This post was brought to you by Need .
Written by Cate Grosch
I have unlimited texting for a reason. I love to send texts. I love to receive texts. I write short texts to friends about what time to meet for dinner. I write long texts to friends recapping what happened last night at dinner. And in the past, I have had to text friends asking for responses to my various inquiries: Who painted your dining room? Can I get her number? Where did you guys eat last weekend? Did you enjoy it? What are some kid-friendly things to do on a rainy day?
As is the case with all good friendships, it goes both ways. I am also on the receiving end of a consistent stream of texts asking similar questions about service professionals, home design, children’s activities, recipes and travel ideas. And, although I love texting…and I really love my friends, there surely must be a better way to ask for what I need than a series of back and forth texts.
Now, there is. It is an iPhone app called Need.
Unlike Yelp and Angie’s List, Need is the place where I can receive multiple terrific recommendations from a handful of friends I trust. Whether I am looking for a chic restaurant or a reliable painter, I don’t want to take my chances relying on reviews from strangers. I’ve been disappointed far too many times.
It is time for something different and new. I love hearing my friend’s Needs, and being able to offer my recommendations. And, I love getting notifications that my Need’s have been answered.
Last weekend, my family and I were invited to a friend’s home in Sonoma and I wanted to bring something different than the usual cheese, bread and wine assortment. I posted a Need. Within hours, I had received 11 creative and thoughtful responses: fun cocktail ideas (Moscow Mule Gift Basket), yummy and easy appetizers (Watermelon and Mint Salad), and even an offer from a chef we know to make some of his “secret” bacon jam for us to bring along. All of the responses had links where I could purchase the items or learn more about what was recommended.
I never would’ve come up with all of those great ideas on my own and because of Need, we showed up with a bagful of creative drinks, delicious appetizers and some ridiculously decadent homemade bacon jam.
Need is fun. Need is slightly addictive (Did anyone respond to my Need? Do I have the answer to my friend’s Need?). And, most importantly, Need is useful. Download it for free, invite your friends, and watch your community impress you with all of their helpful, creative, and thoughtful recommendations.
(Download Need by visiting the Apple App Store)
