Lessons Learned in the Tea Room

Take two parts training and three parts hard knocks. Shake them together and you get a lifetime of lessons learned on the front line in the tea business industry. 8 years of ups and downs have taught me a few simple steps that can save you hours of heartache if applied now.
Here are the top 3 lessons that I learned in the tea business:
Lesson #1 A Consistent Atmosphere Creates Loyalty
Before you enter the door you know what atmosphere to expect and are inwardly grateful. I would venture to guess it is a consistent atmosphere. What does the public library and Starbucks have in common?
Be it the old fashion "silence" of the library or the wafting smells of grinding beans an knowing what's coming cannot be beat. Expectations met in this era of constant change can be soothing.
So, ask yourself...What type of atmosphere am I creating for my customers and how will I keep it consistent?
The key comes in presenting that same experience again and again like clockwork. Consider your types of tea, food and services which all contribute to the overall impression and ultimate experience your guest will look forward to .
If you can achieve that your customers will look to you as a refuge from the storm of life and keep coming back for more.
Lesson #2 The "Show" Must Go On
A tea business is a "show" and the "show must always go on. Just at a consistent atmosphere will keep your customer flow returning, a sense that someone else is in charge will extend a comforting blanket to a ragged and weary public.
They do not need to know that the lead actress has the flu or that the set has a hole in the wall which you carefully covered with a large mirror. The audience need not be aware of the chaos behind the stage. If you plan to run a tea business think of it as a play.
They long to enjoy themselves and get away from their day to day drudgery. The audience wants is to be entertained and kept blissfully unaware of the dangers that lurk in the night.
The smart owner recognizes that customers want the "show" to go on. He or she will make sure that customers are not aware of fires in the kitchen or the staff that didn't show up. A successful tea business owner is like a great stage manager.
Give them a break and don't share what goes on behind the magic curtain. Customers have their own set of problems. Not likely. Did you feel relaxed?

Think about this: Have you ever been to a small business where the owner told you all about their cares and woes?
Lesson #3 A Dash of Mystery Keeps Them Coming Back For More
In the 1930- 1940's serial mysteries played daily on radio and in movie theaters. These short episodes left audiences hanging in suspense compelled to return for next week's installment.
A creative entrepreneur knows how to keep their customers involved in their tea business. In today's society, competition for one's time is fierce. So too, a tea business owner must project a sense of mystery and intrigue to keep clients enthralled.
Consider daily menu's, themed events, costumes,festive holiday decor or even contests as part of the mystery your customers crave. A mix of consistency with the great unknown makes for phenomenal stage productions and unimaginable customer loyalty.
In summary, your mission, should you choose to accept it is simple. Provide a consistent, care free enviornment that sparks creativity and delight. Your clients will thank you with their money time and time again.
Dawnya Sasse is the creator of the ultimate tea business training school allowing students to discover the secrets of the tea industy,"quickly and easily" without ever leaving home.
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Copyright 2006 Dawnya Sasse All Rights Reserved. Tea Events
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