Gifts That Keep on Giving.

We first heard about Angie’s List from our mom (a.k.a the Queen Fairy) who uses it to find service providers for her house (tree trimmers, handymen, roofers, doctors, dentists, etc.). It’s such a brilliant concept. A lady named, yes you guessed it, Angie, started said list when she became frustrated trying to find good local contractors in Indiana.  To compile the initial Angie’s List she went door-to-door gathering reports from friends and neighbors on local service providers. Now the List is online, it’s national, it’s fantastic, and an annual membership to it is a great gift idea.

Here’s how it works: customers grade service providers on a host of categories. There is no pay to play for the grades. The only thing that service providers can pay Angie’s List for is to appear higher on the list when a member searches under their category. But, again, the grade is the trump card because if you appear #1 on the list but have a “C” grade then you’re not likely to get a lot of business. Pay attention to how many reports the grade is based on. I generally like to see a provider has at least 2 reports so I’m not getting just one opinion.

And I’m not suggesting that friend’s don’t have great referrals. You can still find a service provider the old fashioned way. But, with Angie’s List, now you can cross-reference the rec and avoid possible disappointment & stress. If you’re a Classic or a Fun, right about now, you’re probably nodding and thinking, “Oh, that’s a nice tool to have.”

Now, who is this gift best for? In short, the practical people in your life (Classic, Funs & Organic Structures) but also frankly anyone who gets stuck with the practical role even if it’s not their cup of tea. It makes life SO much easier for all types. Classic Structures will see the value in it without a pause, as would a Classic Freedom unless the latter specifically asked you for something else. Organics would appreciate it as well. Funs might skip a beat because it’s not that fun but then their practical brain will turn on and light up. The one type that might take a few pauses and wonder why you bothered are Smarts – for them, I’d just tell them about the existence of Angie’s List and they’ll quickly make the logical decision to sign up or delegate that task to another.

Buy it as a gift or get it for yourself. And the next time you’re stuck in your doctor’s waiting room for more than an hour get your revenge by heading home and grading him or her!!