Thomas Nelson have come up with an interesting way to promote a new book that they are publishing. It’s a form of viral marketing which has really intrigued me – enough that I think it’s a good idea to get involved.

The book is called The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective. and is written by Andy Andrews (which is an awesome name, imho) and the promotion project goes like this:

The Noticer Project. The goal is to launch a worldwide movement of people who will take a few minutes to “notice” five of the most influential people in their life.

Noticing these five people can be private—just a letter or an email—or public—writing a blog post, updating your Facebook or Twitter status or joining The Noticer Project Facebook Group. Regardless, we want to encourage people to notice the people who have had the most influence in their life now, rather than waiting until a wedding, graduation, or—God forbid—a funeral. {Taken from Michael Hyatt’s blog}

I think this a great idea. It’s actually something I did a couple of years ago with one or two people. I wrote to them to ‘notice’ them. I have difficulty with this because I’m not very good at noticing the people who influence me – something I must improve at. S0 here goes, here’s my five:

1) My parents. Sorry, I have to lump them in together, they are one after all! There are very few people who can say that their parents did not have a huge influence on them, one way or another. My parents are no exception. My Dad and my Mum have both always been rocks in my life. Never judgemental but always constant. I want to thank them particularly for their example in marriage and in serving others with the heart of Christ. I have awesome parents!

 2) My wife. I cannot think of an area of my life that my wife has not profoundly influenced mental, emotional, physical or spiritual. She is my rock, my faithful companion. She supports me (and corrects me) she loves me and she has brought stability to my life in a way that I didn’t think was possible. She is an amazing woman of God.

3) Ivor Powell. ‘Uncle’ Ivor was an evangelist with an organization called ‘Counties‘ who send British evangelists to places within their home country. Uncle Ivor would come speak at our church and visit our schools and run summer bible camps and do all kinds of fun and exciting things for kids to teach us about God. He always had his flannel board with us and would tell us stories using the stick-on felt pictures that he brought with him. Uncle Ivor taught me that the mission field begins at home and had a huge influence in my formative years. He was welsh and had a big, powerful voice. I can still hear him singing ‘Go tell it on the mountain’ now. Ivor went to sing with the saints in heaven last year. I’m glad I got to tell him ‘thank you’ before he went.

4) Dr. John Amstutz. If you know John, you know why I say this. The man is incredible. He is humble and gracious and loving and kind and gentle and patient and joyful. He is the embodiment to me of the fruit of the spirit. Dr John has been all over the world as a missionary, he is knowledgeable beyond belief, he has taught at bible schools. He has done so much and yet he remains one of the most humble men I have every met. If I had to model myself on one living person it would be Dr John Amstutz.

5) Peter Collins. Peter is my uncle. My Mum’s youngest brother. He has been a rock to me. He’s been a teacher, a supporter, an advisor and a friend. If it wasn’t for Uncle Peter, I probably wouldn’t have met my wife. He helped me through some tough questions and situations and was a rock in a churning sea for many years. Peter, thank you. I love you. You’re the best uncle I could ever ask for.

So over to you…. who are your five people who you want to “notice”?

Post a blog on your site or tweet or add a facebook note or Myspace or something. Hey, and why not leave a note here when you’ve done it so we can see who has been an influence in your life.