Change the World, One Person at a Time

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the long list of things we want to change in the world. Getting people to adopt new behaviour is often met with resistance, even when the change will be personally beneficial in some way. Sigh. We humans are such creatures of habit.

The concept of marketing — educating people, getting them to adopt an idea or a new behaviour — infiltrates every area of life. For those who despise “marketing” and think of it as only associated with sales and products people don’t need, this may be a horrifying thought. But take a moment to reconsider.

Marketing in it’s purest form is not about selling, it is simply another name for a form of communication and as such is a neutral vehicle that can be used for good or for evil.

Whether it’s business or social change you’re after (or some combination of the two), success requires both an understanding of the people you want to connect with, and the dynamics of the behaviour you want to encourage.

The Fun Theory initiative explores the idea of prompting a change in behaviour by making it fun in some way. Trust Volkswagen and the Swedes to be so inventive and show that change for the better doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it can be downright enjoyable!

What might the outcome be in prompting socially conscious change, if we took this creative and friendly approach, instead of trying to beat people into submission with guilt?

In the following video, check out the guy who actually looks for more garbage to pick up so he can do it again!

See more videos and ideas at www.thefuntheory.com.