Last week marked the one-year anniversary for The Harte of Marketing and what a year it’s been thanks to so many amazing people! When I first started THoM I really didn’t think anyone would read it, let alone care about what I had to say in regards to marketing, PR and social media. With so many other well-established and great blogs out there I almost considered not blogging at all but, I hated Twitter at the time (imagine that?!) so microblogging was out. And, apparently, my thoughts are too verbose for 140-characters (i.e. I talk too much).

My blog is a place for all the ideas swirling around my head to take form and have a home. And, being a marketer, I test a lot of things too…different topics, types of posts, etc. some work and some…well, not so much. I’ve also written posts that I wish I hadn’t and some posts that I re-read and think “wow, I wrote that?!” But, at the end of the day the person I compete most heavily against is myself and I don’t see that changing anytime soon…it’s just my nature.

And please know, I recognize that my blog would be nothing without the people who read it, recommend it and talk about it. I have had so many people come up to me at confereneces and say “I love your blog!” And you know what? Each and everytime I feel a mixed bag of emotions…giddiness, embarrassment, pride, thankfulness, honor and humility. I am honored that you take time to read my thoughts, opinions and rants, but it humbles me to know that you do.

While I could never thank everyone the way they deserve to be thanked, know that I am truly grateful that everyone takes time out of their busy lives to read my posts and leave thoughtful comments. What I love most about this experience is that everyone feels comfortable enough to kick off their shoes, share their opinions, get into debates and make this blog as much theirs as mine.

Thank you!

I always hate making lists of people to say thank you too because I fear leaving people out, but there are some folks that I would be remiss without thanking them publicly because they have always been there to support my efforts and they continuously encourage and inspire me.

Liana ‘Li’ Evans – My dear friend who opened up the world to me in so many ways, I am forever grateful. 

The Original Plurk Posse – Mack Collier, Connie Reece, Amber Naslund, Sonny Gill, Deb Robison, Kellye Crane, Frank Martin, Andre Natta, Tim Jackson. I am not sure there is enough space here to share my gratitude for all of you and what makes you as individuals so wonderful! You helped me not to trip and fall, you showed me what it means to develop friendships, you shared all of your smarts without asking for anything in return, and… you put up with me! 

The Philly Gang – Whitney Hoffman, Gloria Bell, Annie Heckenberger, Cecily Kellogg, Marilyn Moran, Wil Reynolds, Steve Lubetkin, Christine Cavalier, Linda Mills, Melissa Thiessen, Joe Geoghan, Cathy Larkin, Lindsay Lebresco, Leigh Fazzina, Anne Buchanan, Jocelyn Canfield, Rick Alcantara, Brian Branca, and Matt McDonald (even though he deserted us for SC!). It’s been a pleasure to get to know you all and no matter what anyone else says…you’re the real brain trust of Philly! 

Thought Provocateurs – Kami Huyse, Shonali Burke, Lauren Vargas, Ann Handley, Narciso Tovar, David Mullen, Lisa Hoffmann, Arik Hanson, Scott Hepburn, Paul Chaney, Gavin Heaton, Adam Cohen, Danny Brown, Shannon Paul, Christina Kerley (CK), Doug Haslam, Steve Woodruff, Gennefer Snowfield, Dave Fleet, Kyle Flaherty, Heather Rast, Greg Verdino, Doug Meacham, Ike Pigott, Gabriel Rossi, Richie Escovedo and many, many more! 

Valeria Maltoni – Having known Valeria for nine years, I can tell you that she has always understood the value of conversation! Not to mention that she valued the importance of networking long before social media was even a buzz word. Valeria was one of the first people I followed on Twitter and her words of wisdom to me were “listen and then engage.” Which I, of course, took as, “read and then respond immediately” (might explain my dislike for Twitter back then). Valeria is a true mentor, thought leader, genuine passionate marketer and connector. 

Geoff Livingston – I remember when I first reached out to Geoff for copies of Now is Gone to hand out as prizes at the local PRSA like it was yesterday. I was a bit nervous to email him, but Geoff was amazingly graceful and generous to a complete stranger. Thank you again for supporting our local efforts and for becoming a friend! 

Jason Falls – The first well-known blogger I had ever publicly debated with about where social media’s home should be either marketing or PR. Well, since PR falls under marketing, I guess I won that debate! [Kidding, couldn't resist.] Jason was great about letting me keep coming back to debate him. What’s best…he never told me I was wrong, even though he might have thought it. I don’t know where I’d be without his smarts and kick-ass sense of humor! 

Major apologies if I have left anyone off! 

Your Top 10 Picks of the Year 

1. 25 Signs You’ve Got a Strong SM Consultant or Agency (written with Geoff Livingston)
2. Chicago Domino’s Gets Social Media Right!
3. Personal Brand Equity: What’s it worth?
4. Is social media the same as marketing?
5. Personal Branding: Be careful what you wish for
6. Who owns your Twitter or Facebook Connections?
7. The Four Faces of Social Media
8. Social Media Ghostwriting: The Great Marketing/PR Debate
9. Top 25 Ways to Tell if Your Social Media Expert Is a Carpetbagger (written with Geoff Livingston)
10. The Seven Deadly Sins of Public Relations 2.0 (written by the community via #pr20chat)

The Future 

I don’t know what the future holds. But having been engaged in social media for five years (before it was called social media and social networking), I’ve witnessed how things trend, move on, break off, and fade away as part of the societal lifecycle. And you know what? If my blog fades away, I am okay with that. It’s just a sign that it’s time to mature, move on and do something different. 

Again, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to get to know me, friend me, debate/challenge me, agree/ disagree with me, and share your lives with me. Cheers!

[Image: iStock.com]

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