Hug it out

With over 25 million views, the Free Hugs Campaign is a Youtube phenomenon. As Michele Miller writes:

It's a perfect parallel to building a viral campaign for your business. Watch the video and observe:

* People's resistance to anything free... even if it's a hug

* The breakthrough that happens when one random individual decides to try one

* A tsunami of response once people watch the experience of others

* The fight to defend their right to hug when barriers are erected by "authorities"

If you believe strongly enough in your product or service, give it away for free. In the beginning, no one will believe you. Stick with it long enough, experience breakthrough, and you'll have more business than you know what to do with. And you'll have a band of merry men (and women) who will be your brand evangelists.