http://toddearwood.disqus.com/enThu, 20 Nov 2008 11:51:35 -0000http://www.toddearwood.com/2008/11/19/how_to_not_lose_your_favorite_restaurant/#comment-3915437Alex - Agreed, 100%. You can't spend enough ad dollars to match what a happy customer (Deryl aptly calls them advocates) can do for a business.<br><br>I think you've also just shown me what my next post will be... why Melillo's was my favorite place. Thanks.earwoodThu, 20 Nov 2008 11:51:35 -0000http://www.toddearwood.com/2008/11/19/how_to_not_lose_your_favorite_restaurant/#comment-3915391Deryl - That's the exact word.. advocate.earwoodThu, 20 Nov 2008 11:48:36 -0000http://www.toddearwood.com/2008/11/19/how_to_not_lose_your_favorite_restaurant/#comment-3913631This hits close to the heart for me. While living in South Florida, I accidentally stumbled upon a brand new Thai restaurant. It was sandwiched between two completely forgettable other businesses in a completely forgettable strip mall. The signage was bad. You couldn't really see it from the road. Basically it had everything working against it.<br><br>But the food was fantastic.<br><br>At the time, I had a lot of connections in the area so I pretty much gushed about the place as often as possible. At work, with friends, at conventions. I got to know the owners the first time I was there (because they hardly had any customers at that point.) They said I should have people ask for them if I sent them, so they could get a discount. Win win, so of course I did.<br><br>The place survived. More than that, I have never been treated as well when I went to eat out. I was constantly getting free appetizers, % off my bill, even gifts. I wasn't seeking any of that, but they would always insist. <br><br>The most powerful marketing in the world is a very happy customer.Alex MorseThu, 20 Nov 2008 10:06:58 -0000