Adapt and Thrive in the Café Scene: Hospitality Survival Guide - With Joshua King
Joshua King, author of The Hospitality Survival Guide, joins Phil to discuss the current landscape of the cafe industry and share tips for surviving and thriving in this challenging business. They emphasise the importance of knowing your numbers, understanding your customers' needs, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. They also discuss the trends in marketing, such as leveraging digital platforms and embracing sustainability. The conversation highlights the need for cafe owners to adapt quickly and be proactive in addressing challenges.
Summary 💡
0:01:19 | Discussion on the current landscape of the cafe industry
0:02:25 | Major changes in the cafe industry
0:04:23 | Tips for surviving in the industry, including knowing your numbers
0:06:07 | Importance of serving what customers want to buy
0:07:54 | Available resources for cafe owners, such as profitability software
0:08:59 | Importance of having a coach or mentor in the industry
0:08:59 | Accountants need to look at numbers and plan forward strategically.
0:09:35 | Mentoring and resources are available for cafe owners.
0:10:42 | Asking for help and having a good support system is important.
0:11:04 | Successful venue operators differentiate by knowing their customers and numbers.
0:12:06 | Making small tweaks and building a culture of growth is crucial.
0:13:15 | Trends include specific buying preferences and peacocking to stand out.
0:15:01 | Successful businesses tell a compelling story and deliver consistently.
0:16:08 | Digital presence and marketing on relevant platforms is important.
0:16:50 | TikTok is a new marketing platform to consider.
0:16:50 | Being current and adaptable is key for success.
0:16:50 | Importance of being current on social media platforms
0:17:10 | Importance of reviews and responding to them
0:18:06 | Matching the digital experience with the real experience
0:19:17 | Making payments easy and focusing on customer experience
0:20:40 | Standing out in a flooded market through customer experience
0:21:59 | Importance of friendly and motivated staff
0:23:45 | Induction and ongoing training for staff
0:24:41 | Job satisfaction and fulfilment for staff
0:24:56 | Strategies to attract and retain staff
0:24:58 | Challenges and opportunities in the industry
[0:24:56] | Different methods of marketing on social media.
[0:25:02] | Importance of knowing your numbers and customers.
[0:25:32] | Every expense has gone up at the same time.
[0:26:05] | Anticipating customer needs is challenging in the current landscape.
[0:27:40] | Great service can win back customers, even with average products.
[0:28:48] | Embracing sustainability and promoting it to customers.
[0:29:38] | Capitalising on the growth of meal prep kits and food.
[0:29:55] | Shift towards non-alcoholic drinks and plant-based proteins.
[0:30:30] | Importance of financial preparedness and storytelling.
[0:31:25] | Facing challenges head-on and finding solutions.
0:02:25 | Major changes in the cafe industry
0:04:23 | Tips for surviving in the industry, including knowing your numbers
0:06:07 | Importance of serving what customers want to buy
0:07:54 | Available resources for cafe owners, such as profitability software
0:08:59 | Importance of having a coach or mentor in the industry
0:08:59 | Accountants need to look at numbers and plan forward strategically.
0:09:35 | Mentoring and resources are available for cafe owners.
0:10:42 | Asking for help and having a good support system is important.
0:11:04 | Successful venue operators differentiate by knowing their customers and numbers.
0:12:06 | Making small tweaks and building a culture of growth is crucial.
0:13:15 | Trends include specific buying preferences and peacocking to stand out.
0:15:01 | Successful businesses tell a compelling story and deliver consistently.
0:16:08 | Digital presence and marketing on relevant platforms is important.
0:16:50 | TikTok is a new marketing platform to consider.
0:16:50 | Being current and adaptable is key for success.
0:16:50 | Importance of being current on social media platforms
0:17:10 | Importance of reviews and responding to them
0:18:06 | Matching the digital experience with the real experience
0:19:17 | Making payments easy and focusing on customer experience
0:20:40 | Standing out in a flooded market through customer experience
0:21:59 | Importance of friendly and motivated staff
0:23:45 | Induction and ongoing training for staff
0:24:41 | Job satisfaction and fulfilment for staff
0:24:56 | Strategies to attract and retain staff
0:24:58 | Challenges and opportunities in the industry
[0:24:56] | Different methods of marketing on social media.
[0:25:02] | Importance of knowing your numbers and customers.
[0:25:32] | Every expense has gone up at the same time.
[0:26:05] | Anticipating customer needs is challenging in the current landscape.
[0:27:40] | Great service can win back customers, even with average products.
[0:28:48] | Embracing sustainability and promoting it to customers.
[0:29:38] | Capitalising on the growth of meal prep kits and food.
[0:29:55] | Shift towards non-alcoholic drinks and plant-based proteins.
[0:30:30] | Importance of financial preparedness and storytelling.
[0:31:25] | Facing challenges head-on and finding solutions.
Episode Highlights 🌟
The Need To Adapt
Joshua introduced the concept of "peacocking," which involves delivering a standout experience or product that captures the attention of customers. He emphasised the importance of understanding your market and catering to their specific preferences.
Joshua introduced the concept of "peacocking," which involves delivering a standout experience or product that captures the attention of customers. He emphasised the importance of understanding your market and catering to their specific preferences.
Leveraging Social Media Platforms
When it comes to marketing strategies, Joshua spoke about the significance of a strong digital presence and leveraging social media platforms to connect with customers. He also highlighted the importance of online reviews and responding to customer feedback.
When it comes to marketing strategies, Joshua spoke about the significance of a strong digital presence and leveraging social media platforms to connect with customers. He also highlighted the importance of online reviews and responding to customer feedback.
Customer Experience: A Strong Team Culture
Joshua spoke to Phil about the importance of customer experience and the role it plays in differentiating successful venue operators from those who struggle. He stressed the need for a strong team culture and the importance of training and engaging staff to deliver exceptional service.
Joshua spoke to Phil about the importance of customer experience and the role it plays in differentiating successful venue operators from those who struggle. He stressed the need for a strong team culture and the importance of training and engaging staff to deliver exceptional service.
Key Takeaways 🔑
- Know your numbers and understand the financial aspects of your business.
- Focus on delivering what your customers want and build a connection with them.
- Utilise digital marketing platforms, such as Google listings and social media, to promote your cafe.
- Embrace sustainability and communicate your efforts to customers.
- Train and motivate your staff to provide excellent customer service and engage with customers.
Connect With Us 💌
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Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover? Reach out to us at https://www.coffeecommune.com.au/contact/. Enjoy this episode and as always, thanks for listening.
- Joshua’s book: https://www.oceanreeve.com/product-page/the-hospitality-survival-guide-how-to-survive-and-thrive-in-the-hospitality-ind
- Bean There, Done That! Podcast: https://www.coffeecommune.com.au/the-new-bean-there-done-that-podcast/
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