The Meaning of a True Twitter Icon: Sean “2k” Gardner

In today’s age of social media dominance, there are millions of proclaimed social media experts worldwide, however only a few of them manage to carve a niche for themselves and have the right to be called “True Social Media Icon” – Sean Gardner is one such personality! There’s a maxim my grandfather said frequently, “You never shine a light on someone and not have it bounce back to you” and Sean is a perfect testimony of that statement. Sean is a veteran author, blogger, community activist and a well-known name (@2morrowknight) in social media circles.

Sean is a widely published author and some of his works have been published in Huffington Post, The Stimulist, Womenality magazine and Essence.com. Sean has lectured at several reputed colleges and universities including Morehouse, Spelman, and Emory University.

In personal life, Sean Gardner is the warmest person you’ll ever meet. A humanitarian at heart, Sean has raised his voice for several noble causes – be it for relief and donations during the Haiti earthquake or being an inspiration for others in helping revive businesses from the dust. As Kevin Minott (@KevinMinott) puts it – “Sean has demonstrated time and again his ability to give without the anticipation of reward. I consider it an honor to have met the acquaintance of 2morrowKnight.”

As for Twitter, it’s fair to say that “Sean came, he saw and he conquered”. His popularity on Twitter is unparalleled and he’s notched up more than 70,000 followers in virtually no time. Dubbed as, “an amazing person I was lucky enough to meet on twitter” by JD Andrews (@earthXplorer), “On Twitter, I can’t think of one other person more giving than Sean. He epitomizes what sharing is all about. It is a true pleasure to know him. Do yourself a favor, follow and learn from this man”, Says Sung Lee (@Sung_H_Lee) of Radio Korea.

Many people believe that Sean’s best virtue is his positive attitude in everything he does. He’s never shy of lending a helping hand to those who need it. Clement Yeung (@clementyeung) tells us that Sean has “often gone out of the way to enable me to expand my social networks rapidly, Sean clearly wants to see people achieve and isn’t afraid to spend his own time towards that.”

“Sean, You’re are an inspiration!” says Kathy Meyer (@2cre8), who helped inspire and coordinated this article. “I have been so blessed to have run across @2morrowknight. Besides his immense writing talent, he has always been so generous and kind… not to mention charitable with a truly giving soul. He has helped me throughout my Twitter journey and made me feel so comfortable. But more importantly, I treasure his friendship and will always be forever grateful. Thank you!” She added.

“Sean is truly a hero of the heart!” says Lori Moreno (@LoriMoreno).  “He’s an extraordinary being who works at allowing others to shine. Sean consistently shares love, encouragement and support with everyone. He’s a delight to know and be friends with.” She also added.

As a champion in online branding and marketing, he’s led and executed several successful online campaigns. He is amongst the most popular authors on Huffington Post with massive ever-growing fan following. His posts have often broken viewership records and his readers keenly look forward to his new posts. Xan Pearson (@xanpearson) mentions “Through his Twitter Powerhouse series for the Huffington Post, he has introduced us to experts around the world and interesting, engaging people across industries and topics, regardless of popularity.”

Sean is always around as a friend, philosopher and guide for his readers and clients. Described as “the best in social media” by Amy D. Howell (@HowellMarketing), Sean goes well beyond his professional obligations to establish a bond with everyone. If you want to learn social media, there’s no better way to do so than learn from the master himself. Despite his heavy workload and never-end list of professional commitments, Sean makes it a point to graciously devote time to his followers.

Sean is widely regarded as Twitter’s unofficial brand ambassador. There is no shortage of his admirers on the world’s leading micro-blogging site.

According to Glen D. Gilmore, Esq. (@TrendTracker), “@2morrowknight epitomizes the best qualities of social media:  his online presence is all about sharing, caring and connecting.  Sean consistently shares content that aims to inspire and inform. He is quick to give credit to others. He also understands the importance of deepening online connections with real-life contact – a phone call still makes a world of difference. Finally, his #Twitterpowerhouse series is less about “powerhouses” and more about giving us a richer understanding of vibrant Twitter personalities. Sean has become Twitter’s biographer and we have all become better connected because of it.”

Debra Cincioni (@momsofamerica) says, “I cherish @2morrowknight because when he sends a tweet to me, I always feel that he is a genuine caring soul and I feel mentally hugged! His wit, his warmth and his love for others shines throughout the twitterverse and we are all basking in his light…Thank you for being.”

Cherished also by Misty Bilardo (@mistygirlph), who says,  “Sean is one guy that I look up to in terms of learning social media.  He is giving and he has taught me that one really needs to listen and be authentic.  He is warm and he was one who I can say was there for me during the time when I needed to be strong.  He rocks Twitter and he has unselfishly given so many people the chance to shine.”

According to Ruhani Rabin (@ruhanirabin), “He is one of the most remarkable and generous twitter personality who inspires thousands of people around the Globe. He is an exceptional Marketing Strategist, Activist, Master Surfer! Above all, a Friend!”

Jazz Baker (@jaycbee) says, “Sean is highly respected by his friends and generally admired for his willingness to help anyone anytime. He has been instrumental in helping users understand the nuances of social media. His entire web presence encapsulates the values he cherishes and never compromises his integrity. This is evident in his tweets, blog entries, contributions to the Huffington Post, and his direct messages. They are all informative, inspirational, and motivational. Sean is definitely an asset to the entire Twitterverse!”

