Defining Social Media Relationships

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Defining Social Media Relationships

, // @ Mark Harai // View Comments


Photo by: the|G|™’s photostream

It’s been a while since I’ve posted here. It has been an incredible learning experience. I can’t believe it’s been 5 months – where does the time go!

First of all, I would like to thank you for all for the support and words of encouragement many of you have expressed during my hiatus.

The good news is, if you take a break from blogging – it certainly won’t kill you : )

It’s been refreshing and inspiring at the same time. I didn’t stop reading the blogs I’ve always read or checking into the social networks I’m part of. You can miss a lot when you’re in the social media bubble.

Here are just a few blog posts that inspired me over the past few weeks:

Life in the social media bubble, is it real – by: Bill Dorman

What I learned during my Week Off the Grid – by: Kaarian Dillabough

Get Uncomfortable: The Best Business and Life Choice You’ll Ever Make – by: Marcus Sheridan

A Video Recap of Blogworld LA 2011 – by: Srinivas Rao

I’ve discovered some awesome new voices too and have also started a few new ventures – including this one here: http://GroTraffic.com

Personal relationships

I’ve definitely learned the value of building meaningful relationships on the social web… They’re no different from those we build offline.

Our friends move us emotionally… They share our ups, downs, victories and defeats and are always there to nurture and support us through our journey. Friends grow together and make each other stronger and better people as a result of their relationship. If you desire, you can connect with and build meaningful relationships on the social web with awesome people across the globe.

Relationships start and develop through conversation

Hugs are nice. Getting together is always fun. However, the only friends we have offline are those we connect with – - and that is accomplished through conversation. It doesn’t matter what someone looks like, or what their background is; once they open their mouth and release what’s inside them to your ears; you’ll either be attracted or turned off by what you hear. Your soul mate and best friends are those who move and attract you with their words – - those who don’t you pretty much avoid, yes?

The thing with offline relationships is you have limited access to people you would truly love to connect with. If you go beyond the surface with people you find interesting on the social web, you’ll discover and develop some of the most important and meaningful relationships you’ll ever have online or otherwise.

The relationships discussed above are obviously personal in nature – and the social web is full of interesting, smart, encouraging, helpful, selfless people who put themselves out there everyday and brighten the world and every life they come in contact with. There’s a life-giving source on the social web for everybody. It can change your life, change your circumstances and give you access to a incredible world you won’t understand until you experience it for yourself.

Business relationships

There is another kind of relationship – more business-like, professional in nature, or company/ customer driven. Obviously it would be impossible to carry on meaningful relationships with thousands of people. These require investment of time and ‘your being.’ There’s only so much of ‘you’ that you can invest in good friends; however, you can certainly build solid business relationships with suppliers, consumers and your industry by serving them!

Here is where being helpful, answering questions, solving problems, and consistently serving up value to others can build valuable equity with consumers online. Overtime, that investment can pay off in spades and contribute to building a hugely successful business or brand.

For the professional, this is where having clear goals in mind is so important when you set out on your social media journey. You need to understand how both of these relationships will be instrumental to the health and ultimate success of your online business activities. The close online friendships you develop, in many cases, will be those people you look up to and respect. They will teach you new things everyday and uplift, inspire you to move forward toward your goals in becoming the successful person you know you’re destined to be.

To help consumers discover and connect with you – always be looking to:

Serve others
Give where you can
Add value to conversation
Create and contribute valuable content
Share valuable content of others
Be thankful
Be positive and encouraging to others
Talk less, listen more
And understand, it’s all about them, not you!

If you define these two relationships in your approach the social web with an understanding of the investment of time each will require to build and maintain effectively – you’ll save yourself a lot of wasted time and disappointment.

Building personal and business relationships on the social web takes time and time can simply disappear if you don’t manage it wisely.

How about you – do you define these two relationships to manage your time and activity spent on the social web?



Category : Blog &Social Media

  • http://www.omnificdesign.com.au/ Wes Towers

    Hi, Mark.

    Good to read a post from you again. I admit that while I did notice that I was not getting notifications about a new post from you, I didn’t realize that it’s already been 5 months. It must have been because I was also going through some changes myself. I have taken a step back and made some changes to how I prioritize things.

    You are right, there are different kinds of relationships. And, I noticed in the past that while I was nurturing my relationships online, I haven’t been that in touch with the relationships I had online, especially with my clients. Good thing I was able to realize that while my online efforts were doing well in making me recognized in the blogosphere, they were not exactly helping me out in taking better care of my clients and getting to know them in a much personal level.

