I love going in to my local Skyline Chili and getting my drink — exactly the way I like it — as soon as I sit down. I know my food is on its way without saying anything other than “Hi” to my favorite server, Christy. It’s that kind of service that’s made me a regular — both of Skyline and of Christy.

Beyond leaving a good tip, there’s not really a good way to publicly thank her for going the extra mile to make sure I have a positive experience. That’s where new iPhone app We&Co comes in. It’s designed to help you thank the people who provide you great service and connect with them through a special customer/employee social network.

You start by adding your favorite server (or mechanic or librarian) inside the app and associating them with a business (the list comes from foursquare’s venue database). In the app you can send a “thank you” to them and even share it publicly on Twitter or Facebook if you like. Thanking a server repeatedly moves you up the leaderboard from newcomer to regular.

The employees you thank can claim their profiles within the app as well; the most thanked earns the title of “Boss.” They can even send you a “thank back” that might include a special promotion personalized to your tastes.

Imagine going to your boss to ask for a raise with your number of “thank yous” and regulars in hand. It could certainly make an impression.

Once you’ve “thanked” a few employees, they’ll be added to your list of “go tos,” which your We&Co using friends can peruse if they’re looking for a good bartender or plumber.

The app is beautifully designed and makes a great way to create a much more personal connection with a business and its employees than a simple foursquare checkin allows. It gives incentives on both side of the table that could encourage more employees and more customers to adopt it.

Download We&Co and let us know what you think in the comments. For more background, see this great article from GOOD that includes an interview with the creators.

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