Is Word of Mouth Advertising Fantasy Land?


By Lance Winslow


Some marketing consultants and authors of marketing books actually believe that word of mouth advertising is Fantasy Land? Isn’t that interesting indeed. So one could ask themselves why these marketing gurus and self-proclaimed wondermen or girlie men think this.

Well I have wondered why on Earth anyone could come to that conclusion; and I have determined and am under the opinion that they have never actually marketed a real business in their life; well except the marketing business tapes, seminars and books that they peddle. Is word of mouth advertising really fantasy land?

More than one marketing consultant has publicly stated this in his ignorance (opinion), but maybe they just do this because they want you to believe in their marketing and advertising schemes and want you to purchase their books. But indeed if their books were any good they would in fact tell you how to increase word of mouth in your business and then you might tell another friend to buy their books to learn how? Since they do not generally do this it is obvious we have two competing theories here.

Now then should you buy a marketing book from a gentleman who has only been able to write and sell books? Are you in the business of selling books? Most likely not, as your business sells some other product or service; therefore if you take advice from someone who has only been able to market one thing in their life, which in no way pertains to your business then no wonder your business is struggling. We all know word of mouth is the best way to grow a business; do not listen to anyone who tells you other wise.


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