At the margins what separates one identical cafe from another? Yesterday, feeling my post Landmark Advanced feeling, I thought I'd buy a Big Issue. Went into the cafe to get some change (I guess I could have given the Big Issue guy $20!!),
"Sorry, we don't give change!" So I walked out. But in my post Landmark mind, I turned back and into the cafe again. The guy wasn't there so I asked the person at the other till. He gave me the change. The other guy came back saw what was happening and admonished the guy who had given me the change. I explained to the first guy that I wanted the change to buy a copy of Big Issue. It still didn't register with him. I should have asked him why they don't give change.
Later on I realised that they should turn it on it's head.
WE GIVE CHANGE!
A big sign which distinguishes them from everyone else, and will probably lead to more business relative to the hassle of providing change. They're right next to one of the busiest rail stations in Melbourne. Massive passing traffic. I've a good mind to back to the cafe and speak to the owner or manager about making it a key thing to offer change to people. If people keep coming in demanding something, then isn't that an opportunity!
Funny, but Seth Godin is writing about exactly the same thing, We don't like you, go away.