The Sweet Life, The Yelp Elite Life

I know what it’s like to not be included, to not be a cool kid, to not have all the perks. To identify way too much with Matchbox 20’s Unwell at the tender age of… middle school? But look at me now, mama, I’m a Yelp Elite, AND I know that I can help people climb this ladder, just like I did.

You see that picture? Now that I’m an Elite, I have life by the balls. Grab it by the horns if you want, but either way, it’ll be a good ride.

I’ve already written blogs about what the Elites do and how you can become one, but today, I’m going to entice you. I’ve kissed and I’m ready to tell, so to speak. I’ve been to the rich kid’s house and I took notes on all the candies that punk has.

So Listen Up

I first started using Yelp due to this little podcast (and website). Said podcast was a result of the pandemic, so it wasn’t exactly a prime time to be going out to restaurants or entertainment venues. Nevertheless, I did just enough to become a Yelp Elite, then waited for the fun to start.

Well, still being in a pandemic, it wasn’t exactly immediate, because yes, lots of things were still limited. Gatherings weren’t exactly desirable.

But here and there, bits of a substance called “normal” floated around and landed in my lap. Probably in yours, too. And with that came Elite events.

Depending on where you live, and how awesome your community manager is, you may or may not have lots of events to go to. For those who live in Chicago proper, demand is high, so even if you RSVP for an event, if it’s capped at a set number, you might not get in. Out in the burbs, it’s less of a hassle. Gotta love the suburbs for something, right?

So. My first Elite Event? It was a weeklong deal at a local eatery (that’s attached to a gas station). I got a free sandwich and drink, as well as a sweet reusable Yelp tote. Not bad, but it wasn’t very community-based. That wasn’t the intent, but for my first event, it was a little underwhelming.

The next one I signed up for, there was a line out the door. I did not actually go in.

But after that, things picked up.

Another free food event at a bagel shop was nice, but made even better by handmade cards from our CM. And one at a juice and smoothie cafe featured wonderful and friendly service, so much so that I returned after my NEXT event, which was a real one; a free spin class, with other elites. My first spin class ever, and I loved it.

That’s the beauty of these events. They force you to go places you’ve never been, try something you’ve never tried, to trust someone else’s opinion, then share your own after the fact.

Then came the most impactful event, even though I had to leave early. It was actually a meet and mingle type, at a small cafe barely 15 minutes from my house. I met other Yelpers, talked about the podcast, became Yelp friends, and then met up with them at a coffee tasting event a month later. I’ve gone out with another, just to try a restaurant he’d seen someone review.

And now this:

A night at Whirlyball. Games, food, drinks, fun.

If you don’t know what Whirlyball is, I’m so sorry. It’s like lacrosse and bumper cars had a baby, then kept that baby in a bar restaurant that also has laser tag, pool, and ping pong.

We had the run of the place, all of it for us Elites, for well over two hours. Plus, a bit of Yelp swag.

Those cups, chapstick, pens. I’ve gotten bags and reusable coffee cup sleeves. Note pads. Enough to keep me excited, is what I’m saying.

And I’m also saying YOU SHOULD GET IN ON THIS! I don’t mind filling you in on all the fun, we are friends, after all. But you can do this too! And here’s a surprise: if you find yourself in a different city, check the events there. You can totally go.

If you see that spa treatment in Orlando, RSVP, then book your ticket. If you want to go to the North Shore burbs (different from the standard Chi-burbs), switch your location and get in on that show at the Marriot resort. There are different events going on all the time and I want to see you there.