Behind the Review

In ep. 6 of the “Biz Bites'' series, we discuss how small businesses can utilize ChatGPT & AI as tools to help them with things like preparing their taxes, or putting together a social media content calendar. We also dig into some of the limitations of the technology and the importance of human oversight and a personalized touch. ChatGPT and AI will never replace humans in your business, but it ca...

The path between the entrepreneurial spark and finding that first great business opportunity was long and winding for Oakwell Beer Spa owners Jessica French and Damien Zouaoui. In fact, it was 14 months long and 25 countries winding. After trying out experiences across the globe, they settled on their business concept — a beer spa — and have been brewing plans to expand the business since day one....

 Ice cream is elevated to new and delicious heights at Salt & Straw Ice Cream shops, with flavors like honey lavender and peanut butter brittle caramel fudge. When the time came to expand beyond the shop’s West Coast roots, co-owner Kim Malek decided to embrace a new city — Miami — and introduce her unique ice cream brand through established local businesses. Miami based Yelp Regional Manager, Dia...

In ep. 5 of the “Biz Bites'' series, we discuss tactical advice for small businesses on setting achievable goals for the new year. There needs to be a balance of both big-picture objectives and detailed planning. First, select a manageable number of goals, and break them into actionable steps. Regular check-ins and adjustments along the way ensure these goals remain on track. The episode also take...

With hectic work hours and unique challenges, entrepreneurship can often feel like a lonely endeavor. After experiencing the struggles of solo entrepreneurship first-hand, Jill Salzman was inspired to create The Founding Moms, a community with the goal of connecting mom entrepreneurs. On this week’s episode, Jill shares her takeaways from her journey of “serial entrepreneurship” spanning almost 20...

Located in Chandler, AZ, the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is a resort for any kind of trip—families, couples, and golfers alike can find exactly what they’re looking for during their time at the resort. Bill and the Wild Horse Pass team integrate customer service and a “can-do spirit” into everything they do. Hear how the staff uses teamwork and collaboration to maintain a multidimensional sp...

Over the past decade, Bronco Pro Kleen Carpet Cleaners has become known as a reliable and efficient team within the Denver area. Travis and the Bronco Pro Kleen Carpet Cleaners team integrate customer service into each of their team’s actions, making customers feel like they can rely on the team for repeat services. Hear from owner Travis on Bronco Pro Kleen’s beginnings, and how they maintain suc...

Mignon Francois started her cupcake business, The Cupcake Collection, with the $5 she had left to feed her family for the week. 15 years later, The Cupcake Collection is a multi-million dollar operation, with Mignon still serving as CEO and “Director of Joy.” In this live episode, Emily brings Mignon back to the podcast to talk about her inspiring business journey and empowering new book Made from...

Boho Camper Vans co-owner David Sodemann was inspired to start his business after a trip to Maui when he realized traveling could become expensive quickly due to lodging. Fast forward to the pandemic, Boho Vans blew up when camper vans became the ideal way to travel while socially distanced. Hear how David uses communication with his customers to make them feel comfortable and cared for even while...

In ep. 4 of the “Biz Bites'' series, we discuss ways to connect with your customers online, and encourage them to share experiences with your business digitally! It starts by creating memorable in-person experiences, and then having your customers share that online. When they do, make sure you engage back! Also, collect contact information whenever you can - so you can communicate with your custom...

When Ben and Jenny McAvoy struggled to get in touch with pest control providers in the Phoenix area, they took matters into their own hands. The couple created Insectek, a pest control business that puts communication and customer service at the forefront. And their efforts paid off — hear from reviewer Rosie P on how Insectek turned a stressful pest encounter into a seamless experience. You’ll al...

In ep. 3 of the “Biz Bites'' series, we discuss strategies for maximizing the holiday season. Like engaging with customers through social media, creating excitement around holiday offerings, and promoting your hardworking staff. We also dig into how to effectively collaborate with other businesses, participate in local events, and capture more content for promotion you can use year round. Get advi...

