January 2008

If you live in Seattle, you now have access to one dollar coffee at your local Starbucks.  According to this story by Reuters, The coffee giant not only is offering a shorter $1 cup of Joe in the Seattle area but also allowing free refills in those same outlets.  It makes sense.  Too many new coffee houses are cropping up and offering alternatives which is causing Starbucks to rethink certain business practices.  Of course, the official word from the company is: “This test is not indicative of any new business strategy.”  Oh really?  Then why do it?  Starbucks has seen their sales sag of late.  Competition, over saturation of shops, and an economy where folks are pinching pennies (not to mention the cost of dairy products has went up) has caused the company to rethink some things.  Though Starbucks isn’t my top choice for coffee, I still visit their shops frequently when driving about (Sometimes, that’s all you find).  I would probably increase my visits there knowing I could get a cheaper cup of coffee and sit to catch my breath for a spell in between things.  Paying nearly $2 for a cup of brewed coffee is too much in my opinion.  I don’t mind paying a premium for a good, stout Arabica blend, but brewed coffee could be cheaper.  At my local Seattle’s Best (Owned by Starbucks), I pay $2.01 for a medium cup (tax included) with no refills.  Peets coffee (one of my favorites), is about $1.70 with no refills.  The new guy on the block in our town, Forza Coffee out of Washington State, is offering a brewed cup for $1.40 WITH free refills.  On top of that, they are the only one of the three with free wi-fi so guess where I spend the most of my coffee drinking time now?  You got it.  I’ve met many folks who’ve asked about my church while I was studying and I get a great cup of coffee to boot.  You can’t beat it!

If I were Starbucks, instead of taking the route they’ve taken so far (”This is not indicative…”), I would employ an aggressive strategy to reach new customers.  State up front that you’re selling a premium product at quick shop prices, plug the unique music available, great atmosphere, etc… and say it’s just another way to improve upon the best…(That would be my marketing side coming out…They do have more locations than anyone else so why not say that and capitalize?  Even though I would disagree with the statement ‘we are the best’, you do what you can in marketing.)

When we change ministry practices in the church, we’re up front that we are trying new things to reach more people.  Starbucks should just say the same and move forward.  Now if they really want to increase sales, free wi-fi would be the next step.

John Chandler has posted a nice review of my latest “gotta have but don’t need” techie device. The Amazon Kindle. Read his thoughts on his blog by clicking here.

I’ve read a lot of reviews from people who don’t even own one of these but are making up their minds solely on pictures. It’s better to read from these folks who are actually using the things before I decide to part with my hard earned money for one.

Happy MLK day!

Bob Hyatt at “PastorHacks” has given his review of Amazon’s digital reading device.  One that my readers know I’m holding out for!  Since posting last on the Kindle, I’ve been watching the list of ebooks grow on Amazon’s web site.  Something Bob mentions in his review that I think would be a great benefit to all of us is the availability of commentaries in ebook format.  As I downsize my office, I’m clearing out some old sets of books and putting them up for sale on Craigslist.  Some of my books are now available as ebooks so I’m thinking of the day when I will purchase these on my future Kindle and be able to clear out more space.

Bob’s right though.  I’m preaching a book series on Philippians right now and it sure would be handy to have a few good commentaries on something small like this instead of lugging them around in my man bag with everything else I have in there.

Another note…After four and a half months of hiatus, I’ve decided to start publishing again to my other blog, “The Productive Pastor”.  I’ve thought of combining the two here.  In fact, I have a “Productivity” tag on this blog for some of those posts.  I think it might be better to separate the two for brevity’s sake.  I may still post some quick links here…but expound a bit more on the other site…In any event, let me know what you think!

Here’s a great post from “The Daily Saint” on productivity.

For a time, my gadgets DID own me. I’ve shed much of the tech toys for a moleskine and a telescopic pen which easily fits in my pocket. A few habits from “Zen to Done” and I’m more productive and happier than I used to be with all the toys. Several of them are up on Craig’s List for sale…

“Zen to Done” is the ebook published by “Zen Habits” blog author Leo Babauta.  Over the years, Babauta has refined a productivity system that combines much of the best advice from systems developed by Steven Covey and David Allen but is essentially it’s own system of doing things.  In this aspect, I think any of us who try to refine our organization methods can relate with Babauta’s work here.  Even in the ebook, Babauta cautions that not all of his system may be of use to you.  He even offers a stripped down version of his method early on in the book to give you an alternative.

