Social media has opened up an endless amount of new ways to connect with people from all over the world. If you look at my Twitter feed you will see world travelers to hockey fans and public relations pros to dog lovers. The connections you can build with these simple tools are astounding and new innovations are growing on a daily basis.
One of my favorite social media innovations is Starbucks’ “Tweet a Coffee” feature. It has been around since October of 2013 and it sends a $5 Starbucks gift card to the recipient of your choice. It’s a great way to send a little love along, but it has so many uses just beyond simply sending a coffee to someone you care about.
The system works by tweeting “@TweetaCoffee to @Username” you can even send a short message along, if you like. I have my latest example below to Meredith, one of the AWESOME members of The Fearey Group team.
@Tweetacoffee to @MeredithMiles. Thank you thank you!!
— Chris Guizlo (@chrisguizlo) March 31, 2014
After you send the tweet the @TweetaCoffee account will ask you to confirm that you have a Starbucks account and confirm a payment method. Once that is complete the recipient will receive a tweet that their Starbucks gift card is ready for pick up. From there they can go online and download the $5 gift code.
I love using this feature and do it on a regular basis. I send them to friends and family to say thank you, to online friends who might need a pick-me-up or just as a way to say “hey how are things going.” If you are trying to figure out how to start a networking relationship with someone you follow online, why not tweet them a coffee and ask if they want to meet up? If they say yes, you’ve already “bought” their coffee for them. Or it’s an even better way to follow up with someone you might have met at an event to try and keep in touch.
Social innovations that allow us to bridge the gap to directly take advantage of a service and spread the love to our family, friends and acquaintances is one of the next innovations companies should consider. Now get out there and tweet your way to your next coffee meeting.
About Chris Guizlo
Coffee Lover, Travel Addict, Political junkie, Former Washingtonian Turned Seattleite, Twice an #AmericanU Grad and @ChrisGuizlo on Twitter rad.