Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Starbucks Truths

Ok, so just a quick post.  I am at the Starbucks in Suwanee doing some work.  The guy at the
drive-through greeted a customer with, "Hello, welcome to the Suwanee Starbucks.  My name
is Chris.  How may I caffeinate you today?"  Me and another business man in here just started
laughing.  I don't know about the business man, but I laughed because the guy was so honest
it was funny.  Basically, I would estimate that 90% of the people that come to Starbucks for
caffeine.  This worker obvioulsy knew that.  He was just being honest. 

I guess the truth is that too many times there are false-fronts in this world.  Thus, when someone
is brutally honest it can almost be funny.  Maybe we should be a little more honest with our intentions. 
I have learned a lot from Starbucks about creating an environment for people.  I just learned a lesson
in honesty from them today. 
Posted by Stephen at 15:39:09 | Permanent Link | Comments (2) |
Comments
1 - That's a good observation. Given Starbucks' current econmic situation, I'm wondering if you identified other starbucks related truths. (I'm talking abut starbucks closing a lot of stores across the country, including a couple or three here in Gwinnett).

Could be some there along the lines of trying to be too big for our britches, trying to please all, trying to grow too fast instead of enjoying the ride and the learning experiences, and some others, I'm sure.

Percolate on those (coffee pun intended) and share what'cha think.

Hope things are well.

JB

 (Comment this)

Written by: Anonymous at 2008/07/22 - 22:52:34
2 - I think Starbucks is experiencing the problem of growing too fast. Also, thinking that a name could overcome bad location. When you put a Starbucks in a hard to get to shopping center, it will probably struggle. They thought they were bigger than people's traffic habits I guess. Also, when you can go to three in a 1 mile radius, you are still going to pick one, not them all. Thus, you have spread your customers too thin. They have a great business model in terms of experience and environment, but I think they have been too prideful in their development. Just my 2 cents.

Hope all is well at the firm. Things are going well with me, but I might need a burger sometime soon at Red Robin...

-Stephen (Comment this)

Written by: Anonymous at 2008/07/23 - 01:20:50
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