(Don’t) Show Me the Money! Show Me the Atmosphere!
I have a gift certificate for $5 to a local coffee shop. It’s literally money waiting to be spent. I’ve had it for two months now and I still haven’t gone it to get my free coffee.
Why?
It’s simple: I don’t like the shop as much as the other ones I go to; the ones where I pay to get coffee. The gift certificate is to a shop that serves better coffee than the ones I frequent. But I would rather pay for coffee and sit in an atmosphere that I like than sit in an atmosphere I don’t like and receive free coffee. How’s that for logic?
Coffee, for the most part, is coffee. Atmosphere is not quite as simple. Atmosphere takes a little more work. Anyone can brew a decent cup of joe; not everyone can create a place where I feel welcomed, invited, and comfortable.
I have to agree. You don't have to treat me as if I'm your best friend, but at least let me know that you appreciate my patronage.
Disney World is the perfect example. Are Disney rides better than a Six Flags-not necessarily. But it's the atmosphere, the experience of visiting the Happiest Place on Earth that drives us to shell out $100.00 for a ticket to see Mickey.
I was once told by a former manager, while working at 'Helen & Pat's …home of cavatelli' (may it rest in peace), that "Presentation is 2/3 of the product". That comment has stuck with me, I feel that this statement applies to about anything that requires an 'image'. Anything that you buy or sell. Create a pleasant emotion behind a product or service, and you will sell it to everyone.
Wow random from coffee to Disney world but I have to agree Disney is way better than six flags because come on who doesn't love a giant mouse in red shorts or the other characters…
Disney is successful because they look at themselves from the view of an outsider. Oh, how the church can learn from the dreamers at Disney…if they could stop boycotting long enough…http://www.afa.net/disney/
This is classic.
Scooters on 63rd and Railroad….awesome service and atmosphere. They knew my name after one visit and ALWAYS make me a special drink that's not on the menu just because I asked. THAT's service!
Amen to that. Gotta love the Scoots! Next time you're in, tell Jill that Justin said hello!
Perhaps use it when you don't have time to go in, but would like some coffee? I've done that before.
I didn't realize that store was open now. It had a "Coming Soon" sign in front of it forever!
Check the 86th location in Urbandale. The atmosphere is better. IMO, best coffe in town though is Grounds for Celebration.
Its the same thing with churches, Bible studies, small groups, conferences, etc. I would rather attend a church, conference, etc. that has a personal touch to it, than a big box conference or big white room with some chairs small group.
I fully agree… There was one down in Arkansas called The Sticks..seemed cool just because it seemed personal. Promise Keepers or conferences like that don't have that feel most of the time.
You guys are onto something here … Not sure what … But it IS something…
Well, I think churches need to focus on an atmosphere of community if their goal is community, and an atmosphere of performance if their goal is performance, etc. for missions, evangelism, etc. Its the same with a coffee shop…do you want good coffee with a McDonald's feel or a good place to sit and chat with mediocre coffee, because quite often you can't have both…and bless you if you find it.
I understand where you are coming from…but here on the eastside, we have no real coffee shops. The ones we have ridiculous hours such as closing at 3 and 6. There is one that I frequent, Being There, because I know the owner and enjoy the atmosphere, but it is a little out of the way most of the time. So, I often will, choose 'free' coffee over the atmosphere, due in part that the Starbucks in the Target in Altoona is open til 9, or a little later sometimes. But being the addict I am, I usually settle for Casey's, Kum and Go, or QT coffee — I like these better than Starbucks.
I had a communications professor at UNI who said presentation was half the battle. All fractions aside, it stuck with me and I've never forgotten it. "You look good, you play good!"
I was at Disney last week. (Check that off my list of things to do with the kids.) It was the height of their peak season since it was spring break and every other family with kids in America thought it would be a good idea to go there. I don't know if I would personally shell out the $50/$75 ticket we spent as adults to go (thank goodness for generous in-laws) but I gladly went for my kids' sake…and we waited in 60-90 minute lines for a 2 minute ride (Disney is the king of deception – thinking you're "almost there" until you turn the corner in line).
I DO think the people who work at Disney (except for some random perverted employee who kept telling teen women that their 'thong' was showing by pointing to their flip-flops) make it "happy place". NOT the patrons there. My 3 year-old got poked by some random punk kid in line and his mom swatted her son, yelling, "[Name!] Don't hit him. This is supposed to be a happy place." (Is it me or is that an oxymoron?) The other event I witnessed is watching a married couple have a melt-down during the middle of the parade at night. The husband slammed down his coke and stormed off (it looked like permanently) while his wife (with stroller) yelled, "Chris! Come back! Don't walk away from me! Chris?!?" It was quite sad.
Happiest place on earth? Debatable.