Back in the early 2000's I worked in the nascent mobile marketing industry. Back then the US lagged far behind Europe and Asia in the adoption of texting and mobile payments and it limited our ability to get mobile marketing and advertising off the ground.
But a few short years later, we're clearly not lagging as far back with texting. You can thank teens for that. The teens in my house send 1000+ txts per month.
But, the US still lags in mobile payments...until recently. I'm amazed and gratified by the outpouring of support for Haiti - and that so much has been via text message.
The Mobile Giving Foundation, reports that over $35 million has been raised via text message in the three weeks since the disastorous earthquake hit Haiti on January 12. $10 million of that was texted to the Red Cross in the first week.
It's simple - and direct. See the need. Txt to help. The amount is automatically added to your cell phone bill.
Now that so many Americans have tried this method, it should spread quickly to more donations, political contributions and product and service purchases. We will soon be in the habit of voting, donating and buying with those ubiquitous mobile devices we carry with us 24-7.
So, have you txt'd your donation to Haitian relief yet? No time like the present.
