Hey Guys & Gals,
This week has been an amazing journey in creating lots of new online relationships. I had the pleasure of making new friends on five continents… Wow, the internet sure is cool !!! But I have a confession to make; I missed a key opportunity to connect with the people who are the closest to me in my online business.
If you think commenting on other people’s blogs is important, you are correct. If you think taking the time to reply to comments on your blog is a waste of time, think again!
Check out my latest short training video for the inside scoop…
If you resonate with this and have some ideas or encouraging words to share, I’d love to hear from you down below. And if you think the people over on Twitter would benefit, a ReTweet is always appreciated too, and if you think your Facebook following would benefit from these words feel free to share them with your friends.
Wishing you prosperity and joy,
Scott
Scott Scales
Val Wilcox
Mary Lou Kayser
Beth Allen
Kaye Flack
Sandy & Al Ab...
Don Enck
Melissa Wright
David Merrill
Jodi Lee
8. June 2010 at 6:43 pm
Incredible post Scott,
I discovered the exact same thing. Once I started replying to comments, I noticed that I was able to connect with more and more individuals.
Your Blog is without question the easiest place to build strong, long lasting relationships. Skype would be a very close second!!!
Cheers
Steve
Steve Hachey´s last blog ..Can My Garden Actually Teach Me Something?
Scott Scales Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
@Steve Hachey,
Hey Steve,
It has been a pleasure to get to know you better. We have so much to look forward to working together on our blogs. Thanks for taking time to check out my post.
You are a great new friend,
Scott
Scott Scales´s last blog ..Are you wasting time on blog comments?
8. June 2010 at 8:10 pm
Hi Scott,
You’re spot on! What I love about a blog vs. a static website is the ability to converse with your readers by commenting. It adds social proof to your blog and you can learn more about your readers from their comments. That said, I think there is such thing as over commenting, if you’re neglecting other important marketing aspects of your business. Increasing traffic is one thing but conversion is another.
Janette
Janette Stoll´s last blog ..Is marketing your direct sales business with social media hot or hype?
Scott Scales Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 9:00 am
@Janette Stoll,
Hey Janette,
You should always focus on your your most important marketing tasks. I have found that a well laid out DMO lets me accomplish all of my important tasks in my marketing efforts. Great to hear form you and thanks for taking the time to add to the discussion.
Scott
Scott Scales´s last blog ..Are you wasting time on blog comments?
8. June 2010 at 8:21 pm
Replying to comments people make on your blog is a great way to connect.I also go and comment on their latest blog post. Great tips here Scott.
Beverly Monical´s last blog ..One of THE BEST Social Media Tools I Have Found!
Scott Scales Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 9:06 am
@Beverly Monical,
I so agree, it is always important to reciprocate the love.
Thanks for the comment.
Scott Scales´s last blog ..Are you wasting time on blog comments?
8. June 2010 at 8:24 pm
Hey Scott,
I really appreciate this information at this time. Too many bloggers are either not commenting or not responding. I’ve met so many amazing people and have started relationships with my readers through their comments.
One key point that many have missed is the non-blogging readers. They don’t understand the RT or FB shares. Comments may be what attracts them to interact with you. I see “big name” bloggers who never respond to comments.
I feel that a site with no comments is such a waste and the next in line is one with no responses.
Glad you opened up this subject,
Val
Val Wilcox´s last blog ..Have You Started Your Bucket List?
8. June 2010 at 10:00 pm
Hi Scott,
You are so right about what a goldmine the comments on our blogs are to us and to the commentators! Like Val mentioned above, many people who are not part of the blogging circles don’t understand what to do with the buttons or even the comments. In some ways, it is a skill set all on its own.
With that said, I am glad you are now a reformed commenter and look forward to interacting with you even more than I already do! I love every sincere comment I earn on my blog and value each person for taking their precious time to offer their thoughts on something I have written. I know you do too, and am grateful that you made this short video about how precious our blog comments really are!
Mary Lou
Mary Lou Kayser´s last blog ..Predictably Irrational: The Keys to Your Success May Be the Opposite of What You Think
Scott Scales Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 9:09 am
@Mary Lou Kayser,
Thanks for your insight Mary Lou. Yes, I am a reformed commenter and I look forward to communicating with you a regular basis.
Scott
Scott Scales´s last blog ..Are you wasting time on blog comments?
9. June 2010 at 9:40 am
Hey Scott. Great post my friend! I made a follow up post/video with you because I think it’s important to note the Subscribe to Comments Plugin and the importance of it. Check it out on my blog, http://cliftonhatfield.com/subscribe-to-comments-on-wordpress/
Thanks!
Clifton Hatfield´s last blog ..Subscribe to Comments on WordPress
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
@Clifton Hatfield,
Hey Clifton,
Thanks for the additional information on my post. The second plugin makes creating t real discussion so easy. You are a blogging rock star.
Scott
Scott Scales´s last blog ..Are you wasting time on blog comments?
10. June 2010 at 7:08 am
Hi Scott
Blog comments seem to be one of the most valuable online methods of building relationships with people. I’m only just starting in this area so have been studying others blogs. It’s great seeing interaction between people. I did learn from your video. Thankyou. Jane
Jane Long´s last blog ..Control That Tummy!
