Annie’s Mailbox: A positive word can go a long way

Dear Annie: I am a small-business owner. It’s challenging, but I have wonderful customers who seem to like our service. So, I’d like to ask your readers a question:

Is there a business establishment that you enjoy going to? A restaurant that is part of your life? A store where you always are treated well? You can help them stay in business by writing a positive online review.

It’s human nature to complain when things go wrong, but it’s rare to post something to let people know when things go right. My business has only a few online reviews, and they are negative posts from customers who were not happy with some small thing. I always try to make amends, but even so, the review is never removed. For every bad thing that happens in my business, there are so many good things and so many happy customers. They thank me over and over, yet they don’t write reviews, even when I ask.

So, please, if you like a business, let the world know. “Like” them on Facebook. Post a review on Yelp or TripAdvisor or Google. You don’t have to write a lot, just a couple of positive sentences. It will make more difference than you realize. – Business Woman

Dear Business: It’s human nature to write only when you have a complaint or a disagreement. (We should know.) When people are satisfied with the service they are getting, they rarely think to say so, but you are right that small businesses depend on good word of mouth. Please, folks, if you have had a pleasant experience with a business or service, say so in an online review. It means a great deal to them.