I didn’t expect you

Picture_1 Two years ago today, I clicked on the “publish now” button here at Drew’s Marketing Minute for the first time.  I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I figured I’d write and sometimes, someone would read.  Maybe a comment or two.  It was a grand experiment and I was flying without a net.

Now, 760 posts later — boy, did I write.  With 3,200+ subscribers, I guess you did some reading and with a whopping 5,526 comments as I write this — man, did you talk back!

I don’t really know how to say this without sounding a little goofy — but I am humbled by your presence here.  I know how busy you are.  I know how many excellent marketing blogs there are.  And still you come.  I didn’t expect you.

And thank goodness you showed up!  Do you realize what we’ve done together in these two years?  We’ve sparked ideas, we’ve raised issues, we critiqued, applauded and even gotten a little weepy once or twice.

We co-wrote Giving College Grads a Fighting Chance and invited the world to download it for free.

We created the resource — New Blogger’s Toolbox and loaded it with great blogs and teachers for the novice blogger.

Together, we launched Age of Conversation and raised about $14,000 at last count for Variety, the Children’s Charity.  And as crazy as we are…we’re about to do it again!

We created Blogger’s Social and literally brought the world to NYC for a weekend of laughter, hugging and some crazy hats.

But above all, we connected.  For me anyway, this has gone way beyond just writing about marketing and branding.  Just like we preach — by just being here and being yourselves, sharing with gusto, and creating a welcoming place for others to join us — together, we created a community.

I’ve talked to many of you on the phone or via e-mail.  I’ve met you for coffee, for a beer, for dinner or for a laugh.  We’ve skyped, ooVoo’d, texted and traded guest posts.

And in some cases, we’ve shared a weekend or a moment.  And they’ve all been remarkable.  From this grand experiment, I’ve gained so much.  But what I value the most is you.

Thank you for sharing this space with me for the past two years.  I really didn’t expect you.  But man, am I glad you showed up!

Here’s a little and very incomplete pictorial view of some of the people this blog has brought into my life.  I’m grateful beyond measure.

Bs08_2

Pictured…Luc Debaisieux, CK, Gavin Heaton, Lori Magno

Connie

Pictured…Connie Reece & me

Iowagang

Pictured…Me, Sandy Renshaw, Tom Vander Well, Timothy Johnson, Mike Sansone, Terry Starbucker and Mike Wagner

Roberta

Pictured…me & Roberta Rosenberg

2400279544_c797d45b6a_2

Pictured…Todd And & me

Anna

Pictured…Anna Farmery & me

Just like the marketing lesson you’re probably sick of hearing me preach — in the end, it’s about the relationship.   Again, thank you so much for being a part of this blog.  I didn’t expect you. But I love that you’re here!

34 comments on “I didn’t expect you

  1. Gavin Heaton says:

    Congrats on the milestone, my friend. Looking forward to the next two years and many remarkable moments 😉

  2. Happy Blogging Birthday, Drew!
    You’ve been such an inspiration and most importantly, you’ve taught us that the magic lies in creating enduring relationships. God bless your blogging soul 🙂
    Arun

  3. The Kaiser says:

    Well done young Drew.

  4. Two years? Impossible. Improbable. Yet here you are. What can I say, you’re my blogging hero and a dear friend. You even found a photo of me that doesn’t make me want to go hide 🙂

    Enough mush. It’s your turn on Scrabble. Don’t make me wait 🙂

  5. Hi Drew!

    Wow, two years, already?

    I bet if you and I have a chat with the stars and they align themselves correctly, we’ll no doubt see each other at the next Blogger Social. 🙂

    You’ve rocked my world and I know others feel the same.

    Happy Blogging Birthday, indeed!

  6. Drew, you’ve been an inspiration to me (and to many others) the entire 2 years. So glad you’ve shared, brainstormed, organized, and persevered over that time. Keep it rolling!

  7. Drew, that is awesome. Time has a way of slipping past very fast when we’re having fun. Congrats.

    Oh, and I love the photos.

  8. Anna Farmery says:

    Happy Birthday my man, now then how do we give the bumps on the internet?? Maybe like this

    B-less you for providing such great content

    U-nderstand how much we have to thank you for

    M-ost memorable for me was interviewing you on The Engaging Brand and also meeting you in NY

    P-lease keep going!

    There you are a BUMP! All the way from the UK

  9. Happy 2nd Blogiversary Drew! Well done my friend – well done. I wish you all the best, and see you soon at both (I hope) Blogger Social 09 and SOBCon09.

    Terry

  10. Drew,
    Wow! Congratulations for this achievement. I though you had been blogging for ten years! Your blog and the great content, projects and ideas it carries have always been insightful to me. Above that, knowing you -meeting you in real life I should say- is both an honor and a blessing.

  11. Congratulations on hitting the two-year mark!

    Keep on keepin’ on.

    – Clay

  12. Chris Wilson says:

    Wow! 2 years! Congrats… and just think, you were one of the big influences that got me to take the leap into blogging.

  13. Mike Sansone says:

    It was worth the wait for me. I remember how long it took for us to finally gather, and though I had a gut feeling you’d be a natch at this stuff — I didn’t expect this much this fast.

