Word of Mouth Tip #85: Having a little fun makes it easier to talk about serious topics

You may see your cause as the most important thing in the world — and your followers may too — but that doesn’t automatically make it easy to talk about.

Diseases, war, political issues, and controversial topics are often tough topics to talk about. Even if everyone at the party hopes for peace in Darfur, nobody feels like bringing up genocide.

But a little word of mouth marketing can go a long way toward making these conversations easier. It’s not about making light of serious issues, it’s about giving talkers an easier way to start the discussion.

How a word of mouth supergenius does it:

Breast cancer is a serious epidemic. In 2006 alone, some 40,000 mothers, daughters, sisters, and nieces died from the disease.

It affects so many, yet it’s so hard to talk about. That’s why these nipple badges designed by Pia Knight are such a fantastic, fun way to raise money and awareness about breast cancer.

Since their debut in 2003, they’ve been featured in magazines, worn by The Rolling Stones, and the source for a whole bunch of conversations about a very serious topic.

Learn more: Brand Flakes for Breakfast

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  1. 3-Minute WOM Lesson: Word of mouth lessons from nonprofits and political campaigns - September 14, 2010

    […] more likely to get behind causes when they’re fun and inspiring. Even for serious topics, having a little fun can dramatically increase word of mouth. There’s a reason walk-a-thons and per-mile-pledges […]

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