I’ve been an avid believer in Google’s ideas and outlook on Life as we know it, and as such always take a vested interest in Google products.
I think this can be said for a lot of us as Local Guides as well as how we come to find ourselves on this forum.
For example, I may never had discovered this platform if it hadn’t been for the fun and innovative way Google interacts with us with different ways to allow people to contribute to better the Maps and Google experience as a whole.
Had I not discovered this platform today’s Meet-Up may never have happened. If it weren’t for the Local Guides Connect forum I may not have met @Safdarrai who is originally from Pakistan but now living and working in South Africa and who actually came from out Rustenburg all the way through to Fourways Mall to meet, or @Bren-frm-SA of whom is closer to where I live and found I have a lot in common with.
Our Official Approved Meet-Up has forged a three-way friendship for life.
Ok. so I tried to play with the area name of Fourways and connect it somehow with the Meet-Up. As this was our first Meet Up we didn’t have a full on agenda planned but when we met we discussed a basis of four (and more) aspects pertaining to Google Local Guides as well as Google Maps. Needless to say we were filled to the brim with animated conversation and tips for one another.
Top four topics addressed:
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Comparison and Optimisation of Mobile Devices used for Contributing, browsing the Connect Forum and posting Reviews
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The different Google Apps we each use. This was a great topic as two of the three of us used an app that the other hadn’t yet. Between the three of us we introduced and worked on our technical abilities and knowledge of Google Lens as well as how to improve our 360 degree photos with Google Street View and the beauty encompassed in Google Earth.
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The difference we see in the interaction of Local Guides abroad versus in South Africa. Here we all found and continue to find that the general approach of Guides abroad, especially in the Asian countries is vastly higher than that of South Africa. We’re still assessing the reasons behind this and glad we’ve pioneered the way for other guides in South Africa to be able to host a Meet-Up as well as teach the community around us the benefits of the features available with Google Maps as a whole. Little steps…
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The different platforms we use to share our Local Guide posts/tasks, key searches for maximum integration and our as well as others’ general interaction on the Local Guides Connect forum.
We also walked around parts of the mall using Google Maps and the Google Street View app and shared these contributions to Maps.
It was so much fun to find and meet other people with a similar mindset and a shared passion for all things Google.
There are a few more photos of our day together HERE
Now, go ahead and make your mark with your fellow Guides and let’s bring Google and Local Guides knowledge to the rest of our world.
We are pioneers, each of us in our own way, no matter your level, your country, your knowledge - each of us can teach one another something new as well as those around us so don’t ever doubt your abilities. Aim to inspire.
Thank you Google and fellow Local Guides for inspiring me, we, us.
EDIT: Here is a summary video of our Meet-Up
