The Industry and Workplace
Industry networking is vital in order to ensure efficient performance with respect to the external immediate environment that affects Peet’s the most. At Peet’s Café there are certain policies that address this subject. To begin with, policies with supplier networking emphasize the need for constant communication, strategic long term relations; identify mutual benefit and value in each activity and operation planned and performed together, emphasis on quality and punctuality. In relation to competitors, Peet’s presses on to keep a close eye on them, learn, benchmark, stay ahead and never ignore or underestimate the competition. At the same time professionalism and respect goes along with all competitive activities. It is vital to know your competition and compare yourself with them in order to build your business as a brand and give customers a reason to choose it over the competitors. The management at Peet’s discusses the competitor scenario just as importantly as any other internal issue at the monthly meetings and everyone is encouraged to come up with new ideas to make the business better than it presently is and give customers more value.
Customers are then the most important commodity. Policies, plans and procedures relating to them must be carefully formed backed by research and deep understanding. At Peet’s the main idea is to provide the customers with quality food and beverages, a friendly and healthy environment to socialize in and to provide an outlet to express creativity through the frequent events and programs revolving around art and poetry. With that in mind, the policies and plans are simple; only provide the freshest edible items, ensure that the customer’s time is hassle free and relaxing. Friendly and helpful service is a primary objective. This coupled with quality products, good ambience and value, would result in the ultimate aim – that is to enforce long term customer loyalty. The outline of these abstract policies are to ensure that there no customer complains. But in the case if there is any, prompt service to address it is the duty of all representatives at the facility.
Organizations related to Peet’s are some of the suppliers; Morrison Dairy, Hudsville Butchery, Hot-Bakes bakery, Netsol Internet Service Provider and local farmers for other supplies. Other partners include the local bar from where representatives come for event nights and special occasions to prepare and serve drinks. Competitors include Indulge Café that is located two streets away, Becky’s diner on the same block and a branch of the Hard Rock café. All these businesses have some form of direct or indirect impact on Peet’s business.
As far as industry forecasts go, the price of local produce and supplies is on the rise and is expected to increase more. This would effect product prices charged from customers in order to maintain a level of profit. The trend towards new technology is also something that will drive Peet’s to investing in a better internet infrastructure and market/advertise online more frequently and creates a bigger presence in the cyber world.
Communication, Leadership and Negotiation Skills
To ensure proper communication along all links in Peet’s network, the business uses the latest technology to do so. All of Peet’s suppliers and partners, except for the local farmers, are connected to peet’s via the internet. Constantly connected, representatives from every related business can communicate in real time through instant messaging, emails and notifications on product requirements. Feedback is another important aspect, to ensure that all requirements are being met or if there is some need to modify the course for the future, all orders, activities and interactions are followed by a feedback in which the performance is evaluated and judged with remarks. Apart from suppliers, customers are also not neglected; Peet’s stays in touch with customers through email offerings, holiday wishes, birthday wishes and customized offerings based on the customer’s past record with Peet’s.
To gain trust and confidence, it is important to show dedication and mutual benefit instead of a one-sided affair. Peet’s Café has long term strategic alliances with all its suppliers instead of a lose transactional one. This leads to gaining the trust of the suppliers and partners who feel that the other party is serious and dedicated towards the cause and reciprocate that attitude as well. Constant communication also gains the trust of others as everything is transparent with no secrets at all. To gain the trust of customers, it is important to give them what they want, satisfy them, give them quality with a smile and address any issues and problems with commitment and dedication. Peet’s stays in touch with its customers and does not forget them, only gives them the best quality products and is always happy to assist in any form.
Negotiation is done in a straightforward manner through open communication. Peet’s and its partners have no secrets from each other. All numbers, statistics and motives are put forward in meetings and evaluations. It is important to be professional and open in all business activities. To show mutual benefit and long-term profits/benefits is Peet’s way of negotiating and gaining trust.
Conclusion
In the end, Peet’s Café has learned and evolved its network to work best for its business and those in touch with it. If businesses can capitalize and streamline their networks, daily operations can be nothing but smooth sailing.