I did something a little weird today. Weird for me at least. You see back in my NJ days I used to really like the music of a Central Jersey musician Chris Harford. I saw him play a few times and I tried to keep up with his music as best I could in the pre-Internet days.
Well, I am now about 10 years removed from NJ but Chris Harford’s music is still played in my house and enjoyed by my family. The fact that the guy is really talented doesn’t hurt of course and I highly recommend checking him out for a real change of pace from the crud that is passed off as music these days but I digress. The other day was piddling around on Facebook and ‘found’ him. So I asked him to be my ‘friend’. Being a musician it was unlikely he would decline so he became my ‘friend’. Look, I know we’re not friends but there is a connection because he is willing to create and put himself out there for others to enjoy (or criticize). That’s risky business. Check out this live performance of one of my favorites.
So what’s my point here you ask since this is an Internet marketing blog? Ok, patience grasshopper. Well, through the ‘magic’ of social media I was back on Facebook today and Chris’ name showed up in the chat area. I figured what the heck, he’s my friend now so I pinged him.
What was my purpose in doing this? It was simple. It was to thank him and to encourage him. I honestly don’t know how successful or not he is. I don’t care. I like his music and I had a chance through social media to share some genuine appreciation with a genuine person. His music has made me smile for years and I think he deserves the satisfaction to know that his work is appreciated by someone he didn’t even know existed.
So take some time out from your busy social media efforts to pump up your own image and find someone to thank or encourage today that you wouldn’t have otherwise. I’d be curious to see what happens. I plan on doing it a lot more. Sure beats talking about me.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I couldn’t agree more Frank. The other night I got to shake hands with one of my favorite hockey players, Glen Wesley. I didn’t want his autograph or to go hang out with him, I just wanted to tell him thank you for many nights of enjoyment watching him play awesome defense on the ice. I think he appreciated it.
Brian! Great to see you here.
I think celebs have it pretty rough because they can never be sure if the person they are talking with cares more about them as a person or a persona. I would hate that.
Honestly, that may be why someone like Tiger Woods, who supposedly has it all, can’t figure out when enough is enough. It can’t be easy.
Make sure you keep coming back!