Those of you in Reno know how dreary it’s been around here the last few days….. rain, snow, wind, repeat.

So after running some errands today I got a good surprise when I checked the mail!

Back in August I saw a tweet from @garyvee announcing a live tweetup streamed at ustream.com and decided to jump into the conversation. At the event Gary said he would send out a special gift to anyone that preordered his book through amazon. Anyway, I ordered the book, sent the receipt to the WLTV crew and got a response within a day that there would be a special package coming. They stayed in constant contact via email saying that they were putting together something special.

In the box- “Gary Vaynerchuk’s 101 Wines”, a Vayner Nation wirstband, Crush It! wristband, $15.00 gift certificate for gourmetlibrary.com and a somewhat personal note promising free shipping from winelibrary.com This is an amazing example of great branding, community building and marketing in general. From what I recall there were 3-400 folks watching the live stream and I’m guessing that a good amount of them bought the book that day.

So I spent $15 or so on a book and got an extra package worth at least $30 just for being involved with his brand. I know he has some critics out there but everybody can learn something from this man and his follow through if nothing else. If you haven’t read his book, order it up and let me know what you think. It’s one of the few that could change your life if you embrace the ideas and concept….

And BTW- already spent $40+ at gourmet library and used the certificate…. reviews on Bierwurst, Chourico, Cacciatore, Fennel Salsiccia, Applewood Bacon and Tuma Persa coming next Thursday or so….