I was doing my annual reading of Ted Levitt's Marketing Myopia this week and got to thinking about the whole process of product development and what business certain companies are really in.

Not sure where this came from, but gas stations are one of the places that I just loathe. They think they're in the business of dispensing fuel and, save for the convenience store movement, which was a marginal improvement over just pumps, they've not changed much. I'm not sure that I'll be able to redefine their business, but here's a few things I was thinking of that would just make things better. Hell, it might change their

...Get better coffee. Shell or BP or someone should partner with Starbucks or Peets or someone. Gas station coffee is notoriously horrible. Why not do something about it, promote it, and raise your margins a bit. Put a major recognized brand in place, not some shitty house brand that's no different than folgers.

...Put air hoses with built in tire pressure gauges at every pump, and charge for it. Mario Andretti and Michelin are all over the TV with their 'inflate your tires' safety message, yet there's one air hose hidden behind the building that only works 1/2 of the time. Why not become the "Volvo" of convenience stores and promote safety, quality and efficient transportation. Won't you join us, my ass. Put some muscle into it. And, charge me for the privilege of pumping up my tires, or ask me when I'm done filling up, like you do when you want me to buy a car wash. What do I need more, fuel economy & safety or a car wash?

...Put Purell dispensers next to the toweling and window washer. I hate the way that my hands smell when I get done pumping gas and I'm sure I'm not alone. How am I supposed to eat that pastry I just bought if my hands smell like fuel?

I'm sure that there's more, but there's a few ideas...if someone did those, I'd certainly get loyal real quick!