Tweeting for a good cause

‘Tis the season to be jolly. The holidays are generally the time of year when folks feel more compelled to lend a helping hand, and offer aid to those less fortunate. Its also a great time of year for businesses to give back to their community.

Tweeting good will

How can folks in the food and beverage industry give back? Specifically, how can they do it using Twitter? You can turn a healthy number of your tweets into ‘good will’ promotions by offering your followers a special offer for helping you load up your food or toy drive effort. That offer might be a percentage off the check, a few bucks off valet parking or a complimentary dessert. Its up to you to determine how much priceless good will is worth to you.

Plan, engage, tweet

Start by setting a donation goal, like a certain number of cans, toys, socks, or whatever you want to focus on for charitable giving. Tweet daily and often about your intentions, recipient organizations, and milestones met. As your goal date approaches, really punch up those tweets and thank those generous followers and/or organizations as they help you meet your goal. When the drive is complete, tweet about the success and again, thank all who contributed.

By encouraging your own patrons and followers to help others, you show that your establishment truly cares about your community and its well being. Not only will your physical community benefit from your thoughtfulness, your customers can feel like they are part of something meaningful.

Do something your competition isn’t

Here’s some food for thought: Canstruction.org is “the most unique food charity in the world” and they take giving to the nth degree. They offer canned food sculpture competitions around the country. All of the canned food used in the structures is donated locally. Could be a unique way to increase your charitable giving promotions, engage your followers, and get your brand out there:

WANT TO SHARE? Check out the orange toolbar at the bottom of the page for Facebook "liking" and sharing, retweeting on Twitter, social booking marking, or email the story - however YOU want to share it.