Two things happened this week that have frustrated me...
One, early in the week, I lost my Publix Mayoralty. Again. This time, to a new individual. Her name is Jen M... But then, a few days later, I reclaimed the title...
So I am obviously in a battle with a few folks for this title at my local store...this is GREAT for Publix. Sadly, they apparently have NO idea. But THREE people have been the Foursquare Mayor of Publix over the last two weeks. I don't think they have ANY idea how great this is for them.
The possibilities for this store are ENDLESS.... But we'll get into that down the road...
The second thing that bothered me was this. After I left Publix, I walked into my local Starbucks (which is connected to the Publix), checked-in, and claimed the title of Mayor! Yay! I then proceeded to ask the lady what that actually meant...
She looked at me as if I was smoking something. She'd never even heard of it. Which, I must say, isn't all that surprising. And yet, as I recall, at one point Starbucks has offered some benefits to their Mayors.
She kindly went to see her manager, and when she came back, she said "well, it means, like, well, you're king of the mountain, or something..."
Hmmm. The manager knew what I was talking about. Clearly, and described it to this staffer in such a way that communicated "I don't care what he's asking you, tell that pain in the ass to get out of our way..."
Or at least that's how I interpreted it...
Todd's FREE Publix Starbucks Foursquare Tip: Even if you are NOT - at that exact moment in time - offering a specific Foursquare check-in special...when a guy claims to have just been ordained as the new Mayor, and a FRICKIN' MANAGER is asked about it...
As the manager, I would walk out to the guy, shake his hand, thank him for his business, and offer the poor dude a small coffee or something... Or ask him if he wants a free sample of a food item... Or at least say, "Hey! We are really glad to see you!"
That kind of message would sustain me for days... And Lord knows I would tell someone about it.
But at least open your mind to the possibilities... You were SPOON FED a chance to recognize a good customer (by definition, your Foursquare Mayor has BEEN THERE BEFORE and will LIKELY COME BACK AGAIN...), and to express your appreciation... And. They. Blew. It.
What other Foursquare/geolocation ideas do YOU have for Publix? Or Starbucks? Sigh...
Using Foursquare, Todd has checked-in to his local Publix 56 times, without hearing so much as a peep. He will blog after every check-in until he gets recognized as a loyal customer. In the meantime, he will offer some ideas free of charge on how they might use Foursquare. Join the Watch!