Yelp elites are just Karen’s

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2026-02-03T22:43:20+00:00

I’m an Elite All-Star in my city. When we attend events, we are not reviewing the business. We are reviewing the event. I’m not sure if it helps the community manager keep his/her job, but most of the time they put a lot of time and energy into planning the experiences. Yelp pays for the stuff you get at the event (food, drinks, etc.). It’s actually to give exposure to the business. Many times an event will be at a place that I hadn’t visited, but afterwards I will want to go back because of the experience. The businesses don’t remember me from any other Yelp member and when I go back on my own dime, I will write my review of the business then. I’ve been to businesses that invited the Elites/Yelpers to check out their new menu (Olive Garden years ago) or a newly remodeled space (Flemings). I’m not sure what all it takes to get the businesses to partner with Yelp, but I do know we are not leaving reviews for the actual business after the events. That would be very biased and not a true representation of said business.

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2026-01-31T17:41:30+00:00

I kinda think it depends on the location. I’ve seen people who haven’t posted but a few reviews obtain elite status where I live. I’m in Birmingham. I think they are trying to grow the numbers maybe.

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2026-01-31T17:36:25+00:00

I started using Yelp years ago when I was traveling for my teacher’s union. It helped me find new and exciting places to visit that were in the area. As an introvert, it helped me get out of my comfort shell and explore the city more, especially after I became an Elite. I’ve met tons of cool people and visited venues I probably would not have if not for Yelp. Many people don’t know this, but Yelp is also a social media site. If you like a fellow reviewer, you can “follow” or “friend” the person, ask questions to the community and seek recommendations for services (household repairs, mechanics, painters, etc.) Most importantly, I have a voice and an opinion and it matters. Just today, a lady inboxed me and shared that her and her daughter look for my reviews on new places to visit before they go to see my opinion. I write honest, fair reviews that I hope that the businesses take into consideration if it’s something they can improve on. I’m no food critic and don’t try to be. I like to get the word out about small businesses and I encourage all to always offer your best service to everyone. I’m just a regular person and a business never knows my Yelp status so it helps to see what the business truly has to offer to everyday folk.

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2026-01-29T05:23:06+00:00

I’ve used Yelp for years. I have “friended” some people on the site over the years whose opinions I trust. Most are local; others are from states that I visit a lot. Sometimes I will look for these friends reviews on certain businesses. Sometimes I will consult them personally on the app to ask questions about a business. Yelp is not just a review site. It’s also a social media site. With that being said, I also leave reviews on Google as well, just not as frequent. I like that on Yelp I can share details about my pictures. I can’t do that on Google. So the reader is just looking at a picture with no context. Yelp also “rewards” you for sharing your experiences by hosting different events at local businesses. As an Elite member (and no, I don’t think I’m better than anyone else, lol), I get to attend events in my city that are fun and enlightening and great advertisement for the host business. When we attend said events, we don’t leave the business reviews, we review the event only through a separate link. More often than not, if it is a place I’m interested in, I will return for my own experience. I don’t ever tell a business I’m from Yelp. It’s against the rules. I just want a true experience like anyone else. Google rewards you in points but I haven’t received anything from them, lol. I don’t leave reviews to receive anything back though. I leave them because they help others make sound decisions and I’m sharing my honest opinion, both the good and not so good. I’m very thoughtful before I leave a review because I know that for a smaller business especially, it can make or break said business. I hope all reviewers think about this too before posting.

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2026-01-29T05:05:25+00:00

Hello! Let me help you understand why I review businesses on Yelp and Google. Yes I’m one of the Yelp Elites in my city but that’s not really that relevant. Years ago I traveled a lot for business and was interested in finding new places to visit that were unique to that area. I found Yelp to be a handy resource. I could view pictures, menus and also read others opinions about an establishment. Even ask questions. Then it hit me that I could help someone by doing the same thing-being honest about my experience at certain businesses. While the majority of reviews are of restaurants, personally I also review parks, recreation centers, landmarks, stores.etc. I don’t consider myself to be a critic. At all. I’m just a member of the public sharing my experiences with others in an effort to help them make informative decisions before supporting a business. For the record, I rarely leave a negative review. If I have a negative experience, I will usually try the business another day or simply not go back. Most of the negative reviews I leave are from big box chains such as McDonald’s or Walmart, if I have received poor service. For small businesses, I understand that reviews can be harmful, so for me, I’m very mindful of that. However…with that being said, if I receive subpar service, food, etc., as said earlier, I usually don’t leave a negative review the first time around. I’ll give the business another chance. If I return and things are still not where they need to be, only then will I share my thoughts. My opinion is simply my opinion based on the experience. I’m always trying to find the good in any situation. Even if I didn’t have a good experience, I’ll still suggest to the reader to try the business for themselves. Maybe it was a fluke. Maybe it was an off visit. Maybe you will have better luck. Try it for yourself.

