I know a lot of bloggers and internet marketers who are not only masters at using social media, but they know and understand all too well the benefits of socializing and building relationships.
However, there are also the ones who seem afraid of socializing too much for fear of losing business by promoting other people’s content or businesses, and the ones that are not socializing saying that it’s time consuming, and they are too busy for this.
Are you Taking Advantage of Social Media Tools?
Well, you could take all the excuses that you want in order to NOT socialize online, but you would only shoot yourself in the foot, because you would miss out on opportunities to promote your online business further, even to a point that you might haven never dreamed of, because sometimes, online relationships can lead to opportunities that you wouldn’t have had on your own.
When I was concentrating on affiliate and article marketing I was not really building any online relationships at all, but over time I came to the realization that without online relationships I was slowing down my own progress on many levels.
So, in the post I would like to encourage the ones who don’t think that online socializing is important or don’t think that it’s worth the effort to find the time to do build relationships online.
In this area of social media we have many online tools that can help us socializing and building relationships with other bloggers and marketers. Here are four tools that you should be using to do so.
There are many forms of online socialization, and you can benefit from them all. You do not have to sick to one method only as they all serve a purpose.
Blog Commenting
The first obvious tool you can use is blog commenting and if you have a great comment plugin such as commentluv (affiliate link one year anniversary promotion) on your WordPress blog such as you can see on this one, you can easily hop to the blogs of the people who leave a comment on yours. You can build relationships with them and try to get to know them better. I’ve built my best online relationships that way myself.
You can use Facebook to search for people who are in your niche and send a note asking them if they would like to join your friends list. You can also try to reach out for friends of your friends and socialize and build relationships with them.
You can also either join groups by getting invited by friends you’ve built relationships with or you can create groups yourself.
Facebook is an excellent tool to socialize online. Once you’ve started the machine the relationships will just snowball.
Google +
I have to admit that it took me a while to understand the value of Google+, but I certainly love it now. Google+ allows you to do something really cool called hang outs. I was recently invited to an interview/discussion hang out by Donna and David Merrill, and I thought that it was really cool. There are also Facebook groups such as a group that I belong to which organize weekly Google hangouts with a handful of people who exchange and brain storm ideas.
If you want to see what a hangout looks like watch my hang out with Donna and David Merrill right here!
You Tube
Creating YouTube videos can definitely encourage and create online relationships. I have to admit that I am yet to explore the full extent of possibilities with YouTube.
On your videos you can introduce yourself and what you do, give advice, tips and even create incredibly attractive tutorials. On those videos you can encourage people to interact with you on Your Channel by subscribing, and leaving comments, or inviting them to go to your blog and socialize with them there.
These are just few examples, there are many more ways and many more social media platforms where you can socialize online and build constructive relationships.
How can you Benefits from Socializing Online
Alright, this is all good and well, but what are the benefits from socializing online? In other words, what’s in for you?
Well, the benefits that you can reap from socializing and building relationships online can be huge. The more you socialize the more you are spreading your brand around and the more chances you will have to make people noticing you. It’s by socializing that I’ve met David and Donna Merrill and had the honor of being their second guest in their new Google+ Guest Hang out Series.
It’s by socializing and building relationships that I landed some invitations for guest posting which is a great way to spread your wings even more as a blogger and online entrepreneur. It’s by building relationships online that I have also gotten requests from people to post on my blogs, which gives me a well needed breaks once in a while.
It’s also by socializing online that I’ve been able to conduct interviews on this blog and my other blogs, as well as being the guest of an interview myself.
If you haven’t started building online relationships by socializing with other people online, you need to start now. You will be glad you did.
Please, leave your comments and thoughts about online relationships down below!
Well Hello Sylviane
Being social online is most definitely one of my weakest areas, preferring to focus on the technicalities and tweaking rather than the engagement.
I now use HootSuite to monitor my social network for messages and responses which allows me to engage with others efficiently. This of course is the beauty of technology when used wisely we can get more done with less effort.
We cannot of course engage fully in each network so we need to find the ones that best match our personality and goals, this is something that I am still working on.
igor Griffiths
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I Igor,
I think that you are doing not bad at all, because I’ve seen your around on other blogs as well as mine. Believe me, lots of people haven’t gotten here yet 🙂
I think that each one of us is better or worse at something, at least you know what you are better at, but again I think you are doing fine.
Thank you for your visit and for engaging with us in this post.
I usually socialize my posts on microblogging platforms, social networks etc. After these I do comments on my favorite blogs to get something from there as well as to let people know that I had posted a new article(via commentluv). Thanks.
