Archive for June, 2009

Cafe Marketing - How to Do it Right

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

I just got this email newsletter from my brother’s cafe. He has no formal training in integrated marketing communications, but bloody hell, he’s doing a good job at it. I’ve made some notes below on why it’s such a great newsletter. Have a read…

Hey everyone,

It’s been a week or two since our last update and it is definitely time for a new business of the week.

[Regular updates are great, especially if they add value to the readers]

In about 20 minutes, we are going to be changing our single origin roast to a Columbian Supremo. This Smooth and mellow bean has been roasted a bit darker this week and it is giving off this amazing caramelized citrus flavour. Usually a fairly acidic coffee, roasting this a bit further has given it that sweet caramel that it needed and the mouth feel is thick and delicious! One espresso wasn’t enough and I fear that I’ll have too many while trying to chase that flavour again.

[Bang, straight up you can tell this guy loves his coffee, so you trust his opinion, and there's something timely right at the top to keep regular readers interested. News in a newsletter, fancy that.]

For the coffee adventurists, I have got my hands on a blend called ‘The mother of all coffees’. This is packed full of a wickedly strong Robusta and it is going to knock your socks off! If you feel like a big perk to your morning, come in and ask for some. It won’t be available to the public but I will let you in on my private stash! :) I just spent a week in Melbourne and I’m proud to say that the coffee we are getting roasted for us is well up there with some of the countries finest. I dragged my girlfriend around the cities laneways in an espresso nirvana and found some great little eateries; if you are heading down that way soon, drop in and ask me where to get lost in the city, you won’t be disappointed.

[Helpful, personal; this is value. This guy actually cares about you and your love of coffee. You won't find this level of personalisation at a Starbucks]

This week’s Business card winner is Linda McKewin from Style Magazines. Linda needs to contact either by email, in person or by phone to claim her 5 FREE DRINKS. Remember, you need to read these emails to be in the running for the free drinks and if you have ever placed your card in the draw or if you receive these emails, you are still in the running to win them for yourself.

[What a great touch - promoting the business that wins your lucky business card draw to your whole mailing list. It's a win-win situation and a real incentive to enter.]

This months Trivia night is this Thursday night and it is booked out already. We had an amazing response after the last one and were booked out two weeks ago. If you want to be involved in July’s event, then get in touch with us soon and book your team of four.

[Trivia nights are lesson one in Cafe Marketing 101, clearly it's working too, turning a usually slow night into a packed event. This isn't a desperate plea for someone to come, it's a genuine word of advice that you'd better book early]

Ok, I’ll let you get back to work now, Remember though to sign up to our twitter page for daily specials on coffee and food.

[A Cafe on Twitter isn't anything new, but Dave is doing it particularly well, offering daily specials for those who stay tuned. He tells me it's working really well too - the Twitter followers feel like they're part of a special tribe]

Cheers,

Dave Granfield [owner]

Star Gardentown Cafe

Cnr. Margaret & Victoria St

p. 4637 8744

e. dave@stargardentowncafe.com.au

[Nice work bro!]

What’s on my bookshelf at the moment

Friday, June 5th, 2009

I love reading books on marketing and advertising because, quite clearly, I am a marketing and advertising nerd. Here’s what’s on my bookshelf at the moment, in no particular order:

  • The Long Tail - Chris Anderson’s classic musings on the economics of endless choice and unlimited demand on the Internet
  • Marketing Planning and Strategy - Standard-issue marketing management textbook
  • Cutting Edge Advertising - It’s a print advertising book, but Jim Aitchinson’s third edition has tonnes of creative inspiration
  • Hey Whipple, Squeeze This - A great guide to creating great advertising that no award-school graduate should be without
  • Lovemarks - The future beyond brands by Kevin Roberts, Saatchi and Saatchi’s worldwide CEO, not as promising as it sounds unfortunately
  • Principles of Marketing - Edition 12e of the book that has probably made Phillip Kotler a gazillionaire
  • Meatball Sunday - I reckon Seth Godin lost his way, funnily enough, with Tribes, but this one is a good read

What are you reading at the moment? I have a long weekend coming up and would love some inspiration…

NAB’s Saccharine Customer Service

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

No complaints from me, but hands up if you think they’re trying so hard it ends up looking templated and insincere?

Dear Matthew,

Hi, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Sourabh and I’m going to look after your enquiry today.

Thank you so much for writing to me here at nab. First of all, I would like to apologise for the delayed response and would like to thank you for your patience in resolving your situation.

I have carefully read your e-mail and from my understanding, you would like to have a replacement card for your Visa Debit Card as your previous got damaged.

I am so glad your e-mail reached to me because I’m an expert here at nab and can definitely help you with this today.

As per your request, I have today ordered you a replacement card for yourVisa Debit Card number 4902 XXXX XXXX XXXX.

Your mailing address on file is recorded as:

PO BOX XXX
SOUTHPORT QLD 4215

I wish to advise that your current PIN will not change as a result.

Your replacement debit card is expected to arrive within 5 - 7 business days.

Matthew, I hope I have helped with your enquiry and that you are happy with my personalised service to you. Wishing you a fantastic day.

By the way, if you would ever like to talk with one of my colleagues directly, please feel free to call us on 13 22 65 or internationally on +61 3 8641 9083 between 8:00am and 8:00pm (AEST) Monday to Friday.

Your Sincerely

Sourabh Dua
Your E-Mail Specialist Team

My Top Ten Songs of All Time

Monday, June 1st, 2009
  1. Ryan Adams - To Be Young (is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)

  2. Midlake - Roscoe (beyond The Wizard’s Sleeve Remix)

  3. Massive Attack - Teardrop

  4. Beth Orton - Stolen Car

  5. The Cure - Lullaby

  6. Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah

  7. Bob Dylan - Like A Rolling Stone

  8. David Bowie - Rebel Rebel

  9. Jimi Hendrix - Castles Made Of Sand

  10. Radiohead - Karma Police

I thought I’d put all the clips in one post and see what it sounded like if they were all playing at the same time - the Matt Granfield symphony if you will. It doesn’t sound very good, but the results would be better if record companies would permit embedding of the official clips. Most of them don’t seem to these days. They must think that by forbidding me to share my ten favourite songs with you it will make them more money. Aren’t they clever.

I had to leave some brilliant songs off, and I can’t believe The Rollings Stones or Rage Against the Machine didn’t make the list, but there you go.

Voting opened today in Triple J’s Hottest 100 of All Time poll. What makes it into your top ten?