I was writing another post when I realized it would be my 200th. That’s crazy to me. When I first started out, I wasn’t too sure where I was going to go with this. So far, it’s been a great ride! I started out writing about marketing because that’s what I knew – I had worked in marketing and web my whole career. Then this year I added a twist – HR marketing. I started working at TMP Worldwide – a recruitment advertising agency — so the topic was fitting.
I’ve also done some background changes like switching from Posterous to WordPress, changing and rechanging the design as well as reworking some of the code and that was an awesome learning experience. All in all, it’s been a great ride and I’m looking forward to the next 200 posts.
But what is truly incredible is you! I want to thank you for reading, commenting and sharing. It’s really appreciated…I find it awesome that you’re here!
As a special thank you, I want to offer you something concrete. I read a lot of great material that has helped me change and evolve this blog and use it as a tool to build my business. Obviously there are the great bloggers like Chris Brogan, Christopher Penn, Mitch Joel, Gary Vaynerchuk and Julien Smith just to name a few. There are great projects like 31 Days to Building a Better Blog and Blog Topics. And then there’s you…I learn from you every day.
But the greatest insights I’ve gotten was from books. 4 books that have helped me quite a bit in the past while have been (in no particular order):
The Thank You Economy by Gary Vaynerchuk
Why I think it’s important? This book is a must read for every business person. The world has changed and we’re way passed point of only having to accept it, we’re at the stage of understanding how to harness it. This book will give great insights.
Why I think HR needs to read it? The ONLY way for a company to be “social” is through its employees. Gary paints a good picture of this. It’s important to take the time to understand what traits to look for and who to hire. Hint: it’s not only about the tasks that need to be completed.
Recruitment has never had as big an impact on the health and well being of a company than today and The Thank You Economy will show you why. If you want to know more, here’s my review.
Trust Agents by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith
Why I think it’s important? Trust is one of the biggest elements of this new economy. Actually it always has been, but the online world has only boosted that. Chris and Julien go over some of the main elements of building Trust online. I still keep their points in my back pocket and review them from time to time.
Why I think HR needs to read it? Your job is all about trust. The trust you build with the employees and the trust you build online. You need to learn how to be a Trust Agent.
Linchpin by Seth Godin
Why I think it’s important? This book is all about fighting your most basic instincts such as fear to accomplish doing great work.
Why I think HR needs to read it? This book is all about fighting your most basic instincts such as fear to accomplish doing great work. Do I really need to say more?
Change by Design by Tim Brown
Why I think it’s important? The book is written by Tim Brown at IDEO – one of the most creative design agencies. By using design thinking, they’ve transformed all their projects. Learning some of the basics of design thinking will allow you to change your organization and encourage innovation.
Why I think HR needs to read it? The world of HR and recruitment is rapidly changing. Implementing the principles of design thinking will help you implement the change that your organization needed to survive.
Obviously there are many many more great books out there, but those are the ones that have impacted me the most. So here’s my gift to you…leave a comment below (or email me) telling which of the 4 books you would like to read or re-read. I’ll pick two people (one for each 100 post, pretty clever hun?) and I’ll offer you the book you asked for. Sound like a plan?
One last thing…
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Thanks again for all the time and attention you’ve given me!
(Photo credit: » Zitona «)
