My 2011 Gratitude Honor Roll

Keri Jaehnig of Idea Girl Media pays tribute to those instrumental in her online marketing efforts via social media

Image credit: Daria Pew

Not quite a year ago, I wrote a post talking about my goals for 2011.  At that time, influenced by Mari Smith’s words, I chose my theme word for the year: “Refresh.”  Throughout the year, the decisions and actions I made were meant to refresh my position to be in a different place at the end of twelve months.

A couple of times I hit the virtual purple “refresh” button to get back on track.  But, for the most part, this exercise was successful!

Very recently I celebrated Thanksgiving here in the United States with my family and friends.  This is naturally a time to reflect on all that we are thankful for, and people that have touched our lives in meaningful ways.

My 2011 Gratitude Honor Roll

2011 was a game-changing year for me, and I have a great deal to be thankful for.  My gratitude list features those that refreshed my life…

1) Mari Smith

For inspiring me to adopt the one-word-theme plan.  And for rocking my learning and networking circles!  She has recommended several of the tools I use to be efficient, and keeps me up to date on current trends and technologies.

2) Janet Callaway

The Natural Networker – Her claim to fame fits well!  She is probably the most grounded and well-intentioned people in my online circles.  A class act!  Janet, without knowing it, colored my online world with a different palette, and made my online world a groovier place.  I’m proud to be a Networking Peep – A Triberr tribe of fabulous people!

3) Dorien Morin-van Dam

A great collaborator!  She should teach “Collaboration 101.”  Dorien and I met via Pages Gone Wild, and kept in touch.  This year we hosted the Pre-Holiday Facebook: Game Of Like together.  And our working relationship becomes more and more fruitful.  While everyone won the Facebook Game of Like, I feel I struck gold in my friend, Dorien.  I’m thrilled to have her with me in another Triberr tribe – Birds Of A Feather.  :)

4) Dabney Porte & Britt Michaelian

These two exceptional women created something called Social Media Girlfriends.  A 24/7 Twitter chat, an outlet on Facebook, and a supportive blog that “brings brilliance together on a global level.”  Dabney & Britt define social sparkle, and sprinkle delicious Diva Dust wherever they are online.  Every day I enjoy finding pretty-in-pink #SMgirlfriend tweets in my Twitter stream.  I’ve met some awesome women through their work in connecting people, and I only look forward to more!

You can experience some sparkle too:

Did you listen more than once?

5) Christian Hollingsworth

Even though he sings of being “Irresponsible,” this young man is anything but!  He has inspired many small business owners with online marketing wisdom, and gives me a thing or many to strive for.  Christian was a gracious “guest star” on my Facebook Page earlier this year, and my Facebook community was energized for the experience.  A true gentleman, I’m completely enthused to know Christian – We also flock together in Birds Of A Feather.  I can’t wait to see what he does in 2012!

6) Yomar Lopez

This guy has taken online murky mysteries and turned things clear for me!  I’m especially thankful for Yomar’s time and energy to take a look under my website’s hood, and for enthusiastically introducing me to the uber-groovy, Squidoo.  I still have some things to learn about the technicalities of SEO.  But “Yogizilla” as we call him, at Birds Of A Feather has offered terrific insight.  It is totally his fault that I have a published article on Search Engine People, and a recurring spot there during 2012!! :)

7) Knikkolette Fahrendorf Church

Knikkolette is Your Social Media Mogul indeed!  She organizes online communities I belong to that really make the difference in amplifying my brand.  Knikkolette is sweet, savvy, and a great connector.  We originally connected through conversations about Klout (the online influencer?), and more recently share a Triberr tribe.  I am grateful for her leadership, and honored to be featured in her article about Auto-Posting.

8 ) Jason Yormark

Jason…..ROCKS!  He’s an amazing online marketing mind, and is fabulous at what he does.  A true leader, he is engaged with his audience, and they really respond to him.  His tweets have brought the most viewers to my site this year.  I have enjoyed learning more about Jason through Networking Peeps!

