Archive for July, 2008

Seth Godin does it again – revolutionizing the way books are launched and driving pre-order sales probably through the roof.  Not to mention – using that momentum to launch a new closed (unless it opens again :) social media network – he’s calling a member’s only tribe. 

If you’re interested… follow the link below, and then follow the instructions… the catch —- time is running out.  I’m in.

 

Are you in the tribe?

People have varied opinions about ”The Way I See It” words of wisdom on the side of a Starbucks cup?  Some people love reading them, some don’t really pay attention to them or even ignore them, and others have been very verbal when offended by a particular quote. 

I generally enjoy reading the short thoughts… and often either agree or chuckle after reading it.  There have been occasions where I’ve thought to myself… “Hey, I don’t agree with that.”  I’ll admit – on the few occasions that has  happened to me—I sensed a slight loss of admiration for one of my favorite coffee purveyors – but I figure between their corporate disclaimer and my appreciation for freedom of speech – well… let’s just say… I didn’t quit drinking Starbucks coffee… in fact I regularly enjoy it.  My unscientific study would say that for every 10 cups of coffee I’ve enjoyed from Starbucks, only 1 in 10 cups might have a quote that I disagree with.

Do you have an opinion on this topic?   How is this different from attending a University and not agreeing fully with a particular professor?  How is this different from watching the news and not agreeing with a particular commentator’s opinion?  Do you quit school or turn the TV off?  It probably depends.

Here’s a few more questions to stir into your ‘cup of joe’ before responding… would love to get your comments!

1) From a marketing perspective… what are the pros and cons for Starbucks including these quotes on the side of their cup? 

2) At what point should a company be concerned about offending their current or future customers with peripheral stuff (In my opinion, not a branding or marketing breaker if they print this stuff on their cups or not)

3)  Is there a rule of thumb for advertisers that says… if your going to tick off “blank” percentage of your customers… probably not a good idea.  Who decides what quotes are too risky and which ones are OK?

4) If you read a quote on a cup of starbucks that you disagreed with would you…
    a) ignore it, drink your coffee, and go about your day
    b) let the company know in some way that you didn’t approve of their quote
    c) quit drinking Starbucks coffee
    d) something else… let me know.

5) How does the use of these quotes help or hinder Starbucks attempt at ”positioning” themselves within their industry?

Are You:
•Using web software that is in perpetual beta, like Gmail?
•Frequently signing up to participate in beta tests for web apps?
•Currently beta testing software for a new startup company?
•Fueled by coffee?  If so, read on…

The owners of Joffrey’s Coffee & Team Company  have not only built a successful coffee company, but have also broken new “ground” in viral marketing.   

In a little over a year— 1,368 bloggers have helped promote their coffee.  I recently got the “official” email notification from Joffrey’s to let me know that my blog qualified to participate…so you’ll soon be hearing from me again when I get my free coffee in the mail and put it through the “Cup of Joe” taste test… I can’t wait. 

 

Are you a blogger?  Want to sign up?  Click on the Joffrey’s Bag  to get started!

More Buzz about the Beta Test:

Free Coffee: A Beta You Definitely Want To Be a Part Of – Mashable

Here’s something interesting, a beta test for coffee – CNET

Java News You Can Use – Web Worker Daily

• Connection
• Interaction
• Communication
• Affinity
• Cooperation
• Dialogue
• Collaboration
• Community

In my opinion this list helps explain the groundswell of social media participants.  ie…facebook, myspace

What do you think of this list?  Does it intuitively make sense?  Anything missing?

This list immediately helps me articulate a process that I’m personally experiencing online… How about you?

Special thanks to Rex Miller for sharing this list on a recent blog post.