How I Made the A-List with Little to No Fanfare

July 14, 2008

Written by Karen D. Swim

Pink Tiara

My hard work has earned me a spot on the A-list. Yes, it is true I have crossed that hallowed ground and now stand on the other side of the velvet rope. Only, this A-list is not for those dodging paparazzi or blogerrati. You will not see this list published on Media Bistro or the Huffington Post. In fact, this A-list only matters to a small group of people and for me the only ones that count.

Last week famed blogger, Jason Calcanis announced his retirement from blogging. Other A-list bloggers discussed the retirement and engaged in debates about the disintegration of the A-list. Is it still relevant in our all access world? Was Jason’s retirement a cheap ploy to market an “elite” new service? These and other questions swirled among the blogosphere in a blazing fury.

In the midst of all the activity, I celebrated my quiet rise to A-list status. How did I get there? By being a business that “is a joy to work with,” a networker that “connects people to really good people,” a friend that “supports and encourages,” and a family member “that helps a lot of people seeking nothing in return.” (Now before you think I have turned into a bona fide egomaniac, these are honest to goodness true quotes from people.)

My A-list has nothing to do with traffic stats, subscribers, or the size of my bank account, but is dependent on how I treat others. That dear readers is far more important than being crowned with a fleeting label. My A-list celebrity puts me firmly out of the spotlight and shines the light on the impact of my actions upon others, and that includes you dear readers.

Each time I hear that I have made you smile, or touched on an issue that is important to you it is as thrilling as a mention in the New York Times.

Don’t get me wrong, the other A-list has value. I learn from the trailblazers, the thought leaders and the industry experts. However, many of these people are true givers, not enamored with their status. Liz Strauss is an excellent example of someone who is the A of A-listers but is on a mission to embrace the world. She continues to be at the forefront because she has maintained a passion and purpose to take others along on the journey.

One day I may ascend to A-list status (If Oprah calls I will not turn her down). However, whether I make the A-list or the D-list the most important thing will be touching the lives of others and making a difference even if that difference is simply doing a job and doing it well.

What about you, what does the A-list mean to you? Are there any A-listers that serve as mentors? Let’s chat it up here in the comments on Twitter or hey even by email. Wherever and however you want to talk, I’m listening!

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Posted by Karen Swim | Filed Under Inspiration for Business

Comments

20 Responses to “How I Made the A-List with Little to No Fanfare”

Liz Strauss on July 14th, 2008 10:40 am

You bet you’re an A Lister! This post proves it!

An A lister is just as you said an approach to life and people, not a place on a chart. We all need leaders to set the pace and show us where their going. But real A Listers always know their own path and choice their own goals.

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Yvonne Russell on July 14th, 2008 10:58 am

Karen, you’re an inspiration… Here you are running for President one week and making the A list the next!

Good to know I’m hanging out with the right crowd. You’re definitely on my A list. You’re right though, in the end it’s the people connections that count.

What I find so powerful about the online community, is that as well as people we know and connect with, there are people online who we look to as mentors, who don’t even know who we are or that they’ve influenced us in a positive way.

Yvonne Russells last blog post..It’s Not Too Late – Win Great Prizes At Meryl.net’s 8th Blog Birthday Bash – But Hurry

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Karen Swim on July 14th, 2008 11:06 am

Liz, and you validate my point that you are truly at the top of the A-list! You are an inspiration to so many! Thanks so much for continuing to lead the way!

Yvonne, LOL! Next week, I may crown myself Queen. LOL! You are so right about the online community, and truthfully any medium. We are not always aware how we may have touched someone. I think that is all the more reason to watch our words and be sensitive for we never know how what we say and do can impact another. Of course, you know that for you are another wonderful mentor!

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Yvonne Russell on July 14th, 2008 11:15 am

Aw shucks! Thank you.

Now about this Queen thing. I’m all for supporting you on that, as long as you are offering cake.

Now hold on… President & Queen all at the same time. Are you aiming for world domination… or just blog domination?

Yvonne Russells last blog post..It’s Not Too Late – Win Great Prizes At Meryl.net’s 8th Blog Birthday Bash – But Hurry

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mack collier on July 14th, 2008 11:22 am

Karen this post validates you as a true A-Lister. I’ve always maintained that the smartest people in this space as the ones that realize that ‘it’s not about me, it’s about everyone else’.

Great post!

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Amadou M. Sall on July 14th, 2008 11:37 am

Karen, you’re my favorite A-lister. Long live Queen Karen

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Robert Hruzek on July 14th, 2008 12:00 pm

There’s an “A” list? I always thought they meant “a list”!

Hey, the only list I care about being on at the moment is your list of friends. It’s good enough for me!

By the way, Karen, I humbly bow out of the race for President of Texas. I’ve decided you can rule Texas, too, as far as I’m concerned!

Robert Hruzeks last blog post..All Entries – What I Learned From Transportation

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Roy Hewitt on July 14th, 2008 12:50 pm

Hi Karen,

I read some of your articles and got some new insights into business attitudes. Thanks. Sincerely. Roy

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Brett Legree on July 14th, 2008 12:55 pm

I’m sitting here with a big grin on my face, as usual – definitely you are an A-lister, my friend.