“Sean is a generous and friendly soul”, says Ann Tran (@TrendyDC). “Despite his popular demand, he graciously gives time to his followers. I honestly love his tweets and he is definitely one of my Twitter favorites. I truly look forward to meeting him in person one day. He is well loved in the Twitterverse”, she concluded.

Paul Steele (@paul_steele) says, “Sean is one of the most amazing people on Twitter I know. His enthusiasm is endless, his heart is pure and he is as honest as you can get.  His unselfish way has made him a fantastic connector of people and he has an eye for spotting the goodness of anyone he comes across.  His articles are wonderful too and written with passion and care to detail. It’s an absolute pleasure to call him my friend.”

According to Guatam Hans (@virtuosoblogger), “The best thing I like about my friend @2morrowknight is that he is a gem of a blogger and he uses his blogging to appreciate other people’s work, which is truly great! It also shows that he is a man of character. Besides that, he is a tweeter like no other… full of info, with a dash of conversation and a pinch of opinion.”

Terri Nakamura (@terrinakamura) holds a similar admiration. She says, “From the moment we met, shook hands and hugged, I knew I liked @2morrowknight. He’s an articulate conversationalist who is likeable and fun! His Twitter Powerhouses pieces shed some light on this thing called the “Twittersphere.”

According to Daniel Hudson (@WebTechMan), “@2morrowknight is a living example of the first part of Social Networking. Building relationships instead of gathering follows is the important “Social” part of Social Networks. He has connected me to a multitude of people and ideas.  Through his example I have learned that “Diversity Accelerates Innovation”.  Real value is discovered in Relationships.  If you are not following @2morrowknight and reading his articles, you are missing out.”

Marc Parent (@mparent77772) says, “He’s informative, a great promoter of fellow tweeps, and a lot of fun to have around!”

Joyce Cherrier (@joycecherrier) goes further to say, “What I adore about Sean:  He’s a surfer!! Ha! But seriously, Sean is one of the kindness, most giving souls I have met on twitter and I’m honored to call him a friend. Not only does he bring his kindness but his talents and great character. He helps make Twitter a great community!”

Mahei Foliaki (@iconic88), describes Sean as, “generous, intelligent, gracious, humble, and all round Super good guy!” He quoted Frances Bacon as saying, “If a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows he is a citizen of the world, and that his heart is no island cut off from other lands, but a continent that joins to them.” Mahei concluded by saying, “Sean is a citizen of the world whose heart connects many in the twitterverse.”

According to Steven Akins (@SteveAkinsSEO), “It’s hard not to have seen his tweets and articles, not to have felt his dedication, intelligence and passion. It’s easy to hear him praising the strengths and accomplishments of others, no matter their power or position, and giving his voice to the voiceless. Sean brings clarity, compassion and understanding in the face of injustice, inequality and intolerance. It’s a gift to know the kindness and generosity of Twitter’s 2morrowknight.”

Sharon Hayes (@SharonHayes) says, “@2morrowknight makes me think of the often asked question: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Sean has been writing the awesome Twitter Powerhouse series for the Huffington Post. (If you haven’t checked it out yet, I highly recommend it!) Each article profiles an exceptional Twitter user. Over the time that he has been writing the series, I’ve seen him grown and not only become a ‘Powerhouse’ in his own right, but also surpassing influence of many of those he has profiled. Sean goes out of his way to share, network and always put others first before his own needs. When you’re a giving individual like this in social media, the rewards do come back in spades. He’s just a fantastic example for people to learn from.”

According to Marcomé (@Marcome), “Sean is not only a sweet man but  an uplifting writer coupled with a natural energy sharer! He is also a very creative man. I admire how he evolves as an author and blogger on the web. He’s a 2morrowKnight? No, he is already a Twitter Knight!”

Nicky (@rocksstar10) says, “Sean is someone who stands out for his positivity. He is always ready to lend a helping hand. He has been and still is, a constant source of inspiration. His awesome tweets and blog are a proof of how great this man really is!

A kind soul, a warm heart and a brilliant mind, Sean exemplifies all these qualities and definitely is a Twitter legend!”

Chetan R. (@cheth) expands with, “When I think of him, it always reminds me of his editorial posts. He’s one of the few selfless guys I’ve seen on Twitter. Never seen a dedicated blogger who works more than 24 hrs on an article. His Twitter Stream is loaded with positivity and excellent shareable links, and true to what he tweets. He is very friendly whenever I interact with him. And the most weird and interesting thing of all, I know him as a Twitter buddy for a long time now, and still haven’t asked his real name. ‘Tomorrow Knight’, the word truly suits him and has become his extended identity for us on Twitter. More Power to @2morrowknight!” Well, Chetan now you know.

Aaron Lee (@AskAaronLee) says, “Sean has a kind heart. He is a mysterious guy; it took me a while to find out his name was Sean. Don’t let his sweet smile fool you, he is a tough guy and is amazing when it comes to getting things done. I won’t hesitate to say that Sean is a true friend.”

His Twitter stature is best summed up in the words of Michael Sarles (@MASisMore), who mentions

“If content is king, then 2morrowknight is the prince.”

Sean is a man who wears many hats and makes all of them look equally good. His first children’s book is slated to be launched in late 2010. Sean is considered as a powerhouse and the ‘Go to’ man in social media circles. He has won loads of accolades from who’s who in the online marketing world. You can reach Sean at his blog, Twitter or Facebook page.

I’m privileged to know Sean as a dear friend and fellow social media loyalist. If there was ever a true Twitter icon, it has to be Sean Gardner.

The best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be – Sean Gardner.