I got connected with Brian Solis on the internet( Twitter most likely)  but the connection came when I met Geoff Livingston. Geoff and Brian so-authored the book “ Now is Gone“. We met at conferences and also at his book signing in the DC area along with Geoff Livingston organized by the Social Media Club DC

Another book that I read and admired was “Putting the Public Back in Public Relations” which Brian co-wrote with Deidre Breakenridge ( another friend) and then came Engage and I used the book in my class on New media Platforms and Techniques at Georgetown University.

My reason for nominating Brian is not all the above reasons. He may be a good author but how he interacts with other humans is what gives  him a “huggable”  honor.  I have watched Brian really engage with people he meets and offering guidance and advice. I am pretty sure he leads a busy life and along with fame comes a time crunch, yet he seems to manage it pretty well. His blogs http://bub.blicio.us/ and http://www.briansolis.com offer good content.

While teaching my class I asked him if he would spare a few minutes to talk to the students on Skype and  the entire class was thrilled to speak to him. Almost like their textbook coming to life.

Wishing Brian the best and looking forward to his new book he is writing. When friends flourish and take their friends along with them it is a win-wing for all. Brian is now with the Altimeter Group and is among friends there as well.

Official Bio :

Brian Solis is principal at Altimeter Group, a research-based advisory firm. Solis is globally recognized as one of the most prominent thought leaders and published authors in new media. A digital analyst, sociologist, and futurist, Solis has studied and influenced the effects of emerging media on business, marketing, publishing, and culture. His current book, Engage, is regarded as the industry reference guide for businesses to build and measure success in the social web.

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