If you're wondering how you can start using social media more, here's an easy one - add a comment to a blog post!

I spend about an hour a day reading various blog posts from chambers of commerce, business associations, marketing organizations and social media experts.  I'm amazed at the time, energy and passion that writers put into their posts.  And their insight and ideas help me be a better communicator.  But, I don't tell them often enough.

And, of course, I try to compile and create useful information on social media, technology and marketing for member-based organizations to use in posts for this blog.   But, there are very few comments on this blog.

Adding comments to blogs shows the author that you read the post, absorbed the info and had a reaction to it.  And....it starts a conversation.  As social organizations, chambers of commerce, business associations (and their staff) usually welcome new conversations with businesses and members in their community.

Commenting on blogs can also be a great way of networking with the businesses in your area.   You may notice that after you comment on someone's blog, they may start follow you on Twitter and they may comment on your blog, too. You might even connect with them on social networking sites like Facebook or LinkedIn.  You can take that opportunity to build a great relationship with them.  And that's what social media is about - sharing and building relationships!   And, as you know, the stronger those relationships are, the better chances you have for improving member retention and creating new member sales.

So, starting today, make it a practice to add at least one comment to a blog post each time you catch up on your reading.  Once a day would be great!  Yes, it does take a little time.  But remember how you feel when someone takes the time to thank you, compliment you for something you did or give you constructive feedback?  Pretty darn good, right?   Most bloggers WANT feedback on their posts - positive, negative, constructive...anything that lets them know that you've read their post.

What would you write? If nothing else, just let the author know that you appreciate them taking the time to compose their thoughts and share them with you.   But, it would be even better if you added a thoughtful comment, highlighting a certain point that you agreed (or disagreed) with and add your own thoughts to the issue. 

I know I would appreciate feedback as would just about every other blogger that I know.  So go out and add comments.  Be social!