I got my American Airlines mileage statement in the mail last week.  When opening it, I noticed on the back of the envelope the logo ad for “Miles for Kids in Need” with an url.

So I went to their website but a link to the program was not immediately apparent even though I looked several places.  Turns out I needed to go to the “AAdvantage” button, click “Partners and Mileage Programs,” then “Charities” and THEN it was one of six listed.  Guess I did not dig deep enough at first.  While I realize the http://aa.com home page is prime real estate, it would be nice if one of the many little banners posted on that page were about one of their nonprofit partner programs - perhaps a two month rotation since there are six of them.  That would give it a little more visibility. 

However, I do like that they put the logo on the back of the envelope that the statement was mailed out in as it was very obvious there.  And one of the four paragraphs on the statement itself was also about the program. “Last year, AAdvantage members donated more than 30 million miles to the Miles for Kids in Need program, providing transportation for more than 500 kids with special medical needs or wishes.  Please help us replenish these miles if you can.  You can find out more or make a donation at www.aa,com/kids.”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Do you send out statements to your customers?  Ever think about putting a few sentences there about YOUR company’s efforts in the community?  After all, especially in these economic times, people and other businesses want to support companies that are “doing good.”  If you don’t share that information, you are missing an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your customers. 

So…nicely done, American Airlines.

When I typed in the http://aa.com/kids url directly I did go immediately to the page which stated the following:

“The Miles for Kids in Need program provides worldwide support for children and their families, as well as for organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with needs for medical, educational, social services issues and/or for those that heighten public awareness of children’s issues.

Since 1989, AAdvantage members have donated miles to help kids in need. Last year alone, members generously donated over 30 million of their unused AAdvantage miles to help provide transportation to over 500 kids through this program. If you can help us replenish some of these miles, we (and the kids) will really appreciate it. Please check your mileage balance and consider making a donation* today.

*Your donation is not tax deductible.”

I watched Maria Andros’ video on YouTube about YouTube and Twitter a while ago and decided that I needed to “take the plunge.”  After I set up my YouTube Profile and Channel, I went to browse the videos for Nonprofits & Activism and and noticed the green logo below.  Turns out that YouTube has a Nonprofit Program and gives tips for nonprofits on how to do a video campaign as a way to get the word out about their organization.  Very cool…and wow…do I have a lot to learn!

I am planning a Technology Toolbox session for 100 AmeriCorps program staff in DC next month.  We are going to have some great presenters talking about how to use social media and other technology tools not only for resource development and fundraising but awareness building, volunteer and member recruitment and training, communication, program management, etc etc.  It is going to be exciting.  Some nonprofits are already really savvy about tech tools but I would venture to say most are not yet!  And they need to get on the train or they will be left FAR behind!!

So…are you a business person that gets this stuff?  A great pro bono service you could offer your favorite cause or nonprofit would be to help them think through a basic strategy and get them hooked up with the basics - like Facebook, YouTube, etc.

I hope you can join me TODAY April 9th 2-3 pm MT.

Especially during difficult economic times, business giving is an essential focus for companies of all sizes committed to being active in their communities and demonstrating that social responsibility is one of your core values. However, to be most effective, business giving requires strategic planning and action - just like any other business expenditure. Don’t just pull the plug on your company’s giving because you are overwhelmed with requests and have little cash to give. Join me to learn 5 steps to recession proof your giving and dialogue with other business leaders about effective strategies they are using.

To RSVP for this complimentary webinar and to receive the call in number and log in info, RSVP NOW

Susan Hyatt - GOOD Strategist
Business Nonprofit CONNECTIONS, Inc.
http://www.BusinessGivingStrategies.com

I broke down and bought a new iPhone this week and am having fun learning what it can do - pretty amazing!!  Last night I downloaded an application called Pageonce Personal Internet Assistant.  It stores the info for any travel, financial or other accounts and then connects you simply to check point balances or whatever.  Makes me a little nervous to have all my codes stored “out there” somewhere but it could be very helpful.  I went on their site today to do some more research on the service and after I logged in, a pop-up screen invited me to upload my contacts and for every person I referred, they would plant a tree through Trees for the Future.  Great idea!!

So…instead of paying a fee for referrals, what cause could you support through customer referrals that would show YOUR company values?  Help you “Do Good” and grow your business…a win/win proposition!

I am excited to offer these updated trainings next month on my all time favorite topic - strategic partnerships between nonprofits and business - as it is an especially important topic for our times. 

Attending the Nonprofit Summit in Denver this week, I was reminded again how only thinking “donors and fundraising” is an “old school” mindset and shuts down possibilities for win/win ventures.  This workshop provides great tips and tools for partnerships with mutual benefits and is a MUST attend for nonprofit staff and board members.

• Are you worried about having the resources to keep your organization and programs going?
• Are you seeing your cash donations shrinking?
• Do you feel your requests to businesses are being “lost in the noise” among all the other nonprofits also looking for support?
• Have you experienced difficulty receiving business support more than once or twice and wonder why they aren’t giving to you any more? 

