Week 2 Part A: Communication Between Business & Consumer

     Social media has made it extremely simple to communicate with businesses and get the answers that you are searching for. For example, in the textbook, a situation was described where someone did not get the answer that they were looking for with a business, so they went on social media and posted about it. The business then saw it and responded. Whether they actually solved the customer's problem or not, now they are seen in the public eye as a company that is willing to help. Before social media, I imagine it was a lot tougher to get in contact with a business. Even before email, how would someone get a problem solved? Was calling or going in person the only way? 

    I went on Yelp to read the reviews of my favorite breakfast spot in Carlsbad, Cafe Elysa. They have over 400 reviews and 4 stars, which is not bad at all. It seems like majority of customers are saying that the atmosphere and service are really good, but the food is nothing to write home about (which I disagree with). I can only imagine how difficult it would be to have a popular restaurant like that and make food that EVERYONE loves, so it is definitely understandable and still good. 

    Almost all the time when I post a review somewhere, which rarely happens anyway, I post good ones. The places I go to, whether it is a restaurant or another type of establishment, if I love them I will definitely post about it so that it helps other people deciding on whether or not to go. The only time I will post a negative review is if I think customers would truly be in danger going there or if I think what they are doing there is very wrong. I will also post pictures that I took if I have any because that really helps me when I am looking at a place on Yelp. 

    If it was my business, I would try to respond to most positive reviews with a nice message thanking them for coming and leaving a kind review. If there was a negative review, I would respond and apologize and see if there is anything I can do to help. If it is a negative comment about someone who works for me, I would also talk to them about it and see what happened from their point of view. At the very least, I would apologize to the reviewer and maybe if I find it necessary, offer them a coupon or something for free for the inconvenience that they experienced. 

    I recently went to an exotic animal farm in Bonsall called Wild Wonders. I did their Fennec Fox experience where they let us feed them and pet them. It was incredible since fennec foxes are one of my favorite animals. There were also many other animals that we got to pet, see, and learn about. I could also tell that the animals are treated well and truly cared about, which is extremely important. I almost immediately left a 5 star review talking about my experience and leaving pictures. I usually will do this especially if they are a small business and a good review will definitely help them.