Relationship marketing refers to a long-term and mutually beneficial arrangement wherein both the buyer and seller focus on value enhancement with the goal of providing a more satisfying exchange. This approach attempts to transcend the simple purchase-exchange process with customer to make more meaningful and richer contact by providing a more holistic, personalized purchase, and use the consumption experience to create stronger ties.

-Wikipedia, Relationship Marketing

While speaking to a colleague about social media over the weekend, I was reminded of what I am most passionate about as a social media strategist.  Like many others, I love the new tools, sites and technology!  As an early adopter, I jump in early, test out the waters, and don’t mind wrestling with the beta versions and bugs.  When I joined Facebook it was a deserted island.  LinkedIn was much of the same.  It was adventurous and fun to be one of the earlier pioneers, but as social media became mainstream, it was time to take things seriously.  I am glad I did!

Five years from now, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn will look and function much differently than they do today, that is if they still exist.

If all the social spaces were to suddenly vanish, what would you have left to justify your use of time and resources?

In the end, it will be the relationships you have built that will remain.

How big and wide will your relationship-building footprint be?