When you receive comments on your blog, forums or social media venues do you respond promptly online and then drop the writer a personal note via e-mail to let them know you have publically responded?

This really opens the 2-way conversation which is what social media is all about.  It takes two to have a relationship and your engagement will determine your success in online social media marketing. 

If you’ve scored an online book, product, or presentation review… interact, promptly. Stop by and express your thoughts and sincere appreciation to the journalist, producer, or enthusiastic poster for taking the time to write.   Booked for a speaking event? The same applies; visit the site to express your excitement for the upcoming event. 

Imagine this scenario, you wrote a blog that included  a note about Donald Trump’s latest book and he stopped by YOUR blog and left YOU a note?  More than likely, you’ve just become a lifelong fan who raves about his latest read to your entire network.

That’s precisely what you are doing when you engage in every opportunity for online relationships. Interacting in a hyper social online environment is also a vastly important piece to your own online public relations and will provide exponential possibilities for viral buzz and exposure.

Once you’ve exhibited your manners by interacting promptly, take the time to share the writers review or thoughts through your own social media venues or website. You can do this by selecting the “share” button that nearly all websites provide today.   Let your network know about the interaction, interview, or review.

No matter where you share, take 5 minutes to grab your online megaphone and give the person your generous attention. You’ll find others much more likely to interact with you by practicing this easy social engagement recipe for success repeatedly and without fail.

In case you need one more reason to mind your social media manners, remember, before the media engages with you, they’ll hit the search engines. Do you want them to find a gracious and generous guest that interacts with their audience and is likely to share their work? Or, a phantom?

Here is an easy & great way to get started using Twitter. 

I’ve come across some very interesting, engaging and intelligent people in my short Twitter travels and look forward to growing these relationships. I want the same for you.

1. Sign up for your own account and follow me, it’s a great way to learn what Twitter is all about…then use Twitter in your online endeavors! I am still learning, creating relationships and I don’t pretend to be a Twitter guru. I can tell you that I was slow

2. Add your website or blog link in your Twitter profile so others can learn about you.

3. Be sure to fully set up your profile so people can easily find you, your locations,and interests.

4. Set up your alert message preferences. You can be alerted to updates via email or device. Very easy to follow directions on the Twitter website. I use my blackberry for Twitter updates. Revision- had to remove updates from my blackberry while in the Middle East so I am a bit slower to respond but try to check in frequently.

5. Put your Twitter information on your blog or website for Twitter savvy visitors.

6. Engage-tell the world what you are doing & offer help, insight and timely information.

7. Listen and learn: Follow me, follow others, and see being part of Twitter can offer you. It should only take a week or two for you to figure out how you can best use Twitter to makegreat connections, find a following and better yet – grow professionally.

8. Most important: Make friends and add value. Please don’t spam people. That is exactly what Twitter isn’t for!

I would love to see you on Twitter, be sure to follow me and tell me how you found me.

Warnings: Limiting communication to 140 characters is tough, I am a talker! You’ll get the hang of it.

There are so many fascinating people, business models and thought leaders you can easily fall behind in your day to day activities just reading Twitter posts, blogs and websites. I must say, it’s been a guilty pleasure and well worth the time.

Here is the link to my Twitter profile : http://twitter.com/publicityscout

Time required: About 10 minutes and you are using Twitter! Hope to see you there.