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The Woodies have a blog. It’s a kind of collective. Not sure we’re about to start a revolution baby, but we might kindle a small debate or two and perhaps raise a smile. Anyway, rather than just blogging corporate Woodreed by fielding our top Woodie (as so many other companies seem to do in a thinly veiled attempt at impressing with their profundity), we wanted all our individual voices to be heard. An agency’s most valuable assets are its people after all. Everyone’s got something to say here and with us everyone’s ideas and opinions matter.

Each week someone different will be blogging. It's mostly about stuff that rocks our world as well as the flipside – the things that just don't cut it with us. We'll blog about inside and outside – inside this glorious industry where we work and outside in the real world.
It's a bit of an experiment, so go with us on this one.

Hope you enjoy.

Wednesday 14 March 2012

Are you on first name terms?


"Have you noticed how everything seems a little impersonal nowadays? We've all become user names, reference numbers and IP addresses. That's why at Starbucks we've decided to do things differently. From now on we won't refer to you as a latte or a mocha, but as your folks intended - by your name. It's only a little thing. We're Starbucks. Nice to meet you."

These are the words from the ad voiceover on the new Starbucks TV ad. You can view it here http://starbucks.co.uk/ Yes it is only a little thing but how marvelous, a personal touch always goes a long way in my book. Perhaps it's this much faster paced, technology driven world we live it but I do remember the day when Mr Frank as I used to call him, who ran the corner shop near my parents home would actually say, "hello Catherine how lovely to see you, what would you like today?" now it's self serve checkouts at the supermarket that talk to you!

If only there was a Starbucks round the corner, i'd definitely be popping in to introduce myself for that free latte today.
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8 comments:

  1. Unknown14 March 2012 at 10:35

    "I am not a number" who said this famous phrase? Answers on a postcard please!

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  2. Unknown15 March 2012 at 03:16

    Indeed it was - did anyone ever understand that show?

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    Replies
    1. Catherine Lamb15 March 2012 at 03:39

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. Catherine Lamb15 March 2012 at 03:39

      I've just had to google The Prisoner.... Can't help you on that one i'm afraid!

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  3. Unknown15 March 2012 at 08:34

    Some great comments re this on Twitter #starbucks eg That same afternoon I was not asked my name. The barista said she 'could not be bothered anymore'. Great attitude! #starbucks
    Classic example of failing to get the brand inside consistent with the brand outside.
    And what fun we could all have making up ridiculous pseudonyms every time we order.

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  4. Charlotte19 March 2012 at 07:13

    I was the only one in the queue that morning after a different drink - I don't like their Lattes. Felt obliged to let everyone know for some reason! What do we reckon though - genuine attempt to create a sense of community or cynical ploy to drive trial (it coincided with their new double shot change to their coffees)hmmmm.

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  5. Dave Wilson26 March 2012 at 09:39

    Back to The Prisoner I'm afraid.

    I understood the idea (he didn't want to be number), but as for those huge white elastic blobs bouncing all over the place........

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