Hi Mark,

Twitter is great for making connections. As we have spoken about elsewhere if you engage and interact the opportunities find you. I devote time each day to trying to speak with “followers” and those I “follow.”

Some of those are connections that I have built because I think that we might be able to help each other but most are just people that I thought might be interesting.

My experience has borne out that talking with them about the ‘mundane’ has led to our discovering areas where we can help each other. It doesn’t have to be business related. Just talk and see what happens- so many possibilities.

Hmmm… cool Yes Twitter has also helped me to connect with unknown people. The design of my blog was helped by an tweet friend who replied to my tweet and offered her help to change some of my issues.
Thanks Twitter ..

Hi Sudeep!

That is very cool sir – there are so many talented folks on Twitter with skills that will take us much deeper into the digital space. What excites me most are the endless opportunities that available to those who engage and develop relationships.

I appreciate you taking the time to comment Sudeep, I appreciate you adding to this conversation.

Cheers to you!

Will be keeping an eye on this, sounds exciting for you Mark. I wish you the utmost in success with your new venture! I’m happy for you!

Hi Jack, I’m really enjoying your contributions here sir, and I appreciate it.

There’s so much happening on the social web. It’s more than what you ate for breakfast, or where you check in, although that’s cool too!

Things are happening. Relationships are developing. Business are being launched at a rapid pace, all because of connections that would never have happened had Twitter not been born.

That’s a reality that very cool to me. I’m not going to miss the opportunities to spread my wings and fly on the social/mobile web with like-minded people who desire to build valuable businesses : )

Cheers to you Jack!

Hi Warren – thanks a ton sir. Have you been interviewed by BlogcastFM yet? If not, we certainly need to get an interview scheduled. Let me know.

Cheers!

I haven’t had the pleasure!

But it sounds like fun!

Well that needs to change very soon. I will put a bug in Srini’s ear. You’re loaded with some great experience the community could benefit from.

You can’t keep all of that knowledge and expertise to yourself : )

Great article and it highlights two issues:-

1. Twitter is all about making the right connections not the quantity of connections
2. Networking takes time for the value to be evident

Thank you Mark, I’d be honored.

Sharing knowledge is what it’s all about!

You have a great day my friend! I’m off to enjoy the sunshine.

Awesome. Been there, done that. Ain’t it great?

Hey Mark- As I said to you on Skype last week, CONGRATULATIONS!

In the past four months I have had three clients which contacted me directly on Twitter. So yes so far Twitter has brought me business, the time and effort I spent on it hasn’t been in vain.

But the more I look at it, the more I think its a complete approach, because they followed me on Twitter, after reading my blog.

Twitter is just a channel, if it wasn’t there they could have emailed me (actually one did and his email ended up in my spam folder) then gave me a shout on Twitter.

So yes to Twitter but it’s not a miracle tool

The potential is there – it could be great : )

Wow, Mark – this is awesome! It would definitely be great to meet another blogger in person, especially one with so many good things going for him as Srinivas Rao. I can only imagine how excited you were when you first met!

I recently picked up a book called The Tao of Twitter, and your story sounds a lot like the opening one in the book. Until reading this book, I had no idea that Twitter could make so many things possible (even now, it’s all new to me!).

I had also recently started to love Twitter and only several months ago became active (I believe since the start of the year). The Twitter community is just so supporting, and it’s really great just to connect with people outside of the blogging community.

Anyway, I’m so happy for you, Mark, and your blossoming friendship with Srinivas Rao. Keep up the awesome work here on the blog! I’m really enjoying this Twitter series.

Christina

Hi John, agreed, Twitter is not a miracle tool, but is a very effective tool for connections that lead to getting things done… Including being the catalyst for for many business deals.

There is much more coming down the pike John, and as it evolves, there will be many more contributors and strategic relationships/ partnerships that will evolve from this one little venture.

I look forward to doing some business with you sir : )

Hi Paul, yes indeed, there are no quick fixes that I’ve run across over the few years participating in the Twitter community.