I agree with you, too – the responses we get from the people we chat with out here – that’s what it’s all about.

-Brett

Brett Legrees last blog post..the greatest thing since sliced vikings.

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Karen Swim on July 14th, 2008 1:49 pm

Mack, coming from someone I both like and respect, I truly appreciate your kind words! You, Liz, and Connie have set the bar high, I’m listening and learning.

Amadou, my friend, you have the unique gift of making everyone feel like royalty. Thank you!

Robert, LOL! There is “a list” but I think the we are on the most important list of all my friend and that is the one that guides our life choices and determines our eternity.

Hi Roy, it’s so nice to have you stop in and comment. I am really glad that you found some additional insights. Your essential oils sight is very unique. In the past I’ve had to go lots of different places to find info, nice to have it all in one place. You are welcome here anytime.

Brett, my kilted wonder friend from one A-lister to another- thank you! As you know it’s the people in your life that make all the difference. I have gained so much from these virtual adventures and the friendships that have formed. Would not trade it for anything! Niebu my friend!!

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Friar on July 14th, 2008 3:15 pm

Karen

I have an A-list of mabye 10-12 regular loyal readers (including yourself).

Those are the people who make blogging all worthwhile.

Friars last blog post..Friar’s Random Rants

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Karen Swim on July 14th, 2008 3:44 pm

Friar, in my book you were on the A-list long before anyone else knew it existed! Anyone that has your smarts, and creative ability and can make everyone snort milk out of their nose from laughing so hard…well, hard to beat Friar! Not to mention you’re an A-list friend and uncle.

Karen Swims last blog post..How I Made the A-List with Little to No Fanfare

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Brad Shorr on July 14th, 2008 4:10 pm

Karen, I agree with all the other commenters – you are an A-Lister without doubt. Your generosity in running my sales series is a great case in point. Your generosity will come back to you a hundred fold, of that I am certain.

Brad Shorrs last blog post..How Do You Get Sales and Marketing on the Same Page?

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Lillie Ammann on July 15th, 2008 1:49 am

Karen,
Just one more voice acknowledging you as an A-lister and an inspiration!

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Ulla Hennig on July 15th, 2008 4:15 am

Karen, Robert, Brad and all you others,
for me you are definitely on my A-list, which means that I enjoy constantly learning from you without having the feeling that you somewhat up in the sky sitting on some distant clouds, not to be reached but only to be silently stared at. I have the feeling and made the experience that even the most unknown small blogger is made friend by you (don’t know if that’s correct to say, but I hope the meaning will come over). I am very very glad that you exist!
Ulla from Germany

Ulla Hennigs last blog post..Blue blossoms – sharp and blurry

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Melissa Donovan on July 15th, 2008 4:57 am

You are an A-lister for sure! You know, when I first started blogging, I had a few daydreams about being on the A-list but then I saw some other up and comers rise, and found that they were no longer able to connect in a small community, and that’s one of my favorite things about blogging. Which means if I did reach A-list, I’d have to launch some small, obscure, anonymous blog so I could keep feeling and spreading the love

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Karen Swim on July 15th, 2008 8:48 am

Brad, I was honored that you would allow me to run it! Thank you so much for those kind words, means a lot to me.

Lillie, thank you so much!!

Ulla, I have enjoyed getting to know you through comments around the net and am so glad to have you here. In my world, there are no small bloggers. The awesome thing about blogging is this wonderful community of people. I am so glad that you are part of it.

Melissa, LOL! Oh my you are right! What fun is fame if you can’t be connected? It’s all too easy to get carried away with your own hype. That’s what I love about the A-listers who could care less about the list and remain steadfastly true to themselves. You have already reached A-list status and I can attest you have not allowed your phenomenal talent to change you.

Karen Swims last blog post..How I Made the A-List with Little to No Fanfare

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Wendi Kelly on July 15th, 2008 10:13 am

Hey, you are on my A-list! Heck..you are a Pebble Person!
You can’t be the Queen though…I’m the Queen. I have a pillow on my couch and a t-shirt that says so.

Karen, you are awesome. Your spirit and attitude shine through in everything you do and I love being a part of your gang. And your VP!

Honestly…I don’t know who the *other* A-list people are. I like our gang. We are our own A-list.

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Alina Popescu on July 16th, 2008 8:14 am

Hi Karen,

The A-List status you’ve just achieved is something we should all aspire to. I do believe everyone realizing is not all about fame and fortune and turning into a stats maniac is a true A-Lister Thanks for reminding us all we should stop from time to time and reanalyze our true goals.

Congrats and lots of hugs,
Alina

Alina Popescus last blog post..Monday Reading Roundup Take #7

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Karen Swim on July 16th, 2008 9:29 am

Madam Vice President (aka Wendi!) I love our A-list too! I think we’re having way more fun anyway, and we’ve got Friar.

Hi Alina, you are exactly right. We are so bombarded with being number one and it is easy to begin to obsess over numbers and stats and lose sight of our true goals. Thanks Alina for always being so gracious and generous.

Lots of hugs back!

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