One of my privileges in my former position as a Human Resources Professional was to be able to help shape the culture of our company. I worked closely with senior leadership to provide our employees a work environment that was filled with opportunity and contentment.
We not only strove to have our employees experience a positive work life but also wanted to impact their personal lives in a way where they would feel appreciated. The vice president and I came up with an idea to introduce a running club. Not only would it encourage personal health but also to build teamwork for those who wanted to participate. My task was to research online an opportunity for those in our facility to run a 5K. We were to train together for several months and then run the event. Our goal was to get between 20 – 25 participants.
As I researched upcoming 5K runs, I came across one run during the celebration of a local Oktoberfest festival. The conclusion of the run would result in our participants having the opportunity to partake in the all the fun activities of Oktoberfest. So, I discussed it with my vice president and signed us up for this run.
An additional bonus was that this run would benefit an organization whose goal is to eradicate pediatric cancer. Little did I know at the time that this would become the focal point for our participation in this event.
As I researched the run and the worthwhile cause the run supported, my initial goals were changed once I realized the tremendous cause we would be supporting. I still wanted to influence participation for camaraderie, teamwork and overall health for our employees. But I saw the opportunity to impact people, specifically children and families, that were affected with cancer.
I became a man on a mission to support this initiative and help promote this run. I changed our communication strategy about the run to include that our participation would benefit so many in our community. We formed a committee at work to discuss how we could assist this cause while supporting our initial reasons for entering a 5K. We brainstormed ideas on how we could raise money and raise awareness for this cause. What we experienced was truly amazing and life changing for me.
Just by presenting the opportunity to our employees to help others sparked a “fever” in our organization. Without knowing it when we started to promote this run, people started to work to raise money and awareness on their own time. This was not a requirement. Our employees did it because they are kind and wonderful people.
Over several months we were able to raise tens of thousands of dollars for this organization and we exceeded our goal of 20 – 25 participants. By run day, we had well over 500 people who were running not just to improve themselves but to give back to the community.
I have mentioned in previous blog posts that I used to be a consistent runner. I was a runner at this time but my focus was not on the race. I realized the race was bigger than me and bigger than my initial goals. What I saw our employees do on their own (after a little nudge) was a miracle.
And, this all happened because we gave our employees the opportunity to give back. We provided them a call to action. If we had not presented this chance for our employees to do a wonderful thing, the result would have been completely different. I have no doubt that we would have met our goal of 20 -25 runners and become personally healthier for their efforts. Instead, we built a 500+ community and servants.
I am so glad we presented this to our employees and asked them to partner with us. I did a lot of things over those 30 years that I am very proud of as an employee and the leader. But this one just about tops it all. I didn’t do it! I just gave others the opportunity to do it… and they showed up!
So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked!
The last two blog posts have been focused on the Viral Video Formula. We started out by talking about the Hook and then last week we discussed the Buildup and Delivery. This week it is about the close or what is referred to as the Call to Action.
By definition, the Call to Action (CTA) is the final step in a viral video. It directs the audience on what to do next—whether it’s liking, commenting, sharing, following, or taking another action that increases engagement and visibility. A strong CTA encourages interaction and helps grow your audience or business.
Example of a CTA:
🎥 Video Topic: A funny reaction to losing a bet.
📢 CTA: “If you’ve ever lost a bet like this, drop a ‘😂’ in the comments! And don’t forget to hit follow for more hilarious moments!”
This is an area in my video content that I’m struggling with completing consistently. It’s not just the wording but oftentimes I will get to the end of the video and fail to or forget to ask the viewer to do something. This is something that I’m working on in every video. I’m finding that it’s not natural for me to complete this portion and that is why I sometimes don’t include it.
As I continue to practice, I know this will get easier and it will be just a part of what I do. Just like me presenting to my former employees an opportunity to make a difference in their community, I want to present something to my viewers to give them an opportunity to take some type of action. I have also found that I am more engaging when others ask me to comment on videos they produce. That’s the key… ENGAGEMENT!
So here’s my call to action. 😊 Please comment with your thoughts on this blog post as well as ideas of how you’ve been successful getting others to engage in your content. I’d love to hear from you and I’d love to learn from you!
Well, it’s almost lunch time. And at any moment my wife is going to give me a call to action to come eat. Anyone who knows me knows I respond to this call every time!
