Friday, January 16, 2009

Yelp

Yelp is a planner's [not-so-secret] weapon to get consumer insights, real-quick. I used Yelp like crazy to search topics, stores, brands and products during our MAS Bootcamp. I even registered to become a "yelper" to be authentic and be a part of this "yelp community."

A few days ago I was thirsty and thinking of the soda I was introduced to by our Northern European contingency, called Bionade. The company has expanded to the US and I was able to taste it at Suppenkuche in SF's Hayes Valley. I loved it and apparently keep thinking about it.

Wondering where I could find it in NYC, I jumped on to ask my "Yelp Community." Well, no wonder it's such a wealth of insights. People are constantly logged in, waiting for questions, comments -- and what I learned was the mandate to be a "real yelper": the review.

Within 5 minutes, I had 12 comments, none helpful. Here are a few of the comments:
  • "Is this like gatorade...only bionic?"
  • "Is it biodegradable pomade?"
  • "I thought it's read "blonade," which I was assuming was either some coke infused energy drink, or a drink that merely dumbs you down..."

And then the conversation got interrupted when I was asked to write a review. Then a few people commented:
  • "no reviews = no respect".
  • "when we see the little zero [number of reviews] turn to '1' we'll all come running."

not even 5 minutes later...

"Did it turn? Did it turn?
Nope."

Peer pressured, I did write a review with my limited knowledge of the beverage and still don't know where to buy the soda. All I can hope is that I've gained some respect from the Yelp Community.

1 comment:

Laura said...

Hey Ca! I used to drink this stuff in Germany! The Germans love it! I think you can get it in Whole Foods now. But to be sure, ask Jules...she is addicted to it as well and has other suggestions of exotic drinks that you will like if you like Bionade!