Great post – I literally just wrote a bunch of articles on Social Media and how it’s more useful to overcome banner blindness and other traditional marketing drawbacks.

I am planning on posting some articles on the ‘darker side’ of Social Media too – whereby people might be almost too trusting of the advice of others in their networks to make buying decisions.

I think your post hits on the head in that the best way to approach Social Media is to get actively involved with your customers in one way or another.

Keep up the informative posts and thanks!

- Gene

I am on the brink of some client advice on the subject, but to date I’ve used social media as a listening tool, something I think it is ideally suited to.

The content is so fast flowing that a “browse look” for trend pickups, interesting/relevant conversations, tagging along where you have something to offer.

But a lot of time listening with your eyes to subject matters developing.

It’s already helping me develop a network contacts that are vital in a connected world where their influence can affect something you are trying to promote.

But as I mentioned on a comment on SocialMediaExplorer, building this network has to be done with respect, not shouting, but nurturing.

Act, but not to brashly, slowly integrate with other social elements, create an identity and then keep working at it. Creating further synaptic connections in the vast social neural network.

The plan develops as your network increases and you realise the potential of pursuing certain avenues.

Thanks for the post.

Ed Richardson´s last blog post..More web apps from little people

thanks a lot man, much appreciated. i’ve connected with danny through social media and he’s smart fellow which is why I agreed to write a post here. acting is crucial, setting up a strategy plan is also important but you have to create a plan that lets you act.

the relationships i have made through social media are priceless because they help grown and learn, there is no roi on that.

thanks for the comment!

jacob morgan´s last blog post..Facebook Fan Pages, I’m a Fan, Now What?

I have been reading your blog and Danny’s for a while now. I just have to say, it’s awesome to see you writing here too.

I have thought a lot recently about my personal social media campaign. I’ve always been the sink or swim type and just jumped in with two feet. At first I thought I had the hang of it.

Great post but then again I didn’t expect anything less from you.
I follow the same principles and think that acting and doing is a lot better than resting on your laurels. It’s hard work writing and keeping up with twitter and providing value to the community. The dividends are only measured by the personal enjoyment we get when we connect with people who are bright minds and have great information.

Adam Gainer´s last blog post..Blaze Your Own Trail