mike@michaelneiss.com February 28th, 2007
Just when I was beginning to wonder whether another great experience was going to surrender to the short-term gains of operational excellence, Howard Schultz gave me faith. I love this memo to his executive team laying out his concerns that the Starbucks brand is in danger of commoditization. I started noticing this some time ago, and I often mentioned to my colleagues that Starbucks was beginning to feel a lot more like a fast food restaurant than a cool place to hang. I support being a good steward of the business by watching costs, but not at the expense of losing the brand equity gained by being distinctive. Starbucks recently took another hit when the coffee at fast food staple McDonald's won a taste test conducted by Consumer Reports. While I wouldn't argue that the Starbucks brand is in its death knell, I would argue that efficiencies and economies of scale have introduced a virus in need of serious care. And it looks like Howard Schulz just might be the healer they need.
As I make this note, I am sitting in my local coffee shop. The owner told me about a new shipment of Peru Norte Especial beans he just got in and how he had roasted it to City+ to bring out its subtleties. Like an expert sommelier, he described it in wonderfully delicious detail. I can smell the breads baked on site and hear the wonderful hissing of the espresso machines. Howard would like this place. Oh, and by the way, I am sending in this dispatch using the FREE wireless connection from this wonderful coffee shop. Now this feels like a third place! Go get 'em, Howard!
Posted by Mike Neiss |
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mike@michaelneiss.com February 28th, 2007
The event of the day is International Paper. Tom's speaking to them in Ft. Myers, FL. I wonder if he'll get a chance to see the Red Sox in Spring Training while he's there?
If you attend the event, please let us know your impression in the comments to this blog entry. And if you'd like to download the slides, you can do so here:
International Paper, Ft. Myers, FL
International Paper, Long Version
Posted by Cathy Mosca |
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SmartBiz RSS FEED February 28th, 2007
The rodents invade Taco Bell and storms decimate JetBlue's schedule. Were the corporate websites ready?
tjpet@aol.com February 27th, 2007
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Posted by Tom Peters |
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SmartBiz RSS FEED February 27th, 2007
SmartBiz RSS FEED February 27th, 2007
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tjpet@aol.com February 26th, 2007
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Posted by Tom Peters |
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SmartBiz RSS FEED February 26th, 2007
More and more consumers and businesses are using the Internet for voice communications. Here is a rundown on what all the fuss is about, and a look at how VoIP can help your organization communicate more effectively.
SmartBiz RSS FEED February 26th, 2007
If done correctly, helping customers help themselves is a big winner: It both increases internal efficiency and keeps customers happy. Enabling people to successfully use these systems depends both on the technology and how well it is implemented.
tjpet@aol.com February 26th, 2007
The TP Wire Service editor and TomWorld denizen, Shelley Dolley, is taking a hiatus. She and her family are expecting a new addition. Shelley will return from maternity leave in a few months. In the meantime, we will continue to bring you the latest news and keep you plugged into the stories we think will interest you most via the TP Wire Service.
Posted by Shelley Dolley |
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SmartBiz RSS FEED February 26th, 2007
What should-and can-you do about Websites that trash your organization?
SmartBiz RSS FEED February 26th, 2007
What should-and can-you do about Websites that trash your organization?