How a Coffee Shop Owner Can Keep a Business Open - Keep Customers and Employees Happy

Recently, there was some buzz over a well-known cafe in Brooklyn, New York that had to close its doors for 16 days. Business had been good for them for several years and the coffee shop had become a famous fixture in their area. Dozens of people line up every day for their favorite brew and delectable pastries. No one would expect a lucrative business like that to suddenly close up. But, it did for over two weeks. Imagine the thousands of dollars lost during this short time? The closure wasn't because of the lack of customers but rather from dissatisfaction among its employees. As a coffee shop owner, there is a tendency to stay focused on how to make the customers happy. Sometimes we forget that without our baristas and service crew, we wouldn't have a business to run.

There's a lot of info on how to be the best host to our clients but hardly any on how to be a good boss. Most employees would complain about unsympathetic and abusive working conditions. To them this is worse than getting a low paycheck. Sometimes, a coffee shop owner can be clueless about issues their employees deal with. Expectations may not tally because of bad communication between boss and staff. You can be a better boss to your employees by identifying the issues that are usually oblivious to you until your staff suddenly decides to walkout one day. From an owner's point of view, you may think that you are doing everything right and that your employees are simply happy with their jobs. You can implement a routine to open communication lines better. Keeping your service crew contented is almost as important as pleasing your customers.

Bulova 1875 - A Brand New Business

An immigrant, Joseph Bulova, came to New York and opened a jewelry store. It is said that Bulova "forged an enduring legacy of creativity and excellence, becoming an industry leader", (Bulova Corp,) Mr. Bulova possessed a blend of old-world craftsmanship and new-world innovation. He was relentless in his quest for products that pleased the people and gave him, as well, a sense of pride.

Bulova is one of the few companies in the world to experiment with new products. They are also one of the few to use untried technologies. They are credited with not being afraid to use imaginative marketing technologies. And all this started with his first business in 1875. He actually started a marketing revolution with his first national radio spots in 1926. This commercial reminded all listeners that "At the tone it's 8 P.M. B U L O V A. Bulova watch time". Fifteen years later he produced the first television commercial which proclaimed that "America runs on Bulova time". This was heard at the beginning of the Brooklyn Dodgers-Philadelphia Phillies game on July 1, 1941.

In 1916, they started making desk clocks and fine pocket watches. These items sold abundantly. They made them affordable to the masses. Until this time, only those with means could have a wrist watch and/or a pocket watch. Because of the great convenience of the wristwatch, Bulova began producing them as their primary product. Bulova concentrated on wristwatches and by the mid 1920's the company became the world leader in wrist watch sales.

After more than 130 years, Mr. Bulova's reputation continues in a legacy of products that addresses the changing needs of a broad spectrum of consumers all around the globe. Bulova remains committed to upholding a legacy of excellence for years to come. It is still one of the world's most recognized brands and has an international reputation for design, style and technology.