Personal attention drives Apple Store success - what about the church?
How good is your church at paying personal attention to people, their questions, their concerns, etc? Apple has certainly keyed in on the combination of support, convenience and the expression of authentic concern in their stores. Starbucks does it in their coffee shops. In both cases the level of community, loyalty and commitment are unbelievable and totally natural at the same time.
When I walk into an Apple store I know that I am not intruding if I am only there to check my email on their computer. When I walk into a Starbucks I know if I am just there to get a newspaper, or sit down and work on my computer for a while, that I am welcome to do so - no pressure to bye something first. Both of these places feel comfortable and welcoming because they value being the center of their community along with providing the highest quality possible.
In fact I would bet that most people are more loyal to Apple or Starbucks more than they are to there church, and at a certain level for good reason. They have focused on how people feel when they come through the door, not what they can get out them, at least at first. And a real key is that both Apple and Starbucks don’t have to beg people into their stores.
Now think of this in regards to ministry. How can we provide an environment where people can come and check us out? How can we make ourselves a place that is at the center of our community? How can we let people know they don’t have to make a commitment first before we will help them out?
In my mind the church should be the leader in this space, and if you especially Apple you can see the truths of the Bible and “evangelism” in full play. They might not even realize the truths they are using to build community and spread a message -but they have nailed something churches have missed. They best environment to do this is in a neutral setting, where people aren’t pressured but where they are served. hmmm..
What do you guys think?
Personal attention drives Apple Store success - (37signals)
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You can see the opposite at some fastfood resturants. I’ve taken my youth group into some 1/2 before closing - like after a youth conference or concert - you see the employees roll their eyes, sign and slump up to the register. Makes you want to run, but then every other place is closed or the same.
You are right on about the church needing to step up and make people believe they are wanted, valued!
It just has to be more then all about “selling” and Apple and Starbucks have keyed in on “belonging” and “caring” in a way that is real.