Posts Tagged starbucks
Are your needs being met?
Posted by Joie Tamkin in branding on January 26th, 2010
I’ve always been fascinated with Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs in life… checkout his pyramid. Are your needs being met? This sequential hierarchy of needs doesn’t usually happen in today’s society. 
When I think of needs, I think of: Starbucks, whitening tooth paste, Google search, and my iphone. I actually have all levels in the pyramid covered multiple times.
How amazing is it that Starbucks found its way into being in my life’s pyramid of needs? Now that is impressive Branding! Starbucks provides every level of the Pyramid.
Let’s start with the basics, Physiological, they provide food and water. Moving along to Safety, I stay alert and productive because I get my Starbucks coffee every day and my co-workers are safer once I have my coffee.
Next is Love/belonging, this is my favorite one! When I order a tall half-caf, skinny vanilla latte, it shows that I am an insider and belong in “the club” I often ramble my long obnoxious order carelessly as I update the Baristas on the latest celebrity gossip. I feel like a Rockstar (loved) because they remember my name and know how to spell it.
Now we are really getting into the magic of this brand, Esteem, watching those Barista’s aim to please me is exhilarating and when they call out my name I get that giddy feeling like Bob Hope just called me up to the Price is Right. The first sip of the not-so-great tasting coffee, shoots my confidence sky high and I am ready to take the day.
The last need is Self Actualization, I accept Starbucks for what it is… it’s mediocre coffee with long lines and no parking… but it brightens my day everyday, sometimes twice a day.
What’s my point? Not only should we all have invested in Starbucks in the 70’s but Starbucks is a strong brand because they meet numerous core needs simultaneously. Does your Brand do that?
The Most Engaged Brands on the Web
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on July 21st, 2009
Most Engaged Brands on the WEb
If your company doesn’t have a Social Media Plan, perhaps this post will help you take the digital step. We invite you to contact us today to get your Social Media Plan started.
Recently, analyst Charlene Li of the Altimeter Group and Wetpaint conducted a study and ranked the top 100 brands by their social media engagement. The report highlighted best practices in use by brands and identified four types of Social Media groups:
- Mavens – most engaged
- Butterflies – engaged, but spread too thin
- Selectives – somewhat engaged, limited scope
- Wallflowers – just dipping their toes in
The surprising conclusion of this study found that “socially engaged companies are in fact more financially successful.” More Tweets = more bucks.
Yes it pays to be social but by being social in the wrong or uninformed way could have reverse affects on your business’ growth. Setting up a Facebook page or Twitter account isn’t enough to see the dollars flow in. You need a consistent and focused approach to how you use social media as a way to inform your customers, and potential customers, about your business.
Here are some best practices used by Starbucks (has a social media team of only six people):
- Deputize people in your organization – ensure that everyone is “bought in” prior to launching your social media plan, there will be better follow through and better results.
- Understand how each social media channel provides a different dimension of engagement.
- Centralize coordination – protect your brand, ensure the right people are communicating in the right way.
- Find champions who can explain and mitigate risk – make sure you have someone who “gets” social media and can communicate it to your organization.
In starting your Social Media plan, emphasize the quality of your engagement, not just the quantity of outlets you participate in. Build your base deep, learn from your mistakes and make sure everything you do is done with a goal in mind.
The full report can be found below. If you are ready to create your Social Media plan, we’re here to help.