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Wireless Internet and Building Relationships

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Check Realty

Ok, let me begin by pointing out that this is not going to be about real estate, but rather about building relationships and marketing.

 

Today I had to drop my car off with my mechanic for some minor work. There is a Starbucks and a Toastie's within walking distance. So I took my laptop to Starbucks to get some caffeine and get to work. My first goal was to get online and check todays new listings and send out some emails. However Starbucks now requires me to purchase a gift card to receive two hours of free wifi. I asked one of the nice ladies behind the counter why I needed to pay, when I had just spend almost $10 for breakfast. She said something about company policy. Lucky for me Toastie's just a block away on Iron Springs Road has Free WiFi, nice music and very friendly staff.

So my question is this, what marketing genius thinks that its a good idea to put up barriers to me doing work at Starbucks? Often life seems like its about finding the path of least resistance. And today that means building a relationship with the nice folks at Toasties in Prescott AZ.

So this got me to thinking about relationships. As a Realtor, I am all about building relationships and approaching people from the perspective of contribution. I think that it is important to always look for ways to help. Today Toasties is helping me with my productivity, so I in turn wanted to help them with a plug. BTW, their food is yummy! So guess where I going next time my car needs work?

 

Dave Conners enjoys building new relationships with people and businesses and using free WiFi:)

Comments (3)

Debi Braulik
www.roundrealestate.com - Maple Valley, WA
Selling Maple Valley to Fife WA Homes For Sale

That does seem counter-intuiative of Starbucks. Maybe they thought charging people for Wi-Fi would offset the cost of the wear and tear on the furniture, the extra bathroom stocking supplies, and other costs of people sitting there doing work? I don't know. It seems like that policy has backfired since their profits are down and they are closing stores. Now people are only going to Starbucks if they want/need coffee instead of it being a social/work destination too.

Feb 10, 2010 03:15 AM
Sam Miller
RE/MAX Stars Realty - Howard, OH
Knox County Ohio Real Estate Specialist

Dave - Not sure why Starbucks would put up a barrier especially when you just spent money with them and obviously more than just a cup of coffee.  I totally would totally understand putting a time limit per session.

Feb 10, 2010 03:16 AM
Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos

Hi Dave,  You're preaching to the choir here.  it always amazes me that some many people will settle for lousy service or products.  The Starbucks guy is betting you will not vote with your feet !

Feb 10, 2010 03:20 AM