Oct 2, 2014

Three Lessons on How to Start a Movement From Amex Small Business SaturdayBy Robert DavisBlogs.iMediaConnection.com

Small Business Saturday is probably the best example in recorded history of marketers starting a movement that has achieved widespread societal adoption. Now, I’m not talking about a trend or a fad, but a true movement – a group of people across a broad swath of the population working together to achieve shared goals. In the latest episode of The Unconventionals, PJA President Mike O’Toole sat down with Mary Ann Fitzmaurice Reilly, SVP Customer Marketing and Engagement at American Express. Mary Ann was one of the key individuals responsible for nurturing Small Business Saturday from idea to execution to high-powered social juggernaut.

OK, that’s some serious hyperbole. Here’s why it’s completely justified.

It’s incredibly hard for marketers to rise above the forces of compromise to launch a truly great campaign. Building a movement is way, way harder: the public is often skeptical about what’s motivating the brand. Authenticity is a real challenge. Marketers might not have the patience (or permission) to stick with it long enough. And success or flop, whatever happens, it happens in public – which means a lot of risk for the brand. Now check out this earned tweet promoting Small Business Saturday in 2012:

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