Consumers worldwide have become increasingly aware of – and active in – social and environmental issues. People young and old, and in most parts of the world, are holding companies, non-profit organizations, governments and even themselves more accountable for minimizing impact on the environment and maximizing support for their fellow human beings. Mainstream consumers have become a driving force of social and environmental change and they increasingly reward institutions and organizations that help them in their quest.
The Weber Shandwick Social Innovation Greenhouse works for clients who want to support and empower these consumers to become brand, social and environmental advocates through unique, multi-platform programs and campaigns across real and virtual worlds.
Here's why.
Research shows that organizations that embed innovative social issue or environmental programs and principles in their business, marketing, and philanthropic strategies – and amplify these efforts through dynamic communications programs – will build reputation, strengthen consumer loyalty and goodwill, drive sales, engage advocates and make a positive impact on the world.
At the same time, new and emerging forms of digital media – like social networks, micro-blogs, mobile platforms, and video games – are empowering these consumers with dynamic tools to engage companies, challenge governments, or tackle issues head-on in their own backyards. Video games can fight genocide. Vlogging contests educate around HIV. From Facebook apps to tweet-ups, from SMS campaigns to GPS-connected activist networks – new technologies provide rich opportunities for companies and consumers to partner together for a better world.
The mission of the Social Innovation Greenhouse is the creative use of digital media on behalf of our clients to educate, engage, and empower consumers on social or environmental issues. The results will show that today, more so than ever, doing good means doing good business.
Core services include:
- Consumer-based cause research/landscape analysis
- Social media monitoring/engagement strategies
- Multi-platform campaign development/execution
- Web design/development
- Video production/editing
- Strategic partnership development
- Consumer and employee education/volunteer platforms
- Social venture development/investment
About Social Innovation. Social Innovation is the global specialty group guiding Weber Shandwick's efforts to deliver exceptional value to clients interested in corporate social responsibility, sustainability, strategic philanthropy, cause marketing and nonprofit branding, positioning and advocacy. The group seeks to
embed innovative communications programs and principles in our clients' businesses, in consumer experiences and throughout nonprofit advocacy to maximize their return-on-investment (ROI) and demonstrate impact through three specialized teams:
Planet 2050, the Greenhouse, and Social Impact. It also includes a global think tank called the
Moso Lounge where people from every corner of the Weber Shandwick world use the latest in collaborative, real-time micro-blogging to debate and deliver ideas that are good for our clients and the world at large.