From the category archives:

Networking

Starbucks is Holding WiFi Hostage

Starbucks is in trouble. They just closed 600 stores. In addition to an over saturation of the market (which the NY Times called “location, location, location”), Starbucks is making the huge mistake of holding its free WiFi service hostage. This sets it apart of many independent coffee houses, most McDonald’s, all Panera Bread restaurants, and a host of smaller national chains like Krystal Burgers and Schlotsky Deli - in a BAD way … .

For the rapidly increasing number of people who work at least part of the time on a laptop in public places that serve coffee or food, free WiFi is a major incentive for spending more time and ultimately more money.

Personally, when I’m working at my neighborhood coffee shop, I always buy at least a cup of iced tea and a brownie to “pay for” my time there. It appears that I am not along in this. Schlotsky’s founder and CEO John Wooley says he estimates that there are an additional 15,000 visits per restaurant annually at a $7 average purchase per visit that are directly related to the free WiFi service. Panera Bread has had similar results. As a big fan of Panera Bread, I always buy a cup of soup (usually French Onion) and a cup of lemonade when I’m working there (even when I’m not really that hungry).

While I certainly prefer an independent coffee house to Starbucks, I might be more inclined to spend time at my local Starbucks if they had free WiFi. Unfortunately, Starbuck’s new idea of “free Internet” is to force you to load a gift card with a minimum of $5 (there must be $5 on it at all times) for 2 hours of service.

Ridiculous. Stingy. Cheap.

And, this behavior is outside of the new business paradigm of sharing and generosity. Since I’ve launched UpwardAction, my visits to Panera Bread and my local coffee house (and my purchases at these places) have soared. Starbucks would be getting at least part of these funds (because I love working in various locations) if they didn’t have such a bad business attitude.

What about you? When working in public places with WiFi that serve food or drinks, do you feel compelled purchase vitals or replenish your cup of iced tea (or coffee - for you coffee drinkers)?

Image source: The Studio Blog

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Brain Power for Free Press!

Help a Reporter (HARO) is a new media service (which outgrew its Facebook group) where journalists post queries and experts pitch their expertise. If you are on an entrepreneurial journey or want to promote an existing business, becoming a valued resource for a respective reporter is an excellent way to build your professional brand and raise your profile. You will also be providing a valuable service (your time and talent) to reporters and those members of the general public interested in the subject matter.

Peter Shankman started this service and has a great philosophy on why its free (he says if you feel you must donate for his services, to please do so to your local animal shelter or other similar group). He feels that connecting people in this way spreads good karma and I couldn’t agree more!

HARO is simple to use. Register as a source by entering your name and email address. Each day you’ll receive up to three emails with a list of 15-30 queries of reporters seeking sources. If you see a query that is in-line with your background and expertise, you contact the reporter directly.

Free media coverage is great for your professional brand and your business! It is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Once you are quoted, you can use your quote(s) on your Web site and other promotional materials or link to the quote on your blog (you are blogging, aren’t you?) to further brand yourself.

This is also a powerful way to organically spread the word about who you are and what you are doing. Be sure if you get quoted, to “tweet” about it with a link to your mention.

If you are not already “tweeting” on Twitter you should be! Be sure to sign up for a F*REE account and follow me at www.twitter.com/upwardaction.

Expect the Best!

Coach T.C.

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Michael Port’s “Red Velvet” Rope Policy

Michael Port, marketing guru and author of Book Yourself Solid, sets a great standard for working with the clients you really want to. Working with clients who require more care and patience than their business is worth to you are a drain on the psyche and your path to greater success. He suggests that, like a swanky exclusive night club, you set a “red velvet rope” policy that only allows in the clients who motivate and inspire you! Turning away clients is a difficult concept, but overall your business will actually improve because you will be more enthusiastic.

You must define who you want to work with so you can begin seeking them out. Sometimes it helps to define who you don’t want to work with first. For example … Do hyper Type A’s wear you out? What about the non-communicators you have to repeatedly track down when you are working with them when you really prefer to work with calm people who stay in touch.

Look over your client list and cut one client (Michael dares you in his book!). If you need help, trying cutting the one who is bringing in the least revenue for the hours you put in.

This process of cutting your least productive can be very empowering. It’s easy to feel beholden to clients: they are our bread and butter and we go out of our way to serve them with 100% commitment. Letting some of them go, however, reminds us that the provider/client relationship is a business partnership and like any partnership, it can be tactfully dissolved. Be kind and direct. Let the client know that the relationship has stagnated (don’t place blame!) and you believe it’s time for you to both seek other opportunities. Help them find a new business partner if possible.

By clearly defining who you want to work with and gradually eliminating the rest, you increase enthusiasm and attract your ideal clients more easily!