Trust and relationships are built over time; some folks try to game this or take shortcuts and that just won’t work effectively on the social web.

Thanks for dropping your thoughts here today, I appreciate it : )

I’ll get back with in the next few days Warren : )

Hi Christina, it’s great to see you miss : )

Keep this in mind, I have done lucrative projects with people I’ve never met face to face – just on Twitter and Skype calls.

Srini and his partner who have built a nice thriving blog community have only met twice in real life.

The point is, there is potential business right in front of you… you just need to take those conversations to the next level.

I’m certain there are very interesting projects for you right in your Twitter community.

Have a great day Christina – I look forward to hearing about your progress in the coming weeks, months, and years : )

So, If I send you a quick hello via Twitter, that’s genuine of course, I’ll be able to stay at your place in Costa Rica and surf? Amazing.

Very good tips about the power of communication. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Brad, thanks for stopping by and dropping some thoughts here, I appreciate it.

A casual genuine drop by and connection… I would help you save some serious cash on lodging… and have for casual connections on Twitter. It blows their mind how much money I can save them.

For people who I develop friendships with over time, my house is there house – that’s what friends do for each other : )

Cheers Brad!

I think a really good book could come from something like this. Stories that tell the dance that twitter gives and takes. I know that I will be collecting them like stones from the river. Ya’ never know…

Ha Mark, I was joking about staying with you. You sound like a damn good guy so tonight, I’ll raise my glass to that cool guy in Costa Rica.

Thanks Brad, I’ll drink to that : )

Mark,

It’s funny to think Twitter was the cause of all of this. What’s even more odd is there are random people all over the world that are part of this network. There’s a guy in Brazil who is not a blogger, but a hotel owner/surfer who follows me on twitter because I’m a surfer. He’s offered me a place to stay when I visit Brazil. One of the things I think we have to embrace is looking at social media beyond our business. I’ve always said “make friends not followers.” The thing is most people get too caught up in the ROI of things that they forget it still is all about relationships. Fortunately for me, having you around is like a second business school education. I think we’ve got a bright future ahead of us and I’m looking forward to sharing this with the BlogcastFM community.

Hi Billy, that’s an interesting idea… Maybe you can do a series on this subject?

I think it would be a good one : )

Hey Srini, you’re a top notch individual with lot’s of skills sir.

You’re going to accomplish some great things in life. I’m just happy I have the opportunity to be a small part of it.

Cheers to you bro!

P.S. I will get up on the dang surf board!

I concur Mark, the opportunities are endless.

This arena allows you to get to know a lot of your followers and I’m guessing when you actually met Srini in person it was like you already knew him.

I’m very interested in following your progress and only wish you the best.

Exciting times, indeed.

Hey JackB, the other part of the equation is there is still a huge amount of people who are not totally plugged in yet. Exponentially imagine what the reach will become.

Bravo to you John, you seemed to be plugged in on a deep level and hopefully it will help you continue on your journey in a meaningful and prosperous way.

What would be cool Christina it to especially meet the ones abroad. What an adventure.

Good luck in your journey and maybe one day our paths will cross.

I concur Srini, take time to enjoy the journey. If you do it right everything else will fall into place.

Best of luck on your journey, especially w/ that Mark dude………..he’s going places………

You’re absolutely correct. The potential reach is enormous, hard to wrap my brain around that.

I hope we meet someday Bill… I’m certain that would be a blast!

In the big scheme of things Bill, we’ve only scratched the surface.

The things we’ll see in our lifetime will blow our wigs off!

We should all figure out how to turn this into a block party and all get in the action

Srini is definitely from another planet. What an awesome person he is. The guy is gold.

So chew on this for a while Bill : )

You know Mark – I wondered if you and Srini were connected. I imagined so, being that you two are the only people I know who live in Costa Rica…and especially considering our networking circles.

This is the type of stuff I’ve been waiting to hear. The major successes that brew from social media – beyond the basics in promotion and generating buz. This is, by far, the coolest story I’ve come across related to Twitter and the power behind it.

