Blog Posts by Tag - Word-of-mouth referrals

Want to Sell More? Look at the Packaging!

May 11, 2011

Do you have a product or service that’s just not moving? On the surface, it seems to meet a critical need, the price seems reasonable and when you tell potential clients or customers about it, they like the idea. Heck, a few have even bought once you explained it to them. Wait . . . come again? They bought your product or service when you were able to explain it? That’s when you know you have a packaging problem — a marketing and branding problem — NOT a product problem!

How you Write DOES affect what THEY think!

April 27, 2011

Yes, I know we are in the age of texting. Yes, I know shortcuts in language are fairly easily understood, even by folks over the age of 30. But “somebody” forgot to tell the millions of unemployed currently looking for jobs in business that writing clearly and concisely is STILL critical to success in the workplace.

How Much Harm Can One Unhappy Customer Do?

March 28, 2011

Think one disgruntled customer can’t hurt your company that bad? Think again!

One-quarter of U.S. consumers are far more likely to spread the word about a bad experience or product than a good one, according to Colloquy's latest research into word-of-mouth sharing practices.

What does Super Bowl Advertising Have to Do with My Business?

February 7, 2011

With all the hype about “what Super Bowl ad did you like the best?” “Which ads were good?” “Which ones were bad?” you might be inclined to ask, “Who cares? I have 15 employees on my payroll (or 150), and we need to sell more widgets! I don’t give a rat’s nine lives about Super Bowl Advertising! I don’t even have time to run a classified ad to replace the sales rep who left last week!”

True enough on most points. But here’s one reason why you might care.

How Do You Know Advertising Works?

October 4, 2010

Recently, I’ve been confronted with questions like: “How do you know advertising works? How do you know my customers won’t buy just as many of my products WITHOUT advertising? You know . . . because they need it?” And, I admit, I’m frustrated by needing to prove the obvious. To explain—even defend—what I consider universal truths! My responses thus far…
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It Takes More Than "Word-of-Mouth"

August 5, 2010

I just read another article entitled, “The Best No Cost Marketing Available – Word of Mouth!” and I have a bone to pick with this concept. But first, let me acknowledge: referrals from current and happy customers are important. That said, if you depend solely on current and happy customers telling others to buy your product or use your service, don’t plan on busting off…
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Brand Anniversary? It's Time to Celebrate!

July 29, 2010

If your company has been around for 5, 10, 15 or more years, you have a wonderful opportunity to mark the occasion with employees, customers and potential new customers. Anniversaries provide the perfect chance to reinvigorate your brand, reignite interest in your brand, reintroduce your brand to new markets and – if you play your marketing cards right – get free exposure for your…
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Rebranding Isn't Just for Products!

May 24, 2010

If you find yourself downsized, laid-off, replaced by a robot or with enough time to have six small meals a day and watch Dr. Phil, maybe it’s time to make like a product and re-package, re-brand and re-launch yourself to the marketplace! (Hey, if Gatorade can reinvent itself as a health drink, imagine what YOU can do!) First... Look at Your Package You may have been a vice president or…
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Why is Honesty So Difficult?

February 9, 2010

Honesty – quick and forthright – is always the best policy. Why then, is something so simple ultimately so difficult, and darn near impossible for large companies like Toyota? Many of us in the communications field have been watching . . . and waiting . . . for Toyota to come clean. Especially following a published account that they have been aware of problems with the accelerator…
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Stop Talking about "Bad Times"!

October 19, 2009

Guess what? Consumers don’t want to hear about the economic downturn in your ads! So many companies are trying to hitch a sales event to “bad times” that the consuming public is beginning to feel used!

Filing Chapter 11 and Your Brand

April 13, 2009

Every day, I see more companies filing for reorganization and protection from creditors under Chapter 11 bankruptcy law. Here’s the interesting piece from a marketing perspective: The only REAL difference for many companies in the “before” and “after” filing for Chapter 11 is that now, your customers know you are in financial trouble. Your brand has been tarnished.

Trimming the fat on your advertising budget?

February 20, 2009

Let’s face it, the recession has hit hard for many businesses in Maine and across the country. But, I’m a big believer that smart businesses can make money in a down economy. You see, there are two types of businesses: 1.The businesses that wring their hands and wait until the proverbial “other shoe” drops. They are virtually paralyzed . . . waiting for the bad economy to…
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