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
@Jane Long,
Hey Jane,
Glad you found value in the content on my blog. I hope you will become an active member in our discussions.
Scott
10. June 2010 at 8:09 am
Hi Scott!
Seems if people stop by to comment and we don’t respond it’s like ignoring someone knocking on your front door! Thank you for bringing up such an important point in relationship building.
Teresa Ivory´s last blog ..Decisions: What does your heart tell you?
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
@Teresa Ivory,
Yes, you are correct. I have been guilty of this in the past out of ignorance. I have qucikly learned the value comments can have in creating relationships with your readers.
Scott
10. June 2010 at 8:36 am
Thank you for your great post . Sure commenting back is a great way to build a good relationship with your readers .
Thank you again ;
Mohamed Fawzy
Mohamed´s last blog ..5 Killer Tactics To Build A Relationship With Your Friends On Facebook
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
@Mohamed,
Hello my new friend. Thanks for stopping by. I hope we will learn much from each other.
Scott
10. June 2010 at 10:07 am
Great post Scott and a great reminder as to what we need to do with our blogs! Thanks!
Michael Feil´s last blog ..Give Away The Farm To Get The Bank
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
@Michael Feil,
I have been learning from the best thanks to the Empowered Tribe.
Scott
10. June 2010 at 10:21 am
Hey Scott,
There is a valuable lesson in this post. We spend so much time… crafting our stories, preparing our blogs, attracting a readership… then often make the ultimate blogging gaff by ignoring the comments section.
I think we’ve all been guilty of that… I know that I have! There’s GOLD in these comments, as you pointed out, through relationship building!
Great video on a subject that we so often overlook! Thanks for sharing this… I’m going back to acknowledge some of the comments that I’ve missed.
Chris McCargar´s last blog ..Choose Today
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
@Chris McCargar,
Hey Chris,
Great to get to know you over the past few weeks. I am so looking forward to the power in our new mastermind group. Thanks foe the valuable response.
Scott
10. June 2010 at 10:43 am
Very true…I try to take the time to get people to interact on my blog and always take the time to respond. Great video!
Brent´s last blog ..Insanity Day 52 – Max Cardio Conditioning And Cardio Abs (And The Scale Is A Fickle Device)
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
@Brent, .
Thanks Brent.. I hope you will become an active member in our community of amazing bloggers.
Scott
10. June 2010 at 11:07 am
Scott,
A very important point you make in your video. Getting a dialogue started with the readers of your blog is just as important as doing that on Facebook, Twitter or any other social site. Building relationships is key in the online world and it can make a huge difference in the success you can achieve. I’m glad you saw the errors of your way and also took the time to admit them to us and point out how important this really is.
Thanks.
Don Enck´s last blog ..The Power of Being Authentic
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
@Don Enck,
It is so funny how we will take the time to create discussions on all the other social media real estate but we so qucikly ignore our best piece of virtual real estate… our own blog. Loved your post this week.
Scott
10. June 2010 at 10:17 pm
ABSOLUTELY right, Scott!
I’ve had so many people visit my blog and comment that I never heard of, and when I go to their blog, read their about me, reply to their comments and comment on their blogs, I’ve developed many, many great relationships that way. And it makes blogging a whole lot more interesting… and fun!
David Merrill´s last blog ..Cash or Crash? Lead Conversion Strategies
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
@David Merrill,
You are so correct David. You learn so much by reading through the comments and it opens the door to create a real relationship.
Scott
11. June 2010 at 12:42 am
The opportunity to resonate and connect with people is the purpose of a blog, in my opinion. Relationships are not built with one conversation, however first impressions are key to establishing the beginning of what may be a lifetime friendship. That being said I think like any conversation it should not be one sided, and blogging is like telling a story – you like to get a response. I’d like to thank you for your thoughts, and I agree with you Scott. Also great meeting you on skype today and getting to know you on another level.
Wendy MacKay´s last blog ..Work at Home
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
@Wendy MacKay,
Hey Wendy,
I am sure we will generate many wonderful discussions among our new group. I am so happy we have connected.
Scott
11. June 2010 at 1:05 am
Hi Scott,
If I don’t see a comment back here by tomorrow, you’re in trouble lol.
Actually, I’m relieved you bought this topic up as it was something that I never used to ‘get’.
When I first started blogging, whenever I received a comment I used to think “oh how cool that I got a comment today”. I know it sounds dumb but I had no idea that to build a community you needed to be active in your own community. Dah!
As you pointed out, it’s such an incredibly powerful strategy for relationship building.
Michaelé
Michaelé Harrington´s last blog ..A Brand New YouTube Feature To Add Value To Your Email Marketing Campaign
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
@Michaelé Harrington,
HAHA… I have commented back. It has been such a pleasure getting to know you. Blogs are awesome… we get to connect and share ideas with people all over the world.
Scott
11. June 2010 at 1:45 am
Hey Scott!
