We love to see the numbers of our followers, likes, friends, connections, subscribers, etc. rise.  We take great pride in the size of our social networks.  And we’re often tasked with not only measuring and analyzing those networks, but also, showing how they create leads and sales (“how many sales did that tweet generate?!” GASP!).  To a certain degree, we’re right to do so.  If we invest time, effort, and money into a tactic, we definitely need to track performance.

But, let’s turn it around.  Ask yourself this simple question:  What is YOUR value in your network?  How are you and your content improving, or adding value to, the coveted network which you work so hard and tirelessly to build, track, analyze, and measure?  I hope it is an easy question to answer.  If it leaves you scratching your head, here are a few suggestions to try implementing in your social/content marketing efforts on a regular basis:

• Replace a #FF tweet with a sincere recommendation of a colleague or partner
• Include clear reasons or at least a personal touch to LinkedIn requests
• Invite others to participate with their content on your blog
• Reach out in person (yes, an actual phone call or…wait for it…face to face meeting) to people in your network – not a sales call, but more so simply to strengthen the relationship
• Celebrate the efforts of your network members in your own blog articles
• Facilitate conversations, make introductions

As I write the bullets above, I realize I’m too often guilty of not making simple efforts such as these.  So, I want to change that, and I hope you can help me.  And, of course, if you’d like assistance, I’d like to help you too.  We can be better.  We can do better.  Let’s do it together.

As always I welcome your comments, feedback, and suggestions.  Feel free to comment or contact me!