My Foursquare Epiphany

Okay, I know I was griping about how Foursquare is like a magnifying glass, exposing me for the lame I've become since college graduation. However, I had an Foursquare epiphany last Saturday.

While standing in line for the International Spy Museum in D.C, my eyes started wandering. As someone who likes to save money, I'm always looking for any type of discount. After sizing up the standard senior citizen and children under age 10 discounts, I gasped in amazement. There it was, a discount for mayors and frequent visitors on Foursquare. I immediately cursed myself for not having the Foursquare Blackberry Application on my phone and was determined to check-in. All my doubts about Foursquare immediately subsided.

What is Foursquare?
Foursquare can be described asm when Twitter meets Facebook with location. This location-based social media program allows you to access it from your laptop. However, it is the application for your mobile phone that really takes Foursquare to another level. People use Foursquare to check-in, which allows their network to know their whereabouts. Friends can either join you or recommend places for you to visit around your reported location. A lot of my friends do not yet understand the point of Foursquare and think it's silly. However, those same skeptics thought the concept of the Facebook status was stupid, so they're obviously not social media compasses.

What is the point of Foursquare?

This seems like the million dollar question. In my last post I briefly thought about the word of mouth aspect of this application. Foursquare promotes a mutually beneficial relationship between the local community and the businesses in the neighborhood. Unlike Facebook, Foursquare can offer immediate benefits to the consumers and businesses that choose to join. Personally, if you give me incentives like a loyal customer discount, without a doubt, I will make sure to check in and return. While I won't be going to the Spy Museum all the time, I will however, visit a local coffee shop, pizza place, or pub on a regular basis.

Who's Taking Notice?

Local Businesses

Yahoo

Newspapers- The Wall Street Journal

*Just to name a few!*

I feel Foursquare is too big to ignore. Check out how other businesses are using it and let your imagination fly. I'm not a person that typically gets swept up in hype but I think pretty soon, the whole world will have a foursquare epiphany.

Best,

Passion Redefined