9) Birds Of A Feather

Mentioned above a few times, this is a special group of people I truly trust and enjoy.  Twenty-one true professionals of their craft – I’m genuinely honored to flock with them at Triberr.  They have offered fun, friendship, and support.  You will often find their content featured in my Twitter stream – Wise words from marvelous minds!  Each offers the group a special talent related with social media, and they are located all over the globe.  BOAF makes my world sing!!!

10) Triberr

Until writing this article it did not occur to me just how much this platform is responsible for nurturing my online connections…

Since I hopped on with Networking Peeps, I’ve formed friendships with so many wonderful people, I am not sure what my social network would look like had I not gotten involved!  Dan & Dino keep working toward higher achievements and more benefits for bloggers.  No wonder Triberr has been nominated for (and even won) awards for online platform ingenuity!  Today we learned what’s in store for the short-term, and I am convinced 2012 will be a killer year for “The Reach Amplifier!”  Heartfelt thanks to two pioneers!!

Again, my sincere gratitude to those listed above.

There are certainly others that have made a refreshing impact on my 2011.  During 2012, I look forward to discussing, more frequently, those who make a difference.

From Refresh… To Where?

Choosing a theme word for 2011 was a successful endeavor.  So, I plan to jump in to 2012 with a theme…

As I review this year, and consider my goals for the next, 2012 looks quite promising.

Words that would fit:

  • Build
  • Balance.
  • Energize.
  • Collaborate.

It might be that I combine two words for a “theme phrase.”

I’ll keep you posted — I hope you will tell me about your 2011 and what is in store for you in 2012! :)

Have you tried a one-word theme?
What is your process for staying on track with goals over a year?
Please share thoughts in the comment box below…

 

About Keri Jaehnig

I am the Founder and CMO of Idea Girl Media, a Social Media Marketing Agency. I work with small business owners, non-profit stakeholders and political candidates - who value their online reputation - to achieve social media success. Non-fat lattes, travel & quick wit make me smile, and I am always enthused to meet new people! Want to know how I got the nickname, Idea Girl?

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  1. December 4, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    Great concept, my word for 2012 is Growth; so interested in learning new things, glad. To connected. Will. RT of course.. take care.

    • December 5, 2011 at 1:34 PM

      Thank you for your kind words, and for sharing! Looking forward to seeing you on Twitter… :)

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  3. December 4, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    Well this was sure kind of you to put together. Loved reading about a bunch of different folks.

    And I’m excited for your blog and the new year. Loving your one word themed choices. That’s going to be a tough call to choose from.

    I’ve never tried a one-word goal before. But I’m inspired, and think I might just try. This is going to be tough!

    I like to review my goals on a weekly, monthly, yearly and few year basis. Every Sunday night I go over my goals for that past week and see if I’ve accomplished.

    To do lists help me to stay focused on my goals on a daily basis.

    • December 5, 2011 at 1:33 PM

      Christian,

      You do very well with your goals, and completing your aspirations – So glad to be connected! :)

      I think you would be one to like and do well with a theme-word, Christian. Keep me updated on your choice.

      Before I had my daughter I was better about details for myself. I suppose this is something for me to work on… ;)

      ~Keri

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  5. December 5, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    Awesome list and post, Keri! I am familiar with many of those that you’ve listed above, and I certainly agree wholeheartedly that they are definitely deserving of being on the gratitude honor roll! This was an awesome idea!

    I also loved the idea of choosing a theme word for the year… I may have to borrow that one. I hope you won’t mind. ;)

    Thanks for sharing! :)

    • December 5, 2011 at 1:36 PM

      Deeone,

      Nice to see your face here – Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

      Please keep me posted on your theme word, if you choose one. We can keep each other on track. :)

      ~Keri

  6. December 5, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Keri, an outstanding list of great professionals and wonderful, gifted people. I concur! It’s been a honor to share and connect with you as well. A blessing for my brand and for me personally. Thank you.

