Open Invitation For All of You

THIS is why we all love Chris Brogan! Awesome, Chris...you deserve your rock star status..

Leslie

Heh, I couldn't get through your entourage! Seriously, I feel the same way. I'm in London right now and already have had a lot of fun because cool people wanted to hang out.

hi! works for me. look forward to running across your path.

What a lovely, loving and warm invitation. I can think of quite a few priests and bishops who would benefit from watching, studying, and memorizing this! Bless your heart and work.

Great post! You have just turn me from just occasional RSS reader, into your Twitter follower with this one ;)

Well, are you coming to Northern Voice or WordCamp Whistler? I'll be sure to say hi if you do!

Chris this is the best way you could have made your point and reached out. You'll see results from this. I promise if I am ever within 30 minutes of where I know you are I will make a point to introduce myself. :-)

Good video Chris, very honest. See you around some place!

Plan to see you at SOBCon09. And I will also bathe, but I only bite a little.

wow! that was nice, never seen anyone being invited like that. chris rocks!

I love that you even *think* of this kind of message.. let alone sending it out sincerely. Nicely done.

Hey Chris-
I was at my 1st ever event this summer and ended up on stage twice (not so odd for me as a professional speaker... it usually works out that way, even if I'm not officially on the speaking roster!).

At the very end of the conference as I was leaving and talking w/ one of my new friends I met that weekend, he saw someone he knew. So we stopped and said hello. And this person said he felt intimidated and was too afraid to meet me. This was my FIRST ever event and I'm no Chris Brogan or Robert Scoble. Funny thing was I was able to give him some useful info about a niche he was in and I was happy to do it. He later told me the info we chatted about helped him focus the direction of is business. Just from saing hi!

I think many people feel intimidated by those who they perceive as successful. I LOVE how you are so welcoming and friendly in this video. It reminds folks that we're all just people and the REASON we travel is to meet others and connect on a personal basis.

So glad I'm getting to know YOU on Twitter and look forward to our paths crossing in 2009. Don't worry, I'll stand in line to say hi. :-)

Warmly,
@FeliciaSlattery

Right on!

I met Chris at the Marketing Profs seminar in Boston. He really is as nice as he seems, and is a genuine person. I had some specific questions for him about his presentation, and how I could apply some of his ideas to my sites. He stopped and took his laptop out of his bag, and looked up my websites, and showed me technorati, and Google Blog Search, etc, and how they worked on our sites. I was a newbie to this space, and he really helped me get a good start on understanding social media.

His intense attention, and sincerity was a surprise, as I know he is a weblebrity and all. He could have given me a couple canned answers and moved on, but he really cares about this stuff, and helping others.

Keep it up Chris!

thanks for the invite Chris - I won't be shy! I know we will meet this year. love you man.

When I clicked this link from your Twitter post, I was expecting this to be about what people should *not* do if at the same event as you... some type of rant on people who've annoyed you.

I was so pleasantly surprised to find quite the opposite type of message. It's wonderfully refreshing, because your genuineness shows openly :).

@Chris - Mind if I do a parody of this vid? I have the opposite going on.

I've traveled once this year, nobody wanted in my orbit (pretty sure I don't have one, though I am heavy), I'm like the bizzaro version of you when it comes to reach.

Just asking if you give a thumbs up for a video response, don't want you to think I'm making fun of your success, just making fun of my completely opposite take/situation. :)

Keep doing what you do, keep the conversation alive!

Chris, if you will blog for food like your shirt says, what will you do for coffee? And a coffee mug? And a tshirt? And some stickers? http://www.plainjoe.com
Serious offer....

I'll vouch for him from a slightly awkward girl who picked up and went to BlogWorld in Vegas by herself without really knowing anyone except a couple of acquaintances... I DM'd Mr. Brogan from the next table with a smirk on my face and he obliged and then was super enough to remember me next day. That's one of many things that makes Chris great. Thanks!

I personally love "I'm...mostly polite."

