From Mike Myers, President, Palio

Earlier today, Palio sent out a tweet on Twitter from @Palio_Saratoga. It said “$5 per new follower through 2/5 to Red Cross for Haiti. At 773. Cap at $10K for donation. Viral mktg at work. #pharma”

We’ve already received calls asking why we did it. So, here’s a reasonably quick answer:

• Since our founding, we’ve focused on giving back. Philanthropy is in our blood.
• This is a good cause and we’ve already raised over $2,000 through a Palio Giving Back Lunch for Haiti.
• Like all agencies worth their stuff in social media, we want to live in social media not just advise clients on it.
• Buying friends and followers? Nope – never thought of that one. More than anything, we wanted to support the Haitian relief effort, have some fun with Twitter, and test out a viral marketing idea. And if we get some people following us a result, that’s a bonus.

We’re up to three new followers. Pass the word. Only 1997 more to hit our target donation of $10,000.

@Palio_Saratoga