~ Atish Ranjan
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Hi Atish,
Well, first off I’m honored to be one of the blogs you are commenting on. That’s right, don’t you love Commentluv? Lets other bloggers and readers know about your last post, as you’re saying. I really love that!
Thanks for coming 🙂
Hi Sylviane, Donna and David,
I truly enjoyed your hangout, great stuff and I know that you had fun.
I admire you Sylviane for maintaining three blogs even if you “only” write three posts a week on them. And then all the other writing for your clients, amazing. And it definitely means something that Donna and David second you on your writing, especially as you are a non-native speaker.
Let’s face it: A blog is a great way to hide behind the computer but it’s also a great hub to socialize with people and to connect with him.
I chuckled when you and Donna said that you have more friends online than in the physical world. Well, you are not green like me, are you, so you are supposed to have plenty of friends offline, unlike me 😉
And last but not least, thanks Donna for the mention.
I am glad we connected.
Take care
Oliver
Ah Oliver,
I really hoped you’d listen to this since I remembered that Donna mentioned you by name during our discussion.
Yes, my dear, even though I’m a blue and not a green;) I do not have too many physical friends. Making friends is a two way street and I’m not willing or interested in making most of the efforts anymore. I’ve done that for so long, just not interested no more 🙂
Oliver, I though about you this week end while watching a French comedy from the 80’s with French and Germans. I couldn’t help thinking if maybe you knew some of the German actors in it. That movie is about 40% Geman speaking and 60% French speaking. Just wanted to let you know 🙂
Thanks for coming 🙂
Well Well Sylviane,
It is so nice that you have plugged Me and David into your post. I do appreciate that.
This post covers so many topics that one needs to do in order to have an effective presence on social sites. I believe it all comes from connecting and engaging with other bloggers.
Take for instance us! We have known each other from reading blogs, and have returned to one another and have syndicated each other. Then…the big moment!
We rolled it out to our featured guests on our FB Fan Page.
Now what made us do that? Our engagement with each other. This is social proof that commenting and engaging with people does wonders. When I thought of who to contact – I thought of you because of all the value you have on your blog. I thought that it would be so interesting for folks to listen to and it was!
Many Many thanks Sylviane,
Donna
P.S. We have to do it again sometime!
Donna Merrill invites you to read..Stop Complaining
Hi Donna,
Glad you came here since a lot in this post is about us not just me 🙂
You have described very well how we started to get acquainted and how it all got to this wonderful discussion now YouTube forever 🙂
I totally hate to see myself, but I still “forced” myself to see the end result and I think that’s not too shabby.
Yes, we could do that again any time. It was a lot of fun, guys 🙂 And thank you 🙂
I remember when I first asked you and you were a bit reluctant. After we talked, you were more at ease in front of the camera. Now you are going to Rock that Youtube my friend!
The trick is do it for your business. I think you are on a roll!
Yippie!!
Donna Merrill invites you to read..Stop Complaining
If there is anyone that knows how to network is you! Since I have met you, you have taught me that tenacity is an art and either you have it or you don’t. I remember having 3 blogs and I was overwhelmed, but once I scaled it down it made it easier for me to utilize social media and really focus. Before I was always all over the place but now I can really network and get to know other people doing the same thing.
I think some people are afraid of the unknown, yet alone talking to others online that they don’t know, but leaving a comment is so easy. It allows you to just leave your opinion and leave your mark on that website. Providing that they come back to get to know the author, is when the doors can open to other relationships with other bloggers. Good post Sylviane!
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Hi Sonia,
Well, thank you for the compliment.
It seems that for some people there is no such need of so much effort, but for me it sure seem to be. I’m saying this because for me to start seening an improvement in my following and blog comments it took quite some work.
I mean I spend at least an hour of my day or more visiting other blogs and commenting on them, then I spend another hour on Facebook. I haven’t even touch Twitter much, because there’s only 24 hours in a day and I’ve got to sleep for 6-8 out of the 🙂 So it does takes work and effort, not doubt about that!
Thanks for your input, Sonia 🙂
You are SO right Sylviane and it’s something a lot of people don’t think about.
Just today I had a lady call me because in my emails I have my phone number. She wasn’t happy with a program she signed up for and wanted my advice. We had the nicest chat and she decided to pursue it and will be creating her first blog soon. I was able to share with her what she needs to do so I now have another loyal reader and customer.
Social media is a fabulous way to get ourselves out in front of the masses. The problem is, everyone else is doing that to so you have to stand out from the rest and start making those connections. Trust me, it will be the best thing you’ve ever done.
