Final answer:
Cause-related marketing involves partnerships between companies and non-profit organizations to support social causes while promoting the company's brand. Implementation includes identifying aligned causes and engaging with the community through co-branded campaigns, fundraising events, and emphasizing shared values using terminology such as diversity and community connections.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a manager asks about 'cause-related marketing,' they are referring to a marketing strategy where a company partners with a non-profit organization or supports a social cause and uses this partnership to market their products or services. It's a way for companies to demonstrate social responsibility and contribute to philanthropic causes while also promoting their brand.
To implement such a program, your company could identify a cause that aligns with its values and target audience. Collaboration could involve co-branded campaigns, fundraising events, or product sales with a portion of proceeds going to the cause. It's crucial that the cause feels authentic to your company's brand and resonates with your customers to be effective and generate positive community engagement.
As for engaging with the community to promote social change, using direct engagement tactics like targeted events or material that emphasizes common interests rather than the cause itself, terminology such as diversity, inclusion, and community connections can be effective. These strategies garner interest based on shared hobbies or values, thereby building a stronger, more genuine connection to the cause.