Word of Mouth Marketing (WOM)
Getting the word out about a product, an issue, or your organization isn't done the way it used to be. People today get information and make decisions in new ways. So smart communicators use social media and word-of-mouth marketing as part of their portfolio of marketing tactics.
Blogs aren't really new. But, we are always finding new ways to use them. TVG sets up blogs or discussion groups and helps clients develop interactive online communities. Savvy companies are using blogs to give a human face to their business, communicating with customers in an informal way, creating buzz about a new product or service, and giving a forum for their employees to voice their opinions. Blogs present significant benefits and some risks, so it makes sense to choose a partner who can help you maneuver the landscape. We can help you manage your voice in the blogosphere with maximum benefit and minimal risk.
Social media is also making it increasingly easier for companies to engage employees in a variety of more effective conversations. TVG has developed the JAM process to generate employee interaction and discussion on a variety of company topics. The JAM involves developing baseline research through employee focus groups, setting up and facilitating a secure web site for an on-line employee discussion/interaction forum, and analyzing and reporting on the research and feedback from the employees. The entire three-phase process can be repeated and reiterated to continually refine or expand the employee interaction.
If you haven't logged in to Second Life (SL), there's a whole new world waiting for you. It's a 3-D world where you can create a new, virtual “you” (called an Avatar), interact with other virtual people, buy property, make new friends, find a job, and even conduct business. You can use their virtual currency, or conduct transactions with real money. There are hundreds of Universities, non-profits and corporations in SL. We can help you decide if this avenue is right for you.
Who is in Second Life? All sorts of people, but the demographics are appealing - (33% are age 18 to 24, with populations in the high 20's for the 25-34 and, notably, 35-44 age groups). They are technically skilled and cosmopolitan - 31% of Second Life accounts are sourced in the United States. At latest count, there are over 7.2 million participants (or residents they call them). You must sign in (it's free) to visit in world. You can visit the TVG Second Life Office at:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Entre%20Deux/211/41/22
In today's world, one significant way we learn about products is by talking … with our friends, families and colleagues about which restaurants to visit, what computer or car to buy, where to go for the best haircut… and the list goes on. We have always turned to others for recommendations, but according to current research, we are relying on word-of-mouth now more than ever before. The key to word-of-mouth is to turn users of your product or service into "evangelists" about your product or service. Customer evangelists are the most passionate core of your customer base. They can be a powerful sales force, and can help you identify new ways of improving your product or service or extending product and service lines.
To have the most value, a WOM campaign should be predictive, sustainable and measurable. The Vandiver Group can help you get the most out of this potent consumer trend.