If so, you’ll want to take your time and read through this very fine post from B.L. Ochman. Starbucks Social Media Monitoring & Community Help It Survive Brand Attack

In it he details the StopStarbucks campaign that was mounted against the coffee giant this past week. Matthew Guiste, Starbucks Social Media Manager, said this to Ochman. “The bottom line for us: We’re the first to admit that we don’t control the conversation about Starbucks. The bad news for this campaign is neither do they. Ultimately the community decides and we believe that’s a beautiful thing.”

There’s some very interesting statistics presented in the article as well. Ochman sums it up well with this closing. “Having an established online community allows instant assessment and engagement. And those two things saved Starbucks neck in the past week.”

If you’re waiting to put your Social Media plans in place, maybe you should start now.