Following are 10 lessons companies need to note when implementing cause branding initiatives:

Lesson # 1: Cause branding is a real commitment.

Lesson # 2: It starts with your own people.
Lesson # 3: It must be authentic.

Lesson # 4: Your cause can be self-serving.
Lesson # 5: Alignment with a social cause must not change from one year to the next.
Lesson # 6: Get everyone involved.
Lesson # 7: Tell people what you’re doing.

Lesson # 8: Create your own special cause niche.
Lesson # 9: It takes time.
Lesson # 10: It takes money.
This article was written by Andy Beaupre, CEO of Beaupre Public Relations and excerpted from his conversation with Carol Cone, a pioneer in the field of cause branding. A larger version of this article was originally posted on www.breaupre.com.