Sunday, January 14, 2007

Book Review: The Starbucks Experience

The Starbucks Experience
by Joseph A. Michelli

Starbucks is a fascinating company. They have ‘taken over the world’ with coffee shops in over 35 countries. Starbucks is obviously about a lot more than simply selling coffee. There are lots of companies that sell coffee and yet they never get as big or successful as Starbucks. This book explains 5 principles that Starbucks works with to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
A short easy to read book, with plenty of insight into the facets of a company that makes a difference to so many people around the world.

I give this book 8 out of 10

Full review here

9 comments:

Elmar said...

Starbucks had a real hard time entering the european Market. The Starbucks Experience seemed not play out as well as the investors hoped because of the very strong existing "cultural coffee history" in France, Italy and Germany.

In the last 1-2 years that has subjectively changed though and whenever I pass or enter a Starbucks cafe it is packed with people. Would be interesting to know how they are doing now in terms of financial numbers.

Thanks for the book review!
Elmar

Dr. Neil said...

Hi Elmar,

that is interesting as the idea for Starbucks came from European style cafes in the first place.
The book does mention how Starbucks has adapted to local cultures.

Joseph Michelli said...

Dr. Neil, Thank you for taking the time to read and review my book. I am in your debt. Joseph Michelli, author of The Starbucks Experience.

Dr. Neil said...

Hi Joseph,

how very cool to have the author of the book comment on my review.

Are there any other books you have planned in the near future that we should keep an eye open for?

Anonymous said...

I can also recommend My Sister's a Barista by John Simmons. It's the story of starbucks from a brand/marketing point of view and touches on some of the points you refer to.

Joseph Michelli said...

Dr. Neil... I am always looking for ideas any suggestions "yellow tail wine for example?"

Dr. Neil said...

Hi Joseph, how about more on the psychology of winning companies? Starbucks is only one of a handful of companies that manage to be winners. Is there some commonality between these companies?
I would also like to see more research and writing done on the culture of an organization. Starbucks has a very strong culture, what about companies with a weak culture that still seem to do well?

Joseph Michelli said...

Dr. Neil, That is an idea I have contemplated "beloved" companies, if you will. So who would you put on the list. Do't know weak cultures with productivity.

Anonymous said...

In the past you have kindly blogged about my book The Starbucks Experience. I appreciate the time you to review it and share your thoughts with your readership. I hope you will consider reviewing my most recent book The New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. It is the only book that has been written about this amazing business that is committed to product excellence and service professionalism. Again thank you for all your assistance in the past. My best and continued great success with your blog. Joseph Michelli