If someone leaves a comment on your website should you answer them? What about if they give you a tip on Twitter, should you acknowledge it? Seems obvious that you should, but there are so many businesses that don't. Conversation isn't a one way street, that's just talking. If you are going to treat your Internet Marketing channels as a one way then you are setting your business up for failure. This is a common mistake I see many people making right now.  Many are concerned with pushing content out that they aren't taking the time to engage their audience, which after all is one of the corner stone reasons of all these online tools. Take The Time To Ask Questions When people leave a comment on any of your channels, take the time to answer them. Even better is to engage them. One of the ideas I picked up recently from Andrew Swenson was not just answering the comments but asking a question back. Great idea, thanks! By taking the time to engage others you can not only personalize the interaction, it will allow you to learn, share and develop a relationship.  These relationships are what will ultimately give you the permission to tell them more about your company. Not only that, but by engaging your customers you can learn how to better meet their needs. This is where small business has a huge advantage. The ability to get to know their customers more intimately than bigger competitors.  In fact it's what every big business is trying to do these days, act smaller. Don't just talk - listen, ask and engage.  It's what will help separate you from those that are traveling in one wrong direction. Which online tools do you find most useful for starting conversations with your customers? photo credit