Jan 21 2009
Starbucks – the art of being private in public
On Tuesday I arrived early for my workshop, knew I would, well worht it to avoid busy traffic later.
I also knew that there would be a Starbucks close by, a refuge where I could get breakfast and gather my thoughts before the training session.
I settled in and began to notice the people around me… some were obviously “regulars”, others, no doubt like myself were just passing through.
I took a sip of my drink and scowled. How could any business become so famous for selling such mediocre coffee?!
And then another penny dropped – it’s not about the coffee, it’s the experience.
My companions in this outlet were extremely varied… a group of four obviously having a team meeting before going on to a job together. A quieter lady covering the table and the bench seat besides her with books and files – she looked as if she were reconciling a set of accounts to my distant and inexperienced eye. My closest companion was picking at her food while reading a novel – I couldn’t see the book cover but the novel was winning out over the food! A number of men sat on their own dotted around the room, checking emails or playing games on their mobile phone.
In their own way each person was in their own private space while being fully in public. Our entry price for this haven was the purchase of the famous Starbucks coffee – or tea. A small price for our own private space bubble in a busy coffee shop!
And so on with my day – Presenting Your Research at Conference – my favourite. What fun!!!