Most times when people speak about the power of Twitter, they do so but forget to share their experience. While examples such as this may not be super-common, I think it proves that the potential is unlimited.

Two cool, smart cats like yourself are on the verge of doing big thigns. I can only imagine what the two of you and others will conquer in the near future. And thank you for opening the windows so your fans can catch a glimpse at your flight upward.

And no, I haven’t nearly leveraged Twitter as you have. But the mark has been set!

Hey Srini,

That’s the coolest stuff in the world. You two have showed me an entirely new light. My respect for Twitter has changed big time.

Congrats to both of you guys (companies?)! That’s going to be a potent combination as social media, marketing, PR – it’s all a part of the puzzle.

As for using Twitter for business I will simply say yes, it’s a business tool in more ways than one. Let us never forget that business is personal, and you can connect with a metric ton of people on Twitter, hence bringing more business.

Mark,
Very awesome!! Looking forward to what you and Srini are creating!

As I look back over the last couple of years, some of the coolest things I have done have happened because of connections in Twitter – connections that started out over some shared interest, a personal connection was created, and then magic happened! So, so amazing – what can happen – and Twitter (and the Internet in general) have made these connections that would have not been possible only a few years ago – something that happens with ease.

Hey, who told you I have a rug; Marcus? Gini? Griddy? I told them that was my real hair………….

Hehe!

[...] especially, as a awesome way to grow my business. My friend Mark Harai just demonstrated how powerful connections on Twitter can [...]

Awesome to hear you two have hit it off so famously and are living it up in Costa Rica (working very hard) and surfing the good life. I heart Twitter for this very reason. Srini looking forward to the rebooking of our chat!

Hey Lance, thanks for stopping in dropping some encouragement here, I appreciate that very much.

Twitter has made connecting with people anywhere in the world very easy to do. The conversations is where the magic happens – when you connect with someone you literally feel like you’ve known your entire life.

It’s those conversations that lead to many things, including business relationships.

I’m with you, I’ve developed some great friendships and have been involved in profitable projects by participating on Twitter and there’s only more to follow.

Cheers Lance, it was good to see you this AM : )

Yes Robert, that’s so true… The trick is to reach out and elevate those connections through conversation. First on the platform, then phone and Skype calls, then meeting in person if it’s convenient to do so.

If you not conversing with others, you certainly won’t develop relationships. That is key.

Thanks for stopping by Robert. I really enjoyed our Skype call last week… we need to do it again soon : )

Hey Jk, it’s so good to hear from you this AM ; )

I’m excited about this relationship with Srini and BlogcastFM. There is much work to be done to make it a great success and we are jumping in with both feet.

As far as business and projects resulting from Twitter, it’s all about your focus and what you’re trying to accomplish. If you’re looking to do business or put projects together to make money, there are hundreds of thousands of people who are on Twitter for the same reason. It’s just a matter of tapping into those conversations with folks you like and engaging in conversation about those things.

You never know Jk, there just might be business we can do together at some point in the future. You’re the kind of guy I would be interested in doing things with, along with many other folks were mutually connected with. The key is identifying a viable project/ plan and executing it.

I’m excited about the future to say the least : )

Cheers Jk, see ya soon bro!

I have a feeling your both going to hit it out of the park!

I’m really looking forward to working with both of you at some point in the future

Yikes! I know your the kind of person who doesn’t wait around to see what happens Jk… It will be interesting to see what becomes of this new insight you’ve gained.

The social web will never be the same – LOL!

Thanks for your encouragement Natalie!

I’m looking forward to hearing more about you and how you’ve built “The Suitcase Entrepreneur” blog on into a great resource on BlogcastFM : )

Cheers Natalie!

“Let us never forget that business is personal”

I wish more people understood this Robert as it would truly change the face of business as we know it.

Thankfully Twitter is having a direct impact on this notion (truth) in a very positive way.

hell, look at all the comments here – I’m betting a large majority came from some type of Twitter influence. You Mark?

