Tell us what you love sharing most on Google Maps and why.

Maximisers vs. Satisficers

Google Maps is never “done”. There is always space to accept contributions, differing points of view and even suggestions on how to do even better. As a Local Guide, I’ve always felt that there is a contribution I can make to make Google Maps better.

I’m a maximiser and not a satifcicer . Satisficers (yes, satisfice is a word, I checked) are those who make a decision or take action once their criteria are met. That doesn’t mean they’ll settle for mediocrity; their criteria can be very high; but as soon as they find the car, the hotel, or the pasta sauce that has the qualities they want, they’re satisfied.

Maximizers want to make the optimal decision. So even if they see a bicycle or a photographer that would seem to meet their requirements, they can’t make a decision until after they’ve examined every option, so they know they’re making the best possible choice.

Most people are a mix of both approaches.

Google Maps gives me a chance to step into both approaches, although I have one and a half feet firmly planted in the maximiser category with travel and experiences!

I also get to think deeply by myself about what the best way is to portray a cool local business. I like being the person who tells other people about great places. My favourite experience is when someone says something like, “Hey, Mike , that pizza place you took me to last year…I’ve been going every month.”

I have rediscovered being a part of Google Maps and Connect in 2019, even though Google Maps is a mature product, Local Guides is feeling like it is becoming a mature community and there is now so much value to explore. If I dipped my toes into Local Guides previously, in 2019 I want to make a greater impact on local food and sustainable experiences with my contributions - in relatively under-represented areas like the Southern Highlands.

I’ve taken part in a few local business and community meetups and I love telling people about Local Guides. For me, it’s the greatest way to positively contribute when online and I love sharing my excitement with other people and motivating them to contribute to Google Maps.

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