What kind of marketing is the most effective?

sneezr.ca Have you ever asked yourself that question? I did. In fact, many years ago I spent countless hours trying to figure it out.
The answer turned out to be quite simple: word of mouth marketing. Or as I call it: the art of cultivating recommendations.

Surprised? Probably not. With recommendations, there is no sales pressure and no credibility issues. When your friends, family members or trusted co-workers recommend something or someone to you, they are genuinely trying to help you. That means a lot, which is why you usually remember it for a long time. But here is the catch: recommendations must be earned. How do you do that? Where do you start? How do you give people a reason to talk about your products/services? How do you nudge your story into every day conversations? I launched sneezr.ca to help you answer those questions.

Complexity is an inside job

The spectacular success of Apple is nothing short of magical.
While no single factor can explain Apple’s success, there is one common thread that runs through it all.
continue reading

What’s a good predictor of a business’ success?

My 2¢: The amount of enthusiasm people feel about it.

If people are enthusiastic about a business, it usually has a lot of potential to be successful. Why? continue reading

Are you more curious than dismissive?

This is long, so feel free to skip.

Earlier today I attended an event during which David Chilton continue reading

This just in: The only way to make real money

Image via facesofdesign.com

“The only way to make real money is to offer the public something entirely new, that has style value as well as continue reading

What can Kraft Canada teach us about business

Image via walrusmagazine.com

Just finished reading an interesting story in the Sep 2012 issue of continue reading

One Touch Wonder

Word of mouth is generated by surprise and delight.
You win because you dramatically exceed expectations.

Case in point:  continue reading

Does your business/product/service look as great as it is?

Have you seen this TED talk yet? If not, please watch it.
Why? How much time do I have? Not much? OK, here’s a little taste of what Timothy said:

“So continue reading

What is the basis of practically all successful advertising?

The answer: News.
Case in point: Apple’s latest press announcement.

Apple just sent members of the press invitations to an event on Sept. continue reading

Is “I give up” next?

The obvious advantage of clear communications is that people will easily understand your message.
People want to know how you can help them.
continue reading

Tags:

How can you set in motion a masterpiece?

Michael Ondaatje, author of continue reading