Primary Focus:
Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Key Benefit:
Exponential Sales Growth
Credibility Source:
Independent customer opinions
Central Tenet:
Word-of-mouth is the center of the marketing universe.
Decision Speed Importance:
Most important factor for sales increase.
Scale:
Ranges from -4 (public scandal) to +4 (talk of the town).
Companies At Plus 4 Level:
Lexus Automobiles, Saturn Car Company, Harley-Davidson, Netscape Navigator, Celestial seasonings herbal tea, The Internet, Apple Computer
Leveraging Influencers:
Get product into hands of key influencers.
Creating Channels For Discussion:
Provide channels for influencers to talk and get fired up.
Gathering Endorsements:
Collect testimonials and letters of praise.
Community Building:
Form ongoing groups (annual resorts, monthly teleconferences, daily list groups).
Event Creation:
Create fun events to bring users together and invite non-users.
Content Creation:
Produce cassettes, videotapes, website clips featuring enthusiastic customers.
Incentive Programs:
Referral selling programs, special incentives for friends telling friends.
Employee Empowerment:
Empower employees to go the extra mile and spread positive stories.
Storytelling:
Circulate true, positive stories (e.g., FedEx employee story).
Internet Utilization:
Use of the Internet, e-mail, websites, chat rooms.
Outrageous Actions:
Do at least one outrageous thing to generate word of mouth.
Scripting Communication:
Script what people should say in their word of mouth communication.