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Ok let's get right into it. I am a major Chris Do fanboy. It is what it is 🤷‍♂️ But here's why...

Back in 2018, I knew nothing about design or branding.

After the experience of an unsuccessful startup, I was pretty lost and had no clue what to do next.

I was passionate about marketing but I lacked the knowledge and experience.

So, I decided to try and figure out what a brand really means and how to build one.

I lived in Kerala, India. Started learning things from thefutur ‘s Youtube channel from experts like matthewencina and mrbenburns.

Especially loved one of their old series called "Building a Brand".

I gathered the courage to become a freelancer. Began executing on the things I learnt.

Started creating content and sharing what I learnt on the internet.

Started connecting with some amazing people. Felt like a TOTAL IMPOSTER (and still do), but tried my best to learn as much as I could from every creator that I found.

Almost 5 years later, it’s crazy to see how things have evolved, and I owe a lot of it to this person - Chris Do. And I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way.

Now here are the details that I have NOT shared on social media...

I'd been looking forward to this day for years. When I moved to Toronto, I kept in touch with him to know if he would ever come down. The moment he shared that he was coming to Toronto, I was ready to buy my ticket, but here's the thing... Chris Do made arrangements for my ticket (Almost a $600 ticket). 😳 It was only later that I found out he did this for a few others too and I think that speaks volumes about the kind person he is.

The Do Effect: When he's in a room, he's almost always surrounded by people. People who admire him, are thankful for how his content has helped them etc. It's pretty amazing to see what impact looks like. At one point Chris needed a whiteboard to help answer someone. (Guess who got him the paper to write on... 😅)

Then someone knocked over his drink. (Guess who got him a new one... 😅)

Here's the deal... I don't think any number of coffees or acts of service can truly give back to him, for what he has created for the creatives in the world. The way he has shaped the digital content landscape. Similar to how Gary Vee and many others have done in their own ways.

I think that was a big realization for me: if we truly respect and admire someone, there are small ways that we can show it. Deep down in my heart, I believe that this approach towards everyone around us is what helps us build strong relationships with EVERYONE we meet and want to keep close.

Personally, I was super awkward and nervous throughout this whole experience. I decided to not ask him any questions and instead listen to his responses to others asking questions. LOL I got all of my socially awkward gibberish out when I unexpectedly bumped into James Martin (madebyjames) and Ben (boringfriends).

Conclusion:

The small decisions that we make, to try something new, learn something new, or execute something new… all of them play a role in awesome things happening in life.

Although they may not be directly related, it’s a series of smaller events that lead to bigger moments.

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking back.” - Steve Jobs

📌I’m definitely marking this 2023 moment as a checkpoint to remember: From living in India and learning from Chris behind the screen to meeting him in person in Canada. 📸 Moment Cherished.

If we don’t stop to cherish the good moments, what's the point of all this anyway?

Story to be continued… see you at the next awesome checkpoint. 🫡