Here is a link for those that don’t know what a blog meme is. 

And here is a link if you don’t know about Pay it Forward.

I was thinking that the concept of Paying it Forward would be a great action to initiate during the holidays, so I am going at it from two different angles. On this post, from the perspective of recognizing people that I have met this past year that inspire me. Over on AgentGenius, I am coming at Pay it Forward more traditionally.

As I was reflecting on 2007, my thoughts turned to a few individuals that I had met this year that really inspired me. I wanted to take the time to acknowledge them, let the world know about them and why they inspire me, and encourage everyone to do the same.

Pay it Fourward 2007 – Tell the world about four people you met in 2007 that inspire you.

Jeff Turner – Jeff is a real gift of a person that just keeps on giving. He turns up in my thoughts in the most astounding ways and at the most surprising times. I’ve been wondering why. It seems to revolve around two words – inspiration and integrity.

I don’t have a clue what it is about Jeff that infuses me with inspiration, but I feel like Jack Nicholson in As Good As It Gets when I talk to or think about Jeff – “I want to be a better person.”

I met Jeff at Inman’s Blogger Connect in San Francisco in July. Since then, I have had the opportunity to brainstorm a few things with him and in all of the interactions there is an aura of integrity and authenticity that pervades the interaction.

Jeff Turner is a great guy to know. I recommend you do.

Joseph Natividad – Joe is one the year’s best surprises. Here is the story of how I met Joe and here is his interview over on Inman News (subscription required).

Joe is an inspiration to me because he is curious, kind, has an interesting mind, is a typical atypical young adult, and is rather shy and modest. Joe is the kind of guy that gives me hope for tomorrow.

In this age of subpar intelligence and mediocre aspirations, Joe is a breath of fresh air. Follow his writings for a few months just for grins.

Dean Guadagni – I may have actually had the handshake and formal introduction to Dean in late 2006, but I can safely say I didn’t really know Dean until he started writing on his blog – DeansGuide.

Dean boggles my mind. He inspires me to attempt the impossible – to write with as much flair and sensitivity as he does. I’m thinking that maybe a week in a sweatlodge with Dean might result in some form of mystical osmosis vis-a-vis my writing skills.

Dennis Viers – Early in 2007, Dennis and Kris Viers approached me with the idea of forming a strategic partnership with The Harper Team. It’s been one inspiring revelation after another ever since.

Dennis lives about 3 blocks from Craig and Tracey (we had no idea). He’s the chariperson for the San Ramon Planning Commission (community activist). He plays a mean bass guitar!

The inspiration I experience around Dennis seems to revolve around aging gracefully, having fun and all of us being good representatives of our generation. Dennis is just plain fun and good company. Dennis’ picture is in the dictionary under – great guy to hang out with. Be yourself, enjoy yourself, others and life is the message Dennis communicates.

These are the four people who come clearly into my mind when I reflect on inspiring people I have met in 2007.

Pay it Fourward – leave a comment with a link to four inspiring people you have met this year. I’ll drop by to read about them and learn more about you along the way.