i would love to write a book on my life, very interesting reading. some of the things that happened to us as children are unbeleivable, my two sisters are very eager to help and gve their help.

karen

Can I also make a suggestion? I liked it when you talk about social media and its business and PR perspective. 

Anyway, I am excited for that book to come into reality. I know that will be very soon. 

Hats off to you,

Kira

My suggestion to you is go read the manifesto, "Do the Work". It's a great piece about writing and attacking large projects head on, which is why I've been doing so much with B2B Voices.

Hi Arik,
Great to know your thinking of writing a book. Congrats While I've only been following your posts for a year I really feel you can share a lot around PR. While there are a lot that's been said, the PR industry has gone through a change - not just because of Social Media but markets have changed, media, consumers etc have all changed. I haven't seen any contemporary look at PR in a holistic manner from presentations , pitches, press releases, social media, media relations , blogger relations etc etc the list goes on. I guess Communications Conversations has covered a lot of these over the year I've been reading ( and more in the past :) ) and your experience in present day PR could really come together in a book on New Age PR. Anyways that's my 2 cents. Look forward to your book, in the end I'm sure it will be a great read with some good learnings.
Regards,
Shane

Wow...well let me first say Congratulations! Then...thanks for asking! I'll give it some thought. I guess what I've liked about your advice is, to use Randy's [Jackson's] phrase, you always put priority on Keeping it Real. In social media, you don't force people or impose structures on them..but find where they're already present, where they're already going, meet them there, and get behind them. Make it easier, more fun, or more valuable--but don't try to force them into YOUR mold.

Arik very exciting! One of the most important stories I think you have already written (though perhaps yet put in writing... well in book form, anyway) is the story of how to use conversation to build relationships and community that yields business results. Communications Conversations... Lots of people talk, but you understand the art of conversation and how to evoke interest and passion and create tight-knit communities. The age of "broadcast" (one way) communication is over. And those who are looking to communicate must understand the art of conversation and how to inspire a community to champion your messages... Just a thought. Cannot wait to buy the book, but I do want a signed copy :)

How very exciting, Arik! I'm confident you'll develop an idea that really needs exploring, and write a smashing book. Congratulations to you. Can I shake the author-to-be's hand next week at Confab?

Arik,
I'd like to echo Heather's recommendation in connecting your ideas to students and young pros. You are a great example of someone who remembers where he came from. You recently highlighted up-and-coming Minnesota professionals. I'm sure there's plenty of seasoned pros you could have applauded on their achievements, but instead you chose to create excitement for what this group has ahead of them.

I know what it feels like to be included on such a list and I can say when you're just starting out in the industry, it's refreshing and reassuring to know you're working your way along the right path. A lot of your insights relate to paying it forward, which is the basis of HAPPO, right? These are lessons people can learn from both professionally and personally. Look forward to hearing more!

-Stephanie@StephanieFlo

Good for you Arik! Rock it.

I agree with a lot of the other comments here, Arik. In reading your blog and getting to know you, I find I learn a lot about influencer outreach, community building and building relationships for PR. There are some books out there on related topics, but there doesn't seem to be any that focus like a laser on just those aspects.

Pinging off of Krista's comment, I think a book about what it takes to go from student to running your own practice. I frequently include your posts in my #PRintern | #EntryPR LinkedIn group because of their value to young readers...and while this would certainly be a niche book, I think it's one that would be extremely beneficial. You could tell not only your own story, but also the stories of many other successful communicators who got where they are today. And perhaps it doesn't have to be as niche as this comment suggests...books about taking your career from college student to highly successful professional in general are sorely needed. Our young pros need idols/heroes!

P.S. I'd be happy to contribute to such a book. ;)

Arik,
I'd like to bring up what Krista mentioned with HAPPO. The initiative brought together PR pros from around the country to help fellow pros out. We hear all about the "me, me, me" mentality. But what about the "we" mentality. Think about what we can do collectively to move the industry and ourselves forward by working together.
Just some thoughts...

I agree with Jason, there's no need for another social media or PR book chock-full of catch phrases and buzz words. But rather, maybe you can tell your story about building an online community and vicariously touch on social media that way? I like that you are active in community building, like founding HAPPO and creating a movement around that. I'd be more interested in reading what it was like for you, as a person and professional, to go through the early stages, build your credibility, and eventually get to where you are today. I think that is a good inspirational story that can also demonstrate how community building is effective. Just my two cents :)

Truthfully, I'd love to hear about the struggles, triumphs and personal stories that come with being a dedicated family man while also trying to start your own business. What is that like, how has your family had to adjust, do you worry about the long term effects, or has being independent afforded you more opportunity to spend time with family? The posts that you've written that have been the most personal for me have been the most interesting/powerful. I think others might agree. Please, for the love of god, don't do another PR/SM book.