Do you ever get warm fuzzy feelings deep in your gut when someone you barely know remembers your name? I do. I love it. It makes me feel important, like I am worth knowing. Often times it makes me feel elite, like whatever I’m doing, I’m doing right.
Have you ever walked into a coffee house and had the barista remember your drink, or better yet, your name? It makes your ritual latte stop even more impressive becuase hey, they know you there. You have connections, and have created an extended expierence outside of what would traditionally happen at your average brewhouse.
At Starbucks, we are very much encouraged to ask the guests’ names and write them on the cup. This gives us as baristas a leg up on remembing our regulars, but also provides a chance to open conversation and connect with a total stranger in the two minutes we share while we prepare the beverage. We have adopted the same method at McConn. If we are asking you your name at the register, don’t worry; we are not going to log onto Facebook and stalk you. We are using this tool to serve two purposes. First to create some order within the choas that insues during the before and after class rushes, but also so we can get to know you better. We love the people! We want to know you!
I love this Starbucks UK TV spot becuase of how it illustrates how easy it is to create that connection with a customer over the counter of a coffee bar. The sparkling philosophy behind this idea is flawless. If we, Starbucks, McConn, or whatever coffee house you frequent, encourages you to personalize your own cup of coffee, shouldn’t we personalize your expierence too?