    And now the tide has turned — you are my coach. Thanks for all you do and who you are. Keep it up!

  14. Hi Drew,

    Congrats on the two-year mark! Can’t believe it went by that fast. Love your blog. I always learn a lot from you. Keep up the great work.

    Sandy

  15. Laura Hecht says:

    Congrats on your anniversay. As a way to celebrate, I’ll take you out for a beer. You deserve it!
    Laura

  16. Meikah Delid says:

    Happy blogiversary Drew!

    A couple of years only and you have done a lot to the blogosphere! I agree with you, at the end of the day, what matters is the relationship we’ve made and are nurturing.

    More blogging years and meaningful relationships to come! 🙂

  17. Amy Kuhlers says:

    Congrats Drew!

    I have enjoyed the great information and sharing of comments and content in this world you’ve created. You’ve helped provide many an insightful tidbit for the messages I send. Looking forward to the next two years and more!

  18. Steve Harper says:

    Just so glad to know you Drew. Thank you for what you do!

    Keep up the good work and as always….

    Ripple On!!!

  19. Gavin — thanks for being one of my partners in crime. I look forward to whatever we’re going to cook up next!

    Arun — thank you. You’re right…the relationships are what matter. And I’m grateful for you and the others that have made these two years so special.

    Kaiser — thanks, old Kaiser. (I am pretty sure I’m older than you, btw.)

    Drew

  20. Roberta,

    Right back at you, my friend. Our friendship is definitely one of the best outcomes of this blogging adventure. Thank you.

    And don’t think saying nice things to me is going to make me cut you any Scrabble slack!

    Drew

  21. Tom — You’d better be at BS09! I am sure we’ll see each other soon, my friend!

    Steve — You’re very kind. You know I’m a huge fan of your twisted thinking and approach to life. I’ll roll if you will!

    Larry — it was so hard to choose the right photos. I’ve been so lucky and met so many amazing people. Fortunately for me, this photos are just scraping the surface.

    Drew

  22. Anna — I’ll take a bump from you, however it comes. I look forward to seeing you in person again soon!

    Terry — Or next time you’re in Des Moines?

    Mike — I will never be your coach, my friend. I would not be blogging today if it weren’t for you. My blogiversary is your blogiversary!

    Drew

  23. Luc — As you know, meeting you and now sharing your friendship is definitely one of the biggest highlights of this past year.

    Clay — I will, thank you. I’m hoping you’ll stick around and keep adding value to the conversations with your comments!

    Chris — and we’re all very glad you did take the leap. You’ve already added great value. Can’t wait to get your help to promote AOC2!

    Drew

  24. Sandy — I think blog years are like dog years! Seems like 7 but is really only 1.

    Laura — I have that in writing!! I’ll gladly take you up on the beer.

    Meikah — Thank you…it’s been a fun ride so far!

    Drew

  25. Amy — thank you very much. I am pretty sure I am learning way more than I am sharing. But, it works for me!

    Steve — the feeling is mutual, thank you!

    Drew

  26. Connie Reece says:

    As usual, I’m late to the party … but I just had to add my Happy Bloggiversary wishes. (But did you have to publish *that* photo of us? LOL) Thanks for providing so much wonderful content here. I’ve learned a lot from you, my friend.

  27. Drew:

    Congratulations on 2 years. Your blog is an inspiration. It’s on my short list of things to read every day.

    Here’s wishing you all the best and another great 2 years and more ahead.

  28. Connie — I figure it is all over the net anyway. What’s more one time? I’m proud to be a part of your community — thank you!

    Scott — thanks for your kind words. It’s been fun to be a part of your social media exploration! You’re ready to fly, my friend!

    Todd — can’t wait to share a good conversation and a free drink to boot! Here’s to another 20 years for us both.

    Drew

  29. I know I’m a little late to the party, but congratulations Drew! It seems like it’s been so much longer than two years and yet…it’s gone so fast! Thanks for sharing your life and your blog with me! I’m so glad to have you in my world!

  30. Phil,

    Never too late to this party! I have decided that blogging years feel a little like dog years. Now wonder if seems like so much longer.

    I’m very glad to have you in my life as well, my friend!

    Drew

  31. Drew, congrats on two years! You’ve enriched the blogosphere and been a good example for me!

    Jason Alba
    CEO – http://www.JibberJobber.com
    Author – http://www.JasonAlba.com

  32. Mack Collier says:

    That comment total is staggering and something you should be REALLY proud of! It’s a testament to the value of the content you create here, and the connections you’ve made!

    Well done Drew, looking forward to the next 2 years!

  33. Jason,

    Thanks very much. it’s been a fun ride so far and I’ve been fortunate to meet (and be able to refer) smart people like you!

    Who could ask for more?

    Drew

  34. Thanks Mack,

    As you demonstrate on your blog — the power comes from the conversation. I always feel bad for the feed reader gang who miss out on all the smart things said in the comments section.

    It’s truly the best content on my blog. I just get to facilitate the remarkable conversations/sharing.

    Drew

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