I am Daniel John from Cape Town, South Africa and currently I am a Level 8 Google Guide
I have been active as a Google Guide for the past 4 years. Initially it was literally just trying to accumulate more points, a personal achievement each time. I just wanted to see how it works and which photographs receive more views than others. After some time however I realised the benefits of using the Google Guides platform and began to use it more purposeful. Lately I have also learned how to connect with others and this I will explore in more depth now going forward.
As a business coach I have always looked for ways in which I can add to small business owners’ businesses. On the African continent many small businesses and locations have not been added onto the Google platform yet and as such it provides a great opportunity for Google Guides to assist. Through the Google Maps app it has given me a great tool to create new businesses on the app and then to show the business owner that he/she is part of Google now. It is such a blessing to be part of that moment when a business owner feels he/she has received acknowledgement from Google for his/her contribution to this world. When one explains to them that, with a Google account it is even possible to claim the business and use it to create a presence on the World Wide Web it completes the purpose of helping others to succeed in this world.
Being part of the Top 1% guides in the Cape Town area is a wonderful confirmation that my contributions made are useful to others. I also love the interaction from different business owners lately as they respond to reviews and become part of the Google community.
Right now in this world we face a challenge as many of us have to be in self-isolation or lockdown, but we face it together.
In South Africa we have a Xhosa word; UBUNTU – ‘I am because we are’; which reaffirms that together we can get through this.
I want to ask all Google Guides to use the time we have during lockdown and look at places you want to visit still or work out a strategy to revisit some of the previous places you have been to, and this time do it with purpose; after you have reviewed the business and uploaded your beautiful pictures tell the business owner what you have done and help him/her to use their presence on Google to help their business. It is with small gestures that we will help the people of this world to stand up again as we face the challenges together.
It will be difficult for small business owners to stand up again and face their new reality after this period of ‘no business allowed’ as they often work in their business on their own. Let’s inspire them and give them some hope for the future!