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ROYAL CARIBBEAN: SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS
can take advantage of New Orleans’ world- famous nightlife. Step off the beaten path with your loved ones and experience something new.
get them to look up from their phones. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, which is the West Coast’s premier entertainment district.
Looking for a vacation where you don’t have to plan every second yourself? Board a cruise ship and let the amenities take care of the rest. Symphony of the Seas isn’t just the biggest cruise ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet — it’s the biggest cruise ship in the world! Every inch is filled with something fun for people of every age group. Catch a marquee show, play a few rounds of glow-in- the-dark laser tag, enjoy some fresh-caught New England seafood, or relax and lounge by the pool. On this ship, everyone can plan their own perfect day. How do you decompress after a stressful week? Do you want to lay on the beach, get moving with some outdoor activities, or do a little retail therapy? However you like to relax, San Diego offers the best opportunities. Older kids might not be impressed by the animals at the zoo, but kayaking on the ocean is sure to SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN
If you really want a vacation your family will love no matter how old they are, consider taking a trip Down Under. While you’re there, take the opportunity to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge together! And no one can say no to a day frolicking in the waves of Manly Beach. This international city offers a thriving nightlife and culinary scene set against amazing natural wonders. Once you’re done at the Sydney Opera House, you can venture to meet some koalas and kangaroos. Australia offers a whole new world of family experiences. There comes a time when family vacations become rare occasions instead of yearly occurrences. Take advantage of today and plan a trip your whole family will love and remember forever.
Beautiful beaches? Check. Wild zipline tours? Check. Mind-bending magic shows? Check. Rich historical museums and art galleries? Double check! Lake Geneva really has it all. No matter what your family members’ interests are, they are sure to make some great memories at Lake Geneva. Who knew Wisconsin had so many hidden gems? New Orleans is a city built on rich history, delicious food, and legendary music. Almost every building boasts some historical significance, from Pirate’s Alley in the French Quarter to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where the infamous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau is buried. When parents and younger siblings are ready to call it a night, the 20-somethings NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
The Good Kind of Gossip HOW TO CULTIVATE VALUABLE CUSTOMER REVIEWS
you even request a review, you can ask customers questions like “How was your recent experience with us?” or “How are you liking your product?” That way, you can gauge their satisfaction before they leave any feedback. 4. RESPOND, RESPOND, RESPOND The last thing you want to see is a scathing one-star review. But no matter how hard you work, they are still bound to happen. When you receive one, take the time to respond thoughtfully — without being defensive — and try to come up with a possible solution to the complaint. And be sure to respond to your positive reviews as well. When you show that you engage with all of your customers, prospective ones will be more likely to give you a shot.
for your clients. What’s more is that these other platforms are highly trafficked. BrightLocal found that Facebook and Yelp were consumers’ most trusted source of user reviews in the U.S., but you can also use Google My Business or the Better Business Bureau. Most importantly, be sure you are active on all the platforms you use. 2. OFFER INCENTIVES Give your clients a reason to write reviews. Consider offering incentives like a discount or coupon code, coffee gift card, or an entry to win a contest for an even bigger prize. 3. ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS Think of the review process as a conversation rather than a request to be met, and use open-ended questions to start. Before
When you’re thinking about buying a new product or service, what’s the first step you take? If you turn to the world wide web in search of reviews, then you’re in good company. According to a survey conducted by BrightLocal, 85 percent of consumers regard the customer review to be the single most credible and trustworthy source of advertising. That same survey found that 68 percent of customers surveyed were willing to provide feedback for the company. So, how do you get your customers to write the glowing reviews that help close deals? 1. DIVERSIFY YOUR PLATFORMS Don’t rely on customers to go to your website to leave reviews. There are numerous websites you can utilize that make leaving feedback more convenient
2 • Self-StorageInsider.com
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