    • December 5, 2011 at 1:38 PM

      Jen,

      It has been my pleasure to know you, and I smile more each day as our connection continues!

      I appreciate your intelligence, and your “genuinity” in all that you do. So, so glad we flock together!! :D

      Here’s to more in 2012…

      ~Keri

  7. December 5, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    Thank you so much! So honored to be included in this post and so grateful for you!

    • December 5, 2011 at 1:39 PM

      Britt,

      Wonderful to see your comment here!

      I too am sincerely grateful for you, and all that you do for Social Media Girlfriends.

      Here’s to a wonderful 2012. Please let me know what I can do to help you!! :)

      ~Keri

  8. Paloma Bowland
    December 6, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    Keri
    If I had only one word to sum up who you are and what you do – it would be INSPIRE.
    You are a good example to others and emulate and teach the wisdom you are obtaining from your daily pursuit of knowledge.
    My theme is FOCUS – Drill Down to the Unique. It is what I do naturally for clients. @PhilMershon advised me to do it for my own business enterprise. I will be more focused on my niche markets as well as development of the biomedical company I now work with.
    I am grateful for the course that brought us and Jen together. Jen lives just down the street from me and I never would have met her without SM Examiner and #fbss11. She generates ideas, is “one to watch” and is so very genuine. Glad to be ” of a feather” with such amazing people.
    Paloma

    • December 6, 2011 at 6:18 PM

      Paloma,

      You have made my day! Thank you for your compliments! :)

      Your theme – “FOCUS – Drill Down to the Unique,” I love it! We need more of this in our world, and I picture this well for you. How exciting to have worked with Phil Mershon — I’m envious!!

      I too am thankful for FBSS11, meeting you, and others there. Also terrific to hear that you and Jen have built a bridge.

      Paloma, do you ever blog for yourself?

      ~Keri

  9. December 6, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    What a fantastic list! I personally know several of these folks and they have been awesome social connectors for me. I don’t know if you are aware of this but Dabney wrote a chapter in my book “Be Social Be Rich.” She is incredible! The social media community is such a close-knit, helpful group! Happy to be a part! Your post is a “must know” of social media awesomeness!

    • December 6, 2011 at 6:21 PM

      Martha,

      So nice to see your smiling face — We’ve bumped into each other a few times today… :D

      I had no idea Dabney wrote a chapter of your book — How did I miss that?

      This social media world gets smaller all the time. Glad to have met you!

      Looking forward to 2012, and evolving our friendship,

      ~Keri

  10. December 7, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    Keri, Thank you very much for this list of great influencers . I learned many things from you and some of them already like Dorien, Knikknolette, Martha, Mari, Janett
    Having a Theme for the year is a wonderful idea. In 2011 my theme was :” Smooth
    Transition” . For 2012 this will be “Building”in all areas of my life
    Building the family and personal vision for the next 10 years, 5 years, 3 years, 2012
    Building my network of friends and professionals
    Building A sound business strategy

    Thank you again Keri for your generosity, kindness and sharing wisdom
    anne egros recently posted..Lady Gaga: Are Leaders Born That Way ?My Profile

    • December 8, 2011 at 7:18 AM

      Anne,

      Thank you for reading, and sharing your thoughts.

      Very important to have a short-term and long-term plan. It is certainly a great idea to examine goals and re-evaluate periodically. I like the detail you have included for personal and business.

      It’s been a pleasure getting to know you over this past year. I can’t wait to see what 2012 brings for all of us!!

      ~Keri

  11. December 7, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    That’s an excellent list. I’m familiar with several of the names on it and will check out the others too. I review my goals every few months to make sure I’m on track and heading in the right direction. Now to think of my word for 2012. I’ll work on that. Great post.

    • December 8, 2011 at 7:25 AM

      Lisa,

      Great to see you here!

