The Final Bell of 2007
December 18, 2007 
14 Comments
As 2007 draws to a close, its time for a deep breath and some retrospective, and I find myself oddly overcome and erring towards the philosophical side.
Perhaps it's just this darn good bottle of Niven Hagen Merlot, accompanied by one of Frank Sinatra's all time greats that has me in such an ambient mood, but looking back, 2007 has been a thrilling ride.
Whilst this year has brought about unprecedented business success, what has made the most impact on me personally over the past 12 months is the fact that I have been privileged to make hundreds of new acquaintances who have through the year become not only business contacts and associates, but genuinely good friends.
My old man who is one of the wisest and most astute business people I know, has always gone to great lengths to teach me that business is less about the bottom line, and more about having meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships, and it's a lesson I took to heart a long time ago.
Some people call it marketing, others call it relationship management… I call it making friends and adding value. And like all sincere friendships, I hold these in the highest regard.
There are those people in this world that seek to have an interest outside of work or business, some golf, some do pottery, and others travel. For me however, my business has and always will be my first love, and it is this passion and desire that I believe made 2007 a year to remember.
However impressive, facts and figures just don't seem to do 2007 any justice, and no balance sheet, or income versus expenditure report can aptly sum up the past twelve months.
Although I've been in this business at the cold face for the past eight years, 2007 has undoubtedly been the most challenging, exciting, and rewarding year I have ever experienced in my 11 years in business.
Whilst there have been more highlights than this page can hold, for me there are a few that stand out, not so much because they were more significant than others, but simply because I enjoyed my time on these projects so much.
In 2007 I wrote more than 1200 marketing related articles, published 3 breakthrough Internet marketing reports, held my first South African Internet marketing workshop, produced my first Internet marketing educational DVD, and conducted 10 business case studies with individuals as far a field as Canada, Columbia, and even Estonia.
Yes, I grabbed 2007 by the horns, smacked its rawhide rear end and hung on tightly for the ride. However one thing stands out beyond all of the personal achievements, and that is that it would never have been half as thrilling, or half as exciting were it not for all the wonderful individuals I have met along the way.
Here's to those people whom I only know through email, and am yet to meet in person, to new friends whom I have dealt with throughout this year, and to old friends who have been there from the start.
I'm off to wonder through the sycamore trees, to take in a deep breath, and to re-gather my energies and composure, and I promise to be back in the New Year with an even bigger and louder bang than ever before.
Thank you for being part of my journey this year, and I am thrilled at the prospect of adding even more value in 2008.
I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and blessed holiday season, and look forward to catching up in 08
Fondest Regards,
Justin Harrison
Justin what a moving newsletter, I can see how much you love your business and the people around you. It is indeed an honour to know you. Kudos to you my friend! Have a fantastic break and we all look forward to your work in the new year.
It's such a pleasure to watch you work and to read your articles, it's almost embarrassing to the rest of us how much fun you're having. Justin thank you for all your great insights this year, and for being a wonderful human being!
You sir are a true gentleman, it has been such a pleasure working with you this year. Your enthusiasm and positive nature kept us all going, and above all you exeplify the way business should be done.
Justin congratulations on your success this year, you deserve it! Thank you for your continued support and outstanding service.
Thank you Justin for your commitment to excellence, your sense of humanity and for always sharing a personal side to yourself. Good luck in 2008 and I am sure you will have another bumper year
From all of us here in Cali.
Justin thank you for your very informative teachings this year, I have learnt so much from you and don't quite know how I will ever repay you. Thank you, and good luck in the new year.
Justin thank you for this last bit of writing, it had a profound affect on me. I have come to realise, as you have, that relationships are the keys to success. I am privileged to know you and call you my friend. Happy Holidays from your #1 fan.
Happy hols to you and your family Justin, travel safe and we look forward to more good work from you in the year ahead.
Thank you for your great work this year, its been exciting working with you and I can say that all of us here in the marketing dept look forward to your creativity, energy and ability to have a laugh at every situation in the new year. Have a good break and we look forward to the adventures of 08.
Hiya Justin,
I want to quickly thank you for your support
and friendship over the past 12 months …
… There are not many marketers out there
that I rank in the same class as yourself
Justin,
And I'm really looking forward to our continued
success and our fruitful friendship throughout 2008
Have a fantastic Christmas
Talk soon
Alex
Thanks for sharing this Justin, have a great festive season and here’s to a wicked 2008!
Justin,
A ‘chance’ encounter with you this year has gone a long way in opening up new ways for me on how to think about marketing & business. Thank you for your input! I’m really looking forward to working closer with you in 2008.
Justin:
Your enthusiasm for this business is contagious and your efforts are an example to all. Thank you for your inspiration and insights. I hope the results of my efforts in 2008 will be a positive reflection of your entrepreneurial spirit and the time you have selflessly shared in 2007. Very best wishes and regards, John
Hey Justin
I was very proud to have met you through the case studies. Although I did not complete this course, I was able to learn a lot from you. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Thank you for everything.
May god bless you always and let 2008 be the most prosperous year ever in health and prosperity.