It’s Not about the Coffee: Lessons from Starbucks about business 4
I was on a conference call tonight with my good friend Elizabeth Marshall (she is so wise and wonderful - just love her!)
Elizabeth was talking about a book she just read and how that applied to direct selling.
The book is called, “It’s Not About the Coffee: Leadership Principles from a Life at Starbucks” by Howard Behar
Starbucks has truly become a leader in the industry by realizing that they are not in the coffee business at all. It’s not about selling coffee , but about building relationships and working with people.
While there is coffee to be made and lattes to be served, anytime their employees think more about the coffee then the people they are serving, they are pulling away from the mission.
It’s really about….. Making a difference. Building relationships. Making connections.
Here are the key principles the book discusses. Think about how they relate to you in your direct selling business.
1) Wear one hat - know who you are. Clarity and integrity. Where do you want to go. What do you offer. What do you stand for. Find the one hat and be true to it.
2) Know why you are here. Do things because they are right, not because of what others will think. Too often we focus on the tactics and techniques rather then developing relationships with people in business.
3) Importance of thinking independently. How can we help people choose the right way to use their product in a way that will grow their specific business.
Focus on outcomes and the reason’s behind them.
4) Build trust and care like you mean it. People can sense your authenticity. Care about them from the heart first, business second.
5) Listen for the truth. Keep commmunication lines open. Listen in a way that you can uncover real problems and not symptoms
6) Be accountable and practice radical transparency.
7) Think like a person of action and act like a person of thought. Starbucks has had a lot of new drinks. Despite market testing, they found out new drink was good as a sample, but too rich for a full sized drink. Can you listen and take advice to find new innovate ways that better serve the client.
As we face challenges, stick to your principles. As you hit the wall, hold onto what your values are - what you feel is right. That will ground and guide you during the tough times.
9) Importance of leadership and daring to dream. Be bold. Help others be the leaders they were meant to be. Empower others. Lead by example.
I’m definitely going to grab a copy at Amazon. Thanks Liz for the great book recommendation. You rock my dear!
Kristie T
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