My name is Natalia and I am living in Warsaw, Poland, but I was born in Ukraine.
My adventure as a Local Guide has begun more than 3 years ago in Gdansk. I began by adding pictures and reviews of most new places I visited, just like a daily activity or a small hobby. Once I had added a picture of a big supermarket and it was one of my first pictures on Google reviews. After a few days, I received a notification on many people viewed the picture and I was really surprised! This first success motivated me, so I started writing reviews and taking more pictures. I realized just how often I was looking at reviews on various places and how helpful that turned out to be so many times, increasing my motivation to write more reviews.
I always try to add reviews of the places which I found most interesting and memorable. Having this little habit helps both other people and me to keep track of my brightest memories. I also hope that
my positive reviews helped some small local businesses to attract more customers.
Nearly a year ago, a sport complex had a change of management as under old management the business went bankrupt. It was very close to my home and I really wanted to help the new owner to grow his business. I was the very first person to add pictures and a good review of the complex on Google. Now I am glad to see how many regulars visit the sports complex and enjoy their badminton courts, gym, swimming pool and other fun sport activities. The business seems to be doing well and I hope I contributed a little bit to this.
When it comes to adding negative reviews, I like to think about it as helping other people avoid disappointment as well as help to the business owners change them for better. Our reviews can help them understand what should be fixed and even how. I believe that even negative review can make a positive change.
The reason for me to keep my journey on Google reviews is to build and be a part of community that makes the world a bit better. There are countless venues where we can connect with each other and share new experience. This small, but meaningful activity can help us to meet our neighbors, new friends, while learning more about the place we live in. I take great pleasure helping new people explore the world around me, my country, my city and the places where I have been. Local Guide allowed me to be a part of such a fun journey.
Regards,
Natali