We all have that place. That joint, that dive, that hole in the wall, a place that just feels comfortable.
You feel wanted there. You feel warm and snug there. You know people. They know you. They care about you. And when they say “HEY!” when you walk in the door, you know it isn’t an automated greeting, but a sincere greeting – because they really know who you are.
I had a meeting this morning with a new client at a place like this. I got there a few minutes early, and the waitress actually listed the names of a few fellows who I am usually there with.
That made me smile. I love this place. And it is why I keep coming back.
And like most “joints,” it isn’t particularly clean, the tables usually got schmutz on them, the food is good but not great, and the coffee tastes like “joint” coffee (it’s hot, brown, and there’s plenty of it).
But I love this place. And I keep going back for more.
We should all strive to achieve a feeling like this in our marketing. To be a place people love – no matter what. A place where they can be themselves. A place where they can let their guard down. A place they can ask for help, and not be afraid to be mocked. A place where they trust you to look out for them.
And most importantly, a place they will tell others about.
I am going to do a lot of thinking about how I can attain this feeling with my marketing and customer experience. What are you? Are you a joint? Or a faceless drive-thru?
[photo credit: three15bowery]
