Today I was talking to a client by phone and was telling her a story about how I have a speaking event and webinar guest appearance coming up—both thanks to a colleague I’ve known for a year or so.
She asked, “How did you two meet?”
Then it hit me…
We never have!
It was yet another case of social networking at its best. I must have three dozen of these stories. Over time, I intend to share them on this blog.
I connected with this gentleman on Twitter—where we’ve developed a mutual respect through shared content, comments on each others’ blogs, resource-swapping and even just friendly, “Hello, good to see you!” remarks.
Was building this relationship difficult? Time consuming? A chore? Hardly! As with so many amazing connections found on the networks, it was simple because it was authentic, engaging and effortless. Both of us are on Twitter to meet others, learn from others and connect with others. We’re not shoving our credentials or products down each others’ throats. We’re there to listen…and share. Sound cheesy? Then find your inner Asiago. Traditional sales techniques and social networking simply don’t mix.
Now, I’ll finally get to meet this connection in person come November, when we both speak on a panel.
So what was the Return on the Investment, here?
I’d rather refer to it as ROE…Return on Engagement. Without Twitter, I likely would have never made this connection—and certainly could not have built the relationship at the same speed, considering we live in different cities. Tomorrow, we have a phone conversation planned to talk about specific ways we can help each others’ businesses grow.
Tell me. How much value do you attach to that?
Don’t overthink the value of your social networking. Don’t obsess over the number of followers or clicks. Focus on genuinely making the lives of people in your network better. If it comes easily, it’s because you’re good at what you do and you’re engaged with the right people.
Just when you think that one-on-one “banter” is meaningless and not worth your lunch hour, you may just find that someone you’ve never met in person is ready to help your business grow.
What’s Your Story?!
What Simple Social Networking ROE stories do you have? Chances are the relationship was built so naturally that you completely forgot social media had anything to do with it! 
