One of my favorite marketing tools is to partner with others. This can mean finding a complementary business and hosting a combined event or doing a combined mailing. But you can also extend this to working with a charity or non-profit organization. While some might see this as a PR ploy, I beg to differ. I love associating my clients with a charitable organization. Not only is it a "feel good" thing to do, it's a wonderful way to maximize exposure to a new audience and get PR coverage.

For example, a few years ago we ran a promotion at the IMAX Theatre at Palisades Center where a percentage of ticket sales for the summer went to Special Olympics. Not only was it a great cause to support, we were able to get several articles promoting it and then a wonderful photo of a giant check bring presented to Special Olympics from IMAX was picked up in all the local area papers. On top of that, Special Olympics sent information to all the folks on their mailing list about the promotion encouraging them to visit the IMAX Theatre.

Try this for your business. It's a great way to feel good and experience a win/win!