Over the last week I have been helping students from several universities with research projects they are undertaking on the Australian newsagency channel – the challenges we face, how we are dealing with these and what the future holds. On the weekend, after answering some questions about how we think we are perceived by Australian consumers, I caught up with this video from Britain’s Got Talent. Take a look…
What struck me about this, beyond wondering when Brits will look beyond the physical before they judge someone, is what can happen when your actions go way beyond what people expect of you.
The young guy and girl walk on stage and their physical presence sets expectations. Their performance shatters those expectations and forces the audience to see them in a completely different light.
Our history has set consumer expectations about newsagents and newsagency businesses. I think those expectations are out of date with retail today.
For each of us and the newsagency channel collectively to have a future we must shatter consumer expectations. Achieving this starts in our individual businesses. I think we each have to ask ourselves, are we shattering consumer expectations about newsagencies in our own newsagency? If not, why not?
If you think this is too hard then you must ask why you remain in business … and then get on with shattering the expectations of those who shop with you, pas by your front door or for any other reason think about your business.
We need to deliver to Australian consumers the experience delivered by the two young singers in the video.
Mark – I don’t know why you lament the Brits’ behaviour, Exactly the same reaction would have occurred on Australia’s Got Talent don’t you think?
Maybe. I saw this is all.
Very interesting mark, I am actually a university student working on an assessment regarding the future of Newsagents aswell. The information on your blog is becoming very helpful, thanks.
No worries Stephen. I’m aware of several universities using the channel for business courses. We are in the middle of significant changes. Good operators are evolving stronger businesses as a result.