Who knew growing up, that simply reviewing a restaurant or retail store and posting photos of that same place would assist many others in their day-to-day lives, or help foreign travelers with finding a bite to eat? Over the years, I’ve become more and more connected with Google Maps and its features, as well as increased my reviews and activity—posting, correcting, and answering questions from others.
I have a very interesting story to tell, living many lives: I’m a film actor, a published author and model, and a fitness company brand ambassador. In addition to motivating, mentoring, influencing, and inspiring others in those fields, I enjoy assisting and influencing many others as a Google Maps Local Guide. The most interesting thing I’ve done as a Local Guide—and one that I love doing—is helping local small businesses gain traction by drawing people to them through my reviews. A (not so) small comic book and toy store in Arvada, Colorado now has 411 reviews and a bunch of photos taken from loyal customers. I have also helped bring business to their shop through a promotional video I made for them back in 2015.
Another local business I have helped to promote is a Greek restaurant called Yanni’s. Because of my worldly travels, I love to indulge in foreign food, and it makes me feel nice and warm inside when I find restaurants in my city or state that can bring me back to a certain country. Yanni’s has authentic Greek food like gyros and mousaka, and traditional desserts like baklava.
From posting photos in the Magic Ice Bar in Oslo, Norway, to answering questions about a video gaming lounge in Kragujevac, Serbia, being a top Local Guide has opened my eyes to the beauty of traveling and how connected everybody is. I’ve also grown to be more cultured through my travels and have met a few new friends. Reviews and photos have helped me as well in making decisions on where to eat, drink and where to spend the day in an unfamiliar city. I’ve also been grateful to find a meditation center when I feel like bringing some peace to my day.
My experience with Google Maps has been a beautiful one, and I look forward to leaving and reading many more reviews down the road!
“Take only memories, leave only footprints.” - Chief Seattle