    So, I changed tactics. And, although I don’t blog hop or comment as much as I did before, I noticed that I am happier now because I am able to devote more time to my clients and visit with friends online as well.

    Thanks for sharing this, Mark.

  • http://www.kaarinadillabough.com Kaarina Dillabough

    Hi Mark –

    I commented on your post over at Dime, but I guess it didn’t pass moderation:) And I didn’t even say anything but good stuff! :) ))

    So great to see you, and thanks so much for the lovely tip of the hat.

    I’m delighted with the friends, colleagues and associates I’ve met online, so the “social” aspect of social has been tremendously rewarding. But it’s now time for me to focus more on business growth, and how my online presence will contribute to my overall marketing strategy.

    My goal when I started blogging nine months ago was simply to write, to remove my inclination to self-edit and self-censor. Mission accomplished. Now, I will reconfigure the framework of my site, its content and navigation, to more effectively promote my business. I trust that in doing so, I will be able to both maintain the wonderful friendships I’ve developed, while cultivating a strong client base. That’s the plan:) Cheers! Kaarina

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    Hi Wes, I really appreciate you stopping by dropping some encouragement here : )

    Managing online relationships definitely helps manage time – a very valuable resource as you know – - and for professionals, time must be invested in nurturing client relationships. 

    Spend thoughtful time here and you’ll spend more time servicing clients rather than looking for new ones…

    Thanks again Wes, will be visiting you soon : )

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    Wes, is there anyway to signup for your posts via email?

    I looked, but couldn’t find anything…

    Let me know – Thanks!

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    Hi Kaarina,

    I appreciate your support and contribution here very much!

    You’re a world-class writer, individual and light giver : ) 

    Leading, inspiring and getting superior results for more clients is just a re-configuration away : P

    I know I dropped off the planet for a bit; but while I’m back among the living, you can always count on my support.

    Thank you for being you!

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    Hi Kaarina,

    I appreciate your support and contribution here very much!

    You’re a world-class writer, individual and light giver : ) 

    Leading, inspiring and getting superior results for more clients is just a re-configuration away : P

    I know I dropped off the planet for a bit; but while I’m back among the living, you can always count on my support.

    Thank you for being you!

  • http://www.kaarinadillabough.com Kaarina Dillabough

    I.Luv.U. I really do:) You are one of the first people who supported me with your words, wisdom and friendship, and I am indebted. Thanks so much! Cheers! Kaarina

  • http://toshibaonline.info Toshiba Burton

    Hi Mike this post was very helpful especially for those who are trying to figure out how to serve the needs of others & build relationships, you rock!

  • http://frankdickinson.me/ Frank Dickinson

    Great to see you back mark and glad the time away was good for you!

  • Erica Allison

    So good to see you back in action, Mark! My favorite line of all? “The good news is, if you take a break from blogging – it certainly won’t kill you : )”  So very true, my friend! So very true! I’ve scaled back a bit lately, due to a crazy schedule and you know what, I’m ok! The world has not come off its axis….

    I will say you were missed and that I’m glad to see you on your blog!

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    Hi Frank – I’ve been quiet, but didn’t miss your blog posts – there’s much to keep up with as you know and you’re always on the cutting edge with tips, tools and insights… Thanks for all you do and taking the time to drop some encouraging words here : )

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    Wow – what a great comment to receive Toshiba – thanks so much for the encouragement. 

    I love the energy and mind-set – on the social web, you can definitely serve your way to the top!

    Cheers to you!

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    I’m so lucky to be connected to people like you Erica!

    All I can say is “I’m thankful!”

    You must be busy serving clients and that is awesome! Thanks so much for the warm welcome and I will be keeping an eye out for you : )

  • http://expatdoctormom.com/ Expat Doctor Mom

    Wow Mark you are back with full force and some words of wisdom! 

    I have been on a social media diet myself this past month.  You should feel privileged that I read and commented on your post after 5 months of your being away and 1 month of my being away from S.M.! LOL, of course!

    Thanks for letting me know that taking a break was possible.  For me it was not a break form the blog but from all the other stuff…  So to anyone who knows me reading this, don’t take offense when I don’t read and comment on your blogs, I have temporarily put emphasis on other parts of my life and should be back soon!

  • Jayme

    OhMyGosh. I just tried to subscribe again; alas, I’m already signed up! So, so thrilled you’re back, you’re back! Now I can’t bug you for a GP b/c you need to re-build here. I’m here, too, to support you all the way.

