Happy Holidays And Thanks

You and I have had a pretty interesting 2008 so far, haven’t we? We’ve seen lots of changes in the adoption of social media. There’s been a huge shift in the economic landscape. We went from thinking big about the future to finding real obvious executable ways to do things. Maybe we’ve even come to know each other a little better overall.

Are you still happy to be along for the ride?

I made a quick video during the snow we had recently, and wanted to share it as a kind of video holiday card for you. It features my children and my Dad (the ladies were inside during the snow storm). My family matters a great deal to me, and so I wanted to showcase them in my video card to you. More after the video. ( If it doesn’t play, Click Here to watch it).

Most holiday “cards” I’ve received in email or otherwise tell me all about themselves. I’d like to take this time to talk about you, and why I do what I do with you.

What I See In You

You, as I’m observing on your blogs (at least those of you who’ve signed up to be in the Rockstars) are finding new ways to do things, too. You’re growing and evolving. You’re figuring out what comes next, and you’re taking steps in that direction. I learn from you all the time.

My goal, every single day, is to be helpful. It’s the rallying cry that I used to build my business and my brand in 2008. It’s the simplest thing in the world to do. It’s a definition that drives action. By helping you, I’m doing something every day that I can feel proud about.

I attended, spoke at, and ran several dozen events (over 50) in 2008, and 2009 will be even more crazy. But, to me, it’s also an opportunity to connect with you. For some of you, that is “connect again.” For others, it’s an opportunity to finally shake hands, hug, drink coffee and beer (not at the same time), and build our existing relationship out into something more. Will you save a little time for me?

What Comes Next?

You’ve asked me from time to time how you can help me in return for some way that I helped you over 2008. I haven’t needed the favors, until this coming year. In 2009, I’m going to need your help.

I’m going to do one charity project a month. I won’t ask you to give to every one, but I will ask you to help communicate about it. I’ve got conferences and educational events I’ll be running, and I’ll want you to evaluate each one to see if they seem useful, and whether you’ll want to participate.

And I have a book coming out with Julien Smith in August (we thought May, but Wiley says August). Not only will I ask you to buy a copy, but I’ll ask you to help me find ways to move that book out into the larger world. I’ll ask because the book itself is about things like asking you to help.

So, you see, we have a busy 2009 together, you and I. But that’s for another time.

For now, thank you for my 2008 with you, and happiest of holidays to you and yours.

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