      I appreciate your words, and hearing about your process regarding goals. Evaluation is so important!

      2012 – Sure to be a great year. I’m interested to hear the word you choose!! :)

      Looking forward…

      ~Keri

  12. December 11, 2011 at 10:30 PM

    Terrific article Keri, and a great reminder to stay grateful!

    My one word for 2012: Execution, a.k.a. Git R Done! I need to stop planning and start shipping. Thanks for reminding me to create one of these.

    Here’s to a GREAT 2012! Let me know how I can help you achieve your dreams!
    Phil Gerbyshak recently posted..2011 Social Media Statistics (video infographic)My Profile

    • December 12, 2011 at 8:45 AM

      Phil,

      Great to see you here — Thank you for your compliment!

      Like your word!! I too need to do more shipping. So, we can keep each other on track this upcoming year.

      Here’s to a GREAT 2012! I’ll want to know how I can help you achieve your dreams too…. :)

      ~Keri

  13. January 1, 2012 at 10:02 PM

    Keri, aloha. Thank you so much for including me on this list of amazing folks; I am truly honored. Your kind words and knowing that I made a difference in your life mean the world to me. This phrase of yours absolutely delighted me:

    “. . .colored my online world with a different palette,. . .”

    As it happens, I do have my word for the year. Quite honestly, Keri, it popped into my mind and wouldn’t even allow me to think of anything else.

    My word for the year is FIT.

    Aside from the fact that I will be FIT physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, what I do in my life will be a FIT with what I want to achieve.

    Keri, again, thank you so much for this honor. It has truly been a pleasure for me “getting to know you . . .” and I look forward to deepening our relationship in the coming year. You are an extraordinary lady because of the way you connect with people and communicate.

    Wishing you a year filled with exciting project, interesting people, vibrant health, happiness in your hear and abundance in all that matters to you. Hauoli Makahiki Hou. Janet.
    Janet Callaway recently posted..Oh My God ExplainedMy Profile

    • January 2, 2012 at 5:08 AM

      Janet,

      Aloha! I too look forward to deepening our relationship during 2012.

      FIT – I like it. Also your approach, in fitting it with all components of your life. You’ll surely be successful and achieve all that you wish. This strong message to yourself is important to follow. Instinct can be everything. :)

      Your words and our exchange mean a lot, and I appreciate your compliment here.

      To a vibrant, fit and balanced new year, my friend…

      ~Keri

  14. Sherry Nouraini
    Twitter:
    January 6, 2012 at 2:54 AM

    So, I am finally out of my winter holiday hibernation and saw this post on the #socialmm stream! I think if I had to make an honor roll for 2011, you would be on the top. Since you kindly invited me to your group on Triberr, my social media world has rocked, so thank you for that and for being you. You are simply the best.

    Hugs,

    Sherry

    • January 6, 2012 at 5:32 PM

      Sherry,

      I am…touched by your comment!! This is going in my “read when you need some sunshine,” file. :)

      Coming from such a top-notch professional, and terrific lady, your words mean a great deal!

      It has been my pleasure to include you in my online circles, and I think we are all better for collaborating together. Here’s to making 2012 rock like no other!!

      Thank you, Sherry,

      ~Keri

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  17. March 10, 2012 at 9:45 PM

    Hi Kerri
    Very new to the blogging world here. I can’t wait to start checking all of these awesome people on your list out. I have so much to learn and I’m pretty excited to absorb as much as possible.
    As far as a theme word for the year, I’d have to choose action. I’ve been doing so much learning of late, I think it’s time to start making things happen. :)
    Rene recently posted..Hello world!My Profile

    • March 11, 2012 at 7:24 AM

      Rene,

      Welcome to the blogsphere!

      Your theme word, “action,” for 2012 is a good one — We have a frontier of opportunity ahead.

      Good luck with your plans, and shaping your blog. Please feel free to stop back and ask any questions you might have.

      Thank you for reading, and for your comment,

      ~Keri

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