603: Innovation, Progress, and your Coffee Shop: Finding the Signal in the Noise

The words "innovation" and "progress" are the favorite buzz words of our industry, but what do they mean? It is usually a lot of noise around the subject of technology, but rarely related to things that deliver lasting positive change in the cafe. The average shop owner has to wade through a sea of claims and sales pitches all making big claims about their products. In the end, they are left with less money and typically the same issues.  Well today we are going to cut through the noise of the industry and its extractive disposition toward business owners and give you a way to think about progress and innovation that simplifies, clarifies, and helps build confidence instead of nursing insecurities.  * * * **KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS** **1:1 CONSULTING + COACHING!** If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  [chris@keystothshop.com](mailto:chris@keystothshop.com) of book a free call now:  *https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min*    Related episodes:  - [500! Reflections and The Role of the Coffee Shop in the Industry](https://keystotheshop.com/2024/10/500-reflections-and-the-role-of-the-coffee-shop-in-the-industry/ "Permalink to: ") - [485: Your Shop vs The Industry – How to Free Yourself From Dependency](https://keystotheshop.com/2024/07/485-your-shop-vs-the-industry-how-to-free-yourself-from-dependency/ "Permalink to: ") - [181 : Organizational Self-Knowledge](https://keystotheshop.com/2019/10/organizationalknowledge/ "Permalink to: ") - [558: Digital Natives and the Future of Coffee Shops w/Kosta Kallivrousis](https://keystotheshop.com/2025/08/558-digital-natives-and-the-future-of-coffee-shops-w-kosta-kallivrousis/ "Permalink to: ") - [SHIFT BREAK! "What's Next in Coffee"](https://keystotheshop.com/2026/04/shift-break-whats-next-in-coffee/ "Permalink to: ")