True Blue Blend

Good Morning, Everyone,

The sun is shining in Kalispell and I am so ready for the warm weather coming our way.  The birds are here with the Canada & snow geese flying overhead on their migration north.  What a beautiful sight!

I am on my second cup of True Blue this morning.  Many of you enjoy this coffee and know the smooth taste, heavy body, and creamy finish this one has to offer.  My chocolate, cream cheese filled cupcakes are a great pairing with True Blue and quite satisfying for a chocolate lover.  Also a good choice after a steak dinner while chatting with friends.

Each of you is putting forth great effort into the success of your businesses, and I believe you will be rewarded.  Remember the current mantra “Survive & Thrive”.  Be passionate about your coffee, service, and customers.  I am so proud of you!

A few more marketing ideas:

1.        Maintain your current prices.  Offer specials such as ‘Garfield Monday’, ‘Terrific Tuesday’, ‘Wacky Wednesday’, ‘Thirsty Thursday’, ‘Fabulous Friday’, ‘Super Saturday’.  You could offer a special drink price, newspaper with a drink, bagel with a drink, drip coffee with a sandwich, 2 for 1 of a particular drink/size.

2.       Drawings monthly for a free drink or 1 lb of coffee.  Collect contact information for your customers to promote sales and specials.  A local restaurant sends me a weekly email with their nightly specials, live music, etc.

3.       Training employees and customers.  My health club has superb equipment and caring professionals.  They always have very good customer service and have stepped it up the last several months.  They have signs all over regarding proper techniques in exercise, more class times and variety, and even a book club.  Yes, this is the nicest facility I have seen.  I like this example of a business model stepping up to the plate by doing more, not less in this economy.  The health club is busier than ever.  We can use this example to offer the best customer service and coffee knowledge.  In fact, my barista asked me the other day if I was on my way to the health club after I was done roasting coffee.  She took the time to ask about me, the customer.  Remember, it is the little things that count.

4.       Customer tips

a.       Create a donation program with a local Christian school.  They have a coffee ‘School House Blend’ whereby they are donating a portion of sales to the school.  They had substantial sales their first week.  If interested, talk to me about a donation program for your favorite organization.

b.      Offer coffee at a wine tasting.  Another customer participated in ‘Wine Crush’ and was well received and good sales and promotion of their business.  Great for sit down and drive thru coffee shops.

c.       Many of us have given dog bones or candy to pets or children in the car while Mom/Dad buys their coffee.  A new idea is to give the children their own Dixie cup with whipped cream and sprinkles.  I have no doubt these parents will drive out of their way for this great customer service.

d.      Choose a local business each week to bring free coffee samples.  Bring a flyer promoting your menu, specials, and hours of operation.  This personal touch is a hit with the employees and they will want to support your business.

e.      Farmer’s Market season is upon us.  Hire a high school or college student to set up a table to sell coffee by the cup or bag and hand out coupons and flyers for your shop.

***  What do children and coffee beans have in common?  They are both like sponges, absorbing everything around them. 

Have a great week!

Peggy Sue Ennenga