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I've learned this about social media. It's all about the relationships!

By
Industry Observer with Responsive Pest Control

Good morning! I've learned this about social media. It's all about the relationships!

Perhaps I always knew this intuitively. Regardless, if you're like me, you're impatient and expect results sooner rather than later. I've been a member of Active Rain since the summer of 2007. I came here because it was recommended I start a blog. I was also looking for a site where I could learn from my smarter peers. I have to admit I really didn't expect to be forming the relationships I'm forming now.

Last Fall, I attended a reinvention forum conducted by my good friend, Pam Hoelzle. Pam had as one of her panelists a guy named Ethan Yarbrough who commented that social media was all about the relationships.

For me, that's where the light bulb went on. This year I decided to take on the big hairy audacious goal of a blog post/day. So far so good. With my increased commitment to Active Rain and my blog, something interesting has happened. The quantity and quality of my relationships has increased substantially. In fact, for the first time ever, I'm being introduced to builders. Although that might not bear any fruit right now, it's a great relationship to build over time.

My advice to you? Don't eschew what social media can do. I believe if you are intentional and not just playing Farmville on Facebook all the time, social media can be a very valuable tool to add to your business. So go ahead and get involved. What have you got to lose? The old way of doing business is changing. And, remember, social media is all about the relationships. At least that's what I've learned. Have an incredible day!

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Posted by

Paul McFadden

Indera Coggins
Re/Max 100 - Dunkirk, MD

You are right, it's all about the relationships. I am certainly enjoying activerain.

Jan 25, 2010 05:43 AM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Good for you. I wish you well this year. This is quite the community!

Jan 25, 2010 05:45 AM
Jeff Craig
Hang Me Up Photos - Jamestown, NC
Greensboro Area Real Estate Photography

I especially like hearing points of view from people all over the country.  AR and other social media site can be terrific tools.

Jan 25, 2010 06:15 AM
Frank Kliewer
Woodinville, WA

Hi Paul. ActiveRain does present a great Social Media opportunity among the many others. I like it here because of all the professionals who are extremely helpful. Absolutely a place to nourish relationships.

Jan 25, 2010 09:39 AM
Diane Daley
Caron's Gateway Real Estate - Northumberland, NH

The relationships is what it is all about I love the idea exchange that takes place also.

Jan 26, 2010 04:43 AM
Douglas Lovitt
Washington Management Company, Inc. - Mill Creek, WA

Great post Paul.  Social media is changing the way we connect with people.  The most exciting aspect is that you can have mass impressions at virtually no cost.

Jan 26, 2010 04:55 AM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Douglas: Thank you! I agree with you; we just need to be conscious of how we spend our time there.

Thanks for your comment. It sounds like you're a believer!

Frank: One way to put it is we might not have connected were it not for Active Rain!

Jeff: I agree with you. Thanks for commenting!

Jan 27, 2010 09:24 AM