B2B marketers do it too

They use viral email marketing as a marketing tool... What do you think I meant? Viral marketing can work well for B2B providers, as long as the following is true:

1. The product or service should add value to the sender as well as the recipient.

2. The offer must be deliverable. You don't want to offer a product that you can't deliver if demand increases quickly.

3. The offer must be easily transferable to others. Email and web pages provide the best way to facilitate this.

4. Viral marketing campaigns use existing networks to convey the message.

The basis of viral marketing has been around for a long time. The idea is to get your clients or referral sources to pass on something about your business to their network of colleagues and friends. Those who pass on your information get something in return. The item may be a gift or a service related to your business.

Using email makes it very easy to pass on information to a friend or colleague, especially if it involves something fun or free. With millions of people using the Internet around the world, the potential for exponential growth is enormous. The great things about viral marketing is that it's free and actually works on its own. Once you make an offer and facilitate referrals, viral marketing spreads like... well... a virus... but the good kind.

To implement viral marketing in your business; First, start with your customer base. Encourage existing clients to refer new clients. Second, go to your referral sources. Providers, your external network, and colleagues can be encouraged to provide referrals that lead to work.

If your clients are stressed-out business owners, offer them a reward that provides relaxation and entertainment... like a weekend getaway.