Aaron Weiche

I'm headed out to Spokane, Washington tomorrow to sit in on the one day Local University put on by GetListed.org.  This local search focused workshop is being headed up by David Mihm, Matt McGee, Mike Blumenthal as well as some other great small business Internet marketing minds.

As much as anything I'm looking forward to hanging out with David and Matt.  Those two guys are on my short list of great local and search marketing minds, write blog posts I read frequently and worth a follow by any business on Twitter. I have had the chance to interact with both of them over the years via email, social media or projects as well.

One other goal besides the knowledge, networking and beer(s) ... is working with David to bring one of these Local University sessions to Minneapolis.  It would be fantastic and of great value to the business community here. 

I'll post pics and a round-up later this week.

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I just finished reading You've Been Yelped, a great article on Yelp.com put out by Inc Magazine writer Max Chafkin. Two weeks ago David Mihm outlined Yelp's Coming of Age in a detailed post. If you're into local Internet marketing at all, read them both.

Max illustrated both the good and the bad for small business owners affected by the website.  The customer reviews posted on Yelp can make or break a small business and as the article details, it can drive an owner downright crazy.

As a business owner myself I see both sides of Yelp.com's offering and effect on small business.  I think the collection of opinions of others experiences is great for the consumer to crowdsource to find great services or products, but I also question if the right filters can control the inmates running the asylum.

Running a small business is tough enough, you'll never please everyone and now anyone can shout it out to the masses ... permanently.  That said, an owner can learn a lot from customer insight and feedback.

Maybe the best thing to hope for is reviews being held to a responsibility code, where constructive criticism is allowed (and welcomed), but childish savaging or outlandish claims are left off.  I think we all know that some only look for ways to whine, rip or rant whenever possible.

So is Yelp the answer to running a better business?  Is it the answer to helping consumers?  I don't have a clear answer on those 2 questions, but I do know that it's not going away.

As one owner quoted in the story stated: "Ignoring Yelp gets you nothing. You can't hate the future."

My hope is that Yelp's future brings a better balance to small business and consumer interaction.

One last time, it's a great article so go and read it: You've Been Yelped - Inc.

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Google announced their new Favorite Places on Google feature today mixing Google maps, window decals and mobile phones to benefit consumers.

In a nutshell, over 100,000 businesses (to start) are receiving decals for their business window/storefront that include a bar code.  When scanned with your phone (includes iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and more) you get the business listing on your device to see reviews or coupon offers from their LBC listing.

 
This feature makes it a quick connect for a consumer to learn more on a business or easily grab a coupon/offer.  It also gives any business one more reason to make sure they are listed in the Google Local Business Center.  Run a check of your local listings here: http://www.getlisted.org

I like what I see of this new local feature:

1. Its about making it easier to grab more info on a business

2. The mix of web, mobile and brick-n-mortar

3. Easy access to special offers/coupons

The only thing I don't like is the limited number getting the invites, but my hope is that after ironing it out with the first 100,000k you would be able to request a decal and bar code from the feature.

I'll be on the lookout for the first decal I run into in the Twin Cities.

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