I got started with Local Guides without ever knowing what a Local Guide was, I was simply leaving reviews. I live in a city south of Miami, we don’t get a whole lot of attention so, I was looking to help my favorite places get on the map. To show them off almost. I started with star reviews then, I left descriptions and photos. I had no idea so many people would really look at them. Once I learned that my posts mattered, I was all over it. I wanted to counter all the negativity people were bringing to some great places and help new and hard to find businesses get noticed.
I really believe in giving credit where credit is due, especially when it comes to great customer service or staff. A place becomes a “favorite place” because of an experience, or multiple experiences, and staff can make or break it. I am known around town as a “talking billboard” because I will find a way to tell everyone about my experience at a business in most of my conversations, including which staff member was the best and which staff to avoid (or to just not go in the first place). I basically advertise for the business.
I call this message Sharing an Otter and Tiramisu because those have to do with my two favorite places. Zoo Miami has my favorite animals, the flamingos and otters, and the staff there is very pleasant. I have been many times and always leave anticipating the next visit. The food is good, the animals are wonderful, and I enjoy talking to the staff. I loved contributing to the zoo’s reviews. The other favorite place is Mamma Mia’s, my favorite restaurant here in town, they catered my wedding and I must eat there at least once a month. The staff rocks my world and they have the best tiramisu ever. Every time I stop by, I leave happy. I went the other day, mad about a few things, and was greeted with smiles, my waiter immediately read my face and offered sangria and tiramisu. The staff makes me feel welcomed and happy. It is things like that I love to share on Local Guides, because places that generate great services, like the zoo and the restaurant, deserve credit.
