Many people use commercial coffee
machines to grab a brew and head off to their place of work or
their next important business meeting. But many choose to grab a
table and do something in the coffee shop itself.
Hospitality providers are well aware of this and frequently aim
to offer an environment that is both relaxing and conducive to some
hard work.
But making it a good place to complete their tasks could go
beyond fitting ergonomically comfortable chairs, pleasant
surroundings and regular access to an espresso or a
cappuccino.
Om Malik, founder of the GigaOM Network, was one person who
regularly went to his local coffee shop to do some work, spending
nearly five months there as he tried to set up his new
venture.
He noted that there are many ways to make the best use of it as
a working environment, from sticking to one location and not
spreading papers and files over too much space.
However, Mr Malik suggested that building relationships with the
people who work in the coffee shop could be equally important. If a
person is going to the establishment every day, establishing a
connection with others and having genuine conversations can make
for a much better atmosphere.
Mr Malik even suggested they give coffee shop staff regular
updates as to how well they are progressing so they can feel more
involved.
Cafes that offer commercial coffee machines might therefore find
it a good idea to advise employees they could regularly end up
dealing with people who are involved in some serious work, who want
a suitable environment in which to get things done.
This means that staff training is critical, as these people can
represent the most valuable and loyal customers around. Indeed, if
people follow Mr Malik's recommendations they will be going to the
same coffee shop day after day and consistently buying drinks.