I had a chance to meet one of the best bloggers on the planet this last weekend at the SOBCON conference. He has been around for years, his smiling face beaming out joy to thousands of people. He has built a personal brand around a friendly handshake, a signature smile, and a kind remark.
The person I’m talking about is Phil Gerbyshak, relationship geek.
Phil represents the true meaning of blogging.
I’ve known Phil since the early days of this blog, meeting him through a connection with Rosa Say and her Ho’ohana community. Phil has always been an encouragement with his signature statement… Make It Great!
When Phil walked into the room on the first day of the conference, almost everyone knew him. There were hugs and high fives all over the place.
Phil connected with his audience…
I had a chance to sit down with him and his girlfriend Ellen on Sunday for lunch.
Phil told me about his plans to go out on his own. To become a solopreneur. He talked about the challenges he is facing but also the connections he has made.
Then he looked at me, and encouraged me to do something different.
At the conference I realized as bloggers that…
We need to tell our story…
We need to remove the filters of fear…
We need to be true to ourselves and our readers…
We need to share from the heart…
But Phil went one step further..
Phil looked me in the eye and said…
“John, you need to Make it Great…
You need to take your blog and make it the best it can be.
You need to make a difference.”
I realized right then, that Phil was right. If I’m going to do this blogging thing it has to go to the next level.
Phil gave me some strategies, tools, and connections.
But Phil also gave me something that he gives to so many other people…
He gave me encouragement!
Thanks Phil!
I can’t wait to see where you take your brand.
