Do you have employees that are passionate and like working with your organization?

Many organizations find creating buzz with employees challenging.  I was at a business meeting where one person mentioned that his daughter works for Eddie Bauer and how much she likes it.  He also mentioned that they are having a 30% off Friends and Family sale and could get us passes.

We discussed Eddie Bauer for a full 3-4 minutes, and it had nothing to do with the meeting.

Sometimes in an effort to be cutting edge, we overlook the obvious.  Eddie Bauer gave its employees something of value that they could easily pass on, and even make extended family and friends advocates that could pass on value. 

Even a non-profit fundraising effort could use this technique.  A unique event for family and friends that donate at least $1.  Get every employee, board member and participant in the organization, including vendors (they are friends, right?) to donate something and attend the exclusive event.  The catch is, you have to be referred.

The big thing here is to capitalize on people’s honest appreciation for the organization and by giving them something of value to pass on.