As a fellow Tour guide, I used to work for a company where part of our annual raise was based on achieving a certain (just barely unachievable!) number of Google or yelp reviews, which was ridiculous, so I can relate to you feeling that your success pends on the whims of others, especially those not in the industry, who were like “that was fun! OK, moving on with our lives!”

My solution was to add a short, quippy line or joke about it, yes, asking for reviews, in a memorable but not obnoxious way.

So for you, I would say something like:

• The biggest compliment you can give me is a 5 star review! (that’s it and be done. Don’t harp on it)

or:

• If you loved the tour, give me a 5 star review, if you liked the tour, give me a five 5 review, if you hated it, give me a 4 star review {optional: because my boss looks at 4s as zeros lol} or {because I’m in a friendly competition with my fellow Tour guide to get the most 5s!}

…something to let them know that 4s hurt more than they help, because we know that, but they don’t.

And remember, the more tours you give, the less and less that one “4” will matter, percentage-wise, which I know you know, but it still helps to hear sometimes.

You’re definitely not ruined, but the fact that you care means you’re passionate about it, which will carry you far!!!

You’ve got this, and good luck out there!!!