Word of Mouth
We all know that word of mouth is the best form of advertising. Okay, maybe you all don't know; but you do now!! Word of mouth is more powerful than any radio, tv, billboard, magazine, or newspaper advertisement.
Two reasons: TRUST and TARGET MARKETING
Who are you going to believe, the guy that's getting PAID to market the service/product, or your best friend that loves the service/product!? <--- no brainer
People you know are going to tell you about things that they know you're interested in or things they think you should be interested in. <--- thus, a target market (since generally, birds of a feather flock together).
The downfalls to word of mouth... 1) it kinda takes forever. 2) BAD word of mouth is just as effective as good word of mouth. Regardless, it's still more (positively) effective than most of the dollars you can spend on marketing/advertising.
Funny, this post isn't supposed to be a marketing lesson (which is my education background btw), it's actually to share words from my mouth...
I want to tell you about a few of my personal favorites on the Gulf Coast. In no particular order...
Dr. Brandon Hardin with Core Chiro. I've actually done a whole post on him and his practice, so you'll have to check out details here. But basically, he's a licensed chiropractor who specializes in Sports Medicine, Active Release Technique, Kinesio-Taping, diet and nutrition, exercise science, prenatal chiropractic care, as well as physical/functional rehabilitation and injury prevention. Brandon is more than just a doctor, he's a good friend of mine. He's taken the time to get to know me as a client, as a person, and as a friend. He cares! And I feel like this is across the board at his practice, not just with me. He takes his time with each patient and gets to the source of the pain vs. just finding a bandaid for relief and costing you MUCHO money with unnecessary appointment after appointment that never seems to get anywhere.
Elite ScreenPrinting. At Elite, they make really awesome, quality, custom printed t-shirts (and hats and sunglasses and bags and koozies and more!!). But they're even better at taking care of their customers. Which they always have for me with Tri Our Adventure (and Run-N-Tri Company). Again, the owners, the Carothers brothers and family have become great friends! Hugs at race starts and congratulations and celebrations at race finish. They are active in the community and want to make a difference. Fair pricing, sponsorships, and QUICK service is just a touch of their business practices.
Kentwood Water - read more here. If you have ever met Dan, you know he's the MAN! Dan is kind and friendly and funny! He LOVES supporting events in the community with Kentwood and follows up to ensure 100% satisfaction. His drivers/deliverers are efficient and friendly.
I really could go on for 80 more pages listing my favorites on the coast. But let's start here...
Sports, Printing, and Water - these are your GO TO!!
Okay, let's add these too...
Cycology, BE Fitness, Koi Sushi, Newk's, Cyclist Choice or Competition Sports (both fabulous in their own ways), Verrett Dental Clinic, CrossFit 228, Orchid Indian Cuisines, Coast Health & Nutrition, Mockingbird Cafe, SEABEE Base (plus fitness center), Tradition's Village, Tony's Brick Oven Pizza, Stone County, Wat SUP Paddleboard, GCRC, GCBC, TTB's ...
So what's the WORD!? Who are YOUR favorites!?