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” — Thomas Edison
And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:
I started a business selling boat paddles…But it’s a tough market—I’m just trying to stay afloat!!
I tried to close a deal with a banker…But he just lost interest.
Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!
**If you are curious about this process and wish to know more about an affiliate marketing business, please subscribe to my newsletter here to learn more. And please continue following my blog. My hope is not only to create the freedom I so long for but pass on what I have learned to others who have similar aspirations.
Hi Ernie,
What an amazing story! It’s so neat how a simple idea to promote health and camaraderie evolved into something so impactful, creating a ripple effect of generosity and community spirit. Your ability to see the bigger picture and rally people around a cause is truly commendable.
I love how you tied this experience to the importance of a Call to Action in video content. It’s a great reminder that people often just need a little nudge to take action, whether it’s joining a cause or engaging with content. I can relate to struggling with CTAs, it’s not always easy to make it a habit, but the impact is undeniable.
One strategy I’ve found helpful for increasing engagement is posing a thought-provoking question at the end of the video. For example, “What’s one small action you’ve taken today that made a difference?” It’s open-ended and encourages viewers to share their experiences, fostering connection.
Thank you for sharing your journey and these valuable insights. Hope you have a great week!
Meredith
Hi Meredith! You have no idea how much I appreciate your thoughtful comments to my blog each time I post one on this platform. You seem to get the point I am trying to make and communicate it in a very concise way. A call to action is something that I need to get better at and it’s interesting to hear that others might have the same issue. I have never been a very good salesman, but I need to learn to ask for things that I want and need such as a response to my video and written content. It’s all about engagement. Again, thank you for your visit and I wish you a wonderful week!
Ernie, this story is so inspiring! 🙌 It’s amazing how you were able to create such a powerful ripple effect by simply offering your employees the opportunity to give back. It’s clear that the true power of leadership is in empowering others, and the success of that 5K event is a testament to that! The way you shifted the focus from just health to community impact really changed the whole outcome.
And, as a fellow lover of bad dad jokes, I’m stealing that one about boat paddles! 😂 Looking forward to your next post, Ernie! Keep up the great work! 🌟
Hi Allison – I did not realize at the time that when I offered the opportunity for people to do something good that so many people would rise to the challenge without a lot of pressure. I need to learn this for all aspects of my life and that is just to offer people opportunities when it makes sense and if appropriate. And yes, steal away as many jokes as you wish! It’s actually flattering that you want to use my stuff… ha ha ha! Have a great week, my friend!
Ernie, I enjoyed reading of your organizing that run with over 500 people running to both improve themselves and more importantly give back to the community.
But you sent me down a big rabbit hole on your comment request. I searched my digital presence on numerous platforms to come up with this response but I’m not sure you’ll like my means to get others to engage with my content.
As you may already know, I flipped the switch on for professional mode on my Facebook account. This gives me more of an ability to review insights and the engagement. Perhaps you shouldn’t read anything into this – just like when building an email list of subscribers – we need the subscribership to be right up there before taking any action. And the number of friends and subscibers I have on Facebook are not all that high. Still, I got the most engagement on a post that must have had an implicit CTA. I did a very small write up – on there being nothing like reminiscing some summertime fun with two friends of mine and they were pictured in the post.
And that was what it took – zooming in on other people in interesting surroundings.
Hello – Your response was certainly something to think about. Thank you so much for being willing to share your thoughts for my consideration and review. I often wonder what my online presence looks like. I do have a professional Facebook site and we’ll be working to enhance it. It may take a little time for me as it’s out of my comfort zone, but I plan to live in that area of non-comfort in order to be successful. Thanks for your visit to my blog post and for your insightful comments! Have a great week!
Hi Ernie, your work as a human resource person shows me you really care and you cared then about your employees. That kind of service is invaluable and will follow you and has followed you in the work that you are doing now. I thoroughly enjoy getting on Dean’s weekly zoom classroom and seeing your studious face there every time.
I agree, the call of action can be tricky. My YouTube call to action is always to make sure they stick around to see the next video that pops up in my feed and also to like and comment if they so desire. YouTube is slower than TikTok. It feels like molasses in January sometimes. But I keep at it and it is paying off.
Hi Kate – Yes, I truly did care for the employees in my facility. I tried to look past them and see that all of them were working for something outside of the work environment. Once I realized and accepted that fact, it became easier to care for them not only as employees but as people. I love watching you on YouTube as well as TikTok and look forward to seeing how you progress and excel on those platforms. Thank you so much for your visit to my blog post and for your wonderful and nice comments. Have a great week, my friend!
