Despite profound economic, political and social challenges around the world, a rising generation of “aspirational consumers” is optimistic about the future and sees brands and free market capitalism as a force for positive change, according to a new global study by brand consultancy BBMG and stakeholder intelligence firm GlobeScan. The report, “Five Human Aspirations and the Future of Brands,” says “aspirationals” are more likely than any other consumer segment to “believe the world is going in the right direction” (49 percent versus 40 percent global public), and that “our children and grandchildren will have a higher quality of life than we do today” (56 percent versus 48 percent). This sense of optimism includes a belief in their power to influence corporate behavior, with nearly eight-in-ten aspirationals saying, “as a consumer, I can make a difference in how a company behaves” (78 percent versus 68 percent).  Aspirationals are defined by an innate sense of optimism and a belief that everyday actions when joined with the actions of their peers can make a positive difference in the world. The report finds that more than twice as many aspirational consumers want to improve free market capitalism rather than replace it, with 55 percent of aspirationals saying that “free market capitalism has some problems, but these can be addressed through regulation and reform” (51 percent global public), compared to 22 percent who believe that “free market capitalism is fatally flawed, and a different economic system is needed” (22 percent Global Public). Just one-in-ten aspirationals (13 percent) say “free market capitalism works well and efforts to increase regulation will make it much less efficient” (13 percent Global Public). Similarly, aspirationals match the general public in believing that companies should be  responsible for creating positive impact by “ensuring products are safe and healthy” (74 percent), “providing fair wages to all employees” (72 percent),“not harming the environment” (70 percent), “ensuring a responsible supply chain” (69 percent) and “treating employees fairly” (66 percent). Aspirationals are more likely than the global public in their expectation that companies should “support charities and community projects” (60 percent Aspirationals to 57 percent Global Public), “reduce human rights abuses” (56 percent to 54 percent), “help reduce the rich-poor gap”. Aspirational expect brands to lead with their values and meet higher standards for health, safety, fairness and social impact in ways that drive progress for people and positive impact for the world. With the Aspirationals, brand leaders now have an opportunity to leverage sustainability and social purpose to drive relevance, relationships, loyalty and business growth.        ...

Patricia Arquette and Rosetta Getty founded GiveLove in 2010 in hopes of helping displaced families have shelter over their heads as soon as possible.  In the past five years the Cause has evolved with the needs of the country.     Eco sanitation, clean water, and access to toilets is what the group has been focussing on over the past few years with a lot of determination, heart, and hard work to get the funding needed to keep the largest eco sanitaton in the world running.   The Cause is now ready to help other countries and started a crowd funding campaign a few days ago.  The cool thing about this campaign is that a person who donates the minimum amount of $10 has the chance just like those who donate more to go abroad with Patricia and team to see how GiveLove works.   The Cause has worked with a lean team on a very tight budget over the years and continues to do its best to educate the world how dire the issue of poor sanitation is in our world.  As Patricia explains in the video below, “Poor sanitation and waterborne illnesses kill more kids than AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis combined.” HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP SUCH AN IMPORTANT CAUSE   ShareGiveLove Needs Your Help To Expand Worldwide   And here is how you can help donate to a Cause that is truly fighting a major epidemic that a lot of people do not seem to be able to wrap their heads around.   Imagine that 40% of the population does not have access to a toilet while 60% of the population has access to cell phones.   Something seems obviously wrong here.  ...

This holiday season as we know is not always the easiest time for many. According to a report that came out today by the National Center on Family Homelessness – http://www.familyhomelessness.org/ -1 out of 30 children in our country are homeless. Maybe there is a way we all can help these children. Many of them live in hotels or on the streets with their parents because their parents have abandoned them or have no jobs. It would be awesome if we all could set up own little crowd funding exercise and find a way to donate to the non profits that help the homeless children.   Today a majority of our employers set up funds for non profit/cause organizations of their choice.   Take your power and find causes that mean a lot to you and run your own fundraising campaign.  I bet you will get amazing results and will feel much better about how you are helping those in need if you are more in control of the process....

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Be Cause PR receives 2013 California Excellence Award  July 23rd 2014 –  Be Cause PR has been selected for the 2013 California Excellence Award amongst all its peers and competitors by the US Trade & Commerce Institute (USTCRI). Each year the USTCRI conducts business surveys and industry research to identify companies that have achieved demonstrable success in their local business environment and industry category. They are recognized as having enhanced the commitment and contribution of small businesses through service to their customers and community. Small businesses of this caliber enhance the consumer driven stature that California is renowned for. Be Cause PR has consistently demonstrated a high regard for upholding business ethics and company values. This recognition by USTCRI marks a significant achievement as an emerging leader within various competitors and is setting benchmarks that the industry should follow. As part of the industry research and business surveys, various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the selected companies in each category. This research is part of an exhaustive process that encapsulates a year long immersion in the business climate of California. About USTCRI The USTCRI is a leading authority on researching, evaluating and recognizing companies across a wide spectrum of industries that meet its stringent standards of excellence. It has spearheaded the idea of independent enterprise and entrepreneurial growth allowing businesses of all sizes to be recognized locally and encouraged globally. Particular emphasis is given to meeting and exceeding industry benchmarks for customer service, product quality and ethical practices. Industry leading standards and practices have been developed and implementation of the same has been pioneered by the dedicated efforts of the business community and commerce leadership. More information on USTCRI can be found at www.USTCRI.org  ...