If you haven't yet introduced yourself to your neighborhood barista, bartender or videostore clerk, We&Co will help you break the ice. A new iPhone application released on July 15 allows business owners to register their staff members with the aim of building customer relationships and receiving positive criticism.

If you've ever used Yelp, the idea is similar, but more particular. Instead of rating an establishment, you evaluate its employees. As specific staff members rise in aggregate score, We&Co encourages users to visit the bar or restaurant and eventually add the cute barista to their 'favorite people' list.

This seems like a fantastic idea to me. As a constant patron of cafes and corner stores, I find it important to be able to place a name to the people I see and chat with every day.