Then Recession Proof Resources: How Smart Nonprofit Design Strategic Partnerships with Businesses is DEFINITELY for you!

I will be offering it two ways so the largest number of organizations possible can take part:

1.  LIVE in Denver on April 28th 1-5 pm.

2.  Via a 4-Part WEBINAR April 8, 15, 22 and 29 12-1pm ET so you can join in from anywhere!.

Click the appropriate link above for more information and to sign up.  Registration is limited so do it TODAY to make sure you get a seat!

I really look forward to sharing tips and tools to help you be more successful in acquiring the resources you need!

I have been a supporter of Metro Denver Partners, an organization that matches adult mentors with at risk youth, for many years.  Right now I have been a Senior Partner with a 13 year old girl for 2 years and have had two other Junior Partners each for a couple years previously.

Today I got an email from them about Good Search.  It looks like an easy way to give back so I thought I would share the information.

“What if Metro Denver Partners earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Or how about if a percentage of every purchase you made online went to support our cause? Well, now it can!

GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!

GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, ebay, Macy’s and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you’ll be supporting your favorite cause. Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter [my charity] as the charity you want to support. And, be sure to spread the word!”

I went to the Good Search site to learn more.  It is VERY easy to use!  I typed in Metro Denver Partners and saw they had earned $.15 so far in 2009.  However, if their email campaign works, those numbers should be going up shortly.  I also checked Kiva another nonprofit I support…and there is a button to click that shows how much money has been generated by month from the service.  In 2009, Kiva has earned to date $948.47.  Not a ton but nothing to sneeze at either!

What’s not to like about using this as a way to search?  It took less than 5 minutes to install.  If you are used to using another search engine…you can do what I do…type that URL in Good Search to go there while making a donation and then do what you usually do…

Tell your nonprofit partners about this - it is a total “no brainer” way for them to earn some dough!  And in these times…every little bit makes a difference!

At a Brendon Burchard event last year, I met Justin Sachs - a dynamic, thoughtful and very well-spoken young man who is totally committed to youth leadership.  I recently received an email about the upcoming launch for his new book, “Your Mailbox is Full” and I was very impressed to see he is has committed that book sales will benefit his favorite charities: Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership and Kiwanis.  Coincidentally, I have worked with Javier LaFianza, the CEO of HOBY, so it is a small world indeed!  Talking recently with Javier it was clear they are very pleased to be included as a partner with Justin (who is also a HOBY Alum)…and hope Justins sells MANY copies both for himself and to support their organization. 

This is a great example of a win-win partnership.  Awareness of HOBY and Kiwanis is increased and they will receive funds, as well; Justin gets exposure through the networks of both those nonprofits to help boost his book sales.

Justin is planning a huge book launch next month which I am pleased to support.  The following describes his book - check it out.

“Our friend Justin Sachs is launching his new book, Your Mailbox Is Full as one of the largest Teen Book Launch’s in history. His book is the perfect tool for teenagers and young adults who are pursuing greatness in their lives, and the best part is, a portion of the proceeds benefit his two favorite youth leadership non-profit organizations, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership and Kiwanis International.

Your Mailbox Is Full à http://www.MotivateYourTeen.com

To make things even better: Justin is offering a free coaching session to the first 25 people who purchase his book! If you have a teenager or young adult, or know someone who does this book will change their lives!

Act Now to ensure you get your FREE Coaching Session with the Author! http://www.MotivateYourTeen.com

Things Just Get Better and Better and Better! Justin is offering over $2,000 in free bonuses just for purchasing the book!

This book is being compared to the bestsellers Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens and Success Strategies for Teens. So make sure to purchase yours NOW because you don’t want to miss out on this amazing opportunity to contribute to your teenager or young adult’s life.

Check it out: http://www.MotivateYourTeen.com

Justin began his experience in personal development in an Anthony Robbins seminar full of thousands of adults. He wrote this book so teenagers won’t have to end up in an endless stream of personal development seminars later in life. Now is the time to support your teenager with the tools and strategies they need for success!

Don’t Wait: http://www.MotivateYourTeen.com“

So I plan to follow Brendon and Justin’s lead and tie my own book and its launch to a nonprofit partner.  How about you?

My bank, BBVA Compass, launched a new program in 2009 called “The Compass For Your Cause” both to support nonprofit fundraising and grow their customer base.  The concept behind the program was not to ask people to write a check or buy special premium items (who really needs another candy bar??), but to do something they were doing every day already – use their check card for purchases.

So how does it work? A nonprofit signs up for a free business checking account at BBVA Compass (while keeping existing accounts at other banks, if they want). Then, by spreading the word to their networks – friends, family, volunteers, and other supporters, they can earn dollars.  For every person that opens a free individual account at BBVA Compass and specifies the nonprofit they want to support, that nonprofit will receive $20 deposited directly into their account. Then, for every subsequent purchase made by supporters using their BBVA Compass account check card, a $0.25% royalty will also be deposited in the nonprofit’s account. 

