Meeting the legend.

Having huge admiration for Starbucks as a company is one thing, and meeting the man responsible for all the game-changing strategy is another thing. I have the opportunity to meet the legendary Howard Schultz last month during his trip to Indonesia. And I got to say, he left a huge impression that enough to make me awestruck for a week (even now, I still can’t believe I met ‘the man’).

Back then,as a marketing student, i have to learn and observe many companies and brands strategies; Starbucks is one of the companies that we discussed in class quite often (and often featured in my assignments).  Listening to Howard Schultz’s speech in the Ministry of Trade Republic of Indonesia feels like a ‘refresh’ button for me. In his speech he mentions about what separates greatness and mediocrity, and the answer is simple, Consistency. Being consistent in delivering the best, growing, and innovating; it will make a difference (eventually, consistency does not have the five-seconds-of-fame kind of impact, yet it gives you the hard-work-pays-off kind of  feeling).

Having said that, I reflect what he said on Starbucks, and now I finally understand why they are awarded the fifth most admired companies by Fortune magazine. They consistently delivering what their promises, to “inspire and nurture human spirit”, which it is clearly shows through all facets of the company’s strategy. From the ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship, to community involvement, and do I need to emphasize their culture? Do you notice their culture the moment you step into one of their store? It’s the baristas, the employees that makes Starbucks an outstanding brand. 

I think, it simply a great case study for my previous post that indicates that brand is about consistency in every corner of your corporate representation.  As for Starbucks, their strategy is not a mere business tactics, but instead, it is their commitment to really inspire and nurture people to not just being the bystander, but being involved to a change, a change for a better things ahead.

That’s what I admire the most from Howard Schultz and Starbucks.

Feel free to leave comments below, and let me know what you guys think,

Tha! xxFNW