word-of-mouth communication

As we all know that grossips spread out exemtremly fast among friends, colleagues, families, relatives and so on. Therefore, a powerful way of communication called the word-of-mouth had developed. It's quick, effective, easy and mostly likely free!
Usually, start-up business doesn't have a lot of money to advertise for its products or services, so word-of-mouth seems to be the best way for small businesses to squeeze in a existed market. A website below summarized and gave tips for most small business how to implement a successful word-of-mouth strategy.
1. Start with Friends
2. Give a Little First
3. Go Right to the Influencers
4. Generate a Buzz
5. Be Honest
(http://www.sitepoint.com/5-strategies-to-maximize-word-of-mouth-marketing/)
What i want to mention here is that a lot of business failed even through they implemented a word-of-mouth strategy, however, they failed in fullfilling the last criteria, honesty. All businesses, regardless of the type and size, honesty must be carried out in every step and every aspects.
I hope we can all benefit from this sometime in the future.