Word of Mouth

For the past year I have been very focused on matters concerning the internet. Specifically the use of blogging platforms like WordPress and social networks like Twitter and Facebook. As someone who truly enjoys small businesses, marketing and networking, I wanted to gain a better understanding of how the use of these tools would benefit myself or those around me.

For the Past Year

At this point my closest friends have become use to me building websites each week, getting them right only to tear them down to do it again. I have tried not to torture my friends on Facebook, but have been shameless in creating twitter accounts to promote various websites.

I am a firm believer of good old fashioned work ethic and word-of-mouth advertising. No amount of money spent on ads can match the power of one friend recommending to another a person, service or product. One good recommendation from a friend can overcome billions in advertising. One bad recommendation from a friend can overcome 10 good recommendations from others. Word of mouth is powerful stuff.

This is what piqued my interest about social networks, review websites and commenting on blogs. Word of mouth at the speed of the internet; comments or reviews from these platforms can sway someone from a recommendation of a friend to the doors of another business easily. Word of mouth in person or through the internet is a very powerful thing. If you believe in word of mouth then you need to subscribe to good old fashioned work ethic. Do things right the first time, every time.

First Facebook

I was not so keen on Facebook when I first heard about it. Sharing details of my life on the internet, who would do such a thing? Now jump ahead a couple or a few years. Not sure anymore. Facebook has allowed me to reconnect with people I genuinely like and have managed to lose contact with over the years. For that, I am very grateful as I cherish good friendships. These are also friends whose opinions I value and like to be able to go to quickly when I have a question. See where I am going?

On Facebook I only “Friend” people with whom I actually am good friends. This is just my personal policy, others collect as many connections as possible. Everyone has their own path. For people with whom I know I want to communicate easily on certain topics, I use “Fan Pages”. Facebook will let you build these fan pages for businesses, websites, organizations….. Generally, you see when a friend of yours becomes a fan of a particular page. This is how I learn of new groups through Facebook. Virtual word of mouth so to speak.

vs. Twitter

Twitter, on the other hand, seems to be more of a grouping of acquaintances and strangers who may have the same interest. Twitter can be a fantastic promotional tool or real time news feed for people all over the world. The real trick seems to be filtering out only what you want to read, or finding those people with whom you want to connect.

Bloggers Blogging About Everything

First off, this is a blog. It is a website I can easily sit down and from any computer or even my iPhone and write to my heart’s content. Blogs are great for those who like to share with others. What makes blogs even more special is the ability for those reading to easily comment and offer their opinions as well, again, virtual word of mouth. Blogs have become a fantastic resource for those looking to learn about anything and everything. It is easy for a full discussion to evolve. Try it down below, just write what you are thinking. I have one golden rule, keep things positive.  If you have something negative to say, just keep it to yourself.  As every small business is trying to succeed in a tough economic climate, I will refrain from writing a negative review and let others decide for themselves out of respect for the business owner.

Wrapping it up…

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