Hold on, who is a “multi-local Local guide”? Confusing isn’t it?
Actually it is not very original, the idea came to my mind from the company I worked for. See, I worked for a multi-national company, and multi-nationals were looked at rather negatively in some countries. We wanted to create a modified image: So we became multi-LOCAL multi-nationals, conveying an idea of being part of or close to the local environment and needs.
I apply this concept in reverse, why would a Local Guide be restricted to being a “LOCAL Local Guide”, presumably the original Google concept, to create a local information base to guide all around the Map. Why cannot Local Guides contribute to information in other Locations as well? I know this is not precluded, but the term “Local Guide” does not fully encompass this. I thought there is scope for the concept and the job to be expanded. Hence the “MULTI-LOCAL Local Guide”. Right, getting the picture now?
So, I am excited to be a multi-local local guide, which is what I love to do, and what I love to share – to share reviews and photos as I travel. It offers a lot to share, history, scenery, architecture, activities, food etc. etc. It is very satisfying to feel that my contributions will help the traveler after me to fine tune his trip and time in the country.
It also becomes a learning experience. An important site/activity overseas means you need to read about it, understand the history and the significance of it, and need to carefully work on you review to say the most important facts in the shortest way possible – for you cannot write lengthy reviews on Maps. One thing; although I am somehow excited to contribute in this manner, clearly I cannot forget my primary role as a LOCAL Local Guide!! I will continue to give due importance to the local scene as well.
Let me explain why I am excited about this. My career took me around the world, giving me a wonderful opportunity to see the world. As a retiree now I am continuing the tradition. Our biggest bill for the year is not household expenditure, or food or insurance or any such thing, but travel. And my experience in life, equips me very well to look at things critically and write meaningful and comprehensive reviews. My interest in photography enables me to take interesting photos and make the information even more valuable.
In summary, why I love doing the reviews in multi-locations is the synergy of a number of things coming together:
-Love of travel
-Love of photography
-Experience and expertise in review writing and
-The love and the need to share material and contribute to the community.
So that is what I am evolving to be; a happy multi-local Local Guide – thanks to Google. I share some photos to highlight this excitement.
Note: What I have done in a way in this post is to expand on the theme used for my application video; https://youtu.be/AY6YZYd_3L0 which explained the opportunity and my personal capacity to be this type of Local Guide. No harm I presume, as the prompt here is similar; what I love to share on Google Maps.
(A Connect Live 2019 application post) #localguide connect, #googlelocalguides #localguides #connectlive2019