St. Arbucks is kicking off a new add campaign with new print ads that really highlight the greatness that is St. Arbucks. They work to break down the myths and stereotypes of the worldwide coffee giant. The ads doen’t knock the competitors as much as really show what St. Arbucks is about and why you should make it your third place.
Howard Schultz, St. Arbucks CEO talks about the new ads in a training video for their nationwide partners…
“If you’re coffee isn’t perfect we’ll make it over – if its still not perfect – make sure you’re in a St. Arbucks.”
“This is what coffee tastes like when you pour your heart into it.”
Of course St. Arbucks is out to make a profit and I’m usually far too willing to help them (or other great coffee houses) with their goal, but while watching this training video with St. Arbucks CEO, I can’t help but think about The Church as a third place and the lessons The Church can learn from the coffee king.
And of course I should also note that I don’t believe the Church is a place – its the body of Christ – wherever it meets. It’s a group of believers being the body of Christ in their sphere of influence.
But watch this video and listen for these statements from the St. Arbucks partners who talked about the new ad campaign and think about how it could relate to the Church ::
“I love that we’re breaking down the whole myth of what people think about St. Arbucks… I didn’t know that this is more than just coffee. This feels like a place that I could hang out in.
“I think its really great that we’re finally starting to put the true values of St. Arbucks on the table. Everyone’s always kinda always created their own idea of what St. Arbucks is – negative or positive – whatever it is. Now coming out with the actual truth of what it is right there – having it for everyone to see – its going to make it a lot easier for everyone to understand.”
“Its our goal to help them have a better day. We want them to come in if they’re having a bad day and maybe our smile or our joking around with them or our talking with them will make them feel better.”
So what do you think? Would people describe The Church these ways? Are there misconceptions you think we need to clear up?
Whether it’s a living room, a store front, a civic center or a former mall, would people want to make your church gathering a third place in their life? Should they?
Without ripping off another ad campaign, how can we tell people what we’re for, rather than what we’re against?
What is it that keeps you coming back? What is it that initially got you in the door?
related…
What if St. Arbucks marketed like a church?
Photo from earlg