Let me first clear up a misconception that many (even myself at first) would have with “ZTD” as it’s known.  This is NOT “Getting Things Done” rehashed.  Those of you who have followed David Allen’s system for years (known as GTD by it’s devotees) will look and see similarities since Babauta willingly admits to modifying some of Allen’s methods.  Collecting tasks and organizing them into lists is nothing new that was just developed by Allen.  Doing it with the method he promotes is a bit unique but Babauta never claims complete creative genius here.  He simply shares what’s worked for him and in doing that, he has put together a system that’s uniquely his while incorporating some of the best of others’ works.  Followers of Covey’s “First Things First” and “Seven Habits” system will recognize the “Big Rocks” and “MIT’s” (most important tasks) in Babauta’s writing but there are other aspects of the book unique to ZTD and there is much here you can benefit from.

I think all of us have modified systems for our own personal use.  Not one system works exactly the same for each person.  I’ve read Allen, Covey, and more recently, Mark & Trapper Woods’ excellent book “Forget the Seven Habits and Break all the Rules” which outlines some interesting methods of time management.  ZTD allows enough flexibility to incorporate methods you’ve gleaned from these other books and use it in Babauta’s system.  Another plus, there are just 10 simple habits to learn and you are encouraged to take them one at a time over the course of the year to improve your productivity.  As a pastor, I’ve utilized much of Babauta’s advice and the ZTD system is one that I think could benefit anyone who’s made a new year’s resolution to get organized.  This is a system that’s flexible, easy to learn, and highly effective if you commit to it.  The book is fairly priced for all that’s in it. ($9.50 through PayPal). You can purchase it here.  Babauta recently released his copyright on the book so you can share it with a friend you think might benefit from his work.  The idea is that if your friend really does benefit from the book, he might feel led to make a donation to Babauta’s “Zen Habits” work that is featured on his blog.  If you read “Zen Habits” often, you’ll find all the nuts and bolts of his system without purchasing anything.  The book simply organizes and puts a nice copy of the entire method in your hands for cheap.  I purchased the ebook after putting it off for a while after I read about Babauta’s release of copyright.  I figured I owed him as much since I’ve benefited from his work.

If you are looking to clear the clutter from your desk this year and feel more alert, energized, and in control, then pick up a copy of ZTD and read it in a night.  You’ll be glad you did.

There’s a fascinating article in today’s online version of “Fast Company”.  It discusses the recent decision by McDonalds to seriously enter the premium coffee wars for 2008.

You can read the article here.

After viewing the video and seeing the “visual” of what McDonalds will build in it’s stores, I’m curious to see how this new venture takes off.  After offering “premium” coffee the last year of so in its stores, the Golden Arches now seem poised to hire baristas to man the espresso machine and start selling coffee beverages about 80 cents cheaper than Starbucks.  This might work in the short term as they market something new, but in the long run, I can’t see this being something that McD’s will do for very long.  Not that Starbucks is my drink of choice.  Anyone who knows me knows that I prefer Peets coffee to Starbucks for a variety of reasons.  More recently, I’ve also grown to love a new player on the coffee market, Forza coffee which also hails from the state of Washington.  Why do I agree with FC about McCoffee?  Here’s just a few reasons…

1. Convenience
Most people who are in a hurry for premium coffee will not want to wait in line with the McDonalds breakfast crowd.  Mixing the two lines will be time consuming and many who are paying a premium for coffee will not mind paying 60-80 cents more for it if they can get it quickly and get back on the road.  The opposite of this is….

2. Atmosphere
McDonalds is spending millions to add a “coffee bar” feel type area to their stores.  Just check out the accompanying video on the FC article and see for yourself.  This might work for a small segment of the Starbucks crowd, namely the soccer mom who has her kids with her and nowhere to go, but as for me, when I go to one of these shops, the idea is to relax.  I DO NOT want to hear kids running back and forth from the play area, crying over a happy meal toy, or the general noise that accompanies the traditional McDonalds crowd.  Part of what you overpay for at these coffee shops is atmosphere.  Nice music, a toned down and relaxed mood, fireplace, and good conversation.  All of this is important to me.  I can’t get that at McD’s.

3. Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is a big sell for me.  Peets doesn’t offer wi-fi period and it frustrates me but I make do when I’m there.  Starbucks expects you to pay for wi-fi at their stores as does Seattle’s Best.  Sorry guys but I can pay the same or a bit less at a classy coffee shop AND get my wi-fi for free at several places where I live.  Forza offers a rich, warm atmosphere with free wi-fi and outstanding Italian roast coffees.  Caribou coffee offers free wi-fi with its excellent selection of java.  Saxby’s is a locally owned company in Colorado that offers excellent house roast and free internet.  On top of that, many privately held treasures of coffee shops around the Denver Metro area offer free wi-fi to their customers.  McD’s wants you to pay for wi-fi in the stores that offer it.  Even our local Chick-Fil-A has free wi-fi if I’m in the mood for a breakfast sandwich.  Last but not least….

4. The Smell
I love the warm, wonderful aroma of a great coffee shop.  I specifically go there for this experience.  I do not want to pay a premium price for coffee and smell a mix of coffee beans and Egg McMuffins.  It sounds selfish but that’s a draw for me and for many others I’m sure.

I think the diversity that McDonalds wants to attain by entering this highly competitive market is one it should avoid.  Perhaps they know more than I and their money will be well spent but I’m of the nature if you’re the best at something you keep hammering away at it and refine the process to keep yourself at the top.  McD’s in the number one fast food chain in America for this very reason.  Although I prefer the taste of a Burger King or Wendy’s hamburger much more than I do the pan fried McDonald’s fare, my kids have spoken and when we do the burger thing, 9 times out of 10, we head to McDonalds.  On this merit alone, McDonalds is to be commended.  By diversifying, they risk quality in other areas that might prove detrimental to their overall strength.

Good luck McDonald’s.  Only time will tell if you succeed but in this corner of cyberspace, I think the long range battle isn’t worth it.

I’m preparing to take the Strengths Finder 2.0 assessment sometime this week, perhaps as early as tomorrow.  I read this post from my blog reader and decided to take the author’s advice this weekend.  I had some Borders “bucks” earned (about $5) and a 30% off coupon so I picked up the book for about $8 Saturday morning.  I’ve read the introduction and reviewed the 34 strengths that are listed.  I’m just too tired to take the assessment right now.  I think going to head off to bed and take the time needed to do this tomorrow.  I’ll post my results after I receive my report.

There’s a Christian variation of the book that I’m very interested in.  “Living Your Strengths” was published a few years back and is similar in its assessment but puts the strengths together in a Christian perspective.  One of my goals for the church in 2008 is to do a better job organize our giftedness and putting it work for maximum benefit.  I think this book might be the key.  I’ll review them both and fill you in on what I’ve decided.  For now though, it’s time for bed.  I’ll write more later this week!

Josh Kaufman at “The Personal MBA” has written a nice, concise review of the Amazon Kindle reading device.  More and more, I want one of these but really want to wait until the 2.0 version arrives.  I don’t think it’s going to be long given that these are selling out as quickly as Amazon gets them made.  After listening to Jeff Bezos (Amazon owner) talk more about this device, I’m settled that I want a Kindle.  Sony’s e-reader is very cool and at $100 cheaper, a bit more affordable in the short term.  What I like about the Kindle is that books that are purchased are archived at the Amazon site so you can always delete and re-add books without worry about losing your purchases.  With Sony, you have to download books and then transfer them with a cable to your reader.  If your hard drive goes down or the memory stick goes bad, you’ll likely be able to recover your purchases but it will be a big hassle.  Kindle eliminates this need and it works without a computer so if I’m stuck in an airport somewhere and my flight is delayed, I can always drop in at a restaurant and for under $10, download a book to read.  The only thing I’m not keen on is the large side buttons.  I wish the Kindle took more of the Sony e-reader’s cues on that design.  Perhaps when the new machines are introduced, we’ll see a difference.

Until then……………..I’ll wait……..for how long, I don’t know.