Hotels used to give us stationery and postcards. Millions of people would write home and say, “I chose this hotel.” I’m glad to see La Quinta bring it back.

Classic word of mouth.

Even better, classic word of mouth that is genuine, easy, and inexpensive.

Foursquare and other social media check-in apps have the same function: People love to say, “I’m here!!!” But it doesn’t need to be online.

What can you do to help your customer tell their friends that they’re doing business with you? Balloons for the kids? A great shopping bag?