5 Principles for Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary
Eh. I think I have had it with these kinds of books. Another book talking about how awesome the customer service at Starbucks is. Tell me something I haven’t heard. This may have been better if it was just a stapled, bullet pointed list of awesome customer service stories. Instead it was dressed up in lots of registered trademark Frappuccinos and written by a guy who appears to be pitching himself as a PR rep. Just kind of nothing new, and not worth it.
Thanks for taking the time to review my book. Sorry, it read like a PR tome. Your observation about the Frappucino Blended Beverage trademark is astute. It was the only requirement Starbucks had in order for me to use their trade dress on the cover. As you will note the book was written in 2006 and was followed by a sea of other books about the company, causing Businessweek to suggest that the world had become Starbooked. Fortunately, my book was new in its time and garnered a strong readership – who were most interested in creating postive and memorable experiences at work and home. Again thank you for taking the time to read and comment on The Starbucks Experience. I have long since moved on from those days, for example I have released a book about The Ritz Carlton Hotel company — entitled The New Gold Standard. There are no registered trademarks in that book — I promise. With gratitude and the hope that I will write something closer to your tastes someday…. Warmly Joseph
The great thing about the internet is that you can find anything. Unfortunately, that’s also the worst thing. When I posted this review, I struggled a bit because I know I wasn’t doing the book justice and it’s certainly not it’s fault that it was the billionth book I read on the subject – but I already kind of gave that disclaimer in another book about Starbucks, and figured I was home free. If I caused any offense, I sincerely apologize. “The New Gold Standard” will be placed right into the “to read” queue and will have none of my malaise-bias. Thanks for taking the time to post.
Erica, I was never offended and there is certainly no need to apologize. I appreciate the fact that you read, thought about, and commented on the book. I did not think your blog was harsh or unfair in any way. I am on a journey to tell stories of what businesses and people do right and hopefully package them in a way that others will gain something from them. Your comments remind me the importance of “balancing” the message. I am honored that you read my book and hope that The New Gold Standard is more substantive. Thanks for your response to my post, as well. With enthusiasm, Joseph
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