Hey Ernie,
Great post – and yes – it is sometimes surprising how people will step up when given an opportunity – especially an opportunity to help others.
Your idea for the running club clearly inspired a lot of people in your team and finishing it off with a really cool group activity like the Oktoberfest event would have really made for lasting memories for those who participated.
You managed to get your message out and your CTA with the running event was obviously effective when you got so many runners to show up on the day. I can only imagine what sort of difference that day made – not only to the people who benefited from the money you raised, but also to those people who turned up to run on the day. The team building and the camaraderie – not to mention the contribution that you all made – plus beer at the end – must have made for a memorable day for all involved.
I agree that it is all about engagement as you say. Engagement is something I struggle with a bit, and something that I need to work on – especially with my online communities that I am a part of. It’s not easy at the start to know what to say, or how to say it – I often wonder if people actually read what I write, which then turns into a reluctance to contribute – that’s something I am definitely working on, so thanks for the reminder.
Good luck with the next step Ernie. I’m sure you will continue to make a valuable contribution to those in your circle.
Hi Sean – I truly appreciate your thoughtful comments to my blog post. I seems like you and I are on the same page regarding call to actions and engagement. These are key to not only thriving in this business but also becoming productive people in and out of the workplace. I didn’t even realize at the time that I was giving a call to action when I offered the opportunity to support the community when presented to my employees. But, it really was a call to action! I just need to transfer that behavior to my online business, right? Thank you so much again, for your visit to my blog post. Have a wonderful week ahead!
Hi Ernie!
What an inspiring story! It’s incredible to see how presenting your employees with a simple opportunity to give back transformed not just their involvement but created a powerful sense of community and teamwork. The impact you made by combining health and philanthropy is truly commendable.
Your connection between this initiative and the concept of a Call to Action in content creation is a great reminder of the importance of engaging others. Just as you encouraged your team to rally around a meaningful cause, it’s essential for us to motivate our audience to take action through our content. I appreciate your openness about the challenges you face with CTAs—I think many can relate to that struggle.
Thank you for sharing your journey and the valuable insights! Looking forward to seeing how your content evolves as you continue to practice and refine your approach. And, of course, I hope lunch is delicious!
The Best Is Yet To Come!
Thank you for your very nice comments, Ezequiel! Yes, it was a nice result from something that was unintended. I did not realize the impact that a simple call to action can make when done correctly and with the right mindset. That’s what I want to do with my business… a good, simple and impactful call to action that will provide value. And lunch was great. Thanks for checking! Have a great week!
I always feel so inspired after reading your blog post. I love how you turn your stories into helping others build a business. Only you could turn a simple idea like a running club into something so impactful, not just for your team but for the community as well. Over 500 participants and tens of thousands raised? That’s next-level leadership right there! Honestly, you didn’t just create a running club—it sounds like you built a movement!
Hi Sarah – You are so kind and thank you for your thoughtful comments. It really did turn into a movement and grew every year. I am no longer with that company but remain close with the people and the organization as a whole. That movement continues to thrive and has helped to shape the culture. I am so proud of those people who give up their time and their resources to help their community. Thank you so much for your visit to my blog and I hope you have an amazing and productive week!
Hey Ernie! 👋 I had many chances years ago to see Wayne Gretzky live in action when Quebec’s Nordiques were playing against Edmonton Oilers in Quebec’s old coliseum. This guy always impressed me by its agility and his “sense” of the game. He knew how to create opportunities and he was also good to anticipate all aspects of the game.
He has the talent also to vanish, staying slightly appart. When being almost forgotten by others, he came out of nowhere to surprise everyone.
I think we shouldn’t follow actively the trends but rather we should learn from them and anticipate the new ones to be the first to hit.
Anticipation and opportunity, these are successful words when given a little dose of agility. 😊 Have a nice day!
Martin
Hi Martin – I must say that I am jealous that you got to see the great one play live! What a treat and what a memory, right? Yes, his abilities on and off the ice are not only legendary but can be applied to just about anything worth doing. Anticipation and opportunity are very successful words as you have pointed out. These are traits that I constantly try to learn and hope to apply in my business. Thank you for your visit to my blog post and for taking the time to leave your thoughtful comments.