On May 11th, Ted.com gave people the opportunity to ask Seth Godin anything.

And they did. And Seth answered.

This one I particularly liked:

How can small business coffee shops survive a Starbucks next door?Pascal Lacroix

By being not only different, but better in ways Starbucks cannot. You can’t win by imitating them. Consider having a membership fee, or a different social group. Serve a different item, in a different way, at a different price. Emphasize the ‘Cheers’ friendly element over the ‘get in and get out’ mindset. Exclude certain people or practices. Offer clothes or community performances … stuff they can’t do!

You can read the rest of the questions and answers by going to the TED website. Ask Seth Anything

‘Chelle Parmele
Palo Alto Software