Being a Hero
February 28th, 2008
A few months ago, I was interviewed for a book to be published by Wiley. Due out next month, Online Marketing Heroes is a collection of interviews with 25 search industry professionals. The book features some very sharp minds, and I am truly honored to have been included amongst such an illustrious group. I had a fantastic time doing the interview, and have an entire chapter devoted to my experience in running online businesses. If you are so inclined, I’d encourage you to grab a copy.
Yesterday, one of the interviewees, Lee Odden, was good enough to ask a handful of us for a recap of our interviews so that he could help to spread word of the book’s launch. As is often the case, one person’s good news is another’s excuse to lash out. After Lee’s post a comment rolled in on what a lame and self-congratulatory group we are. Sheesh - get a grip. We were all individually approached to provide an interview for a book on online marketing. I don’t think anybody was paid (I wasn’t), and we all spent time to try to provide interested parties with insight into marketing online. And we didn’t pick the name of the book…
But for the record - I am a hero. But not because Wiley claims I am. I’m a hero to my daughter when I sit down and help her with her science homework, or when I try to calm her down after an argument with her friend. I’m a hero to my son at t-ball practice, or when I teach him to use his words and not his hands. I’m a hero in my community when I volunteer or go out of my way to help a neighbor. I’m a hero at my organization when I set a good example or steer my people down the proper path.
Lastly, I’m a hero because I celebrate other’s accomplishments and successes, not hate them for it.
February 28th, 2008 at 11:38 am
What a great perspective Greg. You’re a hero in my book - BOTW is one of the most respected brands in the SEM industry.
February 29th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
“I’m a hero because I celebrate other’s accomplishments and successes, not hate them for it”
through your words, we can feel how you can influence your community with your wisdom. society needs more persons like you.
February 29th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Well said my friend. There will always be detractors and nay sayers.
Congrats on the book - I’ll definitely be checking it out!
February 29th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
RE: “I’m a hero because I celebrate other’s accomplishments and successes, not hate them for it”.
Hey, you’re now my hero for throwing out lines I plan to steal.
I’ll look forward to seeing the book. ~ rj
February 29th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
You forgot that you were always a hero to your little sister when we were growing up. And you’re still a hero to me now.
I look forward to reading the book when it comes out.
March 1st, 2008 at 4:12 am
Anyone who jumps on someones post about being self congratulatory needs to get involved more in the team effort. No one builds anything by themselves anymore and its the support that keeps the team alive.
Tommy
March 1st, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I don’t want to sound like a jerk here, but you are writing a blog that contains “But for the record - I am a hero.” Doesn’t that sound just a LITTLE bit big headed, true or not? I’ve always though the heroes in my life were the ones who did all of that because it was the right thing to do AND didn’t put themselves up for it. I don’t find it to be about the actions, i find it to be the way they act AFTER the actions were done. Thats just my opinion, everyone has their own idea of a hero.
March 4th, 2008 at 12:14 am
“Lastly, I’m a hero because I celebrate other’s accomplishments and successes, not hate them for it.”
You hit THAT nail right on the head Greg. I know this from first hand experience and I can’t tell you how much it means because there are not many left who celebrate with others like you do.
And I always enjoy viewing the photos of your family activities. You are definitely a hero to your children and I just think it is so awesome that your priorities are straight in this area, because so many people put their focus on things that are not important. No one ever says on their death bed “I wish I had worked more.” Plenty say “I wish I would have spent more time with my family.” That is a regret you will never have to live or die with.
I also liked what you said about teaching your son to use his words and not his hands. It is hard to find parents who will use words and teach their children to do the same. I had a huge umm.. discussion… about this through back and forth comments on another blog recently. I could not believe these people thought hitting their kids was ok!
Can’t wait to read the book. I will have words of wisdom in black and white.. in print from one of my greatest mentors.
March 4th, 2008 at 5:06 am
I really don’t understand why some have to knock others for their success. Congratulations on the interview, you get a pat on the back from me.
March 10th, 2008 at 7:59 am
The more successful you are the more people are out to get you. Its really a horrible thing, but so true. A true hero doesn’t fall in to that trap, no matter how pressured he is, he will not put others down to raise himself up.
Great post, and congrats!
March 21st, 2008 at 11:22 am
Well said, Greg! Congratulations on the interview as well. Those are great words you wrote - “I’m a hero because I celebrate other’s accomplishments and successes, not hate them for it.” This should be included into famous quotes and I wish you printed it on your BOTW t-shirts somewhere, that would be cool.
March 27th, 2008 at 8:41 am
I just got the book delivered yesterday. Read the second chapter about you one hour ago… Just want to say thanks for sharing your wisdom with us. It’s a very interesting and practical interview. You seem to have an fascinating and active life.
So what does a hero do… he/she inspires people to do good, to find the best in ourselves, to take up the challenges we’re afraid off. So for me, that makes you a hero!
Keep on being a hero !-)
From Belgium, Toon
March 28th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Awe. What a great post Greg. I can’t believe I just saw this. Had a blast with you guys in NY and you are definitely Hero material.
April 16th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Great post. I will buy this book. I like the kind of information.
April 22nd, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Cool post Greg. Always important to put things (like family and work) into perspective.
Thanks.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:14 am
Looking forward to reading this book. Heh ordinary people can be heroes.