Passion, Culture and Trust — An Inspiration from Cologne

Portrait of Marco Zumoberhaus, Founder and CEO of Yoline, expert in marketing and digital transformation.
Marco Zumoberhaus
16.2.2025
Yoline's mascot sits on a window silt in Cologne. icon image. AI generated.
In brief:

Admittedly, writing this blog wasn't part of my Sunday planning. And this despite the fact that the morning had started so promisingly: the information structure and wireframes of a web project, created entirely with AI, and in parallel an exciting webinar on AI-supported sales strategies. But then the lunch break came.

I'm spending a few days in Cologne and the region — a welcome change. New contacts, valuable follow-ups and a change of scenery that inspires, all due to work. These are exactly the moments when I feel why I am an entrepreneur. This variety of encounters and experiences is an essential part of my passion. Sunday is available to work remotely on ongoing projects or simply to...

A lunch that does more than just satisfy hunger

On Tripadvisor, I discover an oriental restaurant in the old town — charming, well-rated and within walking distance. The photos? Well, not necessarily the place for a business lunch, but perfect for a short break. I am warmly welcomed. Remarkable: at least nine employees for around 40 seats. Whether it pays off - it's not my business.

The Beirut restaurant in the old town of Cologne. 16.02.2025

It looks like a mix between restaurant and fast food place. I am critical, order an appetizer that tastes delicious and get advice for the main course. Two recommendations, I choose the more expensive one — not because of the price, but because of the passion I feel in the waiter's words. His enthusiasm is contagious.

Teamwork that you can taste

The main course is — just like the starter — phenomenal. The tea? Unforgettable I am particularly impressed by the team dynamics: at least four people preparing, others serving, cleaning or infusing tea, that's right: infusing tea, plus a separate corner and one person who did nothing else during my entire stay. Apart from this clear task, no clearly identifiable hierarchies, but noticeable passion and support. Everyone here helps where they can. The atmosphere? Warm, cheerful, collegial.

A corporate culture that inspires

Cell phones while working? From time to time, short, funny videos that made people smile — rare, unobtrusive, everyone served, everything clean, everyone happy. I was also the only guest with a direct view of the open kitchen. Smoking breaks? Imperceptible, they were probably compensated with countless cups of tea. Bad mood? Bad news. Instead: a team that meets on equal footing, shares successes and grows together. Tips go into a common pot — individual performance is replaced by team spirit.

I ask myself: How does personnel management work here? wage models, overtime, bonuses, Process organization— This may be a minor issue in this company. But one thing is clear: Transparency plays a central role: Trust is the basis and leads to team play here. And collaboration creates this unique culture.

Alleys in Cologne's Old Town

People make the difference

So the question remains as to what this blog is about now, whether I am going to write travel blogs for tourists, or have simply been boring for me,..

A colleague said to me just 3-4 days ago: “I always have to say what can be better, I'm always working.” Yes, I agree, I too am constantly looking for connections, synergies and potential, especially when I'm traveling alone and have the time like today during lunch. But I would probably rarely talk to the operators about it.

In this small location in Cologne, there is plenty of potential for the further development and economic optimization of operations. But to what extent is intervention needed here? And how would I proceed?

A look at the restaurant next door shows exciting contrasts: Similar prices, similar cuisine, modern, more expensive, but empty. This shows that culture, passion and team spirit radiate and that a brand stands out and positions itself through a variety of factors both internally and externally.

Changes in this place would only be possible in harmony with people and their culture, and potential could be tapped through transparency and joint development.
What would happen if new processes, other guests and higher demands suddenly destroyed the company's effective positioning features?

Sure, a few low-hanging fruits would be available. As an example in communication: They process fresh and certified organic products - as I was able to confirm from my position. On request, it was found that around 30% of all meals are vegan. Neither was communicated on the card. Or a code to rate the restaurant could have been printed on the map of the restaurant with the invoice.

As a farewell, I leave an excellent review — an honest appreciation of what counts here: humanity, passion and community. I think that is appreciated on their part, after all, that's how they found the next fan in me.

Internal marketing as success factors

Your corporate culture is the key to success — start now with the right ideas.
Experience potential

Frequently asked questions on the topic

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How does internal marketing differ from general marketing?

Yoline marketing agency call-to-action arrow up in Yoline's corporate colors. Part of the corporate design of Yoline, the creative agency in Valais
Yoline marketing agency call-to-action arrow up in Yoline's corporate colors. Part of the corporate design of Yoline, the creative agency in Valais

Internal marketing focuses on employee satisfaction and motivation within the company, while general marketing is aimed at selling products and services to external customers. Internal marketing promotes corporate culture and employee engagement, which has a positive effect on the company's overall performance.

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As an existing company with ongoing processes, how can I optimize my internal marketing and at what cost?

Yoline marketing agency call-to-action arrow up in Yoline's corporate colors. Part of the corporate design of Yoline, the creative agency in Valais
Yoline marketing agency call-to-action arrow up in Yoline's corporate colors. Part of the corporate design of Yoline, the creative agency in Valais

In order to optimize internal marketing in companies, we analyse current measures and strategies. We're looking for areas and processes that can potentially be optimized. This can be done through regular employee surveys, workshops and training, recognition and reward systems, and transparent communication. The resulting measures are prioritized and offered. The costs vary depending on the scope and type of measures, but can often be justified by the positive effects on productivity and employee retention. At Yoline, we support you in developing tailor-made strategies, formulating measures and implementing measures. Our approach may differ, as the control process is not neglected and we are in favour of quantitative evaluations of the changes.

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