How to Write an Article Honoring Someone

The single best way to grow your network isn’t cold emails, LinkedIn hacks, or chasing algorithms, it’s honoring the people who got you here.

Think about this.

Every amazing opportunity in my career came from someone opening a door for me. But let me be honest: I’ve also blown plenty of chances, often because I was too eager to promote myself instead of showing genuine gratitude to the people who lifted me up.

Mastering this simple skill is perhaps the most powerful relationship-building and marketing strategy I’ve ever discovered. It’s also something I still practice diligently.

Start from Real Gratitude

Gratitude can’t be faked. Never write an honoring article simply because you feel obligated or hope to gain something from it. Write it because you genuinely appreciate someone who’s shaped your life.

Readers instantly feel authenticity—and they’ll sense insincerity even faster.

For example, when Nike was our client, I continued wearing Nike shoes long after our partnership ended. Not for appearances, but because genuine gratitude isn’t transactional—it’s a lifestyle.

Ask yourself: Who has deeply impacted your journey? Who believed in you when others didn’t?

Honor that person sincerely, without expecting recognition or reward. That’s true gratitude—the kind people feel, remember, and value.

Let’s be clear: vague praise is worthless.

Instead, tell a real, specific story. Say something like, “Jack stayed up with me until 3 AM troubleshooting Facebook Ads when nobody else picked up my call.”

Here’s how I do it personally: Whenever I honor a mentor like Al Casey, I don’t just throw around compliments—I share exact moments.

I talk about those late-night coaching calls, the honest feedback during tough failures, and the sacrifices they made because they genuinely wanted me to succeed.

The honest feedback during tough failures, and the sacrifices they made because they genuinely wanted me to succeed.

Those vivid, real-life details resonate deeply, proving my gratitude is sincere and unforgettable.

Next time you’re honoring someone, cut out the fluff. Lead with a real story. That’s what people remember.

If you’re honoring someone, the spotlight stays on their genius, their sacrifice, and their impact. I often write lines like, “This principle changed my life, thanks to Al Casey.” It’s their brilliance, not mine.

Connect the Article to a Broader Principle

When you honor someone publicly, you’re implicitly sharing your core values. Readers see the kind of leader you are through the way you honor others.

If I publicly praise teammates who’ve done extraordinary work, it sends a clear message about what our company values: teamwork, humility, integrity, and gratitude.

Every time I highlight my team after major campaigns, it strengthens our mission-driven culture. Public praise reinforces values without needing a lecture.

True gratitude lives in your actions right now. I still stay at MGM properties and eat at Carl’s Jr., because genuine appreciation lasts far beyond a single article.

Close with an Invitation or Challenge

After you’ve sincerely honored someone, invite readers to practice gratitude themselves. Ask them directly: “Who shaped your journey? Who can you thank publicly today? What would happen if gratitude became your default mode?” Challenge your audience to act, it multiplies your impact.

Almost every honoring article I write ends with a simple challenge: “Who are you thankful for today? Stop reading now and tell them.”

Here’s the Secret Nobody Tells You

When you genuinely honor others, something incredible happens: fear, ego, and insecurity vanish instantly. The greatest marketers aren’t self-promoters; they’re powerful advocates.

That’s why honoring someone meaningful publicly is one of the smartest, most powerful strategies you can master, not just for marketing, but for life itself.

My challenge to you today: Write your next article about someone who truly impacted you. Be specific. Share their story. Showcase their impact clearly. Do it from the heart, expecting nothing in return. Then watch your life and business transform in ways you never imagined possible.