Twitter has opened me up to so many new connections and new people. If you aren’t on Twitter you need to get there ASAP.

Story #1
The first sale that I made in my current position was a direct result of Twitter. The person followed me, and I followed him back. Eventually sent a few DM’s, set up a meeting, and 2 days later I was a hero. I brought in a check, and we met a phenomenal company that we still work with.

Story #2
I was in Austin, TX for a conference that I really had no part in, and realized that the people there would not make great clients. I wanted to make the best of the trip and try not to waste the company’s money so I hopped on Twitter. A friend of mine in CA connected me with some people in Austin, and a few hours later I was at a Tweet Up at some back alley BBQ joint in Texas.

Turned out some really interesting people were there that I still work with today, and that i have learned a lot from.

My point is simple. Twitter is an essential part of your social media network. So don’t hesitate, get on Twitter and follow me @BrazenDan

This is the first time I have been in a relationship that required me to share the holidays.  It is not that I mind visiting my Girlfriend’s family, I actually really enjoy it, and I think it is going to be great to experience Christmas somewhere else.  However, it really upsets my family, and that is not an easy thing for me.

I made it home for Thanksgiving, it was great.  My birthday always falls on or around Thanksgiving, and to be able to be with my family for my birthday is always a pleasure.  My Girlfriend made the trip up from North Carolina to be with us, and it was amazing.  She was a big hit, my family and our extended family (very close family friends) all enjoyed her company.  But when I went home I had to break the news to my Father that I would be with her for Christmas.  He was devastated.

I know he understood that this is part of growing up, and when you find yourself with someone, sacrifices need to be made, but it still hurt him.  After thinking about it a little, I realized why…

Christmas is Dad’s holiday.  My Mother is Jewish, and for a while we were raised Jewish.  The one thing my Father always requested was that he got to have Christmas, and now, for the first time, one of his boys will not be there for his favorite time of the year.

I talked to him about it a bit, and he offered to put up her family, and have them come to Connecticut for a New England Christmas.  I mentioned it to her, but understood she wanted to be with her family in their home.

So now I am trying to figure out a way to make it home for Christmas Eve to see my parents, but financially it does not seem feasible.  I feel like this is a good learning experience for me, and something I will most likely have to deal with for the rest of my life…

Growing up seems to affect all aspects of your life, some easier then others, but I know it is part of life, and I can only be thankful that my parents are still around to go through this with me…