As many of you know, social media can be such a powerful tool if used properly. Yesterday, Bell Canada launched their third annual one-day social media campaign in support of mental health, known as #BellLetsTalk. Bell teamed up with Canadian Olypmian, Clara Hughes (who has openly battled depression) to help fight the stigma of mental illnesses, encouraging people to talk about their problems rather than shy away from them.
For every phone call and text message sent from a Bell cellular phone, Bell donated 5 cents towards mental health initiatives, along with every Facebook and Twitter post that mentioned “#BellLetsTalk”.
Over 100,000,000 interactions occurred yesterday, which led Bell to donate more than $5,000,000 towards mental health initiatives… way to go, Bell! Of course Bell is plastering their name all over this campaign, as they should! There is nothing wrong with Bell promoting themselves while being socially responsible; in fact, this is a great way to generate conversation though social media! The team of marketers at Bell should get a hefty bonus for launching such a successful social media campaign.
Even Rogers, Bell’s competition, chimed into the conversation…
Add #BellLetsTalk to a tweet today to raise funds and awareness for mental health.
— RogersBuzz (@RogersBuzz) January 28, 2014
Though, be careful if you’re the competition. I’ve already pointed out how social media has the power to propel brands, but it also has the power to do damage. Rogers customers took to Twitter with their own social media campaign. Here are some of my favourites…
#RogersLetsTalk about your financial commitment to the #BlueJays.
— M. Shakeel Salamath (@ShakeelSalamath) January 29, 2014
Looking at my phone bill……#rogersletstalk
— Shannon Lazo (@SLazzoo) January 29, 2014
#RogersLetsTalk bout those hidden fees u keep chargin me with ya bish
— MalyTheAlleyCat (@MalyTheAlleyCat) January 28, 2014
https://twitter.com/eurogang/status/428209642423193601
If you tweet #BellLetsTalk Bell gives 5 cents to mental health awareness. If you tweet #RogersLetsTalk Rogers puts you on hold for 45min.
— RogersHelps? (@RogersNoHelp) February 12, 2013
Hilarious!!!!!!!! Well written Joe. Love the Rogers tweets.
Thank you, Erin! I appreciate the compliment! :)