Loved the hangout, I couldn’t wait to listen to it. Sounds like you guys had fun. I think Donna and David have come up with this fabulous idea to interview other bloggers and I’m glad they chose you as well Sylviane. I also agree at just how talented you are and I can’t believe you “think” that you aren’t that great at what you do. Here you are teaching us about the law of attraction so you need to believe in yourself more because we all sure do.
Thank you for sharing this information with us Sylviane. I’ll be sure to post this to my Facebook wall tomorrow. Great information everyone needs to read.
~Adrienne
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Glad you gave that lady calling you example, Adrienne. Do you know how many people would never, ever give their phone number out there? Ask an affiliate marketer to give you their phone number, they would tell you NO WAY!
But really, a phone number, unless you are on a red list, is a totally public information for anyone to get. Not a big deal. This is one of those things that become a big deal only if you make it to be. I know that you have no problem with this Adrienne 🙂 and you probably attract lots of people this way.
Yes, right, as a law of attraction teacher I shoudn’t have any doubts right? But, I do, and I’m still work in progress, you know 🙂 In the video I was telling Donna that I still have my doubts about being a good writer, and it’s true. I mean, yes, I really need to hear it to believe it. LOL!
Thank you for your compliments and nice words, Adrienne 🙂
Oh Sylviane….you are doing just fine. I think when we discussed your “doubts” we have opened up a can of worms…now you are doing videos and they are great.
Think of this Sylviane. An artist is never satisfied with his/her painting. A writer always thinks, they could have written more, It goes on and on.
You my friend are a work in process, but the truth is we all are!
Donna Merrill invites you to read..Stop Complaining
Hi Sylviane,
I’m not sure how anyone can hope to make any progress as an online entrepreneur without paying some attention to the social part of the process. Tweeting, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn and You Tube are just a few of the channels open to you.
The same is true in any kind of small business. Someone must buy your products, spread the message about your brand, tell others about what you do through word of mouth, and those people can’t find out about you unless you use social channels and let them know. Creating a steady stream of content is great and is an important part of marketing for an online business, but social channels are how you get that content out to your audience. It’s that simple.
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Hi Heather,
You really summed it all up pretty well. Using social media is not only important for getting to know other people to build online relationships that could eventually help your business and social proof, but it also helps you brand yourself.
Thanks for your great input.
I’m in the process of preparing a blog and am now reading back and forth about all the things I’ll have to take into account. I understand blog commenting – that’s pretty straight forward and connects me to people because of content. It’s like forums used to work. But Facebook? It sounds silly to go about and approach people just like that: it’s feels a bit blunt.
But how about forums? Wouldn’t that be a much better method to join communities with similar interests?
Hi Jazz,
Well, facebook is the PERFECT platform to approach people in your niche. Now, you don’t approach them to say… hey, I’m selling this, you want it? No, I can’t stand people who do this. It’s more like you try to build relationships, and it has nothing to do with being blunt!!! If used correctly, Facebook is a superb online relationship making tool.
Now, yes, sure you can use forums as well. No matter what platform you are using it’s really the same process. Just rinse and repeat.
Thanks for yor input 🙂
Hi Sylviane
Oh I so do not agree with your friend you write better than you speak- I love listening to you. But then I have been reading your writing for a bit and just heard you for the second time.
I did not watch your whole hang out but saw enough to know I will be back to see more.
I think social media is so important. For example if I am going to buy some tool for my business I buy from a friend. If I had not bought CommentLuv from Adrienne already I would get it here 🙂
Great advice Sylviane.
Sue
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Oh Sue you are so sweet!
I know that compliment about writting better than speaking was a bit on the sour side, but I took it only because it was from someone who really knows me well, and he was right in a way, because here and there I may say things incorrectly in English even if I know better 🙂
I know that when you sell a product and have already built great relationships those people would by the product from you if and when they need it. I had purchased commentluv only a couple of weeks before I met Adrienne, but you bet I would have bought it from her if I hadn’t already, especially that the person I bought it from was not very nice 🙂 So, yes the way you act is very important, online as much as offline.
Thanks for your comment, Sue 🙂
It is very fresh topic and anyone can take some advantage from here.
social networking is good way to promote your business and services.It give s you very fast response.Google+ is going to me socialize day by day.twitter it very fast to response.Facebook fan page make you relevant on search engine.
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Hi Bhushan,
Seems that you know all these social media platforms well. Each one has it’s little differences and it’s very good to know such differences well and adapt with them.
