Good Business and Running on Mars

12
Jul
2011
By

Generation UCANLast week I informally started a “Good Business” series by providing information on the new Dailymile PRO offering. Business has always been an interest of mine although I’m happy to say it is trumped by running and biking. But I can’t deny the interest, and I’ve been noticing some really great businesses using social media for good.

A great example is Generation UCAN (@GenUCAN). To understand, just read the first few lines of their vision statement:

Our vision is simple: Provide a healthy, sustainable energy source for athletes of all levels so they can achieve their very best. It doesn’t stop there. We intend to empower minds and prove that “can’t” is a thing of the past. After that we plan to host charitable fundraisers, tackle childhood obesity and stick a flag on Mars.

I love this vision statement. Can they really stick a flag on Mars? I want to see it. Better, I want to be there…if they can find room for me on the GenUCAN space shuttle, I’d like to run the first martian marathon.

Mostly though, I’m a fan of GenUCAN’s interaction with runners. Last Friday they sent this message on Twitter…

@GenUCAN

Of course I had to reply with a challenge. I tweeted back with: “I was thinking of running 20 miles tomorrow, I’ll do it if you do it.” Some businesses will have a Twitter account but not actively engage with their customers. This isn’t the case with @GenUCAN. I got a kick out of their response to the challenge…

Geez. Now it WAS on like donkey kong! If I was only half tempted to put in a 20 miler, now I was fully charged to wake up the next morning and put in my last 20 before the San Francisco marathon. I’ve blogged here before about people who nudge. Business can do it too. This was a great example.

Thanks for the nudge, GenUCAN. You not only inspired me to go big last weekend, but I used your product, and it was like rocket fuel. I’m a fan.

Oh, and I did it! #UCAN

A couple questions:

Which running related businesses have you noticed lately (in a good way)?
What have they done to catch your attention?

Jim rides a bike and loves to run. You can follow him on twitter or dailymile but he’s directionally challenged.

  • http://www.twitter.com/chmpgnepolitics Kelly

    I am very excited to see your “Good Business” posts, Jim. I agree with you in saying there are some great running companies out there that effectively use social media to further their product….and then there are some (ahem, Montrail) that refuse to engage those who speak very highly of them on Twitter (ahem, Montrail).

    You have talked about GenUCAN for quite some time. I never use sports drinks when I run  – I’m a “just water” type of girl – but I requested a sample of this “rocket fuel” you use. And I am eager to try it out.  

    The online running community is quite strong and it’s very vocal. Businesses are crazy not to capitalize on such an easy way to “get the word out.” If I didn’t have the job I did, I think I’d like to convince such a company (ahem, Montrail) that they desperately need someone like me to further their efforts. :)

  • http://twitter.com/RunningBecause David H.

    I’ve seen GenUCAN quite a bit on Twitter and a few blogs — seems like a great company to be part of. Surprisingly, I don’t see too many running companies engaging on Twitter or Facebook or even blogs that much, which is disappointing. 

  • http://lovingthebike.com Darryl is Loving the Bike

    Another fantastic post, Jim.  Thanks for introducing me to UCAN as I had never heard of them before….but I love their attitude as well.

    Darryl

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