In Response to Julianne Braverman's Post

Do you think a partnership with Product (RED) can improve Gap’s image? Is it a sign that they are making a commitment to corporate social responsibility or do you agree with critics who say their involvement is an attempt to spit-shine the company’s image while continuing to do business as usual?

I think that companies, such as Gap are actually making a commitment to corporate social responsibility. I believe these companies are working with things such as Product(RED) to better the community. Corporations such as Gap are taking advantage of their position in society to try and better their communities. However, this being said, taking part in these relationships is beneficial to Gap's corporation as a whole. Not only do they create business by being involoved with Product (RED) but they also boost their reputation amongst consumers which could potentially pay off down the road. Although i do think that Gap is participating in this socially responsible relationship, i do believe that they can benefit from this themselves.

Social Media Marketing

Today, in our society, social media is more prominent and important than ever. People use social media to keep in touch with old friends, get the latest news from around the world, and to market their business. Huge corporations use Twitter and Facebook as a way of reaching out to their customer base and market their products. Companies do so by interacting with users of these websites and by sponsoring Tweets that all Twitter users will see. However, these websites can also be advantageous to small, local businesses as well. A small business can take advantage of a website, such as Twitter, to reach out to its select market and offer rewards, advertise special deals, or simply spread the word about their business, service or product. My employer at Fritz Fries in downtown Keene has recently given me the chance to start a Twitter account for the restaurant. I explained to her that it will be a good way to stay in touch with her customers as well as marketing specials of the week and when the live music shows will be happening. I also explained to her that its great to be on social media, such as Twitter because you can start, create and maintain an account at no cost. However, because twitter is very non-formal she is worried that their is a chance that it will jeopardize the reputation of the restaurant.

Do you think it is smart for Corporations to use Twitter or Facebook? What about small local businesses? In what way could a small business, such as Fritz, utilize a Twitter account to maximize business and market its product?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/23/business/smallbusiness/23twitter.html?_r=0

In response to Heather Young's Post

I do not believe that paying the 25% of the fund warrants bad social practices. I think that these companies should be trying to improve for society instead of just paying a quarter of there money in order to get away with whatever they want. Just because these companies are giving money back to the community doesn't mean that they should be able to continue with bad social practices. Major companies should keep and maintain a code of ethics to help improve our society as well as giving back money.