[Recap] LOCAL GUIDES FLORIDA MEET-UP SUMMARY
PURPOSE:
About a month ago I decided to share my Local Guide zeal for Google Maps with others. Sure, I could simply talk with friends about maximizing their Local Guide Reviews, but I wanted to stimulate and instruct like-minded people throughout our community, and across our wonderful state. The sharing of information in a casual local location made sense to me. Since I had not found any history of any similar event in our area, I decided to make it happen…and create energy regarding Google Maps use within the area. I soon contacted an understanding local restaurateur (Rondo at The Mojo Grill and Catering, Link to the Mojo Grill and Catering Restaurant) about becoming the Sponsor of our Meet-Up. His positive response included a kind donation of food & beverage, along with a private meeting space.
PROMOTION:
After approval, Google shared the Meet-Up announcement I created, HERE: https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/General-Discussion/Become-a-Google-Local-Guide/m-p/1561585#M398651
I also shared the event on social media outlets (Twitter, Facebook Events, Facebook Groups, etc.). To enhance attendance, I reached out to my local media sources and sent links to my contacts, local newspaper, local radio stations, and my contacts at the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership.
THE MEET-UP:
Initially, I needed my tech-savvy friend, John, to get the hardware and HD TV functioning properly.
Tech Savvy friend gets us arranged and ready.
After 30 minutes of dining on awesome complimentary food and chatting in a private meeting room at the Sponsor’s restaurant, we became involved with our interactive presentation. When we viewed the FIRST PowerPoint image, it featured food. Right then, we all realized we shared the fact that we were all “Foodies”, folks that enjoy a great meal. Google provides Meet-Up hosts with a significant PowerPoint presentation which I modified for this event. The presentation included walk-through steps that new Local Guides could learn and use while sitting in their chairs. Experienced Local Guides were shown “Tips & Tricks” to enhance their Reviews and to better utilize Google Maps.
After the PowerPoint, some of our group walked about the venue and captured pics and vids to create Reviews (and be able to add something to the event’s photo album). They were practicing what they had just learned about Reviews and earning Local Guide Points.
Additional information as the Meet-Up’s host: I spent about twelve hours editing the PowerPoint. My PowerPoint presentation was transformed into a video for you and is available HERE: Video of the PowerPoint Presentation.
Being a “Foodie”, as all of us at the Meet-Up agreed we all were, I posted a video compilation simply consisting of pics of food I took at several different restaurants I have encountered during my travels. It is available HERE: “Foodie” Video Compilation
WRAP-UP:
We spent nearly an hour on great discussions, demonstrations, explanations about how Google Maps helps local businesses, voiced concerns of smartphone-tracking and privacy concerns, and talking about how sharing Reviews on Maps locally can have an impact globally. The realization that our reviews might be viewed by someone across the earth is powerful. If I can help someone who is considering visiting the same places I have just reviewed, and save him/her time, effort and frustration, then I have accomplished my goal: helping a fellow human via technology.
I created an Album to which the Meet-Up’s attendees may add more pics and vids. It is available HERE: Photo Album of Local Guides Florida Meet-Up Event I hope to even reach a few of the event’s no-show folks and share the information they missed.
THE FUTURE:
At the conclusion of our Meet-Up, we discussed spreading this type of presentation across our wonderful state of Florida, when to meet again, and which type of local Meet-Up should be do here next. I look forward to working with other Florida Local Groups in other cities.