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Consumers and businesses alike are flocking to sites like Groupon, the web-based social media service that offers deep discounts if a certain number of users sign up. But there's a weak link in the value chain: employees. Many businesses fail to anticipate how the rush of customers will affect staff, and if staff are unhappy, customers are apt to have a bad experience. You should prepare your employees when planning a special offer and compensate them for the lower tips and longer hours they typically endure.

How much can you really influence consumers when you launch a Facebook page to attract "fans" and to pepper them with messages and offers? Quite a lot, one small cafe chain found.