In the beginning, I had no idea the world of opportunity I was about to enter. I believe I started using the program (very lightly) about 4 years ago, intrigued on my travels that I was able to help small businesses by leaving reviews or even adding shops, restaurants or services to the map. I still often think of the second shop I added to the maps, a little silk crafts workshop/shop front in Battambang, Cambodia. When my friends and I found the shop via an old travel book, I couldn’t believe it wasn’t on maps! Such beautiful wallets, bags, even wine bottle coolers all sold and made in shop by 4 awesome friendly women. Despite the language barrier I told the owner, a friendly older lady, that I was going to try my best to get her shop on Google Maps. She was ecstatic, gathering together whatever business cards she could find in english so that I could add the necessary information for her business to get accepted.
Being able to bring joy to someone like that, who maybe didn’t know how to access Google Maps herself, or didn’t have accessibility too a smartphone really made me believe I
could make a difference within this program.
Not only did I make her day, but she made mine and the fact that I still talk about it 2 years later shows how much this meant to me.
(Photo from Crafts Shop in Battambang Cambodia)
Fast forward to now… 2020, I am a level 7 guide (so close to 8 whooohoo) who never pictured I would be as involved as I am today. This program has allowed me to help people on a scale I wouldn’t be able to reach so easily through the accessibility that is Google Maps.
After being lucky enough to experience Connect Live 2019, not only was it amazing to be able to meet almost 200 other people just like me (as far as getting excited over leaving reviews goes) but I was able to learn how to really enhance my experience on the program which in turn helps me help others! AND WE LOVE HELPING, if you haven’t picked up on that already. This community is amazing, I think every single guide is important to the program, adding unique ideas and experiences is what makes Google Maps genuine and more approachable to everyone. 
A family network
!