In a few days most Americans will be celebrating Thanksgiving. There will be turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and lots more food to go along with a day of family and football. It's the day we pause to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives.
Rather than write a regular article I want to take this time to give thanks to many people who've been a blessing to me. That's the principle of liking at work! I encourage you to click on some names and perhaps send a Facebook friend request, follow someone on Twitter or connect with them on LinkedIn because they're all good, supportive, helpful people. That's a big reason for my thanks! It's not that they're just good to me; I think it's their nature so here's a chance to hook up with really good folks if you want to expand your social network.
I have to start with my wife Jane and our daughter Abigail. If you follow me on Facebook or have read this blog for any length of time then you know they're fodder for much of what I write. They're always great sports about it and they give as good as they get. You should take a look at some of our exchanges because they can be quite funny.
When it comes to this blog I'd like to start by saying thanks to Sean Patrick, Marco Germani, Yago de Marta and Hoh Kim. These guys continue to help my readers get a worldwide perspective on influence and persuasion. To see what they have to say tune in on the first Monday of each month for the Influencers from Around the World series.
Here are some other people who've been very helpful with this blog. George Black got me going on this blog simply because he encouraged me. Next is Mike Figliuolo who’s been a great resource for all my blogging questions. On several occasions I've written guest posts for Mike's blog, thoughtLEADERS, and he's returned the favor writing some posts for me. Then there's Michael Franzese who's provided some very cool drawings for Influence PEOPLE and designed my logo. To see more of his work and read some of his thoughts check out FranzeseInklings.
There are lots of Twitter friends who retweet my stuff consistently: James Sims, Marcy Depew, Matt Fox, Maureen Metcalf, Anthony Iannarino, Paul Hebert, Aaron Schaub, Steve Miller, Warren Davies, Jon Wortman, Jim Canterucci, Justin Bryant, Stella Collins, Eldon Edwards, and James Seay. To follow any of them on Twitter just click on their name.
Special thanks also need to go to several coworkers. First there’s Debbie Conkel who's proofread my work for more than 15 years now. She takes her own personal time to read through every blog post for me. Next is my boss John Petrucci. I could not work for a better leader and friend. Imagine the most supportive boss you can then multiply it many times over. And then there's Nancy Edwards, someone I look to for mentoring. It doesn't matter if we're face to face, on the phone or communicating by email; Nancy encourages me every time we interact.
When it comes to getting stuff done on the influence side, Chris Cibbarelli is my point person at Dr. Robert Cialdini's office, Influence At Work. No matter what I need, no matter how quickly, Chris is always there for me. To say she's a joy to work with would not be a strong enough statement.
Finally, I want to say thanks to all of you reading this today. Readership has now reached nearly 150 countries! That's not something I expected in my wildest dreams when I started blogging. The best gift I could give you to show my appreciation would be to help you find the kinds of online relationships I've found. That's why I hope you will take time to click on some names, start some conversations and make some connections. I know you'll be glad you did. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Brian, CMCT
influencepeople
Helping You Learn to Hear “Yes”.
You know, Brian, it's hard to put into words how much I appreciated your very thoughtful mention of me in your blog. Typically I would make a joke and slough it off but you have been so generous in your repeated acknowledgement of my small role in helping you get started with your blog--which I must say you have turned into something of an empire—that I cannot do that. Your integrity and loyalty have been extraordinary and gratifying and I feel proud to have had any tiny part in nudging you forward. I think you must be destined for great things! Thank you again and please accept my and Claire’s best wishes for you, Jane and Abigail for a wonderful Thanksgiving. And then, as they say in New York, excelsior! (not the wood shavings) ;-)
ReplyDeleteGeorge,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad out paths crossed. I remember the Tommy's Pizza lunches and the Clippers ballgame. I wish you were still around to continue those times. If you know you'll be in town anytime give me advance notice so we can get together.
Happy thanksgiving messages
ReplyDeleteGreetings.net