Why Am I Giving You Directions to the Bar at the Top of the Hancock at 7 a.m.?

All You Have to Do Is Ask

I’m a believer in Permission Marketing. I’m with Seth — it’s not hard to ask. As a customer, I find it easier on everyone when I ask my question. As a service provider, I like asking what people think and how they do things. As a teacher and a person, I get jazzed when people ask me to help.

One thing I don’t ask for is directions online — I’ve had MapQuest take me to the wrong side of too many towns too many times.

Yahoo Maps, well, Yahoo! invaded my computer by loading their toolbar on my machine without including me in that decision.Sorry, I like to think for myself. I didn’t include them in my decision to delete it.

I get my directions from websites or people who know the way.

Until today . . . when I read the TechCrunch review of AskCity, and played, yeah played, with their maps.

It’s so cool!

Meet Me at the Hancock

Now when I say that it’s champagne on the o6th floor of the Signature Room at the Hancock Building in Chicago. I know just where I’m going to send you to get the map. Ask City does maps with features so lush with content, you’ll not only know how to get there, but you will also know what kind of place I’m sending you to. Look at that! Click to enlarge the image.

Here’s a map of how we’d get there from my place. Notice how I can include variations on the map zoom for you. Click to enlarge.

Every address I’ve put in has come out correct. (Just copy the way their address style and you’re good to go.)

The content comes from CitySearch. The categories are Business, Events, Movies, and Maps. I can pin an item on the map, make notes and send it to you. As TechCrunch says, this is cool.

If you want to know how to get there, all you have to do is Ask.

–ME “Liz” Strauss