{"id":1601,"date":"2024-09-22T12:23:58","date_gmt":"2024-09-22T12:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/?p=1601"},"modified":"2025-05-31T13:16:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-31T13:16:20","slug":"the-power-of-word-of-mouth-marketing-over-traditional-networking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/networking-101\/best-practices\/the-power-of-word-of-mouth-marketing-over-traditional-networking\/","title":{"rendered":"The Power of Word of Mouth Marketing: Pure and Sustainable Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1601_5b0755-8b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1601_5b0755-8b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1601_5b0755-8b\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1601_5b0755-8b mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1601_5b0755-8b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1601_5b0755-8b\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading1601_5b0755-8b wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1601_5b0755-8b\">The power of Connect, engage, and grow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In today&#8217;s dynamic business landscape, the ways we connect, engage, and grow our networks are evolving. While traditional networking has its merits, word of mouth marketing has emerged as a superior strategy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Word of Mouth Marketing as defined by Clay Hicks:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">H7 Network<\/a> is a word of mouth marketing platform. Word-of-mouth marketing\u00a0(WOMM or\u00a0WOM marketing) is the communication shared from your Trusted-Champion Relationships about your product, service, or company on your behalf.\u00a0Communication includes &#8220;by mouth&#8221; and\/or &#8220;electronic message&#8221; to a prospect or center of influence that you are looking to be connected with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are three distinct reasons why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/clay-hicks-founder-and-ceo-of-h7-network\/\">Learn more about Clay Hicks<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image1601_4d5876-0d .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image1601_4d5876-0d\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"379\" height=\"187\" src=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/CSA-Original-Icon-with-H7-logo-simple.png\" alt=\"H7 Connect Serve and  Ask\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-902\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/CSA-Original-Icon-with-H7-logo-simple.png 379w, https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/CSA-Original-Icon-with-H7-logo-simple-150x74.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 379px) 100vw, 379px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Personal Connection and Trust<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Traditional Business Networking:<\/strong> This often involves business card exchanges, brief interactions at events, and surface-level conversations. While it can create initial connections, the depth of trust and understanding is typically shallow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Word of Mouth Marketing:<\/strong> Leverages personal stories and genuine endorsements. People trust recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues far more than any advertisement. When someone advocates for your business out of genuine satisfaction, it creates a powerful ripple effect. The endorsements are authentic, making potential clients more likely to trust and engage with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Connect, Serve, and Ask\u2122:<\/em><\/strong> This &#8220;One to one &#8220;method emphasizes building deeper relationships with a focus on &#8220;earning trust&#8221; with professionals that you meet at networking events and meetings. You don\u2019t just aim to get a business card; you connect meaningfully, serve selflessly, and eventually ask for support and referrals. This creates a trusted circle that willingly promotes your business.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image1601_cc6b4f-b4.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image1601_cc6b4f-b4 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:336px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image1601_cc6b4f-b4.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image1601_cc6b4f-b4 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image1601_cc6b4f-b4 figure{max-width:336px;}.kb-image1601_cc6b4f-b4 .image-is-svg, .kb-image1601_cc6b4f-b4 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image1601_cc6b4f-b4 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image1601_cc6b4f-b4\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/business-communication-connection-people-concept-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"H7 Business Communication Connection People Concept\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-660\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/business-communication-connection-people-concept-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/business-communication-connection-people-concept-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/business-communication-connection-people-concept-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/business-communication-connection-people-concept-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/business-communication-connection-people-concept-600x401.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/business-communication-connection-people-concept-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/business-communication-connection-people-concept-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/business-communication-connection-people-concept.jpg 1798w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Business Communication Connection People Concept<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Cost-Effectiveness and Reach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Traditional Business Networking:<\/strong> Requires attending events, setting up booths, and traveling, which can be expensive and time-consuming. The reach is also limited to people who are physically present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Word of Mouth Marketing:<\/strong> Is incredibly cost-effective. Positive recommendations spread from one person to another, vastly increasing your reach without the need for substantial financial investment. Trusted-Relationships become your advocates, efficiently broadening your network through their own relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Connect, Serve, and Ask\u2122:<\/strong> Encourages serving others first. By consistently providing value, you leverage people\u2019s natural inclination to reciprocate. Asking for referrals