    Congrats, and never let it get you to the point of leaving for five months again, unless of course you want to! Heh.

    Feels, though, as if you never left as you were connected to everyone! Very cool. Has this much time gone by? Astonishing.

  • Jayme

    Shoot, using my iPad2 and not sure I can auto be me, so if you don’t know who I am! @Soulati!

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    Hey Jaymee! You always make me smile… Thank you : )

    Ya know – it is astonishing now that you mention it!

    There have been many strong relationships developed in our community of friends across the social web. It’s pretty cool.

    I really feel like I’m part of a family… how cool is that!

    Thanks for stopping by my dear friend, see you soon : )

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    The first comment came through perfectly : )

  • http://www.contentstrategyhub.com Eugene Farber

    Welcome back Mark!

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    Hey Eugene! Thank you for taking the time to brighten my day – I appreciate that and look forward to seeing more of you in the near future sir ; )

    Cheers to you!

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    I appreciate your kind words Dr. Rajka!

    And I do feel privleged to be connected to professionals and friends like you who take the time to invest in other people. Thank you for that :)

    When you take the time to develop real relationships/ friendships on the social web – those friends don’t go away because you take a break or have pressing issues you need to take care of that interrupt your social media flow…

    They’ll be right here when you get back and you’ll find those connections you thought were meaningful & fulifilling actually are. They will be here for you, just as your good offline friends are.

    Cheers to you and I look forward to sharing, learning and growing with you in 2012!

  • Elena Patrice

    Ahh … soooo wonderful to see you back in action Mark! You’ve been missed! Days are brighter with you living out loud and letting the world know it! :)

    Wonderful, wise words as always … thank you!!

    Have a fabulous, meaningful day friend!!

    Much kindness,

    Elena

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    Hi Elena – sooo good to see you miss ; )

    Thank you for stopping by and brightening my day here – I appreciate it!

    I look forward to seeing more of you – Happy Holidays : )

  • http://billdorman.me Bill Dorman

    Dude, where did my comment from yesterday go? Was it invisible too, or are you screening your comments now?

    Good to see you back, but that is very strange not to see my incredibly witty response. Thanks for the mention…………

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    Hey Bill, good to see you sir… the good news is, you’re the only commenter I screen – everybody else can post freely here. LOL!

    Seriously, that is strange – never saw it, nor did I receive an email notification. The social web is conspiring against you… You’re too funny for most to handle. 

    Maybe all of your comments have been deleted, or they may simply disappear slowly : P

    I appreciate you taking the time stop by here and bringing some fun and laughs… nobody is better than you at doing that!

    I’m looking forward to seeing more of you and the many awesome friends we share. 

    See you soon my friend. 

  • http://www.thejackb.com/ The JackB

    Good to see you Mark.

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    Thanks Jack, it’s good to see you too sir – I will be spending more time online once again, so I will be seeing much more of you : )

    Happy holidays to you and yours!

  • http://expatdoctormom.com/ Expat Doctor Mom

    Thanks Mark!  Your response is so reassuring!

    Likewise for 2012!

  • http://www.slymarketing.com Jens P. Berget

    Hi Mark,

    It’s good to see you back here at your blog. This post reminds me when I was living in a tent for six weeks. It was a very interesting experience, and at first I was worried that I would lose all my great friends online. It wasn’t the case, but I had to work hard to get back in the game.

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    Hi Jens, sooo you had to run away to wilderness and lock yourself up in a tent to stay offline, eh??? lol

    The only way to have impact and build something of value is work your tail off  - I hear you loud and clear : )

    You’ve really been putting out some great resources (e-books) that have been very helpful and loaded with great ideas. I clearly see the hard work you invest in your work. Love it!

    I’m up for the task and look forward to seeing a lot more of you in 2012!

    Thanks for all you do Jens : )

  • http://www.slymarketing.com Jens P. Berget

    2012 will be a fantastic year, and my best year ever. I’ll let you know more soon :-)

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    I’m excited for you Jens and it would be my honor to support your efforts anyway I can : )

    Happy holidays to you and yours!

  • http://dimelabs.com/2012/02/social-media-101-focus-on-this-one-thing-to-maximize-your-social-media-efforts/ Social Media 101: Focus on This One Thing to Maximize Your Social Media Efforts

    [...] OK – I've talked way too much in this post. I'm interested in hearing your feedback. How has building quality relationships made a difference in your social media efforts? For more insights on social media relationships, check out: Defining Social Media Relationships [...]

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