Can you really build relationships through social media?

Many people believe that social media is a cool, new thing. They think its a great way of reviewing products and sharing photos with people they already know, but it is not a good way of meeting new people and forging lasting relationships. If you are one of these people, don't worry you're not alone.

I'm not going to sit here and tell you that meeting new people and developing long-term relationships with them is easy, but it is absolutely possible and happens on a regular basis. Most relationships in social media are short-lived, but people do develop business connections that lead to jobs, forge friendships and even meet a significant other.

It's easiest to develop the relationship beyond just casual conversation if you combine discussion in the social media realm with meeting in person. You can engage in a tweet-up, connect with people at a convention, or just agree to meet for a drink.

If you're pensive about meeting in person for one reason or another, you can still develop strong relationships with online social media conversation alone. You just have to make an effort and consistently participate in the conversation.