iClickNation.com

Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about referral programs. Why do some fail while others succeed? What triggers someone to go that extra step and recommend something?

Not surprisingly the same mechanisms that power viral marketing also play a role in a referral program’s success.

Good referral programs start at the source. That source is the user’s experience. People don’t recommend a product or service if it simply meets their expectation. They don’t chat with friends about an experience that was just acceptable. In order for a referral program to be successful, a company must do everything in its power to exceed expectations. Exceeded expectations equal chatter.

The same goes for viral marketing. In order for your campaign to go viral it must exceed expectations. This is something I alluded to in April when I talked about viral energy. A great example of this is the original “Where in hell is Matt” video. There’s nothing special about a white guy dancing like a fool. What exceeded almost 10 million people’s expectation was that Matt taped himself dancing all over the world. And as the video progressed the locations got more interesting.

Creating a sequel of Matt dancing in a bunch of new places wouldn’t exceed anybody’s expectations. So, Matt stepped it up a notch and produced a video that is truly remarkable in its accomplishment. As a result it has already been viewed over 2 million times. That’s the power of exceeding peoples’ expectations.

If you're new to my blog, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

MarketingSherpa has finally announced the winners of its 2008 Viral Marketing Hall of Fame awards. This year’s top 10 campaigns range from from massive brands like General Mills to a small Canadian printing company called Pazazz.

I have to say that I really love Pazazz’s video. It’s funny, clever, and helps demonstrate how much passion they have for printing.

Check out the rest of this year’s viral marketing winners…get ready to be inspired.

Last week at the 2008 MACU conference I was reminded of an amazing Apple ad titled “Think Different”. It manages to inspire me every time I watch it. As marketers I believe that we should all watch it…at least once.

I’m a big believer that what you choose to focus on will determine how you see the world around you. The same can be said about advertising. If you surround yourself with mediocre ads, you will produce mediocre ads. To create advertising that is unique, memorable and engaging you need the attitude of a rebel and good old fashioned courage. In a world of complacency and mediocre ads, sometimes it’s necessary to readjust your focus.

This video inspires me to strive for the unusual, to not settle for adequate, and yes, to think differently. I highly recommend you click this video.

Now go out there and create something amazing!

On June 12th, there is going to be a pilgrimage of marketers to Toronto for the From Mass to Grass, CMA’s Word of Mouth Marketing Conference. If you’re in the area…or have the budget to fly…you should definitely check out this event. Some of the brightest minds in Canadian marketing will be there to discuss WOM, Social Media, and of course Viral Marketing.

To help promote this conference, the organizers have released this infectious video. Personally, I can’t resist a singing hamster…but who can? Definitely worth a click.