What a fabulous story Mark!! Now I don’t know much about Costa Rica, but you sure made me want to learn more, so thank you! Uh … you’re also responsible for me daydreaming about sand, water, and exotic drinks in hand! Happy? You ruined my day (or not!)! Waaah!!

Twitter is the bomb I think and many wonderful relationships and information has come from it! I used to laugh at the notion of Twitter much to my shegrin. Some people think I’m a wacko because I “tweet” (yes indeed it sounds a bit freaky! ), but heck they just don’t undestand; and and too bad for them because it really opens a whole new world on several levels.

Wishing you a super faboo day! I can’t wait to hear more about this inspiring story and how it unfolds!

Much kindness,

Elena
.

Hi Mark,

Wow, that’s an awesome story. And right now, I sort of wish that I was Srinivas Rao. It sounds amazing to be able to go to Costa Rica, surf and partner with you

I’ve used Twitter to get a lot of help, but usually I’ve been the one paying for the help. I have made a lot of friends and connected with some brilliant people. But so far, I haven’t turned any of the connections into business. But it’s only a matter of time.

Twitter has become an invaluable resource for me.

- Jens

Hi Jens!

You said it… it’s just a matter of time before things like this will become commonplace. It’s all in the relationships you develop. If you are building a social presence in a business/marketing/PR community, opportunities are bound to come your way if you contribute value to the community.

The latter part is a given, so it’s just a matter of time : )

I’m excited to see where you go from here Jens… you just need to spread your wings and fly!

Cheers to you sir

Thanks for your encouragement and support Elena, it makes all the difference in the world!

And, while there is some sand and fruity cocktails, there is a tremendous amount of work involved. Not everybody can catch a wave with a laptop in hand and tweet messages. Srini’s the exception.

The rest of us have work hard, improve and keep our heads down to make progress. That’s OK with me, I enjoy the work and building cool companies : )

This is going to be a fun journey and I’m so happy to be sharing it with you!

Have a faboo day yourself Elena!

Yes sir, you’re absolutely spot on – as well as connections I’ve made throughout the blogosphere by being social : )

Business is people and personalities as you point out Frank. That’s what drives all businesses.

Being social is the key. When you’re having conversations with folks, whether on Twitter, the blogosphere or any social platform for that matter, there are bound to be many other like-minded folks you just connect with and build relationships with.

This is where your social media efforts can get pretty exciting.

Thanks for dropping some thoughts here for the community Frank, I greatly appreciate it sir.

Cheers!

Mark, you got it made!

I always think of business as having a conversation with your client. If you lose the conversation, you lose the client. So to have Srinivas give up all his worldly goods, move to Costa Rica, and start up two awesome blogs, all because of his connections on Twitter-

Well that’s a bloody good conversation!

I use Twitter more than Facebook now, partly because the people I’ve connected with are of more value overall, but also partly because it’s so much easier to start a conversation, get in touch, and really develop some serious gold. I’ve been able to tweet so much recently, because I’ve been in touch with some fantastic bloggers.

That’s what I love about blogging Mark, the connections. The special people

I’m with you Stu – “The connections, the special people” is where the value is.

Twitter has been an incredible tool to connect with incredible people. I’ve developed some great friendships here, both personal and business.

There’s so much value to tap into if you’re looking for it and going about it in a productive way.

Thanks for popping over here Stu, your support is very much appreciated!

I like real stories of Twitter meetings, this is a very good example Mark. I have one or 47 posts kicking around in my head about the power and future of Twitter, what it may look like in the future, how we get the non-believers to rethink it, so many things.

I’ve been invited to speak, had a few referrals via my network. And of course a ton more blog readership and exposure, building blocks for the long run and more to come. FWIW.

That is pretty freakin cool….Good luck guys

Thanks Dino : )

Hi Davina, you are an A List blogger loaded with great insights and contributions that are shaping the best practices in social media. I learn something from your posts and comments almost daily.

I’m looking forward to seeing those 47 Twitter posts; I believe Twitter is much more than a news aggregator as many folks believe.

