Hey Google, I’m Sierra, a Level 6 Local Guide from Penang, Malaysia. I’ll tell you why it’s absolutely fun and fulfilling to be a local guide, it’s one of the easiest ways to contribute to the society from your fingertips.
1. Being the Wise
You’re a helping hand to the confused few posting questions about places, try to bring obscure information into clarity! Is this place open on Easter Monday? Do I need a booking before I go? You’re the one who provides that little bit of extra information, making their trip to that random restaurant worthwhile. Without you, people might have just wasted their time driving 30 miles to somewhere shut for the day. So smile local guides, you’re doing a great job!
2. Being the Connoisseur
You’re the go-to person people get suggestions from, because you’ve experienced things, you’ve sacrificed your taste buds before, making it a hit and miss on whether or not that one curry is going to be up to par. You get to say, “Hey make sure you order the garlic cheese naan if you ever go to Kapitans”, or “If you go to Coral Bay for snorkeling, look for Jim to be your guide, he’s the one you’ll need!”. Then just reap the benefits of receiving thumbs ups, smiles, and well, simply satisfaction. You’re the one that’s made someone’s day with a great suggestion! In this sense, happiness is reciprocal, other’s happiness is yours too!
3. Being the Treasure-Hunter
Most businesses start small before they start to grow exponentially. Somehow, sometimes, I think it can lend its reason for success to Google Local Guides. It’s us who uncover these little gems around big cities or heck, anywhere, and give them the exposure they need to the public. It’s free advertising for them, when they thrive, the local economy thrives, and you too will get to enjoy that bowl of ramen for years to come! After all, it doesn’t take long to register a missing place or take photos, it’s great!
4. Being the Influencer
Human beings love having a sense of familiarity, comfort, the sense of knowing. As a Google Local Guide, you’re really breaking the barriers and getting people out of their boxes to explore the world further! When people know what to expect before even (ever) thinking about going somewhere, the more likely they’ll take that step to set off on their adventure. For example, when a mother knows that the mall she’s thinking about going to has a special baby changing area with other cool amenities, the more likely she’ll go there!
So there you have it, these are my four reasons why being a Google Local Guide is really being the local superhero, just without the cape! Keep doing what you do!
Sierra