Who are your brand ambassadors?

I’ve just returned from another fabulous vacation (this one involving sea kayaking in the Apostle Islands National Seashore on Lake Superior). Catching up on my readin’ and writin’, I came across an article from the Chronicle of Philanthropy about Carol Weisman, a St. Louis board consultant. To recruit new board members for one of her clients, she asked her manicurist to wear a lapel pin stating “Ask me how I can stop child sexual abuse.” That manicurist and others in the shop agreed to wear the pins, which prompted so many questions from the salon’s influential clientele that Weisman’s client attracted 17 new board members. This was a brilliant and very simple idea, and I wonder how it might be applied in other situations. I’m envisioning a pin or t-shirt that asks an interesting question or makes a provocative statement that prompts questions, and possibly engagement with potential arts patrons, donors or board members. Hmmmm.