Foursquare – Changing the Way Businesses Connect

I‘m convinced Foursquare could be onto something really major. Or at least, businesses that are reaching out to other businesses with the location-based service.

Skip This If you’re on Foursquare

If you’ve not heard of Foursquare yet, it’s a location-based social networking game that is played on mobile devices. Users “check-in” at venues using text messaging or a device specific application. They are then awarded points and “badges.

Read This If you know what Foursquare is

Partly, I think Foursquare could be massive because checkins are going up, and they expect to have 1 million users very soon. In fact, Business Insider reported on Wednesday that Foursquare will have 1 million users faster than Twitter did. That in itself is a strong indicator that there’s interest in the game.

But what really convinced me that there could be something in Foursquare happened to me quite by chance yesterday as I was stepping off the T-bana (metro) at Östermalmstorg, en route to my favourite Italian restaurant.

I checked into Foursquare and glanced as the tips. And there was an invitation from Nils Holmlöv, head of Lewis PR in Stockholm, to get in touch if you wanted to talk PR and grab coffee.

It took me two seconds to verify that Nils works with PR, checking on his user details and following the links to his Twitter account and Facebook page.

Finding new ways to reach out

From a business point of view I loved how Nils was reaching out to potential new clients. His office is located in one of the nicest parts of Stockholm, and there are plenty of cafés around that serve great coffee. If Nils can’t make time for coffee and a chat himself he can always send someone else over from his office.

But what a great way to grab my attention – and that of any business interested in PR, social media and communications. Just buzz Nils from your cell phone to arrange a time find out more about PR, Social Media over coffee with the head of one of Stockholm’s top communication agencies.

Although I can’t double check this right now as I’m writing this in Täby, I even think Nils’s message was in English, so he was reaching out to international businesses too! Awesome.

Changing the Way Businesses Connect

I’ve been on Foursquare a while now, assessing how it works and how it could be used for business; but this was the first time I’ve seen something that really got me excited about the possibility of location-based services. More than 10% discounts on a meal or free coffee.

It was the strategy and placement that worked so well. It was the friendly note at the right time and the right place.

Imagine if you’re, say, a psychiatrist located at Östermalm. You could put a similar pitch on Foursquare:
“Are you depressed? Text me for a free consultation? My office is just 2 minutes walk from here.”

Clouds…Silver Linings

Of course, if everyone jumps onboard and we’re bombarded with interruptive broadcasts offering services thinly veiled as “coffee” we’ll soon switch off. But at the very least because Nils’ tip was linked to his profile and in turn linked to his twitter account it enabled me to quickly verify his legitimacy. His one line suggestion, was in fact a great call to action to check out his professional services.

What do you think?

Are you on Foursquare yet? Or Gowalla?
How are you reaching out to grow your business with Location Based Services?