Cheers Davina!

Mark, with all the obvious work you put into ‘communitizing’ it’s no surprise your seeing real world results. Major congrats my friend, and I agree with one of the major themes here…we’ve only scratched the surface.
Awesome stuff man!

Mark, with all the obvious work you put into ‘communitizing’ it’s no surprise your seeing real world results. Major congrats my friend, and I agree with one of the major themes here…we’ve only scratched the surface.
Awesome stuff man!

I am somewhat prone to hyperbole.. might be a longish wait. No there is ONE decent idea on Twitter kicking around, but it’s taking me in too many directions. Got to find a way (when I actually sit down to type it) to edit and make sense of it all.

Thanks for the compliment, much appreciated. As a side note, except for those media outlets that relate to clients, I’ve unsubscribed from many news feeds in my biz account as I’ve run out of room. I get news on other feeds and channels, prefer Twitter for discussion and networking. FWIW.

I know I’m quite late here Mark, but this story has so many lessons, on so many levels, it’s just simply amazing. And the fact that you’ll be sponsoring BlogcastFM, which is a program I now have come to adore, is utterly crazy and awesome. This thing we call technology, combined with community, is amazing, isn’t it??

Cheers mate,

Marcus

Hey Marcus, yes it is really is Marcus… Srini and I have been on the road the last couple of days meeting with clients. It’s been a whirlwind!

There is lot’s going on and I’m very excited for what the future holds!

All of it because of technology combined with community!!!

It’s all about people, personalities, relationship and getting things done : )

Hi Jason, thanks for the encouragement Jason… WOW, team Sheridan/ Hughes back to back here — that’s pretty cool, eh???

I appreciate you guys so much, you guys are just awesome!

Cheers Jason!

Congrats on the sponsorship! I’ve been using Twitter seriously the last month. Have met some great people thus far. I hope as I continue to use it I’ll be about to have these sort of opportunities as well.

[...] 8 Great Tips for Business Blogging, Brankica and her excellent Adsense guide, Mark Harai and his Twitter for Business Opportunities article, and Bryan Thompson and his great advice for living in [...]

Thanks a bunch Benny, I appreciate that!

If you just keep plugging away and engaging in the community with folks your drawn to, you will absolutely have these types of opportunities come your way.

Thanks again and I hope to see more of you in the community ; )

Love to hear these wonderful success stories. This is when social media bridges the gap between “virtual” to “world” and becomes something much greater. Tangible. Viable. Valuable.

Hey Christian, thanks for dropping your thoughts here, I appreciate it…

I agree with you, the virtual web, specifically social media, holds many real world opportunities to do great things in business. It’s loaded with smart people who can get things done and are getting things done everyday.

It’s a force in media that’s changing the world, simply by giving a voice and platform to anyone who has something of value to contribute. That value is determined by the audience who consumes the content.

It’s pretty cool indeed sir!

Mark,

Sorry I am so late to the party but I found so much value in this post that I wanted to take some time to add my two cents. I am slowly learning the power of twitter and social networking and I am amazed by the people who manage to use it effectively. I have never used this medium to expand my business nor my career. I used linked in mostly for my career based networking. Every social tool has unique potential to help you expand in one way shape or form. What I have learned mostly when in the last few weeks is that the greatest thing you can do with social media is…..be social. I had forgot that for a long time. Thanks so much for sharing this. This info was much needed from me. Thanks.

Hi Frank, its good to see you sir. I happy that this post has been a benefit to you. Even if it can inspire one person, than it makes the work and effort put in to these posts worth it totally.

I’ll be visiting you soon Frank.. and remember; faith comes by hearing or blogging

[...] of the Best Twitter Brands and the People Behind ThemChris Brogan's 50 Power Twitter TipsTwitter Tip Series: How Twitter Can Lead To Lucrative Business OpportunitiesTop 10 Most Powerful Twitter Tips for Brand New Beginners12 Terrific Twitter TipsTop 10 Twitter tips [...]