Great little video, Chris! Thanks for the words, and it is something worth reminding folks.

Oh Chris, We love you so much. You, like many others too (Jeff Pulver, Tim O'Reilly), all of you are so busy with what you do and yet you always find the time to make people feel as though they were your friends forever.

I will never forget how you came through for me, ME! A stranger, when I asked you if you could do a video shout out for our 1st Frankfurt Girl Geek Dinner. You were on the road, in between hotels and you came through. WOW! You don't know how much that effort meant to me.

I will NEVER forget it and in turn, I have your back. There will never be anything you could ask of me (given boundaries of course) that I would not do.

Thank you, you wonderful man you!

Love,
Carmen

You gotta be one of THE nicest human beings I have ever met. And I am so glad I got to say HI! ;) and anyone out there that hasn't either listened to him speak or met him must try to before they die. It should be on your list of things to do.

I don't know how you could say it any more clearly or sincerely. So, when are you going to be in Houston?? ;)

YOU RAWK! This is why we all love you!

And That's why we love Chris Brogan.
If you weren't a fan, betcha' are now.

nice piece of "reaching out" there Chris...wouldn't it be wonderful if just a smidge of our elected officials took the same kind of approach to dialogue and conversation...cheers...travel safely

I must say what most of us have been saying, you are doing your thing. This kind of attitude is why, we all drop what we are doing when our google reader notifies us that you have dropped some knowledge on your blog. Or you have tweeted. Thank you for being so gracious and real, especially since we only know you virtually.

@Tsand - are you kidding, Todd? Parody videos RULE! I can't wait!

It was great to meet you last night at Latitudes. And thanks for introducing me to so many others. It is hard sometimes to feel like you can or should make that initial contact and say hi. I got over it and I'm glad I did. I met people who twitter here in Orlando because of a guy from Boston (and ultimately because of a guy from Indiana (Thanks Jon)). You should make a permanent link to this post on your home page. Right under the twitter icon. Your face as the icon, MEET CHRIS BROGAN as the link text.

I'm glad we met and look forward to connecting again in the future (maybe in a quiet coffee/wine shop where conversation can more easily happen). Have a great trip and let us know when you are back in Orlando again.

I tend to shy away from meeting well-known people, but, as the comments above reflect, I most certainly will if the occasion ever arises. That's a very sweet video. Thanks Chris :)

Awesome, message, Chris. I know there are many people who are worried about bothering someone they know is often busy. Hope we bump into each other sometime...but beware, I have been known to bite.

Wow...like many other people that have responded, I'm awed by the sincerity and perspective from someone who I'd expect would be mobbed at all times and the last thing they would want is yet another face in the crowd trying to get some face time with them. I think anyone that follows your tweets gets an impression of how busy you are. But this is an excellent reminder to all of us that there are real genuine people behind these online personas...Good to follow you, hope I do get the chance to meet you sometime...

You are the man. We are not worthy.

Great stuff, Chris. I have been a workshop facilitator, keynote and everything in between and it is amazing when a conference gives you a "title" how unapproachable it makes you.

But, what amazes me most is that a lot of notable speakers who are "experts" in customer experience, service, etc. are just mean to the technical staff (AV, speaker prep, Web guy). At times, I play that role, especially at smaller "for love only" associations and conferences.

If there are any readers here who are also speakers like Chris, be nice to the tech staff. Be who you are off stage as you are on. Remember they have their finger on the buttons of your slide show, your "open mic" and can easily send your bags to Sydney while you go to Paris (shameless plug for Guy Kawasaki's, Reality Check)

I think I might have a little crush on you now. What a sweetie!

That was a pretty cool video, Chris. It *almost* makes me want to overcome my fear of flying. Ah, one day, one day...!

Awesome! Of course I will!

If you are in DC, I will say hi. =)

Thanks for setting a great example for the rest of us!

Thanks for the very warm video, Chris. You gave me warm fuzzies. Oh, jeez, I guess I just gave away my generational preference. See you out there somewhere, someday.

