“Word of mouth” just got louder! Poll 100 experts and ask what is the most efficient form of marketing and 70% would say word of mouth. It is so popular that in social media circle it is now know by the acronym “WOM”. Yet there are others who would readily spew out a few other methods or mediums. Certainly one could argue that in some form or fashion, they would all be right! But I contend that the most successful form of marketing today IS word-of-mouth…
The same as it was in days of long ago. From the beginning of times it was our mouths that made us known to others. Don’t you remember? She said, he said. They said. The serpent said. God said. No matter your culture or race, denomination or affiliation, reputations (now known as brands) are built on the words of others. Let’s take for instance Jesus, and his flourishing ministry… without TV, radio, or the internet – he some how managed to change the lives of millions. Yes added by the fact that we are STILL talking about Him today. By WOM we are still building His brand!
How about the story of the woman at the well in John 4:1-42? When it was all said and done, many became followers of Jesus because of what the Samaritan woman dared to share. Examine the following verses 28-29 “The woman then left her water pot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” The result: verse 39 “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.” An even greater result: verse 41 “And many more believed because of his own word. ”
The charge, “You have a big mouth” has taken on a whole new connotation AND importance! Can you now see the power of having a BIG mouth? And guess what? Our mouths have gotten BIGGER over the years. In the sense that more people than ever are talking and through the power of the internet and now social media, they are talking ALL the time. Have you ever read or written these words, “Good Morning Facebook Family, Good Morning Twitterville” Then eighteen hours and thousands of tweets, post and blogcast later you read “Good Night FB Family, Good Night Twitterville!”
It really is kinda scary! But so was every other broadcast medium when first introduced. Also shared by each of these “broadcast” resources is there ability to introduce and influence. From the print influence on the abolitionist movement, to the welcoming of the President in our homes through fireside chats to the ever changing landscape of journalism, they all have had dramatic impact through their own unique voice.
We now have moved from:
- Mouth to ear to
- Mouth to eyes to
- Mouth to Inbox to
- Mouth to GLOBAL community (SOCIAL MEDIA)
It is the last in this series of evolutions that has leveled the playing field for small businesses and consumers alike. And guess what? Your church is the small business, while these vocal discerning consumers are you congregation and future congregates! And you need them (both) shouting your praises. My husband has never chosen a barber by anything other then by recommendation. I have never chosen a hairdresser in any other way. Have you ever relocated? How did find or choose your new mechanic or church?
Is someone online recommending to the world your ministry? I have a friend and colleague that ever Sunday “checks in” online at her church. Every Sunday she quietly and effectively “recommends” her church to 700 plus people. One congregate reaching 700 – in less than a minute-every Sunday! Are your members recommending you online? Where are your Twittervangelist? Don’t be shy. It’s time for you and your congregation to open your BIG mouth!