Social media in an interesting paradox. With the global reach of the internet and the ability to “headline read” through streams, social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and the other 250,000 plus platform sites, one can stay connected yet be a observer at the same time.

I am now connected to thousands of people and if I choose, I can reach out and digitally connect with any of them at my disposal. The connection is global, no longer I am restricted to an isolated world of one local community.

Powerful tools and truly astonishing if you think the democratization of media, influence, advertising and opinion.

Like anything else in this life, you will only get out of social media what you put into it. Like a plant, if your network is not watered and nourished, it will shrivel up and die.

Those who want to leverage the power of the network, need to water their social gardens on a regular basis.

I was with a small business owner yesterday and he clearly has not become educated on the power of social media yet but is smart enough to jump in and start. He told me in the meeting that someone asked him why his company was on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace and he told them frankly, ” I am not sure yet, but these are the current platforms of communication and I better stay connected”.

Stay connected. Water your network each day.

As always, connect with you later.