Yelp Elite Gwyn C talks about how she evaluates businesses and how she chooses a star rating. Ranging from occasional freebies to general customer service, Gwen gives insight on how to form a great relationship with customers. She provides clarity on how she writes reviews, as well as the rationale behind each review. In this episode, hear why the smallest details really do matter. And the impact...

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When Nate Bennett and Thanat Tanachon first decided to open their martial arts facility, they wanted to shatter the misconception that martial arts is a violent and aggressive sport by revolving their business around building a community based on respect. Now, Little Giant is a 5-star business on Yelp with tons of glowing reviews. Reviewer Samantha N shares what sets Little Giant apart, and why sh...

Our first "Biz Bites" episode explores the critical concept of translating your in-store consumer experience into a compelling online presence. Creating connections with your customers in-person is crucial, but the next step is to leverage online listings, review sites, and social media to reflect your uniqueness and attract new customers. By responding to reviews and showing up online, you build...

Two years ago, Behind the Review featured Angela Shen and her longstanding food tour business, Savor Seattle. Since then, Angela sold Savor Seattle and started a new tour business, Savor the Wild, this time focused on novel food experiences in the wild, such as oyster shucking and mushroom foraging. Hear from Angela on what inspired her decision to leave behind her successful first venture and sta...

Kei Concepts CEO Viet Nguyen takes the inspiration for his restaurant group from an unusual source — 14th century Italian banking dynasty Medici family — to build his own dynasty of eight restaurants, with more on the way, in Orange County. While the different restaurants are all separate concepts with their own menus, the consistency in service and experience can be felt across the brand. Custome...

Stellar customer service is the core of every successful business. But the journey to get there is not always the easiest. How do you balance the resources, time, and methods to ensure that your employees are going above and beyond to provide customers with what they need? In this episode of Behind the Review, Jeff Toister, a service culture guide, shares his tips on teaching employees how to offe...

As the owner and solo employee at Trickery, a magic & comedy show in Chicago, Aaron Rabkin wears many hats — and not just ones with rabbits inside. To keep the show fresh and maintain his energy, Aaron adopts the motto “less is more,” creating intimate shows for audiences of up to 35 people. Hear from one of these attendees, reviewer Jackie M., about her experience at the show and from Aaron about...

Implementing feedback from all the reviews you receive as a business owner can be an overwhelming task but don’t make the mistake of overlooking their importance. In this episode of Behind the Review, Alok Ahuja, founder of Trexity, shares how he utilizes constructive criticism to guide the direction of his business. Even after finding success as a CEO, the voices of his customers is something he’...

From reaching out after one of his clients misses a class, to providing an affordable one week trial for new clients, Ambitious Athletics makes connecting with clients their top priority. Ambitious Athletics strives to provide clients the tools they need to reach their goals, using a more personal approach for each individual. Hear from owner Carmen Sturniolo on how he makes sure he creates a safe...

Emily chats with Spencer Horsman & Nicole Bailey, creators of an intimate magic experience that was ranked #2 in Arts & Entertainment on Yelp + Entrepreneur Media's first ever Top 150 Mom & Pop Shops list. Discover their captivating journey, engaging tricks on and off the stage, and how a personal touch creates memorable experiences. Delve into the role of reviews in shaping their success, and wha...

Wade Dickinson has been passionate about engraving since he was a young adult. He opened his business Heirloom Engravers and started taking on various clients, from large scale companies to individual projects. In this episode, Wade talks about his personal business philosophy and how he has learned to utilize online forums for communicating with his clients despite his initial reservations. He’s...

Sandra’s Next Generation, a soul food restaurant in New Haven, is #56 on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the US in 2023. It’s not just the great food, like the famous fried chicken or rasta pasta, that makes Sandra’s a go-to place for good eating for more than 34 years. It’s the purposeful positive vibes that Sandra and her husband Miguel share with employees and diners alike that keeps people com...