Based on statistics, word-of-mouth recommendation is the leading reason why customers buy a product or service. It's the secret "selling point" to most businesses. This is because you are tend to feel comfortable with a product or service that a friend once had experience with. So in building your brand, always know that what other say, in your absence, about you or your brand matters the most in defining an influential personal brand.

So how do you become a brand that word-of-mouth recommendations will always be in favour?

1. Know your brand and competitors:
So many people get into business not because they know much about it but because they know it sells very well. You need to know the A-Z of your brand and most importantly, know your competitors. How do they operate? What are they doing differently? How can you penetrate the market at where they got it wrong?

2. Articulate Your Brand Story:
This story determines how you want your brand to be talked about and recommended. This include your visual and verbal strategy, brand personality and tone of voice, core values and so on. This is what people know you for, and that's what they share to others about you.

3. Identify and Engage your Influencers:
you need to discover the people whose recommendations influence purchase decisions. The goal of these engagements—online or offline—is to tell your brand’s Shareable Story and find ways of working together. Remember, you’re not pitching these individuals; you’re seeking to build a sustainable relationship with critically important influencers. Regardless of your company, product, or brand, there are influencers who can take your recommendation marketing to the next level—but not if you never identify them, engage them and offer them something they will always talk about.

4. Take up any Project like its your last :
I always tell people to go any length in offering quality services even if its for free. Apologies for using this sentence "try not to Bleep up". This is like building a reputation. Put every work to heart as you offer a lasting service that will always compel your customers to share the experience. This is vital. It is as important as the relationship you create with a customer in clearing their doubt, solving their problems and giving them a memorable moment with your brand.
Example, I go any length to search out links or materials for anyone who needs answers in bordering issue that I can be of help.
This do not necessarily need me to ask for the customer to drop recommendations, but they feel so indebted if they don't let another know about how you helped them.

The good news is that once people start recommending and experience some success, they may actually move up to inviting others to share same experience.

Which happens most often to you? Do you go to see a new movie with someone who invites you, or because someone you trust recommended you see it? Think of the movie "Acrimony".

"Recommendation is the easiest, lightest form of evangelism" - Anonymous

Damilare H. Oyekanmi (Creative Designer, Content Writer & Branding Consultant @ creativedohl.com )

You are right OP.

Recommendations mostly comes from building good relationships and networkkng.

See 9 EFFECTIVE WAYS YOU CAN NETWORK YOUR WAY TO BUSINESS AND CAREER SUCCESS.