This is one topic that hits home for
me… I’ve been so inconsistent with
commenting and replying to comments
on my blog. This is one area that
I definitely will be improving in.
Gotta lead by example right?
Thanks man,
Kary
Kary Rogney´s last blog ..Blogging For Begginers: The ‘About Me’ Page…
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
@Kary Rogney,
We are in the same boat which led me to my video. I look forward to when I can comment back in all video too
Scott
11. June 2010 at 8:05 am
Thanks Scott for reminding us of this golden opportunity to build great relationships
Kaye Flack´s last blog ..Why does the Empowered Tribe Culture ROCK? IS IT WORTH PROTECTING???
11. June 2010 at 11:26 am
Wow! This is such a helpful post! I always try to answer my comments but I realize now that I am not answering them in a way that invited them to answer back. I am basically thanking them and sometimes commenting on or validating their comments. I need to ask questions or make statements that invite responses.
I will also go to their sites more often than I have before.
Once again, Scott, you have really made a difference for me.
Thank you,
Sandy
Sandy & Al Abrams´s last blog ..Caveat Emptor–Buyer Beware Part 4
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
@Sandy & Al Abrams,
Hey Sandy,
Glad to see you here. As we have discussed, we always want to invite a real conversation. It has been such a pleasure getting to know you and Al,
Scott
12. June 2010 at 11:04 am
Scott – I was guilty of not appreciating my commentors at first too. I learned very quickly that it is well worth my time to connect with these people and learn more about them as well as commenting on their blog too. Great Post!!
Glyna Humm´s last blog ..OnlyWire – Social Bookmarking’s BFF!
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
@Glyna Humm,
I am amazed at how easy responding to comment actually is and how fast you can build a relationship with a new reader. Looking forward to building an amazing new business with you.
Scott
12. June 2010 at 11:22 am
Right on, thanks Scott! Commenting is critical to blogging ~ these are not static websites, blogs are like living, breathing conversations where relating and connecting serve as the pathway to relationships, referrals and business!
It took me a month or two to connect these dots after I first started blogging, and was actually embarrassed to think I’d let something seemingly so intuitive pass right by me! Once I figured it out, everything clicked, and I have made some of the most amazing friends and business partners because of it!
Beth Allen´s last blog ..The 5 Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
@Beth Allen,
It is funny how we work so hard to get traffic and then when we get it, we simply overlook it. You are an amazing new friend… we have such a fun journey ahead of us.
Scott
12. June 2010 at 3:36 pm
Great Post Scott!
I do comment back to my readers, but it is so easy to be ‘too busy’ and waste the opportunity. I am guilty of it. It’s pretty ironic, we shouldn’t waste the connections we’ve already made.
Thanks Scott!
Danielle
Danielle Zack´s last blog ..How to Get the Most Out of Your Social Media Relationships
Scott Scales Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
@Danielle Zack,
Hey Danielle,
I find we all get very busy, but this should actually be a priority. Great to have you on my blog. I look forward to getting to know you better.
Scott
13. June 2010 at 5:40 pm
Hey Scott,
Great post for new bloggers and to remind the experienced bloggers as well.
I have found how fun it is hear from people all over the world and get to know then thru the comments. Happy to be connected and excited to learn from you Scott.
Best, Lisa
Lisa Molina’s latest blog…Information Age or MIS Information Age – the Internet
Scott Scales Reply:
June 13th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
@Lisa Molina,
Hey Lisa,
Welcome to the team and glad to see you on my blog. You are correct comments a re such a robust way to connect with people all over the world.
Scott
16. June 2010 at 4:05 pm
Hello Scott,
It is so true and important to reply to comments as a wonderful way to connect with your readers and get to know each other. When I read your title line “Are you wasting time….” I was kind of hoping you found a way to make it even easier/faster to reply to comments – I like highly effect and fast ways of doing things.
Thanks for sharing,
Leelja
Leelja´s last blog ..TEA OR DISH-WASHING-WATER?
17. June 2010 at 10:54 pm
Scott,
A true leader is not afraid to show his weakness or share his short comings. This allows others to learn from you even more. You are such a giving leader and a great supporter of the cause. The cause of helping others to see the bigger picture!
I too have been inconsistent in replying to comments. I have been making amends in that department. Thanks for the great lesson!
Ken Pickard
The Network Dad
Ken Pickard´s last blog ..Mastermind Group Takes on “Think and Grow Rich”
18. June 2010 at 1:51 am
Hey There Scott!
Glad to be coming around to visit your blog! Boy, can I relate to this! It is not that I don’t understand all of this info. . . it is a question of time. I liked your comment in our leaders group to the effect that 20 hours is all you can do. I am with you there!
Now I feel guilty
and I need to get over to my blog! Thanks for the timely reminder!
Mentor Mama
26. June 2010 at 12:44 pm
Scott,
I so very much agree with you, that comments are definitely a huge way to build community. I’ve learned a great deal about this through TSA and I definitely look forward to learning more about you and your work.
Thanks so much,
Adam
Dr. Adam Sheck´s last blog ..Should We Break Up or Make Up Ask Adam” June Audio Replay