Lately, there has been an outpouring of “best of in Social Media” lists. Maybe it’s that time of year? I don’t know. As each list comes out, I scan the names, hoping to learn about new and fabulous people. But more than that, I look for the fabulous people I see working hard every day. I look to see if other people are noticing how hard they are working. Sadly, many times they are not on these lists.
It’s tough to say that these lists are wrong. I’ve seen Jay Baer on several lists lately and you’d be hard pressed to find me a person I admire more. Danny Brown has been on several lists lately and I think he’s a fabulous guy who works hard and tries to get it right while also being a truth-teller. There’s absolutely no question that the stuff Michael Stelzner is doing is amazing.
But…I’m still left with a feeling that more people are out there who could really benefit from lists like these. People who maybe don’t have as many followers or as many subscribers but who are just as wonderful, and for whom a spotlight would mean so darned much.
I raised this issue over on Google Plus last night and Drew McClellan said, “OK, fair enough. Who would you add to these lists?” I’m so glad you asked, Drew.
There are probably hundreds of people I could list, but I’ll give you my top eleven (because I can’t count) for right now at this minute. Get to know these people. Take a day to get to know each of them. Then get to know the people they know and see how your community expands and deepens.
I encourage you to make your own list – ten people (or 11, or 20, or 50) who never make “those” lists but who really should. Influence, I strongly believe, is something we decide for ourselves. While there are people who have the scope to influence many, that doesn’t mean they have what really counts.
1. Mark Schaefer: Mark has become sort of my Jimney Cricket over the last year. His blog raises issues that are both within and outside of the world of social media. His business acumen combines with a down-to-earth, easy-to-talk-to, genuine human being.
2. Gini Dietrich: A lot of people have heard of Gini, but does she get the credit she deserves? It seems like Gini’s name only appears on lists when there is trouble to dish out, and it makes me mad, because not only is she brilliant and brave, she is also genuine, kind, and funny as all get-out.
Gini’s Blog Gini on Twitter Gini on G+
3. Fred McClimans: Fred is one of the most brilliant people I have met in my life. His brain turns my brain into pretzel 9 times out of ten. Despite that brilliance, Fred is also entirely approachable, extremely kind, very funny, and is out there sharing his wisdom in seemingly every chat there is.
4. Cate Colgan: It drives me nuts that Cate doesn’t get more credit for all that she does online and offline. Cate has a well of support for those around her that doesn’t seem to have a bottom. She is always full of ideas, always warm, always understanding, and can always create a smile from seemingly nowhere.
5. Tristan Bishop: Tristan is one of the few people in the online world who can throw out motivational wisdom and have it not be anywhere near annoying because you know he lives it and truly believes it. The more you get to know Tristan, the more you realize how very multi-faceted he is. Another brilliant fellow who doesn’t let his brain get in the way, Tristan seems to be everywhere online and he is always making people feel better about themselves.
Tristan’s Blog Tristan on G+ Tristan on Twitter
6. Sherree Worrell: If Mark has become my Jimney Cricket, Sherree has become his partner in crime. When I need advice or a sounding board, Sherree has become one of my first choices to turn to. She is warm, sharp as a tack, and she shows pictures of REALLY cute kitties if you ask her nicely 🙂
Sherree’s Blog Sherree on G+ Sherree on Twitter
7. Jure Klepic: I only got to know Jure recently, but what an impact he has had on my online life. I would love to see lists that pay tribute to people who just jump in and bring a bright ray of light with them. Jure certainly fits into that category. A kinder, more outgoing person you’d be hard-pressed to find.
8. Molly Cantrell-Kraig: How does Molly not make these social media lists? She is one of the most inspirational women you can find and uses social media the way it is supposed to be used. I am very happy that I know so many people who know and adore Molly so that I have had a chance to get to know her better. Now I’m doing that favor for you.
9. Sam Fiorella: Whenever something cool is going down, Sam is sure to be there. That’s not accidental. Whether it’s UnGeeked, a great chat, or 12most, I’ve run into Sam everywhere. He’s a smart guy, he has a wicked sense of humor that often puts my own to shame, and he does social media the right way – in that he gives a lot and asks for little. He deserves far more credit than he gets.
Sam’s Blog Sam on Twitter Sam on G+
9. Peg Fitzpatrick: Peg is another woman who seems to know everyone and who seems to be involved in everything. I remember when she first came onto the Twitter scene – she immediately struck me as someone who “gets” how be a star online. She is just full of energy, seldom has a bad word to say about anyone or anything, and can be friends with anyone she meets. Now it’s your turn.
