Starbucks embraces the 5th P: Church of the Customer Blog

Reminds me somewhat of Dell's IdeaStorm, but more streamlined. I plan to stay tuned to this one.--KS

Everyone's favorite marketing patient, Starbucks, has launched a suggestion box-cum-social network for customers.

MyStarbucksIdea collects the ideas of customers (my guess: just as many employees as customers), puts the ideas up for discussion and a vote. Starbucks says it'll keep members of the socnet updated as the popular ideas work their way through the company.

If Starbucks really follows through with its promise, this suggestion box-on-steroids idea is meritocracy via social network. The congregation is smarter than the preacher, so this could develop into a valuable, and tangible, asset for Starbucks.