The Influence of Words

I learned the other day that someone died, and I am sad. Though I never knew him personally, this man had a tremendous impact on my life which continues to this day.

His name was Gary Halbert. He was a tremendous copywriter, many feel the best on the planet (an opinion Gary himself shared). I know I for one could never stop reading whatever he wrote.

For years the famous Gary Halbert letters provided me an amazing education in copywriting–and writing in general. He posted them free on the Internet. His generosity, outrageous persona, amazing ability to keep me reading, all are memorable to me.

I learned much about marketing and copywriting from him. Not nearly as much as I wish, but a lot.

Yet Gary Halbert touched my life in another, deeper, way. Through his Letter, and some circumstances that unfolded afterward, I met a person who is now one of my best friends on the earth.

It was Gary’s powerful way with words that got my friend to write to him a heartfelt letter about how his words moved her. Her words touched him, as well, and he called upon people to respond to this person.

I was one of the ones who responded. And through the connection, initiated by Gary Halbert’s words alone, this person and I became close friends who have helped each other in countless ways. She and I have not yet met in person, either. But we talk on the phone nearly every day, email each other often, and help each other with our respective businesses.

It all started with the words, posted on the Internet for all to see, of Gary Halbert. If it were not for Gary’s letter (and of course, current technology), I would never have met my new friend in a million years.

I was able to tell Gary about what happened. His e-mail answer was short (and note, I remember it): “Cool.” But, busy as he was, he did answer. I’m glad I told him.

The power of words, folks, is incalculable.