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Social media is hot. Social networking is a buzz word. Social marketing is a challenge.
But not many are looking purely at the REAL big benefit of engaging on social networks – the CONNECTIONS and CONTACTS that you make.
In 2008, I spent a lot of time on social media properties like Twitter, Ning, Plurk, LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace and on my blogs. And I’ve been lucky to meet some amazing, incredible and inspirational people through social networks.
These are just some of the nice folks I’ve come to meet, know and become friends with in 2008.
Carrie Wilkerson – The barefoot executive with a razor-sharp mind that works at 120 mph. The ultimate multi-tasker, she’s on Twitter for what seems all day long… yet gets a ton of stuff done, all the while juggling multiple conversations and a family with little kids – effortlessly!
Terry Wygal – I met this ‘referral marketing‘ expert through Twitter, and was quickly captivated by his energy, generosity and the things he does to help underprivileged children by leveraging his vast and growing online network.
Paul Evans – Owner of Nicheology.com, Paul has been on my radar for long, but we really connected only this year – again on Twitter. A nice spin-off of our renewed association is that an ‘in person’ meeting is on the cards for 2010 – along with Carrie W. Can’t wait for it!
Adam Urbanski – The ‘Marketing Mentor‘ to many successful business owners literally stumbled into my Twitterverse one day – and we found instant synergy. It has been a fun experience, following things Adam does, learning from his vast knowledge, and just chewing the fat.
Jeanette Fisher – Just how does a real estate specialist get to grab the attention and interest of a heart surgeon? By caring about people! Jeanette supports Frank McKinney’s ‘Caring House Project’, and through that shared interest, we became fast friends online.
Gail Goodwin – “Ms.Inspire Me Today” is responsible for my daily dose of energizing thoughts and inspiration, through her blog, her tweets, an occasional email… but most of all, the hugely ambitious things she attempts like the ‘Global Hugs Tour’ – which passes through my city in June 2009. Yay!
Anne Mitchell – She ‘gets’ the most important element of email marketing – DELIVERY of messages. But until she invited me to a ’secret’ mastermind, “People Behind Success”, I barely knew Anne. Now I do – and count her among my best friends on Twitter.
Meghna – This talented and witty 13 year-old blogger and writer from India wanted to be “Blogging Idol 2″. Our association started there – and grew to brainstorming the Twitter writing event of 2008… “Tweet a Book”.
Julie Gibbons – The brain behind ‘People Maps’, an uncannily insightful peek into your ‘hidden’ personality, Julie’s tweets about her European travel holiday are just as fascinating. Now I have another good reason to visit Scotland again!
Mary Donachy – 76 years young, this lively grandma is my biggest inspiration in 2008. The respect we have for each other is mutual, as Mary raves about me everywhere – and buys ANYTHING I put up for sale! Her pet project to help families dealing with autism is gathering momentum, and will touch thousands of lives.
To sum it up in a phrase: Mary ROCKS!
And so do all the fantastic people I’ve met on social networks in 2008. You know I mean YOU – even if you’re not in the list above!
Now you tell me about the nice folks you’ve met in 2008.
{ 4 comments }
I have been amazed about the nice people I have met online in 2008 (and prior years) as well. I make it a point to meet some of them when they traveled into the Washington DC area or when I was near where they live. I have not been disappointed once!
Thanks for sharing a list of some of the nice people you met in 2008. You have added some who I don’t know well and may need to be on my list for 2009!
This year has been terrific for me. I met 1000’s of people and each had his/her share of influence on me(in varying degrees, of course). I’m proud of my direct networking skills and I started open online networking only this year (I know, i’ve been a frog in the well) and had tonnes of wonderful experiences.
My most influential people 2008 are offline contacts. 1) my hubs (has been topping continuously for 12 yrs) & 2) A lady who discarded everything in US to work for the welfare of under-privileged kids in Africa. Probably because I learn more about them and being a part of their mission, makes a difference.
Wonder if this holds true to everyone? or is it just me?
This is a great post , saw it on Twitter..Nice meeting you Mr Mani and you are doing a great job with your blog to help underpriviledged childeren in India
Dear Dr. Mani,
I have three main interests in my life these days. First of all comes my dedication to my God and my spiritual responsibilities to Him. I believe that the entire universe began with God and will end with God. I have a personal relationship with the Spirit I so love and believe in. He became my first love at age 11 and remain so to my grave. I never walk alone.
The second most important is Jenny, the autistic child who has been my responsibility from the day she was born 20 years ago. Included in all that is my effort to bring the mother and child together to bond and continue on when I am no longer able to fulfill this awesome resonsibility. I am now in Pennsylvania managing a hotel for my Indian “family”, which offers that opportunity to Jenny’s mother. This will give Robin (the mother) time to bond with this incredible daughter of hers. Jenny will do anything to please.
Thirdly, comes my business. I want to say that you are the core of whatever success I might have had and I think I am experiencing many moments of online success. I also want to thank you for helping me with the first two priorities I mentioned above. You have encouraged and uplifted me spiritually, enhancing my communion with God. Our focus may not be exactly the same, but you are a deeply spiritual human being and you guide us toward the inner spirituality we all need to find peace and true happiness.
You have also helped me in my dealings with Jenny. When I was afraid to leave her you said, “The same God who will be with you in Pennsylvania is the same God who will be watching over Jenny in Tennessee.” That realization has made it possible for me to leave her for more than 30 days to be nurtured by that same God and her natural mother.
You are a such an influence to all of us who are blessed with your mentoring. I don’t know how you do it – you must be from another planet! Where do you ever find time to do all you do and do it with such a warm, cheerful spirit? Do you teach that? I wonder how many of your students could ever match your skill, your passion, and you strength! Probably none.
I love you and respect all that you do! There’s only ONE Dr. Mani!
Mary
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