​How relationship marketing matters even more in today's digital age

I have to smile when I hear people talking about how the world has changed.

People often complain about others using digital technology and say that they're not really connecting with other people. This could be true of some, but I think digital technologies like Facebook, LinkedIn and others actually let us connect with other people more.

I’ve been particularly impressed lately with a platform called steemit.com, where users are paid to write and produce content. The principles of interacting with others are uncannily like what we saw when I worked on the McGraw-Hill book “Klout Matters” a few years ago (eons ago in internet years) with my co-author Gina Carr.

The principles that mattered with Klout (when it was really hot) now matter on Steemit and in other places. Kindness, caring and helping others still matter more than the technology. Here are my observations:

Do take these actions on Steemit and in other social media areas:

Provide useful, solid content for others.
Use lots of pictures that are relevant and interesting.
Have GIFs that can grab attention quickly and are very useful. ( Giphy.com is a great source for some standard, fun GIFs. I love Snagit from Techsmith for creating custom GIFs that stand out).
Respond to people yourself, and don’t use boilerplate text responses all the time.
Upvote others, which helps them financially.
Don’t do these activities on Steemit and in other social media arenas:

Don’t talk only about yourself and what you do to the neglect of helping others.
Don’t constantly ask others to do something for you (on Steemit, things like upvote or resteem). It is OK to ask, but give a lot of value first. I like a good seven-to-one ratio of giving versus asking. (Not a bad ratio for giving/asking in life, either.)
Don’t forget to do your research to find out what people want rather than just “going with your gut” on what you think they want. With all due respect, your “gut” can be wrong.
Don’t ignore the protocols and norms of the place where you are. You wouldn't wear a bathing suit to a black-tie event, nor wear a tuxedo to the beach. Act appropriately in the environment where you are and do what is expected. Be contextually sensitive and appropriate.
Don't complain all the time. Some people want to rant and complain continually, and after awhile it becomes very annoying. It's OK to talk about something you disagree with, but even when you're criticizing, try to put forth a positive alternative.
Yes, technology continues to change at a very rapid pace. Remember that while you're scrambling to stay current with new technology, embrace the still-relevant principles that have lasted a long time. Focus on building relationships with quality people and you will go far no matter what technology is emerging.

Terry Brock gives real-world, practical tips on how to generate revenue and increase productivity. He works with businesses from sole proprietors to Fortune 10 companies, teaching them how to use social media, technology and plain ol' stuff that works. He's the co-author of the best-seller “Klout Matters” on social media. Brock is an international Speaker Hall of Fame member and sports a very good haircut! You can reach him at 407-363-0505 or TerryBrock.com. Catch his latest TEDx talk at bit.ly/1MeRzt4