Ahhh, Christmas.  With the turning of the page on the calendar from November to December comes my favorite time of the year.  Past the hype of Cyber Monday and having survived Black Friday, I can now concentrate on the true meaning of the season for me - and my family: love.
I know as a LinkedIn [...]

My wife Stephanie and I are just returning from a 5 day trip to Boston and New Hampshire, where I was attending the Inbound Marketing Summit – the brainchild of Chris Brogan, Paul Gillin and David Merman Scott. This trip, like many others that Steph and I have been fortunate to take this year, is [...]

This past Tuesday evening, we held our 14th LinkedIn Live Raleigh at the Lincoln Theater.  300 plus people in attendance.  Massive amounts of door prizes.  A good time had by all.
While all the things I described above are great, they pale in comparison to what I believe LinkedIn Live is all about…paying it forward.  To [...]

I have been an “acquaintance” of Craig Newmark - he of Craigslist fame for a few years now.  I first met him at a new media/political issues conference and have since seen him several times at other functions.
We are connected on Twitter, and I’m honored to be on of the folks he follows back.
When my [...]

3:45 p.m. EST, Tuesday, May 5:
Doctor: Are you Mr. Hester?
Chuck: Yes, that’s right.
Doctor: Well, I’m pleased to say it’s a BOOK!
Chuck: *FAINT*

It’s been a long time coming but Linking In to Pay it Forward: Changing the Value Proposition in Social Media is in print!  Copies of the book are being delivered and will be shipped [...]

Linking In to Pay it Forward: Changing the Value Proposition is now available for presale.
We are that close to publishing that I’m taking preorders on this site.  So, if you want to be the first on your block, your office, your state….anyway….go to our online store and order:
http://tinyurl.com/lipifbook
If you’re interest in bulk orders, autograph copies, [...]

As the publication of my book becomes closer to being a reality, things are falling into place.  The most recent “WOW” for me is the completion of the book’s cover design.  It brings the actual book into focus for me and I’m excited to share it with you here.
A very special thanks to Elissa James, [...]

For many, living a pay it forward lifestyle doesn’t take a great deal of effort. It’s something you do every day. In fact, you may be paying it forward without consciously knowing you are, and without knowing that you’re making a difference.

Have you ever been at the grocery story and the person in front of [...]

A few more observations on Australia (Sydney in particular):
1. Opposites rule.  Drive on the left, steering wheel on the left.  Look right when crossing the street.
2. If you’re in Sydney, find Phillip’s Foot restaurant near the Rocks.  BBQ your own steaks at a very reasonable price.  Chocolate store down the street with brownies to die [...]

I woke up this morning in Sydney Australia.   My wife Stephanie and I are here on a bizcation.  I’m speaking at the Hargraves Institute Innovations 2009 Conference.  Topic: Innovative Ways to Blend Traditional and Social Media.  WHEW!  A mouthful, I assure you!
We are also meeting up with our LinkedIn connections to see the “real” Sydney, [...]