It's not just about the bird...
According to William James, "The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated."
I tend to get a bit philosophical at this time of year (like ol' Willy), and think about all the folks I need to thank (along with the folks at The Food Network, who provided me with easy recipes, so I can squeeze in a visit to the gym on Thursday AM to de-stress before the family arrives).
The life of a business owner can be a frenetic and exhausting one. Many clients, colleagues, family and friends have supported me this year and over the four years since I've been out on my own. Below is public thanks to those people.
What are YOU grateful for -- this year, in general, or just today? If you add your answer to the comments on this blog by midnight on December 31, 2007, I'll send you a small token of appreciation -- and donate $1 to charity for every reply.
This year, I want to give special thanks to...
- Our terrific clients who keep the lights on at theONswitch -- Sharon, Ken, Alan and Eric (the MetroPartners), Wendy, Jim, John, Dana, Jamie, Jeff, Rob and Glen, Bruce and the Oasis team, Ken, Sean, Mary Ann, Marla, Robin, Denise, Jennifer and the ladies at Lionsgate, Larry and the Dentrust/OHIP professionals, Gene, Monica, Gary, Ash and Lucy, Randy, Bram and Gary, Steve, Joel, Jill, John D., Scott, Scott, and Cookie (and the many other "summer people" we've met through ACA).
- theONswitch team (and our extended team) who generate constant energy, creativity, and marketing power -- Marijane, Keith, Quenna, Amanda, Jodi, Ann-Marie, Lisa, Caryl, Laura, Melissa, Alex -- and now Scott.
- The media, who graciously take our calls and cover our clients' news.
- The many people who tirelessly support theONswitch infrastructure -- so we can just work on marketing challenges, while they muddle through the phone, billing, and computer woes. We would be lost (and disconnected) without Steve, Elan and Mark, Stan, Gina, Tim, Jason, and Andy our ever-patient landlord (who allowed us to run new phone lines throughout the ceilings of his building this year).
- Colleagues and friends who inspire me and have helped me figure out this "entrepreneurial thing" (and listen to me whine and stress during tough times. They include Rob, Stephanie, Helaine, Beth, Joan, Kirsten, Greg, Potoula, Michael, Barry, Grace and Bobby.
- All my new "friends" from Facebook, Twitter, NYEP, Podcamp, and LinkedIn, who are teaching a whole new way of communicating and generously sharing their ideas, insights, humor, and contacts.
- The "personal health and wellness team," who keep my rapidly deteriorating middle-aged body disease-free, youthful, and fast-moving -- no easy feat! Here's to Justin, Joe, Glen, Omar and Anthony, BethAnn, Kim, and Drs. Asnis, Stein, Stein (yes there are two), Snyder and Scheer. (Yeah, we old folk need a lot of help.)
- Whoever REALLY invented the Internet (Al Gore?), giving us all a great new way to explore, expand, connect, and communicate. I'm also grateful for Bravo, Showtime and HBO, In Touch publishers, and the Chappaqua library, all of which provide great ways to empty my brain. And, the best inspiration of all...peaceful times out East off-season.
- And, of course, my family (Ken, Austin, and Lowell), who have gotten used to my 24/7 work hours, interrupted vacations, cell phone calls, pile of business cards in the kitchen and other entrepreneurial bad habits. I will thank you all with a really great home-cooked meal this year (and I promise not to check my Blackberry once during Thanksgiving dinner!)
Remember...comment with YOUR personal shout-out (people, thing, lesson learned, or anything else you're thankful for) and theONswitch will pass the thanks around! We sure to include your e-mail address and/or website in your post!
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