Will do, Chris. Looking forward to meeting you sometime. And for those of you who find this refreshing, Jeff Pulver is the pretty much the same way. He literally has 5,000 friends on facebook.

Interesting contrast with some other approaches.

This is just one of the nicest invitations I have received from a social media "friend." Thank you!

What a heartfelt video! Good job, Chris. Hey, if you're ever down Vegas-way, let me know.

Chris, you are such a teddy bear. Completely awesome.

Chris that's such a great video. The thought does count! And you're lovely when you're sleepy. Thank you for the invitation, immediately welcoming and so real.

Chris, great post. You truly are one of the most genuine people I have met (well, not in person yet) people here online.

I hope we can meet in person one of these days. I need to get out more to some of these other events I suppose.

Curious, do your travels plans ever get you to Utah?

- Doc

I personally loved this video. You are indeed an approachable rock star =)!

Hi Chris,

You just put a smile on my face on a gray winter afternoon. What a wonderful way to engage with your audience. I'll definitely come say hello when our orbits cross paths. Best, Daria

That's so cool. I appreciate that! Now, when are you coming through Columbus?

So, this is what you are thinking of as soon as you wake up? I need at least one cup of coffee before anything interesting comes out of my mouth.

If you are ever in Costa Rica, send it out on Twitter. I live here and really don't feel like going back to the states...

I was at Stamats last month and was too shy and not twittering yet so I missed out on how friendly you all were at that conference. Thanks for letting us know, I'll say hi next time.

Awesome post. I typically am too rushed to watch videos online (I'd rather read, but I was too curious, because this video is for people like me. I would be adverse to bugging you in anyway, and maybe a bit awestruck because your reach is awesome as are the messages you share. And what would I say? "Hi Chris, My name is Sherelle, and I'm one of your 24,000+ followers on twitter and an RSS subscriber. So awesome to see/meet you here."?!??!

haha, I always get weird about taking time from someone who I'm sure many want a piece of. Thanks for the video, really.

Love the videos and immediately felt connected.
For a moment there I could swear you were speaking directly to me
and even though that may not be entirely true, you had me fooled for a second
or two. Nice going on the new site design too, it looks awesome.

Chris, it is really refreshing to see someone as genuine as you have been on matters such as this. Community interaction is very important, especially when the interaction is reciprocal.

This is one of those heartfelt videos that is super awkard for the creator to watch. The viewers definitely appreciate it though, and we are the ones who matter. GJ.

Gerald

Chris, this is why I follow you in Twitter -- you are awesome. I jump on Twitter just to see what you are putting out there for us. I have learned an unbelievable amount of stuff following the links you post. If you are every in Toronto, I will for sure take you up on your offer.

Chris - I'll be at SOBcon09.

I've seen Chris do it. You'll be so glad you said "Hi!" Just do it! You won't be sorry you did. And If you see me say "hi!" to me too!

Hi Chris !

How do you manage to bridge the gap between social media theory and social media practice over and over again ?

Talk about influencing people all around you.

Are you scheduled to visit New Delhi sometime in the future ?

So glad that you are mostly polite! See you around - sometime..

Chris -- What a wonderful video! Wanted to comment on the fact that you delivered this message as a video. The message would have worked as a written post but add in the tone of voice and body language and it made for a darn compelling and sincere message. All too often we forget that the medium we use really does impact how that message is delivered. Add my kudos to the long (deservedly so) list.

Thoughts on why all Chris Brogan videos don't come through in his posts if you read them via email?

Chris, LOVE your humility-and look forward to it. You are a breath of fresh air- and IMPACT is what this video has. It's Rocking Hot- and for your status in the social media world-it shows how unaffected you are by it. Kudos to the "King of Social Media!"

Hi Chris - Don't know if you get to the UK at all?
Love to see you if ever in the North West, UK.

Love the warmth and look forward to meeting you.

