A massive problem for the homeless in San Francisco may have just been solved thanks to Google. The company is offering free lifetime phone numbers and voice mail for the homeless.
It gives those without a permanent residence a point of contact for government assistance and employer contact. This will also enable doctors to contact patients.
Implications - Donating to charitable causes is a great thing for any company's reputation, but taking it to the next level is what really gets a brand exposure. With this effort to aid the homeless, Google has used their innovative thinking and applied it to social good. Other businesses should take note of this genius marketing tactic.
Good-Doing Google
Homeless in SF Get Phone & Voice Mail
Trend Themes
1. Homeless Outreach - Offering free phone numbers and voicemail for the homeless creates an opportunity for disruptive innovations in the outreach space.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility - Google's effort to aid the homeless is a genius marketing tactic that sets a trend for other companies to follow in social good using CSR strategies.
3. Tech for Good - Google's use of innovative technology for social impact creates opportunities for other industries and companies to leverage technology in ways that benefit society.
Industry Implications
1. Telecommunications - Offering free phone numbers and voicemail for the homeless creates a social impact that could disrupt the telecommunications industry by encouraging companies to pursue positive community initiatives within their business model.
2. Humanitarian Aid - The use of technology for social good, as demonstrated by Google, creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in the humanitarian aid industry that can drive progress in addressing societal issues around the world.
3. Healthcare - Providing homeless people with phone numbers and voicemail creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in the way healthcare providers communicate with patients, particularly low-income and homeless people.