The perils of positivity – read the reviews!

The perils of positivity – read the reviews!

We have known this for years and the research affirms it year in and year out - consumers aren't just taken in by 4 and 5 star ratings - they want to read the actual reviews themselves. An article I read this week brought that into greater focus and I...

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Responding to an unreasonable review is essential

Responding to an unreasonable review is essential

I worked in the hospitality industry in various capacities when I was much younger and while I loved being in a kitchen, I quickly worked out that I didn't quite have the patience or the quick thinking required to be successful when dealing with the public. Perhaps I...

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The whole truth and nothing but the truth

The whole truth and nothing but the truth

Reviews are only valid and worthwhile if they are honest, transparent and real but more than that businesses need to be aware that in New Zealand, there is a legal requirement to present reviews accurately, and consequences if those obligations is not met. This...

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Time for All Blacks fans to step up

Time for All Blacks fans to step up

When I wore a younger man's clothes I dabbled with playing rugby. For most of my childhood I'd played football, or soccer, as Kiwis call it. I had my masculinity attacked. Other kids hassled me and mockingly asked if I kissed and hugged the other players, as that's...

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Too little, too late?

Too little, too late?

Since last Wednesday when the US held elections for president, congress and half of the senate, as well as a myriad of other public positions, the world has focused on the results as they came in, in fits and starts, until at the presidential level, Joe Biden had won...

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The benefits of the unreasonable negative review

The benefits of the unreasonable negative review

I read an interesting article online recently that confirmed many of the things I already thought about a particular kind of negative review - the unreasonable one - and how useful and powerful they are for the businesses that receive them.  The study, to be published...

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