Virgil Winston:Marketing Guru
Like many work-at-home types, I often find it stimulating to leave the solitary surroundings of my home office. Sometimes that means taking a brisk walk or visiting my local library, but more often than not, I find myself joining legions of laptop lovers and setting up shop at one of ten zillion Starbucks in my neighborhood.
And yes, I am a loyal Starbucks customer. I much prefer the brisk efficiency with which the green apron clad staff carry out their duties to the more laid back (slow) service of the Coffee Bean set. I have tried them all—Seattle’s Best, Peet’s and Dietrich’s, but I always return to my beloved Starbucks. I know there are lots of folks out there who prefer the unique flavor of a Mom & Pop coffeehouse and who hate the idea of corporate coffeehouses taking over whole neighborhoods. They rail against uniformity and the specificity with which the baristas take java orders. (Don’t try ordering a large coffee…when what you really want is a “Venti” drip.)
Not me. As a frequent traveler, I quite enjoy the fact that no matter where you go, every Starbucks is exactly the same. I can go to a store in Dallas and expect the same drinks and service that I get in Arizona or Ojai. I find it comforting that a Grande Soy Vanilla Latte tastes exactly the same in New York’s East Village as it does in St. Paul, Minnesota. In a complicated world, I revel in the simplicity of a uniform cup of coffee, a maple oat scone and the ability to sit back and relax in the warm, safe embrace of homogeneity.
Proof, I believe, that you don’t always have to break the mold to build a successful brand. We can all take a page out of the book of Starbucks when it comes to marketing our businesses and creating effective promotional materials. If what you are offering is a solid product or service with a proven track record, you don’t need to be different or groundbreaking to be successful. With that in mind, the Easy Grip Stainless Steel Thermos Mug is a practical, pleasing promotional gift that is never out of style. Everyone loves hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate on the go and this one has a contemporary hourglass design, stainless steel construction and features an easy-open pour spout, combination lid/drinking mug and a skid-proof bottom. Naturally, you’ll want to include your logo so your clients, prospects and employees remember that your brand is classic and around for the long haul.
Well, I’m off to enjoy a Grande Soy Double Shot Latte with a nice, delicious biscotti from my favorite coffee place. In the meantime, enjoy The Way I See It #248 by the founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales.
“Imagine a world in which every single person on the planet
is given free access to the sum of all human knowledge. Wikis give us a place where anyone who is kind, thoughtful and intelligent can come and join us in building a better and more rational world.”