Thank you 2008

This has been the busiest year of my career by far, I’ve traveled (and held blogger dinners) in great cities like Tampa, NY, Virginia, Hawaii, Colorado, Austin, Dallas, So Cal, Barcelona, and Tokyo; I’ve accrued many-a-frequent flyer mile. I published several research reports, (won an award), did more public speaking than ever before, delivered above my average of client engagements, was quoted a few times in the press, and grew this blog and twitter account, even though I’ll still get paid if I stop blogging.

Of course, not everything went well. There’s always room for improvement, I need to be better prepared for client engagements (I didn’t do hot on at least two client engagements), I was criticized a few time by bloggers, got duped by Janet and need to check my ego before I get trapped. Outside of work I need to stay on top of my health, and I need to do better at balancing personal and work life.

Perhaps one change is that I’ve now been given the stigma of ‘guru’ which I really dislike. Why? I want to be known for what I can do, not just thought leadership. I produce research reports (products) and help my clients make decisions and give them recommendations (services).

As a result, you’re going to see some changes in my behavior this year, I’m going to do less ‘talking’ and focus more on ‘listening’ and ‘energizing’ (what we call ‘word of mouth’), that’s why I’m taking a Twitter hiatus. Perhaps most importantly, I plan to continue to ‘support’ my community, many people are going to be hurting as they wont be working, keep an eye on this blog in the coming weeks.

Update: To cap the year off the Top Chocolate Blogger brought me some treats, thanks Brian

21 Replies to “Thank you 2008”

  1. Thank you for an amazing year of Jeremiah! I have no doubt you will continue to soar in 09 (and make mistakes too but less of them – we’re all human). Best to you in the new year. – Steve

  5. Thanks for all your great, thought-provoking posts this past year, Jeremiah. You were one of the first bloggers I started reading/following and want to honestly thank you for everything that you do for the community and the motivation you’ve given me in my own endeavors.

    Cheers to you and to a great 2009.

    Sonny

  6. Jeremiah! You are a remarkable outpouring of dedication, curiosity, thoughtfulness, creativity, sharing and intelligence. I’ve enjoyed your tireless efforts to advise and inform your readers. My only question: do you sleep at night and for how many hours? Perhaps you actually are a Guru!

    Take time for reflection. I look forward to your illumining posts in 2009.

  7. Jeremiah, You were one of the first bloggers I started to follow when I began my blog in December of 2007. You’ve given away so much of your thinking which has been a huge help to me. My venture into social media has been the most personal enriching experience in my professional life. I want to say thanks. I’m a believer that what you are willing to give comes back to you and may you receive back a hundred fold for all you’ve given to me and so many others this past year.

  9. Where would Forrester be without you? Your selfless creativity and support of our social computing efforts continues to thrill me.

    Here’s hoping you get a chance to shine even more with clients and research in 2009.

    Don’t pay any attention to the occasional whining and chirping when I’m in a bad mood — you make me very happy, Jeremiah.

  10. very nice post.

    Nice message and shows some thoughtful insight into yourself and others around you. You dead on target with the “guru” thing as I’ve found ideas are worth somewhat south of dime a dozen, action is priceless.

    You way ahead of me when I was you age on maturity but one thing I knew way back , 29 y.o., was the biggest failure I could have was the fear of trying. It’s really not relevant if what you try is the right thing or wrong thing as no matter what, you can correct, but what you can never correct is failure to try. That’s a permanent state of existence and sad way to live one’s life.

    bobj

  13. I found your blog when we did trendanalyzes for webb in school and I have followed your blog for 3-4 months since then. I´m getting so much inspiration for my studies through your blog and I hope that you will say at least something during 2009, not just listening 😉

    happy new year

  14. Thanks Jeremiah for all that you do. Your leadership will always be important whether done quietly or not.

    2008 was indeed an interesting year filled with learning. The many aspects of community is going to continue to be important.

    And yes, I feel pain every time someone says they’ve lost their job. We’re all in this together!

    Wishing you a happy & joyous 2009!

  15. …and also be known for your supporting role in Puppycam, the movie.

    No seriously, I am looking with interest to see what happens when you step back and see what’s going on. Please give us all the details!

    Cheers

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  19. Perhaps most importantly, I plan to continue to ˜support™ my community, many people are going to be hurting as they wont be working, keep an eye on this blog in the coming weeks.

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