Normally I go to a specific coffee shop. I am a loyal at this coffee shop, so much so that I gave them an acknowledgement in my second book.

Today I had an errand in a specific part of town. There was a different coffee shop right next door. I decided to check it out. Do something different today, I told myself. The moment I went in, I knew it was all wrong for me. It was crowded, noisy, didn’t have enough electrical plugs, and I felt guilty for being there. Really. I felt guilty.

So what did I do? I hightailed it back to the coffee shop that I adore where I get a ton done, where the majority of my second book was put together!

Obviously many people like the other coffee shop. It had Led Zeppelin booming in the background. They make good coffee drinks, and the atmosphere was lively. However, it just didn’t feel comfortable for me.

Every once in a while I do try to expand my horizons with the many different coffee shop choices we have in my area, and I always find myself back to my regular haunt because it fits me. The music is what I like, and it is not blaring, but pleasant. The other people are all there to make things happen so the energy is positive and focused, not sporadic.

Maybe there are other coffee shops I would get used to since there is a list of 5-6 that claim are good for getting work done, but it doesn’t matter as much since I have already found where I like to get my work done with a yummy coffee or tea drink to boot.

When it comes to the arts, people are even pickier than when they go to buy a cup of coffee. It is super important to brand yourself properly in everything that you do to attract the right people, provide them with the best services and programs, and treat them well. You want them to be loyal to the point of feeling guilty if they do decide to stray a bit. This way, they will always come back to their regular arts haunt because it feels like the best fit for them!

Cheers to happy and loyal audiences,
Shoshana

Shoshana Fanizza
Chief Audience Builder, ADS

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