You are not alone.

Even if it feels like you are, you’re not.

I spent last weekend hanging out with my girls. (no, not daughters, college friends)

The nine of us get together twice a year (sometimes more) for lots of chat, some hikes, bike-riding, eating, drinking and overall hilarity. The venn diagrams of our lives change every now and then, but we still remain connected.

We know, by heart, each others’ dreams, dramas and inside jokes. We know who kicks ass at negotiations and who can finish the NYT crossword in less than an hour. We know who prefers biking to skiing and who can do an un-spotted aerial. We know who is struggling with their kids and who isn’t. (btw, the ones who are not are empty nesters)

Ok – so what’s my point?

My point is that, like friendship, your business has connections, too.

And the way to nurture those connections is to put yourself out there, get to know your clients/customers/people and see them on a regular basis so that you can figure out the best way to help and support them.

This is where social media comes in. Hang out on your social channel of choice, listen, and get to know your people.  You know, like at a cocktail party. Don’t barge in, without so much as a friendly hello and demand that people buy your Amway. Instead, hang back and listen. When you have something to add to the conversation, speak up, help out, be there.

Take time to build a relationship so that when your people have a need for a widget or a wangdoodle they think of you. Because they already know, like and trust you.

Go forth and socialize.