A Morning’s Business Epiphany
We walked to one of our favourite cafés this morning, encountering a familiar scene – the place was fuller than full, people packed like sardines with nowhere to sit. Yet just steps away, several other cafés sat nearly empty. On this particularly hot morning, not feeling like joining the sardine can, we ventured to explore alternatives. There was this absolutely fancy café nearby, completely empty despite its Instagram-perfect interior. It got me thinking – what makes one café overflow with customers while another sits waiting?
Beyond the Surface Shine
It wasn’t about the décor – the empty café had that figured out beautifully. Yet when we walked in, we walked right back out. The vibes weren’t right; it felt more like a display store than a café. Those picture-perfect chairs? Hard and uncomfortable, clearly chosen for looks over function. The staff’s indifference was the final note in a symphony of style over substance.
The Magic Formula
Our favorite café, in contrast, does a few things absolutely right. Their success holds golden lessons for us entrepreneurs.
First, there’s their coffee. Oh, their coffee! Despite the constant stream of orders flowing through their tiny space, every single cup emerges as perfection. In all our visits, we’ve never experienced anything less. They’ve mastered what matters most – being excellent at their core offering. Whatever we do in our businesses, this kind of unwavering quality creates lasting impact.
Then there’s their people. From baristas to servers, they’re simply outstanding at their craft. Picture this: in a tiny hole-in-the-wall café, orders pour in both online and in person. The cashier/server knows exactly who ordered what, like some kind of coffee whisperer. Those tiny plastic chairs that double as tables? They appear almost magically to accommodate overflow crowds spilling out on the sidewalk in between hastily parked motorbikes. Somehow, they always find a way to seat their customers. And through it all, their smiles never fade.
The Heart of Service
Is it commitment? Passion? How they’re treated by their boss? I can only speculate, but I see three possibilities:
Their staff’s dedication might spring from personal values – strong work ethics that shine through regardless of the job. Or perhaps it’s a deep sense of ownership in their workplace, inspiring them to go the extra mile. Maybe it’s pure passion – a barista who finds joy in crafting the perfect coffee, a server who delights in remembering orders and faces, finding fulfillment in their natural talents.
From a business owner’s perspective, the recipe seems beautifully simple: find people who are passionate and talented at their craft, look for strong work ethics, and create an environment where they feel respected and valued.
The Daily Question
What small step could you take today toward your version of coffee perfection? How might you nurture the kind of team that makes customers want to sardine-pack themselves into your space?
