Jun08
23
Looking Back On Three Big Years
Today has been an embarrassingly sentimental day for me. It marks the three year anniversary of my first ever blog post. Ha ha. Had I known in advance the realms of geekiness I would be sucked into I might never have ventured so far, but in retrospect I’m glad I did 
Just after that first post on the faith-themed Idle Banter and before starting this blog, much of my creative energy was invested in TomorrowToday’s blog, which you can check out here… My foray into citizen journalism sparked a chain of events that included quitting a comfortable job at this company to work with people at another completely different company, trying to build what I called a ‘blog consultancy’ at the time (yikes) that eventually evolved into Cerebra.
Three of the most exciting, scary, crazy, roller-coaster years of my life.
Without wanting to get too soppy there are a few people I need to thank. Three years ago I sold earthmoving spare parts for a living, and though I worked for a super company run by spectacular humans, I was uninspired and bored. Today I can honestly say that I do work that I love, meet incredible people every day and that I have achieved so many of the goals and dreams I never dreamed would come true - thanks to:
My ex-bosses Mark and Barry at TGS (the earthmoving guys) for showing me how much fun being an entrepreneur could be, and for supporting my decision to leave (twice) when I still owed them much. In fact I still do
Aiden, my beer-drinking, Wimpy-eating, rugby-watching, band-mate confidante and friend for listening to ALL my crap.
Graeme, Barrie, Raymond, Ang and the rest of the TT.biz guys for giving me the ideal platform and a powerful brand to explore consulting and speaking in the social media space.
Rich Mulholland from Missing Link for encouraging me right from the beginning, giving me some spectacular opportunities and insights and showing me how to have fun and work at the same time.
My unofficial mentor Samantha Rockey (from SAB) who scared the sh!t out of me the first time I met her and yet somehow turned out to be one of the most valued friends I’ve ever had.
Clive Simpkins for watching me wolf down fried pig after fried pig at the Hyatt, despite the fact that he’s a vegetarian. Clive has generously given oodles of advice on how to be a better speaker and writer, something that has had a huge impact on my business.
Dave Duarte for listening to my crazy ramblings, being a spectacular collaborator and backing me when I was at my best and worst.
My Cerebra (and Brandsh) gals and guys. Carl, Andre, Desh, P, Andrew, Lisa, Jackie, Gav - if there were a competition for the worst boss in South Africa I’d be a prime candidate, and yet you guys still stick it out with me - thanks for keeping me sane
Angus, who pretty much holds our business(es) together. Good business partners are hard to find. Awesome business partners are pretty much non-existent. I’ve learned that business partnerships are like marriages, except you spend more time together, so having someone like Angus to build a company with is a real privilege.
Last but not at all least I need to thank Wendy who has supported my entrepreneurial adventure through some really tough times. I couldn’t have scripted a better partner, mom and friend if I tried. This is a really dodgy way of saying thanks (I promise I do express my gratitude offline too :)), but just so you all know it too - I have a very special wife.
Thanks for indulging my nostalgia
Rock on Mike. Here’s to another 3 years.
Just think how far you have come in the last 3 and wonder where you will be in the next. Now that is scary for you!
Good grief! Three years. I THOUGHT there was a whiff of nappies about - but put it down to my bad sinuses.
Mike, in an insomniac moment, freshly-made hot chocolate in hand, Google Alerts (suggested by you) routed me to your posting - even before Feedblitz did (another of your tech educations in my life).
My own blog was created in ten minutes flat, after being inspired by you and Rich Mulholland, the father of the tattoed limo, some time in those three years.
You’ve become a Snot (the way you introduced yourself to me), to be reckoned with. Lots and lots of deserved Mazel for the future.
Your uncle in the prayers-for-porcines business, Clive
[...] Looking Back On Three Big Years Today has been an embarrassingly sentimental day for me. It marks the three year anniversary of my first ever blog post. Ha ha. Had I known in advance the realms of geekiness I would be sucked into I might never have ventured so far, … [...]
Mike, your success today is testament to your vision, guts and talent. Rock on my brother! I look forward to many more years of collaboration.
Dude! You just made my day. It has been awe-inspiring watching your success - I’m more than a little jealous. Looking forward to our pizza on the 8th…!
Ha ha thanks dudes. Fun and games!