What motivates you???

A simple question that only becomes more complex if you think..??? Food and Drink of course the cornerstones of this ...

A simple question that only becomes more complex if you think..??? Food and Drink of course the cornerstones of this ...

Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll.

Oh, wait a minute...That was back in the 70's. Never mind

A simple question that only becomes more complex if you think..??? Food and Drink of course the cornerstones of this ...

I have been known to get very motivated over a pepperoni and jalapeno pizza (particularly if there is beer involved)...but the motivation is generally short lived and usually results in a strong urge to take a nap.

As a chef, what motives me is the instant gratification you get when you see people enjoying the food that you took the time to plan, purchase and produce. As I like to tell people whom I've hired, we are in the business to put smiles on peoples faces!

As a coffee roaster, it is definitely when people tell you this is amazing coffee, or the best coffee they've ever had, or similar comments.

As a proprietor, it is when people come up to you and thank you for opening such an amazing place. And you can tell they mean it. They have big smiles and are truly expressing gratitude and thankfulness.

I get both of those on a regular basis, and it makes all the hard work a bit more satisfying....

Cheers,

p.s. As a coffee geek, it is always trying to learn more and get better at roasting and trying to find that perfect cup of coffee!!! It is all about raising the bar higher and higher...

As a chef, what motives me is the instant gratification you get when you see people enjoying the food that you took the time to plan, purchase and produce. As I like to tell people whom I've hired, we are in the business to put smiles on peoples faces!

As a coffee roaster, it is definitely when people tell you this is amazing coffee, or the best coffee they've ever had, or similar comments.

As a proprietor, it is when people come up to you and thank you for opening such an amazing place. And you can tell they mean it. They have big smiles and are truly expressing gratitude and thankfulness.

I get both of those on a regular basis, and it makes all the hard work a bit more satisfying....

Cheers,

p.s. As a coffee geek, it is always trying to learn more and get better at roasting and trying to find that perfect cup of coffee!!! It is all about raising the bar higher and higher...

What they said except substitute beer for food & coffee.

I totally love the thank you notes from brides and grooms after their wedding, especially when they share that their guests thought the wedding cake was not only yummy but a unique design as well. I also get motivated by venue managers getting excited when they see us coming in the door and I hear murmurs of "oooh, good cake today."

It's all about turning out a product that you're proud of and that puts a smile on customers' faces.

Happy customers! I love it when I can use an exsisting customer as a reference.
There can always be an issue, but my customers always now I will fix it!

fear.

The same as all restaurant lifers: the 'espresso moment' when the day is done and you look back and know you have inspired (x) people and changed the way they look at FnB...

That grandma you coaxed into a gruner veltliner instead of pinot grigio.

The businessman that is gonna go home and use your recipe for tobacco bourbon to impress his bosses from NYC.

The couple from Asheville, NC who were so impressed with their experience they called it the highlight of their vacation to Louisville for the bourbon trail.

In one way or another, I think we all do it not just for the sensory and intellectual fascination, but also for the altruistic feel of inspiring others. Like presidents leaving office, subconsciously we all want that legacy, that immortality. Going to bed at night knowing you just changed the world, one person at a time, lauded or not.

For me, I get the biggest thrill out of inventing techniques, flavors, presentations that are completely original, at least to me. I also get excited when I find that my 'original' ideas were already done by someone else. Kind of makes you feel like you are plugged into the zeitgeist and makes you wanna ask the other person how they came to thier conclusion...

The beautifull thing of culinary arts is that they are just that- art. It is all expression of the artists and the only boundaries are the ones we set ourselves.

Money.

I like it.

Ditto... with Dan Thomas all the way on that one, I might add as an owner/operator the satisfaction of keeping individuals and families employees and happy is a huge motivator for me. Interesting question in deed.

Having a customer call the store after a cooking demonstration to clarify cooking instructions. She was worried about using cedar planks in the oven, making sure she wouldn't " burn the house down". When told her call was no problem, she said " I never ever cook, but seeing how easy you made it, inspired me to cook for my family". To know you've had a positive impact makes all the hard work worth it.

Deb

It seems pretty clear, particularly after reading this thread, that regardless of your industry, people are motivated by knowing that what they have done makes a difference in some way. Of course, we all want money and tangible rewards, and different things motivate people to varying degrees. But the satisfaction of helping someone in some way is truly empowering, makes the effort worth it, and the acknowledgement of these efforts can be the greatest motivator. It is for me, I know that.