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The Power of Word of Mouth

Written by: Donald F. Pooley

Article Overview: Positive word-of-mouth generates referrals, and referrals generate business. So word-of-mouth is free advertising---an important marketing tool that can contribute to your success.

The Power of Word of Mouth

Positive word-of-mouth generates referrals, and referrals generate business. So word-of-mouth is free advertising---an important marketing tool that can contribute to your success.
What could be better than clients telling others how pleased they are with your services?
Word-of-mouth is also known as verbal testimonials--words of praise that literally come right out of the horse's mouth. It's a very powerful recommendation to actually hear someone tell about the virtues of a certain product or service, or the company behind this great find.
Vocalizing your satisfaction is not the only way to get the word out. With so many people using the Internet to find information, include recommendations on your website. Having a Resources page on your website is a great way to let other people know of different things that you would recommend.
Word-of-mouth can also be a written testimonial, and benefit both the enterprise that gave you such great service and the recipient.
Many companies like to present testimonials for others to see. And, why shouldn't they? It's a great way to show people how much others appreciate their services.
The benefit to you is that each time you say something nice about their service, they may publicize your testimonial in their literature or on their website. And, they will usually include your name and your company. There you have it---your company's name is in front of the eyes of potential clients, just because you took the time to say a few nice words about something else.
Now, let's flip the coin here for a moment. We've mentioned about the benefits of positive word-of-mouth. But, what about the pitfalls of negative word-of-mouth? If someone spreads the word that your service is fabulous, new business will come your way. However, if you provide a service or product that someone is not happy with, they will never recommend you, and they will probably tell many people about their bad experience.
Providing exceptional service can have a positive effect on your business. But not providing what your customers deserve can bring down the curtain faster than you can blink.
Word-of-mouth is powerful, both positively and negatively. So we should always strive to gain positive referrals. It can have a tremendous impact on our success.
This is part of an article by Janice D. Byer, MVA, owner of "Docu-Type Administrative & Web Design Services". See the rest of it, and other articles at her site, or email her at jbyer@docutype.net

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Related Forum Posts
Measuring Word of mouth - [quote="jvprosperity":2l2ujat4]I couldn't find the Part 1 Doctrine on the site but I believe from reading the blog posts it had to do with the distractions entrepreneurs and their customers face daily. He may have also talked about Word of Mouth and the true way of measuring it.[/quote:2l2ujat4] Hi Andy, So how can one measure "Word of Mouth" marketing then?
Re: What's Up With Word Clouds? - I would like to see Word Clouds used in conjunction with a Survey. I've been experimenting with Word Clouds within Google Docs forms using the advanced Word Cloud Widget.
Word of Mouth - Word of Mouth marketing by its very nature takes time. You need to develop relationships before people will refer you. Why not boost it a little by making a few partnerships? You could partner with a gym or put on seminars. Think who else targets the same people and how you can work with them and help them. You can also write articles and become and expert in your field - put them online, write a column for a community paper on health, etc. Even a door to door flyer drop with a simple one pager can help drive some clients. Good luck!
Women Entrepreneur Tips - Thank you LeoOliveros, I found #4 particularly true in my case: 4. The Enterprise Must Include the Power of Power Networks. As a conductor of your own enterprise, you can not see yourself as a one-woman-show. You must choose to utilize the power people in your life, by asking for help when you need it, and effectively delegating in order to capitalize on your strengths and that of your power network. When certain experts are not represented in your power network, you must actively seek advisors or mentors and develop a team of specialists, so the benefits are received by everyone involved in the power network - the true Power of Power Networks.
Re: Free Word-Count Tool - Hi David, Thanks for the link. I will only use it anyway if I am not using Microsoft Word


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