Method® - one of my favorite brands

One of my favorite brands is Method. Method makes cleaning products using natural ingredients  that biodegrade as opposed to toxic c˙hemicals. You can find almost the whole line of products at Target. The  core of Method's business  philosophy is the Cradle to Cradle design philosophy. It says that it's OK to use high-tech materials, products, and gadgets that make our lives better, we just need to design products so those materials can be infinitely re-used.

Method's look is very unlike most cleaning products. Many of the containers are designed by renowned designer Karim Rashid.  The packaging is cool- and you don't mind if you leave them out accidentally.The scents are original- and they change them frequently.

Since Method was started by two guys in their twenties- the company really uses a lot of out-the box- thinking when it comes to marketing. Their advertising  often drew attention with a naked man with a strategically placed mop bucket.  They have had "pop - up" shops across the country- one of which was in Chicago for a month.  During this time they also had  4 "house parties" in Chicago to introduce people to the brand.  One of the parties was at my house. I got to invite 30 friends- it was nicely catered (I had servers!) They positioned products around my home for a photo shoot.  The idea wasn't to sell products- it was to make my friends aware of the brand- the fact that they are sustainable, and safe for your family.  They didn't hit anyone over the head with the "brand" - it was a fun night- and the people from Method were so much fun.  They gave my guests swag bags with t-shirts-and products. It was such a good experience, but I had already loved the brand. My party made some of my friends aware of Method.

Method uses tons of social technology.  They have their customers sign up to be product "advocates" and have a spot on their website where they can interact.  They send out emails to their advocates announcing new products and sending them coupons. Occasionally they send some products out also.  They are in touch with people who blog- examples: Mom's who suggest products on their websites, People who have "living green" websites. They also reach out to a fan based website www.methodlust.com where some customers comment on their products.  The company uses Facebook and Twitter to keep in touch with their customers. They have contests to win products  by asking for suggestions or asking how people clean,, favorite scents and other easily answered questions.  They make it fun to participate.

I like Method for the fact that I can clean my house and not have red skin afterward in reaction to chemicals. I also feel like the products - while not the cheapest - are environmentally responsible.  I feel good about the design of the products since I am a graphic designer and a fan of cool design . The company is always coming up with something interesting, its fun to watch.  Since I am involved with learning about social media, following this company is useful and interesting.

Method's website is www.methodhome.com