This post would've been out of character for my Dix & Eaton blog, so I figured I'd jot some thoughts down and hopefully hear from you...

I think we can agree that 2009 was a trying year. We're working harder than we've ever worked and doing so with fewer resources. We know plenty of talented friends who have lost their jobs during the last 12 months. I'm sure we also know plenty of people who are stuck in a role they'd rather not be in, but are staying there because of the current economic situation. 

With the new year comes tremendous hope that things will be different. Not to burst your bubble, but the chances of them being different without you doing something about it is very small. At least for me, 2009 presented a fantastic opportunity to network, and get to know people through social channels that I would've never had a chance to meet otherwise. Make sure you check out Amber Naslund's interview by Jay Baer where she makes a very similar point about geographic barriers being torn down by social media. So I'd encourage you to continue expanding your network using the social channels that you use in 2010. 

However, I hope you wont lose track of the relationships you've already built in 2009. Some of those active in social media have shiny object syndrome. Before we've completely explored all of the opportunities presented to us by the current tool we're wondering what the next new shiny object can do for us. In our race to measure fans, followers, blog comments, etc...I hope we don't lose sight of what makes these channels great: the people. Without them, you're (we're) nowhere. Yeah, before you kill me, measurement is important. We need to know the value we are getting, but my hope is that we can develop relationships and measure value simultaneously. 

Am I saying don't be forward thinking? Am I saying don't expand your network? No, not at all. But if you're always focused on expanding, or coming up with the next big thing, who's going to be left to watch the store (if you'll allow)? I'd argue that expansion, without continued development of your existing network is cutting off your nose to spite your face. Don't be lured by potential - be lured by what's already proven fruitful for you. Continue developing the relationships you've already built and you won't be disappointed. 

Here's to an awesome 2010!