Thank you for your input 🙂
It must be relationship week! I just wrote a post about community and relationships too. I think we sometimes forget about that part of marketing and business because we take it for granted. But it\’s so integral too everything we do and we can\’t survive without them. makes you wonder what people did before the internet 🙂 Imagine no sharing!! I admit I have not jumped whole-heartedly into Google+. It seems like a lot of extra work. I spent a lot of time getting to know people on Facebook, and on Twitter and then along comes yet another platform and I don\’t know anyone there. It\’s like leaving all your friends home and walking into a party where you don\’t know anyone. If you socialize enough it may be fun eventually but right now it\’s just hard and boring! I met a couple of people there but for some reason I just find it hard to keep up. I think that\’s also part of knowing our limitations. I know I can\’t be everywhere at once so I concentrate on what I enjoy. No doubt we need each other and building those relationships is so important to our business and our lives!
Hi Carolyn,
I agree with you, making online friends is not what I would call easy. I still totally struggle with Twitter, but I know that I haven’t given it the time it needs. Those babies need more attention than my kitty does 🙂 There’s also the fact that I like facebook better, so I am tempted to give it more of my time.
Google + takes some get to know it, but I feel that I’m going to like this one too, still pretty new at messing with it, though.
Thanks for coming by, Carol 🙂
Establishing online business with social tools is not that easy considering all that stiff competition out there. But a prudent online market can see the potential of using these tools wisely to bring more business out of constant engagement through these social networks. It starts with nurturing your team of followers by providing them necessary input and attract them to listen what you are talking. Achieving a good Klot level is a sure indicator how you fare among other similar online marketers. A good klout score shows you are influential among your followers.
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Hi George,
It’s true that we now have Klout that kind of measure our popularity in a particular niche or niches, but I wouldn’t count on that number only to see the “true” value of the person as it only goes so far as how involved the marketer is in Kout.
I think that the true value is how much you mean for other people out there. Do you deliver really helpful and meaningful content? Are you easy to reach? And do you answer all the questions that people ask you? To me this is more valuable than a Klout number, not that Klout doesn’t help though!
Thanks for your feedbacks.
Hi Sylviane,
I do think socializing would be the best trick that can be work on anyone. Studies say people who would prefer to socialize offline does better online too 😉
I didn’t play with Google+ hangouts (Well, I need a cam in that case ;)) but Google+ is where I’d love to socialize more and a great place to find and follow people easily. However Facebook doing better too, but for privacy matters, I just keep it to myself to connect with people I only believe in. Being a friend is something more (I mean from the hackers’ perspective).
Anyway Google+ and Twitter are working very well for me and I’ve met really awesome people there that can be productive to each other. Commenting is best type of thing and I do comment on posts I do enjoy, but sorry I don’t do if I can’t relate to it or doesn’t impress me 🙂
The hangout of yours with Donna & David was awesome. I really love to see you guys live and the discussion helped me learning stuff that haven’t heard from all of you.
Cheers…
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Hi Mayura,
I tend to agree with that study and it makes sense. If you are not good at making friends and building relationships in the physical world, why would you online? Very interesting point.
I know that your are doing pretty well with social media, Mayura. All you need to do is keep up the good work 🙂
It’s amazing the kind of great people that you will meet and can connect with when you really focus on building relationships with others online. I agree, that when you isolate yourself, or think that you can do it all by yourself…that’s a big mistake. There’s a wealth of knowledge to be tapped into when you reach out and network with others. Excellent list of resources, Sylviane.
Hi Freddy,
Yes, indeed, we can connect with wonderful people online. As Donna and myself were saying in the hang out we have more friends online than offline. What can I say, that’s the sad truth, or maybe not so sad after all 🙂
Thank you for coming by 🙂
This is definitely something I lack in. Not going to lie. All I’m doing right now is setting up a simple Twitter, Facebook, Google +, and Youtube page. I know I’m wanting to hire a social media expert since I know that’s definitely something that can take up a whole job by itself. Regardless, it’s still important to learn about the 100’s of different tools out there that tie in social media with websites & effectively use them.
My strong suits are article marketing, WordPress site building, & ranking in Google with written content. Besides a lot of general knowledge about how everything else works, I can definitely learn a lot more social media things.
–
Seth
Hi Seth,
I trust that in your case it’s only a matter of time. You are pretty good at everything you touch, so I am confident that you can become good at social media too 🙂
Thank for your comment my friend!
Hi Sylviane!
Great post.i think it is the blog in which all the matters relate to social media cover up.and this is a way to enhance your online business .if we know the entire knowledge of social media that it’s a right choice but for a newish it can be harm.
thanks for joining this blog…………
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Hi Anshul,
Yes, sometimes newbies can make mistakes, that’s why getting knowledge and being informed as much as possible is very important, not matter the level we are at.