becomes a seamless process when you&#8217;ve already established trust and proven your value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Sustained and Predictable Growth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Traditional Business Networking:<\/strong> Often results in sporadic and unpredictable business opportunities. Meaningful follow-up is crucial but can be challenging due to the superficial nature of initial meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Word of Mouth Marketing:<\/strong> Creates a steady stream of predictable referrals. When other professionals &#8220;endorse you and lend you their credibility&#8221;, it generates a continuous flow of potential clients who already have a positive outlook towards your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Connect, Serve, and Ask\u2122:<\/strong> Helps in developing sustained relationships where trust and mutual respect thrive. By consistently connecting, serving, and then tactfully asking for referrals\/introductions, you ensure a predictable and reliable avenue for business growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While traditional networking has its place, word of mouth marketing propels businesses forward with trust, cost-effectiveness, and sustained growth. By embracing <a href=\"https:\/\/h7network-20935792.hs-sites.com\/connect-serve-ask\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/h7network-20935792.hs-sites.com\/connect-serve-ask\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Connect, Serve, and Ask\u2122<\/a>, you cultivate genuine relationships that not only bring referrals but also fortify your business with a foundation of trust and goodwill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image1601_a899fe-86 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image1601_a899fe-86\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"292\" height=\"368\" src=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Clay-pic-1.jpg\" alt=\"Clay Hicks, the founder of H7 Network\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-1532\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Clay-pic-1.jpg 292w, https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Clay-pic-1-150x189.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><figcaption>Powered by H7 Icon &#8211; 3<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/networking-101\/relationship\/clay-hicks-founder-and-ceo-of-h7-network\/\">Learn more about Clay Hicks<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Written by: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;<em>When you focus on the relationship and not the outcome, your outcomes become more predictable<\/em>&#8221; ~ Clay Hicks<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The power of Connect, engage, and grow In today&#8217;s dynamic business landscape, the ways we connect, engage, and grow our networks are evolving. While traditional networking has its merits, word&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":914,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[75,77,76],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1601","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-best-practices","category-referrals","category-relationship"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":75,"label":"Communication"},{"value":77,"label":"Referrals"},{"value":76,"label":"Relationship Building"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Collaboration-Icon.png",500,500,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Clayton","author_link":"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/author\/clayton\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":75,"name":"Communication","slug":"best-practices","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":75,"taxonomy":"category","description":"<h2>Communication Best Practices:<\/h2>\r\nMastering communication best practices is essential for building strong, lasting professional relationships that can lead to success and growth. Whether you're networking, negotiating, or collaborating with a team, effective communication helps convey your message clearly, fosters trust, and ensures mutual understanding.","parent":74,"count":11,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":75,"category_count":11,"category_description":"<h2>Communication Best Practices:<\/h2>\r\nMastering communication best practices is essential for building strong, lasting professional relationships that can lead to success and growth. Whether you're networking, negotiating, or collaborating with a team, effective communication helps convey your message clearly, fosters trust, and ensures mutual understanding.","cat_name":"Communication","category_nicename":"best-practices","category_parent":74},{"term_id":77,"name":"Referrals","slug":"referrals","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":77,"taxonomy":"category","description":"<h2>Referral Best Practices:<\/h2>\r\nUnderstanding and implementing referral best practices can significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of the referrals you give and receive.\r\n\r\n","parent":74,"count":7,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":77,"category_count":7,"category_description":"<h2>Referral Best Practices:<\/h2>\r\nUnderstanding and implementing referral best practices can significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of the referrals you give and receive.\r\n\r\n","cat_name":"Referrals","category_nicename":"referrals","category_parent":74},{"term_id":76,"name":"Relationship Building","slug":"relationship","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":76,"taxonomy":"category","description":"<h2>Relationship-Building Best Practices:<\/h2>\r\nIn business, relationships are everything. Building strong, meaningful connections can open doors to new opportunities, foster collaboration, and create a solid foundation for long-term success. \r\n","parent":74,"count":30,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":76,"category_count":30,"category_description":"<h2>Relationship-Building Best Practices:<\/h2>\r\nIn business, relationships are everything. Building strong, meaningful connections can open doors to new opportunities, foster collaboration, and create a solid foundation for long-term success. \r\n","cat_name":"Relationship Building","category_nicename":"relationship","category_parent":74}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1601","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1601"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1601\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/914"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1601"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1601"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.h7network.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1601"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}