This week’s Very Inspiring Person is Erik Qualman. He is the author of Socialnomics and a frequently requested International speaker. For the past 15 years Qualman has helped grow the online marketing and eBusiness capabilities of many companies. He is a columnist for Search Engine Watch and SES Magazineis, and currently the Global Vice President of Online Marketing for EF Education.
Links: Socialnomics, Social Media Revolution, Erik on Twitter
Who inspires you and why? My parents inspire me because they achieve their life goals without sacrificing their integrity or family. My college basketball coach, Tom Izzo (Michigan State University) inspires me because of his “if you can dream it, you can do it attitude.” The question is not whether you can, but wether you are willing to put in the work & sacrifice required.
What’s the best news you’ve heard this year? My brother and his wife are having their first baby (a boy) and they will name him after me. Is there any honor more humbling?
What do you dream of doing? Inspire others to do something great with their lives and in the world as a result of my writing.
What’s your most inspiring hotspot? There is nothing like being outside on a nice day in the center of a scenic and thriving college campus. My Great Eight:
- Stanford University
- Michigan State University
- University of Virginia
- University of North Carolina
- Cambridge University
- University of Georgia
- University of Texas
- University of Toronto
What are the positive contributions you make to this world? Not enough to date. My hope is that I can give more than I receive from this world. I have been fortunate to live a blessed life and people have been so kind to me that I aspire to repay friends and strangers alike for this great gift. A smile is a great start.
