A few weeks ago I got an email from a young woman (we'll call her Jess) asking to meet with me. We know each other somewhat; Jess works for a consulting company I've used in the past. We're also friends on Facebook. Jess is about half my age and we don't know each other well so I was curious what she wanted to talk about. She came to my office on her lunch break a couple of weeks ago and, as it turned out she was considering going back to school and wanted my input.
"Really? …Me?"
"Yes."
She said she admired me and how I worked; that she respected my opinion.
"Wow", was all I could think.
What a compliment. I'm still awed by it. I don't know why, but I am. Perhaps it's because I don't have children and haven't spent much time in a mentoring, leadership role to younger people. I've just never thought of myself that way.
There are two points I'd like to make about this.
First point:
It goes to show you that what you think or see is important to you, but what you leave behind is what others think and see. This is true in branding, advertising, PR – marketing in general; as well as true in life.
In my mind I'm working as hard as I can to make my business a success. I've got a (loose) plan and I'm running with it. What Jess sees is a single woman with determination, putting herself out there. Even writing this feels odd – a bit boastful. But, seen from another's perspective, I guess that's who I am and what I'm doing. Although it doesn't feel like I'm doing anything extraordinary, it is something I admire in others. And I bet you're like me, in that you're a lot more critical of yourself than you are others.
My meeting with Jess showed me a different side of …well, me. I AM making a difference in ways other than "doing business". It's a nice feeling.
Second point:
Jess was BOLD enough to call me up and ask to meet with me. Then to tell me what she thought and how she felt.
How many times have I thought "I really admire that person for… <fill in the blank>" Many times.
How many times have I picked up the phone, pen, keyboard – and communicated that admiration?" A few.
There are so many people I've learned from, admire and look up to I'd have to start writing now and never stop to acknowledge them all. But I'm going do a better job going forward, starting NOW.
Barbara Hart:
There couldn't be a truer, more loyal friend than Barbara. She's that rare person who is quick to praise and without one iota of self interest. If you're Barb's friend and you really need her help, it doesn't matter if she's in the middle of a job, a movie or (as was the case when I called her) a dinner party… she drops what she's doing and makes herself available – really available.
Equally helpful is Barb's ability to cut through the crap – pardon the language, but no better way to say it. She doesn't put up with whining, avoidance behavior, lame excuses or wimpish behavior. We're both strong willed and very much alike in some ways. That can create challenges, yes. But there is great respect above all else. I'm lucky to know you, Barb. Thank you. http://www.HartsAtSea.com http://www.HireWellMaine.com Barb on Twitter: @BarbAtSea and @HireWell
Rich Brooks:
I've known Rich for a few years, in my past life as a retail store owner and well before I started my business. He had 3 or 4 employees and did much of the hands-on web design work himself. He's now a big shot, local media expert, national speaker, expert blogger for Fast Company and wicked smart social media guy. His company has grown substantially and is now located in some foxy, cool space with views of Casco Bay. No small feat in a small, yet crowded web design community.
I admire the business Rich has built, the education he makes available and the reputation he's developed. Rich and I also have our differences, yes. Sometimes it can be because of those differences I think I learn the most. Thank you, Rich. http://www.flyte.biz Rich on Twitter: @theRichBrooks and @FlyteNewMedia
Chris Brogan:
Many thousands of people probably have this man on their 'thank you' list. Chris has helped me in several ways, most recently taking time out of his crazy, hectic schedule to come to Portland, ME to participate in The BIG Conference. He was the first to say "yes" which gave the conference legitimate 'legs', so to speak.
But Chris was a big help and influence for me, well before the conference. He was one of the first people I followed on Twitter when I signed on in early 2007. My business was brand new and just morphing from business, productivity coaching/consulting to marketing and promotions. I had read about Twitter and it's advantages over IMs on blog posts from South by Southwest, 2007. I decided if I was going to help small businesses market and promote themselves better, I had better learn about social media, in general / Twitter in specific – or at least why Twitter was such a silly tool. … the rest is history.
Chris was and remains one, if not the most generous and prolific social media advisors out there. The information he shared – his own as well as passing on helpful posts authored by others was key in shaping the foundation of my knowledge as well as my business. Chris also interacted with me. He was actually 'listening' to me and other followers / readers and let us know it. He wasn't the only social media big-dog I followed early on, but he's one of the few I'm still following years later. My definition of 'friend' is a bit tighter than most. I don't know Chris well enough, nor have I been able to give back in a way that I feel comfortable using the term 'friend', but I hope to one day. Thank you, Chris.
http://www.chrisbrogan.com http://www.trustagent.com Chris on Twitter: @ChrisBrogan
If this or any future post comes across as sappy or as a suck-up, feel free to let me know about it. That is not my objective. The end of the year is approaching. As you reflect back think about those who have influenced you and your journey to where you now find yourself.
PS – I'll be attending SXSW this year for the first time. Will you be there?
PSS – Follow me on Twitter at @Lynnelle and @BoldBusiness
