Over on our GasPedal blog, You Can Be a Word of Mouth Supergenius!, we're highlighting a new case study from the revised edition of my book each day this week.
Today's case study focuses on Microsoft and how their MVP program has been successfully energizing talkers long before blogs and social media.
Here's a few of the word of mouth lessons from the program:
- Find the talkers. Microsoft surfs the message boards, blogs,
communities, and offline events to find the most engaged and credible
talkers. They look for people who love a particular piece of software
and are the kind of personalities who love to help other people. - Surprise them. MVPs get a letter announcing that they have
been selected. They also get a keepsake box with the surprise gift of
the year, usually something to show off, like a computer bag or a desk
set. The gift has become legend, generating tons of anticipation and
speculation. - Make them feel special. Microsoft will send a letter to
three people on behalf of the MVP program, announcing the prestigious
award. MVPs have these letters sent to their bosses, college admissions
officers, and spouses. And the MVPs credit these letters for getting
them promotions, into college, and a little more peace at home.
To see the full case study as well as how to win a copy of the book, click here.
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{ 1 comment }
David Ogilvy once said:
“Can advertising foist an inferior product on the consumer? Bitter experience has taught me that it cannot. On those rare occasions when I have advertised products which consumer tests have found inferior to other products in the same field, the results have been disastrous.”
Swap out “advertising” for “WOMM” and it’s relevant here. Microsoft has product quality issues that can’t be solved by any sort of WOMM, in my opinion.
BUT, this is a good example of WOMM and I love the ideas.
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