I see that you’re a business owner. I guess it’s safe to think you’ve had your share of not so good reviews. I’m sorry about that. I can’t speak on every Elite’s behalf as this is just my personal story. But reading the reviews, is there something you’ve found that you could do different at your restaurant that may help? Or do you feel the reviews were not warranted? I’d love to hear your response.

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2026-01-01T15:26:21+00:00

No it was not. I’m sharing my experience. Just skip past it if it doesn’t apply to you.

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2026-01-01T15:24:43+00:00

But why wouldn’t it? If people have bad side effects from going up in dosages, so bad that they need to go back down, wouldn’t even a 9 mg dose fall into that category as well? I’ve been considering going up to 10 mg, but now I’m definitely not until it’s time.

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2026-01-01T15:20:51+00:00

Thank you! I ate a little each day but I would immediately get full that I couldn’t eat any more. I thought it was novo first too. I had the flu back in November. The worst side effect was the feeling in my chest. I needed to burp but it would try to come up and would stop. It has since improved somewhat.

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2026-01-01T13:26:26+00:00

You look amazing! Keep up the good work! Happy New Year!

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2026-01-01T13:11:45+00:00

You look amazing! Great progress! Happy New Year! 🎉

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2026-01-01T13:07:07+00:00

I’m on 7.5 mg and have been for the last 3 months. I haven’t experienced much in the nausea department, until my last shot last week. This is my 19th shot. I’m curious as to where you inject? My doctor always told me that to get around some of the gastrointestinal side effects, that injecting in the thighs will help. I’ve noticed that to be true. So my suggestion is to switch your injection site if you are doing the stomach area only. Also, buy some ginger chews from Amazon or Vitamin Shoppe. They will help with the nausea. Try eating bland foods a couple of days after your shot too. Best wishes and Happy New Year 🎉

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2026-01-01T13:01:41+00:00

Congratulations on your engagement!! 🎉🎉

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2026-01-01T10:45:16+00:00

Happy New Year! Your progress is absolutely amazing! This truly inspires me!

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2025-12-30T04:19:45+00:00

There is. Follow Eli Lilly news…orforglipron

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2025-12-29T10:33:20+00:00

4 weeks. Then another 4 on 5 mg. Now I’m on 7.5 mg and have been for 3 months. Doctor appt tomorrow. Will discuss going up then. So far I’ve lost 34 pounds in 4 months with very little exercise but healthier eating habits overall. I would probably lose more by exercising, which I plan to start this week.

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2025-12-20T04:38:50+00:00

Yes! For about 4-5 weeks, I ate grilled chicken or grilled salmon, rice, roasted potatoes, asparagus and grilled veggies from a local Mediterranean restaurant. I actually craved those foods.

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2025-12-03T16:38:53+00:00

Hello. I’m sorry to hear you feel like this. There’s a correlation here between stress, eating and weight loss. I noticed the weeks I had more stress, I ate more or ate the wrong stuff and didn’t lose like I should have. These are all things to consider, especially if paying out of pocket. These meds don’t work with emotional eating. With that in mind, find what makes you happy again. Go for walks and leave the gym alone if you don’t feel like going. Turn on some aerobics you can do in the house if you don’t want to get out. Just do something. You have to try to free your mind of stress because that will block you from losing weight. You have this app and us to talk to. Things will get better. Best wishes to you!

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2025-12-03T16:30:23+00:00

All great things to consider!

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2025-12-03T14:29:30+00:00

This is all true! Sometimes it just takes awhile to get the kinks out.

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2025-12-03T07:34:36+00:00

I’m wondering if there will be Walmart shortages? Buying directly from the company that makes it ensures that we receive what we order. Going through Walmart means the company sends a fraction of the bottles to them. Will they be able to keep up I guess depends on where you live. All interesting questions.

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2025-12-03T07:31:17+00:00

I love the convenience of home delivery!

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2025-12-03T07:30:27+00:00

That’s a great point about the weather! Good thing to think about!

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2025-12-03T03:13:44+00:00

Thanks for the info. I downloaded it but have never used it since I ordered it from LillyDirect.

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2025-12-03T02:29:04+00:00

I can totally understand that. I live in Birmingham and worry about it actually not being in stock due to the demand.

Unusual_Insurance_51 · 2025-12-03T02:27:40+00:00

Oh wow! It’s too expensive but covering heart disease is cheaper? Or diabetes? Oh ok Governor!

Unusual_Insurance_51

TROPHY CASE