Do you find yourself visiting Starbucks on a daily basis? Perhaps you indulge more than just your morning coffee. Don’t worry you are not alone.
For many, Starbucks isn’t just about the coffee; it’s about an experience for customers. The company has made it apart of their mission to create an experience. Because Starbucks is loved by millions of people worldwide, there are a few things we can learn from them.
Starbucks mission: To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.
Let’s break down Starbuck’s mission…
Coffee Always About Quality
Starbucks takes pride in the quality of their product. They want to make sure they have the best coffee for their customers. This also means that customers may have to pay a little more. But it’s worth it, right?
Treating co-workers with respect
Part of the mission for working at Starbucks is it’s not just a job. Employees are passionate about what they do and therefore treat everyone that works at the company with respect and dignity.
Connection with customers
Starbucks wants to make sure customers are satisfied with their product. Often you will see a sign in the store saying something like, “if you are unhappy with your order, please let our barista know.” Also, they believe in going above and beyond, so it isn’t just about good customer service. Starbucks wants to connect with their customers.
Stores act as a getaway
Creating an “experience” has been very important for the company and ultimately what has made them successful. They want customers to feel like they can come between work and home. It can even act as a getaway. Customers can share different experiences at Starbucks. These experiences could be anything from meeting your best friend for coffee, interviewing, birthday party, dates, live music, etc. Whatever experience customers have, they want to make sure customers have a sense of belonging at Starbucks.
Creating Community
Starbucks wants to be apart of your experience. Every store is also part of a community and they want to make sure they are being “good neighbors.”
Shareholders and Partnerships
Starbucks has reached out to different companies such as Barnes and Noble, Twitter, Facebook and many others as a way to help not only their brand but others grow as well.
Brand Marketing & Innovation
Starbucks is trying to come up with new and innovative ways to market their brand. Some of their best advertising has been by word of mouth from customers.
What can we do with this information? Whatever your business, the customers should always be first. We have to research and evaluate what our customers want and who they are. We need to ask ourselves questions. What makes us stand out from our competition? How can we be different? Starbucks success didn’t happen over night. It took years of hard work.
Since the first Starbucks opened in Seattle, Washington in 1971 the company has locations in over 65 countries and territories. While Starbucks may not be trying to “take over the world”, they have certainly changed our experience with getting a cup of coffee.
How will your company or business make a difference in the lives of others?
