Something companies are having us do

Have you noticed the latest trend in the world of shopping and commerce?

A few years ago, companies were encouraging us to like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter. (They still do today, though not as often given that avid internet users know by now that virtually every business has jumped on the social media bandwagon.)

Now, they're pushing us to review them on sites like Yelp.

But, as the saying goes, they ought to be careful what they wish for.

I have had unpleasant experiences at various restaurants and retail establishments in the past year, and I've had no qualms about airing these sentiments on said websites.

In fact, many consumers are more inclined to rate and review a company following a bad experience than a favorable one.

A preponderance of either negative or positive reviews, however, should raise red flags. For example, a disproportionate number of 5-star reviews coming from accounts with only one or two reviews to their name means something is amiss. Chances are, someone has furtively paid someone else to post overly positive reviews in order to bolster the company's overall rating and reputation.

I suppose encouraging customers to write a review has its upside: Even if the feedback is negative, it'll give the company a sense of what they have to improve upon.

I've also been noticing employees -- whether marketing directors or those in general management -- frequently responding to the comments themselves. When the feedback is positive, they reply with a warm thanks; when it's negative, they apologize and in some cases provide their contact information so that the disgruntled customer can get in touch. (Sometimes, if they're lucky, a refund or free meal can ensue!)

I had such a good experience with my new dentist earlier this year that I left him a glowing review on Yelp.

Unless the experience is magnificent or abysmal, though, I'm not likely to take the time to review the company. A "meh" experience won't drive me to Yelp -- that's for sure.

Do you rate and review companies on sites like Yelp? Why or why not? Are you more likely to do it following a positive experience, negative experience, or neither?

Comments

This will spell the end of your relationship

When asked to think about the most common culprits for a relationship's going south, most people will point to cheating, complacency, and taking one's partner for granted. While these are all valid -- and documented in various posts on this blog -- there are certain habits on the part of partners that may not kill the relationship right away, but cause it to erode more gradually. Among the most egregious of these is expecting your significant other to be perfect. They pick at your follies any chance they get. Nothing you do is ever good enough. In fact, you will never measure up to an ex, neighbor, or accomplished co-worker. Perhaps this all sounds a bit familiar. When you feel as though you're constantly being put under the microscope, it can inflict lasting damage on the relationship and your self-esteem. You're walking on eggshells all the time, praying you don't say or do something that's going to trigger your partner. This is no way to live, let alone ca

No response from someone IS a response

Make no mistake about it: When you don't get a response from someone -- whether they fail to answer your texts or return your phone calls -- it is still a response, and a powerful one at that. When a person fails to respond, it's a direct reflection of their interest -- or lack thereof -- in the relationship. Few things are more aggravating than having to hound a partner, friend, or relative for some sort of reply after we've reached out to them. Yes, we get busy from time to time, but that doesn't give anyone the right to leave the other person hanging. A terse text with something like "Been busy, will reach out soon" doesn't say much, but at least it shows some effort to bring the other person up to speed on why they've fallen off the radar. Failing to provide a response for weeks -- if not months -- communicates that you are just not a priority, and that you'll have to wait your turn to get this individual's attention. This is n

Misconceptions about quiet people

Earlier today, I came across a Facebook page that features motivational quotes intended to improve people's moods and enhance their overall self-esteem. Interestingly, I noticed two quotes that focus specifically on quiet people: "Be afraid of quiet people; they're the ones who actually think." "The quietest people have the loudest minds." I've observed that most people's views of quiet individuals can fall under one of two categories: 1. The ones who say quiet people are antisocial, suspicious, snobbish, and/or full of themselves. 2. The people who say their introspective nature and propensity to be deep in thought makes them smarter than their more garrulous peers. The quotes above speak to this mindset. As an introvert known to be quiet at work and at social functions where I might not know anyone, I feel I'm well positioned to dispel any inaccuracies surrounding quiet folks. First of all, the above statements misguidedly put

How to Understand People

Search This Blog