{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"What\u2019s The Yelp In Your Life?","description":"Have you ever found yourself reading the comments section for a restaurant you found on Yelp (or another similar application) and thought to yourself, \u201cHow is this place even in business?\u201d Or, \u201cWow, I\u2019ve got to try this place!\u201d   While restaurant owners reap many benefits from Yelp, few cash in on one of the most valuable elements of these online tools. Coincidentally, it\u2019s the same element most of us avoid regardless of success, position, industry, or experience.   Hungry for authentic Greek food in Baltimore, I grabbed my phone and did a quick search. It a matter of moments, I saw which ones were highly rated, read through a few comments, and then made my choice.   After thoroughly enjoying the food, I found myself chatting it up with the owner, who is thinking about opening another location in DC. During our conversation, I learned about his love\/hate relationship with Yelp and the painstaking process they continue to go through as they work toward simplifying their menu and ordering process.      \u201cIt\u2019s clear to me what you like about Yelp,\u201d I said, \u201cIt\u2019s actually what got me here today! Help me understand what you dislike about it so much.\u201d   \u201cThe negative comments,\u201d he said. \u201cYou can\u2019t please everyone, and some people like to take their bad day out on you there.\u201d   Considering his interest in strengthening his current processes before expanding to the DC market, I wondered if perhaps the criticisms were actually the most valuable aspect of Yelp for his business.   \u201cMost people will not come in here and tell you what they don\u2019t like,\u201d I suggested, and he agreed. \u201cInstead, they\u2019ll tell everyone they know about their bad experience, and silently destroy your reputation without you even having a chance to make improvements. Through Yelp, you get an insiders view of what\u2019s working well, and what needs improving.\u201d    As he slowly nodded his head up and down, I wondered out loud, \u201cHas anyone complained about the confusion of your ordering process?\u201d   \u201cYes, and it doesn\u2019t make any sense\u2014it\u2019s simple. You come in, order, and take your seat. We bring the food to you,\u201d he said.   Nervously, I said, \u201cReally, because I find it confusing,\u201d and began explaining why. Listening intently, he kept nodding, almost as if the comments on Yelp were starting to make sense.   With a renewed perspective of the criticisms, the negative comments are now serving as the foundation for his growth, rather than the bane of his existence. Actually, that\u2019s the purpose of all criticism\u2014Growth, though some people are clueless when it comes to word choice and tone of voice when offering their critique.    No matter your position, title, or business, it\u2019s far more enjoyable to read or listen to positive feedback then it is to carefully consider criticism and make adjustments based on your goals. Improvement (growth!) requires a different\/better approach, which we discover by listening and adjusting to critique.   This week, consider pausing and asking more questions when you feel yourself getting defensive. Additionally, you may consider asking a colleague, boss, or even a close friend to help you see where you may be getting in your own way. When they offer ideas, repeat them back to make sure you understood them correctly, and then thank them. Keep doing this, and watch as your career, company, and reputation take off.   Beware: as you do this, others will be inspired by your courage, and begin the process themselves. As you step into your greatness, so will they!   Here\u2019s to your greatness,   Misti Burmeister   NEW! Gain clarity on what\u2019s preventing your growth, along with what will inspire it \u2013 get your Gearing for Greatness session Today: http:\/\/mistiburmeister.com\/gearingforgreatness\/   ","author_name":"Provoking Your Greatness - Misti Burmeister","author_url":"http:\/\/www.measurablegreatness.com","html":"