In today's connected world, online reviews can make or break a business, large or small. Customers can easily post their experiences to online sites such as Yelp for other customers to read. Or they might use Twitter, Facebook, or other social networking outlets to share their experiences.

For your initial discussion post, think about what you have learned about positive messaging and answer these questions:

• Have you ever been influenced to patronize a business by reading its positive online messaging/reviews? What was it about the messaging that helped you decide it was worth your time and money? Are you ever skeptical of positive online reviews? Why? What channels are best for distributing a positive company review?
• Have you ever written a positive online review of a company? If yes, what inspired you to write the review? If you have never written a review, why not?