March 27, 2011

Thank You from Daily Grape’s Gary Vaynerchuk

Being thankful means not taking anyone or anything for granted. Anyone or anything can lead to someone or something worthwhile. Like all practices of virtue, it’s easier said than done. One demonstration of thanks came from wine and social media force Gary Vaynerchuk of Daily Grape.


Review copies with winning cover design by Owen Song, Kneadle, Inc.

He posted a contest for designing the front cover of his latest book, “The Thank You Economy”. Vaynerchuk’s get-up-and-move takes on his vlog about personal branding, in addition to his snooty-free gonzo coverage (1,000+ videos to date) of wine, are highly recommended. When he announced a design contest for the front cover of “The Thank You Economy”, his follow-up to “Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion” (also a Bestseller on “The New York Times” List), it was taken as a legitimate opportunity to get published.



While none of my three concepts were picked, one was selected for inclusion in the book (above). A month after submitting my concepts, I was asked for my permission for publication. The message stated, “Gary wants to take care of everyone who took part in this.” This act of being thankful could have been overlooked. But Vaynerchuk made it necessary. I’m reminded of my Parents’ regular push to give thanks—as well as all their other teachings, which I keep being thankful for and keep relearning.

Here’s a big thanks to Gary V. for emphasizing the importance of expressing thanks and keeping it.

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Listen to an Audio Review of Gary Vaynerchuk’s Book “Crush It!”, about Passion and Personal Branding