Hi Gil:

Thanks for taking time to read some of my posts...I concur with your thinking about intangilbes being every bit as important as hard quantitative analysis. You might be interested in reading "Measuring Success" which can be found here: http://www.n2growth.com/blog/measuring-success

Thanks Gil....

Hi Laura:

Thanks for your insights...LinkedIn is a great platform. However I would assume that if LinkedIn is working well for you, then you are likely doing the types of things with your profile/content that will make you successful on other platforms as well. Best wishes Laura...

All great points Roger...There is definitely a difference between strategy and tactics. However one would hope, at least at some level, that the two are connected. I developed the following business process order of operations back in the late 80's and it is still being used in business schools today. I think it is relevant to any initiative including social media implementations:

"Values should underpin Vision, which dictates Mission, which determines Strategy, which surfaces Goals, that frame Objectives, which in turn drives the Tactics that tell an organization what Resources, Infrastructure and Processes are needed to support a certainty of execution."

Thanks again for the astute comments Roger...

Thanks Monika...I'm glad you liked the article, and it's good to see you're active in all the right places. Best wishes Monika...

Hi Joseph:

Thanks for the comment, and I'll check out James Rivers. Have a great weekend.

Great points David...your comment reminds of the truth contained within the old definition of insanity: "doing the same things over and over again while expecting different results."

Hi Kevin:

The offer was not to guide you, but rather to provide you with the concrete examples you re seeking. This is not the appropriate forum for detailed conversations, the nature of which would require that personal information be shared.

You have an open offer to advance the discussion offline should you desire to do so. Otherwise, we'll have the leave things here. Thanks Kevin.

Hi Kevin:

I believe Melanie provided you with very insightful perspective. I've also offered to speak with you directly if you'd like, but other than that, I'm not sure it makes any sense to continue an exchange that clearly isn't going anywhere. Best wishes for success Kevin.

The actual post referenced via link, did in fact give concrete examples. I don't know how much more specific of an example you would want than Dell directly attributing $3million in revenue to Twitter.

With regard to personal data and experience, feel free to send me an email (can be found at http://www.N2growth.com) with your contact information and I'll provide you with several specific examples.

Hi Kevin:

I don't know how you could have read the post I referenced and not have seen evidence that social networking produces a return for many of those who participate in the medium. I have personally yielded a substantial return on my time, as have many of my clients and professional associates. My suggestion would be that if what you're doing isn't working, don't continue along the same path, but change tactics. I hope this helps...

Hi Melanie: wow...great response. I'm sure your tenacity, passion, and focus will yield continuing benefit over time.

Kevin:

I appreciate your position, and can understand your frustration. I would suggest reading the following post as it will give you specific examples of social networking successes: http://www.n2growth.com/blog/direct-marketing-via-twitter

I hope this helps, and best wishes for continued success...

Hi Prasanna:

My father used to tell me that "You Don't Know What You Don't Know." This statement reflects dangerous territory for professional advisors, and often results in a "fake it until you make it" mindset from those long on chutzpa and short on ethics...

Hi Gil:

I believe you and Melanie are spot-on with your observations that the criteria outlined in my article can be used in the vetting and due diligence of any vendor...A common sense approach is often the best approach.

Thanks Gil.

Dan...you are most welcome sir...I have learned over the years that trust given before earned is a trust that will be broken...Best wishes Dan.

Thanks Melanie...I'm glad the information was useful. As a side note, I'm relieved to know that I've been spared from the wrath of the dreaded red pen of your inner editor.

Thanks Cheryl...I feel the only appropriate reply to those kinds of accolades is one of "I'm not worthy..."

Hi Don...nary a day passes when I'm not approached by the newest expert in the field of social media. However it's not too difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff by applying a bit of common sense to matter.

Thanks Jack...I agree that the items mentioned will overcome attempts at the form over substance pitches in most areas.

I appreciate the kind words Kelley.

Thanks for the comments Danek. Joel and Rob are two of the good guys in the business.