I worked for Starbucks Coffee Company for 5 years. I started working there in college, and after graduation I got suckered into a management position and opened a drive-thru store right here in Walla Walla, WA. I learned a tremendous amount working for the Green Monster (the coffee version, not the baseball version) but the most important training they gave me was the art of connecting with customers and providing excellent customer service.
I may get pursued by Starbucks head-hunters for sharing what might be their “intellectual property” (I remember signing something…), but I’m about to impart the cheesiest and most useful customer connection philosophy that I think we in the wine industry could afford to adopt.
Connect, Discover, Respond.
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Written on September 25th, 2008 by
Erica Walter and American Winery Team . Filed under Communication, Marketing
Tags: customer experience, customers, direct sales, Marketing, starbucks, winery
Winemakers, many of you will spend your entire lives perfecting the fine art of making premium, awe-inspiring, life-changing wines.
Very few of you will spend even a small fraction of this time perfecting the fine art of connecting with your customers.
I understand that in many cases a winemaker cannot be bothered to do a vineyard tour, participate in a Winemaker’s Dinner, or man the tasting room for an afternoon. Your time is not best-spent in these pursuits.
However, understanding the importance of connecting your winery with your customers is vital to creating the loyalty that will have you selling out of futures and retiring in style.
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Written on September 17th, 2008 by
Erica Walter and American Winery Team . Filed under Marketing
Tags: customers, direct sales, Marketing, winery
