Making friends is a risky business. It’s tough because you leave yourself vulnerable. It’s tricky because it’s impossible to anticipate the result. And it’s terrifying because it can hurt… a lot.

Making friends on Twitter runs on the same principle. We can gain followers by sharing original, high-quality content, but at the end of the day, the follow comes with the anticipation of a followback to open a channel for conversation and interaction.

In other words: One new follower isn’t ? one more groupie. One new follower = one more opportunity to connect. It’s bravery at its finest. (And as we know, it’s the little things that count.)

Automated DMs that say “Thanks for the follow! Check out my website HERE” are great because they’re a springboard for more resources. But they also take away that element of sparkle that comes with a personalized message.

Following and saying hello to someone took the time out of his or her day to find you on Twitter, read through your tweets and muster the courage to follow is a way of giving back. It pays off because

1. You connect with your follower
2. You get to learn cool stuff
3. You make someone feel appreciated and pass the love along.

Welcome to the principles of online engagement and the “secret” to follower retention.

January 23 marks the start of the Year of the Dragon. New year, new blog.

This is neither my first blog post, nor my first blog. It is, however, my first step into renewing my love for sharing stories and reviving a discipline for blogging.

If you have check out my new and improved website, chatted me up on Twitter or poked me on Facebook, you know I’m a storyteller and that my life is nothing short of “ooh’s” and “ah’s” around every corner. I share. I like it when you share. I love a good laugh.

My life is a work in progress. (And really–whose life isn’t?) This blog reflects that. I crave energy, and that’s what this blog embodies.

I work with the social web and the networked space. Branding is my business. I love what I do. That’s why I share my stories and ask for yours.

More importantly, I live in Paris. It’s the most amazing city I have ever encountered and I feel very fortunate to learn, live and love here. I take 1,000 photos of baguettes and French signs because the pastries are tasty and the signs are a typophile’s dream come true.

This blog is my way of sharing the cool things I find and the lessons I learn. Enjoy!