Websters Dictionary defines status as, a : position or rank in relation to others. And, b : relative rank in a hierarchy of prestige especially : high prestige. Companies want and need “status” to be successful. Large companies spend millions on marketing and advertising to build their brands and status. Small businesses rely on positive word of mouth and relationship building to maintain their status.
If you want to have more status as a company, the easiest way is to give your customers and clients the means to increase their status by being associated with you. Connect with clients and fans where your interests and values overlap. Grow a relationship. They will then tell others (word of mouth) and their status will grow. Businesses need to give those customers an easy way to encourage the sharing of their positive connection.
Give customers amazing, over-the-top stories about their relationship with you that they can’t resist passing on. Give them easy ways to spread the positive word on social media. Give them deals that require or encourage “bringing a friend”. Give them promotional stickers (badges) that increase their status and encourage conversations. There are many ways a business can encourage passing on a good word or experience.
Both sides of a positive business/client relationship are “marketing” to others and both are winning and increasing status (or at least self perceived status). This leads to more action and interaction with customers, clients and fans which is the purpose and essence of marketing.
