What does "think strawberries"?

Question

i read it in a training manual and i have no idea what it means

Answer 1

"Think Strawberries" is a marketing slogan inspired by the late James Lavenson, of the Plaza Hotel, in New York City.

It is a codeword used to remind employees throughout the industry that hotel salesmenship starts with their own efforts.  The same practice is true in many other businesses.

Waiters at the Plaza Hotel offered strawberries for dessert to every diner.  It became part of their routine, and that simple action increased their tip income by a measurable amount.

"Think Strawberries" reminds employees that they must ask for the order to be successful, and for the organization to be successful.  The waiters needed to ask patrons about dessert, bartenders needed to ask patrons if they would like a second drink,  doormen needed to recommend the hotel restaurant to guests, the maid staff needed to suggest room service to guests...etc, etc...all the way throughout the organization.  Every employee needed to be "thinking strawberries", or in other words offering upgrades, and more services to the hotel guests.

"Think Strawberries" is a reminder to each employee that the growth and success of their business relies on the employee's efforts to ask for more sales.  Salesmanship has to be a part of every job.  Doing simple things to promote the business will have measurable benefits in the long run for both the employee's compensation, and the success of the business..