Thank you for your feedbacks.
hi Sylviane
thanks for sharing the information .i like going to face book and i like what you have shared here about socializing on this sites and other sites such a Google+ and you tube i will use them more effectively this time thank you.
Steve.
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Hi Steven,
I’m glad you enjoyed the post and want to improve in the matter. We all should strive for this 🙂 Thanks for the visit!
Hi Sylviane,
Today socializing is the best step forward to enhance the horizon of a a business and its empire.The one who socializes well and have connections with the big or small giant related to his business/niche it is possible that they can do well in their domain easily.
The main advantage of socializing is that more and more people get to know about your services and product.The more you expose the more you get.As simple as that.
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Hi Aditya,
Yes, socializing when done well can do a lot of good and a lot of bad if don’t wrong. Thanks for the input.
Hi Sylviane,
I agree with you that those who are not socializing online are missing out on opportunities to build their business. I’ve taken advantage of 2 of the strategies you mentioned – blog commenting and Facebook.
I am not much into Google+ and do not have any videos for You Tube, yet. I know that I need to get on board with these as well, because I’m missing opportunities to connect with those who are using those sites.
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Hi Jamella,
Nice to see you here. Yes, you should really take advantage of Google+ and YouTube, lots of traffic will come to you from there.
Videos are inescapable these days, but I am sure you’ll find that they are a lot of fun to make. Google Plus is really aiming to get BIG because it’s owned by Google, and you know what happens to tools owned by Google right? Look how huge is YouTube, now!
Thanks for your input, dear 🙂
Hello Sylviane,
Great post. I use two of the comments you mentioned. Facebook and blog commenting. (I actually found your post on Adrienne Smith’s blog) so I see what you are saying and the power that these social platforms have. As for Google+, it really hasn’t caught on with me yet but I do have an account and try to use it but it hasn’t become a daily thing for me. YET!
Thanks for the post!
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Hi Joe,
I’m glad you found me at Adrienne’s.
I know what you mean by needing to warm up to new social media. With the comments on this post, I realized that many people still are not active on Google+. We have so many, I have to admit, it’s tough to keep up with them all, but Google+ looks like it’s going to be a biggy, so you should get on board as soon as possible 🙂
Thanks for coming and welcome 🙂
Hey Sylviane
Social media has become inevitable for businesses now. I have been using blog commenting and Facebook for the purpose and it is very helpful. Socializing in real life or online offers innumerable benefits. If one is not good at it, hiring a social media expert can be a great way.
Quite an engaging post!! I can see the post is quite popular, I had to scroll down a lot to reach to the space for writing thoughts. Social media these days is a great tool which is everywhere and can act as a sure-fire way to gain success for the online business. By socializing, one gets into touch with quite a number of individuals who are from various fields and thus can use their knowledge as well as contacts to build a better online business.
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Hi Sylviane, we can never discount the fact that because of the presence of social networking platforms we now have the opportunity to engage and interact with our potential clients and we must do this consistently in order for us to achieve the results we want to generate from this initiative. Thanks for the share!
I have leveraged several social networking platforms to work to my advantage as a business owner and so far, I’m enjoying every minute of it. It really pays to give your clients an interactive experience by answering their inquiries on a regular basis. Holding a contest will also generate a good number of leads. Thanks for this informative share!
Agree to all extent, Sylviane 😉
Socializing may seem to be a wasteful activity at first, but if done effectively, our social profile can earn us the most business online (think about people recommending our products to others, right?).
I think most people just get it wrong with how they should spend their time online (they realize the importance, but don’t know the hows, so they find themselves spending lots of time for it, but not much results).
I haven’t done much socialization for a while (Well, I have done blog commenting, but not much with social media sites). I guess I need to put some time forth for social media.
Great video there, Sylviane (Didn’t watch it, because I am in college now, can’t because I don’t have headphones).
Anyways, thank you for the big reminder 😉
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My friend has just started his camera rental business and i will surely forward this post to him to help him leverage the power of social media. Thank you very much for sharing.
I have been using all social media plugins but overlooked the significance of CommentLuv. Having read your post, i think its high time to place it on my blog. Thanks for the share.
Hi Fatima, and thank you for coming.
Yes, if you don’t have Commentluv yet, I strongly advice that you get it. Everybody just love this plugin, I can’t even think of one negative feature about it!
Let me know how you like it, if you decide to install it to your blog.
Youtube seems to be the most overlooked of the social media tools, simply because a lot of people don’t seem to see the importance of it. With that being said, those that do take advantage of it are leaps and bounds ahead of their competition.
You have some really good ideas in this article. I am glad I read this. I agree with much of what you state in this article. Your information is thought-provoking, interesting and well-written.