I don’t know about you, but I almost never carry cash anymore.  I use my check card instead.  So to have a percentage going to support my favorite nonprofit, EVERY time I buy something, catches my attention!  BBVA Compass has branches in 6 states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, and Texas.

Food for Thought:

·     Do you have nonprofits you support that could benefit from the “Compass For Your Cause Program”?  Pass the word! 

·     Can you develop a marketing/distribution strategy for a new or existing product or service that could expand your company’s exposure to new markets and benefit local causes?

Amy Pera, Cherry Creek Branch Manager of BBVA Compass Bank, sent me the following information as an email follow up.

“Thank you again for taking the time to discuss our Compass For Your Cause Program.  We are extremely excited about the opportunity to help the many wonderful non-profit businesses that are in need of additional funding.  This program is an excellent opportunity for them to earn donations without much effort on their part.  It will also provide them with a monthly stream ofl income from the ongoing debit card transactions by their members who open a checking account with Compass.

Here is the link for decision-makers that tells about the program:  http://www.compassbank.com/business/affinity/

In addition, here is the link for members who open a personal account to learn more about what it entails:  http://www.compassbank.com/personal/affinity/”

Check it out and spread the word!!

I just ran across an interesting campaign being run on Facebook.  Intel is donating 5 cents for every online click to Save the Children and Kiva.  The Facebook page stated, “Intel Will Donate 5 cents for You to Save the Children and Kiva. All you have to do is visit their website and click a button.

Help by doing this now at: http://www.smallthingschallenge.com

You can also help by spreading the word to your friends via email, Twitter, Facebook status updates, or IMs.

Intel’s Small Things Challenge is a campaign based on the premise that every small action can make a big difference. It aims to raise awareness and money for two of the worlds most pressing challenges — increasing access to quality education and fostering economic development in emerging countries.”

So I clicked, they donated, and I learned more about this effort.  So, go visit the website, click, and then help spread the word!  All it takes is a little time!

Four years ago I met Beau Perry from a Bay area company, AIDE, Inc., at the Green Business Conference in San Francisco.  Their specialty was doing this type of online cause marketing campaigns where a corporate sponsor would pay a certain amount for each click on a link sent out via email to the nonprofit partner’s distribution list - only one click a day was allowed per person for the duration of the campaign.  The emails provided information both about the nonprofit and the corporate sponsor, as did the website where you were taken by the link to click.  The email also allowed you to invite others to join in so the word was spread virally giving the sponsor increased exposure.  I participated in one that benefitted sea turtles in Sri Lanka after the tsunami.  They had a great concept so I interviewed Beau for my book.  I was sad when I learned that AIDE, Inc. was defunct but glad to see the idea lives on!

Have you ever wanted to get your book, product, event, tour, cause or dream sponsored and promoted…by major companies and leading nonprofits a zero cost to you? If so, you have to hear about my friend Brendon Burchard’s sponsorship and partnership strategies.

For the first time open to the general public, Brendon will be revealing the same step-by-step system he’s used to close partnerships with Wal-Mart, Toyota, US Bank, Wachovia, Sony Pictures, other Fortune 500 companies and leading global non-profits organizations…and how you can do the same thing to grow your business and instantly reach millions of people.

Brendon’s Partnership Seminar

Think about it…

What if you could get major nonprofits (including charities and associations), major corporations (including Fortune 500 and smaller companies) to partner with you and…

• Email their staff, customers and volunteers about your book, cause, or business.
• Write you a six-figure sponsorship check like it was play money so that you can accomplish your dream (Brendon got $500,000 with one partnership strategy)
• Feature you on their websites (one that Brendon got on received over 5 million impressions).
• Feature you in their newsletters or magazines (Brendon’s regularly in one that goes to 2 million people a month).
• Issue press releases for (or about) you.
• Invite and pay you to speak at their events.
• Arrange media appearances for you (Brendon’s sponsors got him on ABC World News, Oprah & Friends plus 64 radio shows).
• Buy and recommend your products or services (Brendon sells 50,000 copies of one of his books through partners each year).
• Refer you to others.
• Give you testimonials from their CEOs.
• Hire you as a speaker, coach or consultant.
• Use your products or services in a sweepstakes promotion.
• Fund your event, book tour, business growth, or marketing expenses.
• Teach you how to make more of an impact in your community.
• Spend thousands of dollars promoting YOU?

Is this all possible?   Can you really get the support of major companies and nonprofits to grow your business and make more of an impact in the world?

The answer is YES…and you can do it FAST when you follow Brendon’s system.

Check it out: Partnership Seminar

Everyone in our industry is buzzing about Brendon’s new strategies and you can see from the testimonials on that page that this works,…and it will work for you.

If you’re ready to get your project sponsored and promoted by major companies and nonprofits, then signup and I’ll see you there!

Check it out: Partnership Seminar

 P.S. Brendon has previously opened this event to a limited audience, and it has always sold out.

This is the must attend event of the year if you want to reach (and make) millions through partnering with other organizations.

Check it out: Partnership Seminar