First Post: Impressions of the first few chapters

After reading the first few chapters of Andy Sernovitz's book, I have a better understanding of how powerful word of mouth marketing actually is. I always assumed that WOMM happened as a fluke, completely unintentional by the company using it. Now I understand that there is a bit more structure that goes into a WOMM campaign.

One thing that Sernovitz emphasizes is taking care of your customers, because they drive WOMM. However, I think that although Sernovitz says that WOMM is the simplest and most affordable way to spread word about your business, it probably requires a lot more investment in time and effort. To please a customer is not an easy job. Though the business can be polite, treat their customers well and maintain honesty; there are multiple factors that go into retaining that relationship that are above and beyond pleasantries. In my opinion, Sernovitz glosses over the long term investment companies have to make in their customers in order to maintain positive WOM that lasts for more than a few weeks.

However I do believe him when he says it is simple messages that keep a company successful. Simpler messages ARE easier to pass along and are much easier to remember. The tips he suggests in the first half of the book really help me see how a company's marketing strategy doesn't have to be contrived and complicated as long as it gets the right message across.

Sandra