social Responsibility

365: Do Charitable Actions Build Brand Equity?

January 15th, 2011

How can a business build brand equity around a charitable activity without appearing to be “doing it just for the publicity”? If the purpose of a business’ charitable activities is just to build brand equity, they are “doing it just for the publicity.” It’s not a publicity stunt if a […]

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365: Redux – Do Charitable Actions Build Brand Equity?

January 16th, 2011

How can a business build brand equity around a charitable activity without appearing to be “doing it just for the publicity”? Another thought on an otherwise answered question: The Medinge Group recognizes “Brands with a Conscience” annually.  The self-described think tank nominates organizations that demonstrate a genuine “contribution to the […]

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365:How Much Branding is Necessary?

February 20th, 2011

Garland Pollard, a writer, web editor and SEO consultant writes “Is there too much branding? He continues, “… must we all be so concerned with branding? Isn’t a good brand really the result of a moral, well-run company? Isn’t it better that hospitals focus on patients, and let the “branding” […]

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When Did Condom Brands Start Ignoring Cultural Trends?

April 29th, 2011

Why are condom and tampon brands so far behind the eco-friendly times? A cultural shift has happened and it’s made us all increasingly aware of our social and environmental impact. The 2009 Global Edelman goodpurpose* study found that “83% (of consumers are) willing to change consumption habits if it can […]

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The Better You Are, The Better You Look

October 28th, 2011

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world… it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead It took me 30 minutes this morning to buy wheat pita bread at the grocery store. Not because the lines were long or the aisles congested, but […]

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The Highest Standards

April 6th, 2012

Children’s brands have the potential to shape children’s lifelong interests, thoughts, goals, desires, habits, and health… Driving destructive trends and bombarding children with advertisements for unhealthy products impacts their lifelong wellness and society as a whole by impacting the lifestyles, capabilities, and objectives of our future decision-makers. Children’s brands should […]

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Giving Like A Wise Man

December 20th, 2012

It’s difficult to make a difference or solve an issue when you are spreading limited resources across a long list of worthy causes. Sometimes less really is more. It should come as no surprise that “just” giving money, without thoughtful coordination, doesn’t produce significant change. Nor does it cultivate any […]

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Want to Own Your Own Brand of Awesome?

May 9th, 2013

BlackDog is offering 7 Matching Grants to 7 Companies ready to “go for it”! http://blackdogstrategy.com/entrepreneurs/

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Speaking Our Minds

May 24th, 2013

Our new peaceful protest wear has arrived! BlackDog’s Sacramento Lab will be closing up shop Friday May 24th to Occupy Monsanto. Given the magnitude of Monsanto’s power, influence, and impact on our collective social evolution, we’re investing our time on the picket line to take a stand for the health […]

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A Purpose Of Your Own Making

June 14th, 2013

“Just because someone will buy it doesn’t mean that anyone should make or sell it.” ~ Gloria Zemer The Question: “In a presentation to my marketing class you indicated that we shouldn’t necessarily sell what markets will buy. What exactly does that mean for graduates with no authority? How are […]

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