Exactly. Too many are using social media as a method to build links and traffic and making quick sales. We need to look at it as we’re talking to real people about things we care about.

Great stuff my friend

Hi Jens!  Traffic, links, sales – these are all good for sure!

In fact, if you’re getting traffic, links and sales, my bet would be that you’re initiating and building relationships effectively online.

Caring is one thing you can’t fake and the one thing that will make or break your business dealings online.

Thanks a bunch for popping in Jens – I will see you over at your place soon : )

We are in agreement about this. People drive the medium not the other way around.

This would seem like an easy revelation, although the lights haven’t come on for some folks. Relationships are certainly one of the most valuable takeaways anyone can benefit from on the social web.

Thanks for stopping by Jack : )

It can be a time suck that’s for sure. However, some of the benefits are not directly quantifiable.

I’ve learned a lot and still learning every day. I have developed some amazing relationships and to me, that’s worth a lot.

It certainly is a wide open door of opportunity in many, many ways. I guess how you use it will determine the value, right? 

Absolutely Bill… there’s no right or wrong way to use the medium, that’s for sure. 

However, relationships drive the experience. Not just in social media, but in life in general. 

That’s one of the greatest opportunities the platform provides. Connections and relationships drive every aspect of your life. 

Every time you reach out on the social web to someone you find interesting, it could be the life-changing connection you’re looking for.

Make it a great Saturday sir : )

I just love that quote – I have met people on Twitter that I met in real life and have become good friends. It’s a great place to meet like minded people and those than can lift you up. It’s no different than real life except you can meet more people via Twitter than you would in real life. Relationships are what make the world go around and that includes business. 

Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing your thoughts here miss.

Ya know, it always makes me chuckle when I see the phrase “real life” in describing our online relationships.

It presupposes our online friendships are some kind of fantasy life..?

I’ve referred to my online relationships the same way!

All relationships are ‘real life’. They all impact us positively or negatively. 

Words and conversations, more than anything else, drive both our offline and online relationships.

And yes, its awesome to have access to an unlimited number of cool, like-minded, smart people to learn and grow from right at your finger tips. 

That is one huge benefit the social web provides : )

Have a wonderful Sunday Lisa!

The social in social media stands for relationship. Without the relationship being enabled through social media, it wouldn’t pass as such a great platform for business. But not many get this all of the time, even myself including. It is so much easier just using social media as a broadcast channel rather than a relationship building platform it really is. I think for me, I have been better able to build relationships on Facebook than on twitter, linkedin and google+.

Thank you for the post Mark.

I hear what you’re saying Tito… folks just need to get to the point where they take their social media contacts to another level. 
Phone calls, in person meetings, events, etc. where folks can get down and discuss potential opportunities.

If you can make things happen, there’s lot’s of opportunity out there for just about anyone!

Thanks for stopping by Tito, it’s always great to hear from you sir : )

” We are moved in life by words and conversations.”  No actually, we are moved by action….talk is cheap.   

I can’t argue with truth Jeff… I was addressing something a bit different here – but nonetheless, talk is cheap and those who take action are the only folks getting things done.

Cheers!