Starbucks Pimps Facebook...

Starbucks is trying a somewhat controversial technique . Its not new to Facebook but it is becoming more of a pain than profit. You get an email from them saying to share with your friends and you get a FREE pint. Why can’t that be an option? Reminds me of how their shops are forcing people to PAY FOR WIFI (thus the reason they have lost business and closed shops).

The issue with Starbucks that every entrepreneur can learn from is that they lose when they consistently refuse to create more value. The answer and cause of a recession comes down to one word VALUE. Want to create more value for your customers? Don’t give them FREE ice cream give them Free ice cream and FREE WIFI. Offer free job listings on your site. Create a newsletter with advice for recession times. Sponsor job fairs at colleges.

This quick Facebook  gimmick is cute but will it get them more customers? I doubt that. Buzz? A little but FREE always does that.

Forced viral marketing is not viral marketing. Remember the element in viral marketing is choice. They are not promoting Starbucks because they like the brand. They are promoting Starbucks because they want FREE ice cream. The promotion becomes a glorified chain letter for social media.

Has Starbucks become the pimp and Facebook the whore?

I don’t know but don’t be surprised if they call you “John” (unless thats your name) if you buy into their ice cream campaign. Hmmm I wonder if they will make us retweet for ice cream on twitter?

Entrepreneurs Don’t
Attempt to force people to promote your campaigns.

Entrepreneurs Do
Create choice and let the chips fall where they may.