Blog - Page 51 of 57 - Bob Cargill

24Jan 2005 by Bob Cargill

Running the Boston Marathon for Charity: A Personal Fundraising Initiative (Part Two)

Boston Marathon, Direct Marketing, Fundraising

I may have clocked my best time ever for this race the first time I ran it – as a “bandit” – in 1981 (3:34:24), but the best experiences I have had in Boston have been when I have run the marathon for charity.Indeed, for those who are running it for a charitable organization, this historic marathon is not just an enormous challenge, it’s also an opportunity to make a difference in other people’s lives, a good way to feel like a champion come race day even though you may be pulling up the rear.The Boston Athletic Association’s Boston Marathon Charity Program is the quintessential pledge-based fundraising event for the average runner who otherwise might never have the chance to officially take part in such an elite competition.It’s a classic…

18Jan 2005 by Bob Cargill

Running the Boston Marathon for Charity: A Personal Fundraising Initiative (Part One)

Boston Marathon, Direct Marketing, Fundraising

Everyone has heard of the Boston Marathon. It's the mother of all road races, the most celebrated of them all. Held each year on Patriot's Day, a holiday recognized only in Massachusetts and Maine, its legendary course stretches a long, laborious 26 miles and 385 yards, country point to city point, from the sleepy, little town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, to the heart of the state’s capital.I get tired just thinking about it.But seriously, for a runner like me, any agony experienced along the way is worth the ecstasy at the end. It doesn’t get any better than crossing the finish line of what is arguably the most prestigious road race in the world.Meeting the eligibility requirements to run the Boston Marathon isn’t easy, though. For me, it would be next…

12Jan 2005 by Bob Cargill

Terry Gets Lax

Advertising

In today's Boston Herald, the Inside Track reports that Terry Francona, manager of the World Champion Boston Red Sox, has signed on as a spokesman for Metamucil. According to the article, written by Track gals Gayle Fee and Laura Raposa, the Sox skipper has “been downing the fiber laxative daily for a decade.” H-m-m-m, maybe that explains why Procter & Gamble ran such a prominent Sox "congratulatory" ad for its popular fiber supplement so soon after the conclusion of the latest – and perhaps most remarkable – postseason chapter in Major League Baseball history. The company was behind Terry every step of the way. If you recall, following the Sox’s World Series victory, I wrote an article here – in A Fine Kettle of Fish – in which I ranked…

10Jan 2005 by Bob Cargill

A Dip in Donations to Non-Tsunami Relief Nonprofits?

Fundraising

Americans have risen to the occasion and already given millions of dollars to support tsunami relief efforts, but according to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), "it is quite probable that charities working on issues unrelated to tsunami relief will see a decrease in their fundraising in the short-term.” Consistent with charitable giving patterns following 9/11 and other major tragedies, “most charities will not see any long-term impact” as a result of the tsunami disaster, AFP recently told its members. “AFP believes that people recognize that the tsunami relief effort represents a special gift, over and above what individuals and organizations would normally give,” reported the association. “Your local women’s shelter; universities offering bursaries and scholarships; AIDS prevention programs at home and abroad; ongoing hurricane recovery in the Caribbean; food…

04Jan 2005 by Bob Cargill

In the Wake of the Tsunami, Blogs Show ROI (and More)

Blogging, Fundraising

A couple of weeks ago, Paul Chaney of the Radiant Marketing Group blog, asked me for my "take on Bob Bly's argument that there is no ROI potential in blogging, at least none that he sees." He wanted to know how I, as a direct marketer, saw blogs fitting the mold. My reply to him (verbatim) was this: “With a blog, you may not get an immediate and demonstrable ROI, but like a good PR initiative, blogging certainly can lead to new business. “As I wrote in my own blog recently, if you use press releases, newsletters and bylined articles to promote your products and people, a blog is the next better thing – now. “As a veteran direct marketing copywriter and creative director, I’m not here to tell you…

30Dec 2004 by Bob Cargill

This is the Time to Demonstrate our Philanthropy

Direct Marketing, Fundraising

If I'm only going to post once this week, there's no way I can't write about the dreadfully fierce tsunami that mercilessly struck and ravaged southern Asia the day after Christmas. This was, after all, a disaster of epic proportions, the enormity of which is almost impossible to comprehend. We can only pray and hope for the tens of thousands of helpless, innocent men, women and children caught in the path of those waves of devastation. That is, we can only pray and hope and give them all that we can in humanitarian relief. Yes, this is the time for the international community to cast aside our differences and join forces on behalf of those affected by Sunday’s catastrophe. This is the time to open our hearts and demonstrate our…

21Dec 2004 by Bob Cargill 1 Comment

Why Advertising, Marketing and PR Pros Should Blog (Part Three)

Advertising, Blogging, Direct Marketing, Public Relations

7. Blogs are Enjoyable. There are many sound business reasons to blog, but let's not forget how much of a pleasure they are for both author and audience. Seriously, the fun factor should not be underestimated. Most blogs are quick and easy to absorb, and a refreshing change of pace from typical marketing riffs and age-old corporate-speak. Bloggers aren’t just writers, they’re also publishers, opinion-leaders, risk-takers and entrepreneurs. They’re people who are inclined to live by the mantra, carpe diem. They’re passionate about their craft and evangelical about their content. And in many cases, their readers are just as fanatical.8. Blogs are Authoritative. We’re not talking about those cathartic, diary-like blogs kept by moody, meandering teenagers. We’re talking about the most sophisticated among the blogosphere, the ones owned and operated…

14Dec 2004 by Bob Cargill

Why Advertising, Marketing and PR Pros Should Blog (Part Two)

Advertising, Blogging, Direct Marketing, Public Relations

4. Blogs are Immediate. A blog makes it possible for the everyday communications professional to distribute newsworthy, thematic content to a large, like-minded audience – without many, if any, layers of approval – almost instantaneously. If timeliness is a critical element of your publishing plan, it’s an irresistible platform. A blog allows you to draw out invaluable feedback, too, without having to lollygag through the traditional rites of business courtship. Comments from readers are akin to free market research. If your goal is to establish an open, online dialogue with prospects and influential people who might otherwise not give you the time of day, a blog just may be your entrée – it certainly is a unique ice-breaker. 5. Blogs are Infectious. Like any good viral marketing campaign, the content…

07Dec 2004 by Bob Cargill

Why Advertising, Marketing and PR Pros Should Blog (Part One)

Advertising, Blogging, Direct Marketing, Public Relations

Most advertising, marketing and public relations professionals know a blog when they see one, but when it comes to actually using this relatively new, self-publishing platform, there are still many skeptics and naysayers among us. This time next year, however, those people will likely have come to their senses. In 2005, I dare say you would have to be either misinformed or just plain obstinate to not at least consider adding a blog to your business plan. Here are ten reasons why: 1. Blogs are Interactive. In many cases, marketing is a monologue, a well-choreographed sales pitch to an audience of passive prospects. But one of the key attributes of a blog is that it allows readers to provide honest, public feedback that is posted below the author’s spiel. It…