For this assignment I left a couple of overdue reviews on establishments that I enjoyed doing business with in the past. First one was Southern California Montessori where our daughter attended for about a year. Their kind and loving yet serious attitude taught my daughter many great things for life. I had always wanted to write something nice to Ms Aberella and her staff. This assignment provided the perfect opportunity for me to do so.
The next business was a resort in Bodrum, Turkey, where I had a vacation with my wife's family a couple of years ago, and hadn't found the time and words to express my appreciation to the business and my brother in law who treated us (I sent him a thank you note as well). This trip which was above and beyond our normal travel style from the go, has left a lasting impression on us. The staff and the property at Sea Village Garden made us feel like royalty!
Recently I received and email from google that I was now a level 6 guide as my reviews had garnered a lot of likes. I had done this by only sharing my good experiences with potential readers. I have left tens or maybe hundreds of businesses, four and five star reviews.
The only time I left a review of a bistro the business ended up closing (not because of my review, I hope).
Initially we were met by friendly staff and great decor including a spectactular oversized chandelier. From where I was seated I glanced into the kitchen and immediately realised the sanitation was subpar. A friend who had gotten back from the restrooms advised us not to go! We politely asked to cancel the food and pay for the drinks only and were met with hostility. I was able to get our group out of there with my unconfrontational attitude. Another party also got up and left. Several days later I got on Google Maps and saw the business had mixed reviews. I still gave them the benefit of doubt. I wote "Great decor and chandelier, disappointing experience." and left the only three star review of my life.
Like I mentioned the business closed a few months later. Another coffee shop took over the retail space and are doing quite well. That review has been deleted among many others of a defunct biz.
On the other side, when I write a review and the business owner either thanks me or welcomes me back, they create repeat business on my behalf.
In my former career I worked at the ITdesk in a big bay area firm. When the financial crisis happened, my hours were cut drastically. This is when I decided to pursue a career in sports and hospitality. I asked the father of my sole client along with my friends to write a yelp review for me. The father obliged along with two of my tennis buddies mentioning "Good with children" somewhere in his review. Approximately a year later I had enough clients to quit the dead end job that I had thrown myself onto for 8 years, but had lost most of my paycheck along with benefits the instant going got tough, and started a fulfilling career that has lasted to this day.
Those three reviews were detrimental in my success in lauching a small business. I would never be here without them and feel indebted forever.
Today I am spending as much time a 44 year old can on courts, running from corner to corner and crushing balls as hard as I can. I now have a new income stream in pickleball that exceeds tennis and is less taxing on my body. But having a good massage gun give out on me recently makes me think of when my knees will.
I too, am going to need a business that generates income not only when I am on, but when I am off the courts- even while sleeping. Most of my clientele and the people I rub elbows with have something like this and advise me on starting one myself.
I am going to need a lot of help from social media, AI, and I have very high hopes from what I will take away from this class.
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