Starbucks, the world famous inconic, was built on integrity and a solid vision.  Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, states in his most recent book, Onward, "There is a word that comes to my mind when I think about our community and out people.  That word is 'love.' I love Starbucks because everything we've tried to do is steeped in humanity." 

For those of you who may not know me personally, my first stop before going to my office is Starbucks (Yoga is my first line of business in the morning).  Aside from the aroma and taste of the my coffee drink that lures me in everyday, it is the sense of community that exudes from each Starbucks that keeps me coming back.  Mr. Schultz describes the touchstones of Starbucks as the following.  How can you transform your nutrition-related business to embrace the success that Starbucks has achieved?    

Respect and Dignity.  Partners of Starbucks treat each other with respect and dignity. They consider Starbucks a place to "be themselves." How do you treat your staff and how do they treat each other?  Do they love to work for your business? Is your business the place to be--for employees as well as customers? You set the tone for your employees/ subcontractors.  In turn, their morale and passion affects patient/customer care. 

Passion and Laughter.  Each barista's passion shines through...they are real.  Where are you in this scheme as related to your business?  Do you believe in what you do?  Does your passion come through to each and every customer/patient that you service?  Does your energy and connection uplift your customer/patient or would you rather be doing something else?  Do you take yourself too seriously, or do you infuse humor in your business?  Humor makes you real... 

Compassion, Community and Responsibility.  Are you a force of action in your community?  As you plant your roots in your community, you become a fixture.  This community may be an online community for some nutrition-business owners.  For others, it may be an icon in a disease-related cause or business focus. As a business owner, the life of your business is a constantly transforming entity.  You can choose to recreate yourself with each opportunity that presents..or you can stay stagnant and not achieve growth.  

Authenticity.  Are you real and authentic?  Or are you trying to be something that you really don't believe in? Your potential customers will sense your authenticity...or not. They will know that you truly care about them...or not.

If you have not yet had a Starbucks experience in your entire career, I suggest you start now...and then go back to your business model.