Did you know that many scientists believe it was the art of social gossip that first set us apart from the other animals? That’s how we formed intimate groups and learned more about the important things in life. We’d like to continue that tradition in our area of expertise, so here’s just a taste of what’s happened this week in the world of marketing:

Clever campaigns: When you wish upon ears

Disney doesn’t exactly need to advertise. Everybody knows who they are. But there’s no good reason to miss an opportunity to remind everyone what the Disney brand stands for: hope. That’s why Disney is continuing its relationship with Make-A-Wish and making sure everyone knows.

In this campaign, called “Share Your Ears”, Disney has agreed to give $5 to Make-A-Wish for every photo uploaded to social media of a Disney fan wearing Mickey Mouse ears while also supporting the initiative at Disney store locations. This kind of branding ensures that Disney maintains its image as a hopeful, charitable company while maintaining brand awareness at the same time.

Tools of the trade: Mailchimp

Mailchimp offers a unique set of tools designed to help entrepreneurs reach their target audience and flourish. From mass email campaigns to marketing insights, Mailchimp is a great way to take the next step with your business operations.

Keeping up with the famous people

We’re all a little jealous of big brands with deep pockets. With practically an endless amount of resources, they can pay celebrities big bucks to endorse their products and engrain themselves in popular culture.

But what about small businesses? They can’t afford to put Will Smith or Brad Pitt in a TV commercial or a billboard plastered on bus stops around the world. But there are ways that small businesses can leverage celebrity influencers. Here’s what you need to know to get started.