C++ storing #define as std::string would give size as zero compile time

C++ storing #define as std::string would give size as zero compile time

I am new to C++, stuck with strange problem. I have a macro
#define TEXT_VALUE "Alpha" in common.h file
In a method inside program.cpp i want to access the same and want to do
something like below
std::string test_value = TEXT_VALUE
if(test_value.empty()) {//check during compile time if not set then set
to default
test_value = "Beta";
}
But test_value is always set as "Beta" in generated executable... even
though common.h has the macro.... if the above is not correct way to do
it...any other alternative? Thanks in Advance