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The Thing That Sells Anything Is Word of Mouth

Posted by Rachel Honoway in Blog, Start-Up Marketing | 5 comments

Dec 29, 11

The Thing That Sells Anything Is Word of Mouth

I get so giddy when I hear people outside of the marketing world put “marketing” into the most simple, yet powerful terms.

That’s exactly what just happened on Piers Morgan Tonight (I’m watching a repeat episode, for the record).

Piers is interviewing Morgan Freeman. They were talking about the name of one of Freeman’s most well-known movies, Shawshank Redemption, and joking that if it were an easier name to say and remember, it may have done better in the box office.

Freeman… an actor, not a marketer… explained the marketing behind it SO perfectly:

“The thing that sells anything is word of mouth. I don’t care how you promote it, ultimately it’s going to be word of mouth that sells it…” — Morgan Freeman

Promotion vs. Word of Mouth

I mean, seriously - so simple and so right.

Think about your marketing plan – how are you promoting your business? What do you want your customers to hear?

Now, consider what they actually are hearing.

What are customers actually telling each other? What is actually being said about your brand, your products and your service?

Make 2012 the Year to Create Raving Fans

Now’s a great time to take stock of your reputation. Find out where you stand and make 2012 the year to elevate your brand and polish your name to a sparkly shine!

If a 74-year old actor “gets it” – all of you young startup marketers don’t have an excuse!

5 Comments

Becky Sturm / February 22, 2012

Great tip, thanks!

Reply
- Rachel Honoway / February 22, 2012
  
  You’re welcome, Becky!
  
  Reply
Janene Samuel / February 23, 2012

Definately agree, you can spend what you like on advertising but if no-one is talking about you your money is wasted!

Reply
Patti DeNucci / February 28, 2012

Love this post! Word of mouth is truly the most basic and effective form of business development strategy and it must be earned through a reputation of integrity and excellence. It’s as simple and as challenging as that.

Reply
- Rachel Honoway / February 28, 2012
  
  Thanks, Patti! That’s a great way of saying it… “simple and challenging”!
  
  Reply

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