Uhm, Chris actually started a conversation with me in the restroom immediately after Gary Vaynerchuk's keynote at the MPDM and it evolved into a great 15 minute chat. Thanks for that Chris, and I will personally vouch that what you are saying in this video is indeed what you do. Keep it up!

Hi Chris ! No chance that you would be flying by Shanghai, China ? Let me know.
{ @thelastchinese }

Yeah, well that was well said Chris. A big G'day from down under. Shouldn't we all be the same in our dealings with other people? Hey, we are all equals and should never think we are lesser human beings than someone else.

Cheers,

@RicRaftis

Chris,

Our inter-action at BlogWorld '08, Las Vegas was testimony to me.

See you at "Social Media Jungle", CES Las Vegas '09, January 7 where I have noted you will be speaking in the morning...my turn is at 520pm. See you then!

Love it Chris. I hope I can make it to a conference that you're at. I would love to introduce myself. My goal this coming year is to meet as many new people as I can. This makes even more excited about that.

That was very human and down-to-earth. Nicely done.

well. let me know if you're ever in toronto!

Another example of why you are such a gem!

Chris, you're too awesome for words. Thank you!!

yin and yang
we are
:)

Thanks Chris, you can be sure I will make every effort to connect if we are in the same place. I appreciate you and your courageous attempt to break down the status barriers that often get in the way of conversation.

Wishing you many many good conversations to come

Jo

Now that is the nicest most gentlemanly thing I've seen anybody do on a blog. I like Chris Brogan and if I ever get out these chains that I live in I'll find a way to go say "Hi". Peace and Love BRO

Chris, you come across as a genuine, nice person, and I would love to meet you in person. Thanks for the encouragement and laughter (bathing comment). =)

I so want to post a video response to this saying "Oh my gawwwwd if we're ever at the same conference and you don't know me? Please don't come say hi... go talk to Chris Brogan instead, he's nice and I'm so not..." but then nothingnothingnothing could ever top Todd's (@tsands) reply and besides, it's late and someone would probably take me seriously. ;)

But I'm still just going to sit back and throw ice cubes at you from behind the 6-deep crowd that always surrounds you - because I've already met you and it seems only fair to give others a sporting chance! Oh, I mean... because I'm evil like that!!

Chris! What a charming video. Please come to the UK soon, preferably Brighton or somewhere south of London. We need you!! x

Second that Robin - and both Brighton and London are so pretty this time of year. Chris we'd welcome you with open arms :)

It's funny how one can be so good at networking via the Internet, yet they freeze or walk away once faced with a physical networking situation! Way to encourage breaking the cycle!

Next time you're enjoying the freshly placed ice and multiple power outlets of the Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara, I will be sure to track you down and introduce myself (over a good beer or glass of wine, of course!).

Hello Chris.

http://www.bubblecomment.com/id/tsjb

Of the 20,000+ people that follow him on Twitter, how many have ever actually worked with Chris professionally, or even know him personally? 500?

THIS RIGHT HERE IS WHY HE'S THE MAN.

He cares about people and making THEM successful, and in doing so HE becomes successful.

That's the formula. It should be bottled and sold, but the sad truth is that very few people actually like people as much as Brogan and Vaynerchuk.

@Tom Martin - that was really really cool. Thanks for the shout out. I'm visiting your blog now.

Chris,
i often feel as if we have met, because of conversations on twitter, and posts here, but look forward to meeting you in person some day. i am not shy, but it's nice to know you won't be put off if I come up and say hi

HI Chris...@missycaulk

planning to say hello next week at the So Cal Action Sports Network Meet up! Can't wait!

hey chris, feel free to say "hi" to me too!
(you won't even have to fight your way
through a crowd of people around me.)

ignore that i panned a presentation of yours...
(oh, you didn't read that review? oh, well then,
it wasn't _really_ that i _panned_ it, per se...
viewed "correctly", it was a fairly good review!)

anyway, it didn't mean that i don't _like_ you...
heck, you seem like a really nice guy! :+)

-bowerbird