Peggy’s Blog Peggy on Twitter Peggy on G+
10. Stanford Smith: Does anyone notice everything that Stan is doing for people? He can teach you how to blog, slap you upside the head for being lazy, and charm you by pointing out everything you’re doing right all in one post. Stan works harder than most people I know and is someone I always strive to keep up with.
Stan’s Blog Stan on Twitter Stan on G+
What do you think abou the lists that have been floating around? I’d love to talk with you about it!
Image by Stephanie Berghaeuser. http://www.sxc.hu/profile/kirsche222
I’m on my own Best Of list after being rejected from the AdAge Power150. I call mine the Pawer150. Got a badge and everything on my blog 🙂
The only lists that I am proud to be on these days in social media are “People I would call if arrested” and “The Inner Circle.” True, I am on those twitter lists and not really sure how I got there. Dogs have no pockets, so carrying cash for bail is not even realistic. And everyone is in my inner circle, so not even sure where I go with that.
haha, everyone is in your inner circle. I guess that just makes it a circle, not so much an inny or an outty 🙂
LOL You made a belly button joke… I think that was a belly button joke 🙂
Thanks Margie for the recs! I agree several of the folks you have mentioned deserve more attention for the good they are doing. Quite a few have been very generous in time & expertise in a broad sense as well as taking time to have meaningful conversations one on one. And now I have a few more folks to check out.
Well said, Janice. Glad I could introduce you to these fine folks!
Those round-ups often make me sad too. They are men most of the time, yet most of my influences are women like you.
The lists I strive to be on are lists like “Has no money – but call if arrested anyway” “Funny Chicks” and of course “People Who I Would Have Picked to Be My Mom If I Had a Choice”
Who would I add to that list? Dan Perez. That is a dude who is not afraid to speak his mind. I would also add Mitch Joel – I am always kind of surprised when he is not on these lists. I agree with the other choices.
yeah, there are dozens more people I could have put on this list. Dan, you, Mitch, Christopher Penn, whose posts always blow my mind, and on and on. I know some crazy good people. I hope my credit is worth something 🙂
I rarely look at “those” lists anymore precisely because they consistently name the same folks and leave out so many fabulous women. I wonder why that is? There are so many awesome women (like you) out there that are great role models for everyone (men included) using or working in social media.
I am thrilled to be included on your list and if I had a list, you’d be at the top. You’ve done more to champion folks in the social media world than many of the “big names.”
You are awesome my friend, thank you.
By the way, I’ll have more “kitty” pictures soon…the newest litter is absolutely adorable 🙂
Aww, thanks, Sherree.
Yes, the lack of women is disturbing. I have all of the admiration in the world for Liz Strauss, but she often seems to be the only woman on a lot of these lists, and that just drives me nuts. It would be interesting to see who makes up those lists, men or women. Maybe there is pressure to include certain people or something like that.
I like kitties 🙂
*Sigh* I don’t like these lists. Because they always leave out 1000s of people who are doing great things. I mean, these folks are great in their corner of the world. But there are other fabulous people doing fabulous things in other corners – covering art, parenting, autism, classical music, jazz, fashion, food, etc. They are doing great things on social media, too.
Right now, my quest is to find people using social media in unique ways who don’t talk about using social media. The fun for me, is to find cool people –whether or not they are listed…
I try to look for people who are using social media to do great things too, which is how you got on my radar. Social Media is the tool and not the end of the story. That’s one of the reasons I love curating content. It gets me out of my reading comfort zone and introduces me to new people and ideas. So important in all walks of life, non? 🙂
Margie – I thank you kindly my friend but I’m not really a social media person 🙂 I just like to get to know my neighbors now and then from around the world! thanks for introducing us to one or two I might not have met yet! And just remember
“On The Internet …. http://twitpic.com/6mg3tz
Oooh, we should get Rufus up there that cup!! 🙂
You are actually incorrect though, my dear. You are one of the best social media people. Connecting people is social media at its best. I mean, that’s just my opinion, but I’m pretty sure many would agree 🙂
Love it! I go entirely the other way and make sure EVERYONE on the Internet KNOWS I’m a dog. It deflects the attention off my editor who may or may not be wanted in 12 out of 58 states 🙂
Rufus – e me your dog house addy and I’ll see if the store my dog Chloe bought it from has another one …. I’ll dm my e to you … I’m following you on Twitter I think? 🙂 … Chloe’s not old enough to have her own P.O. Box yet!
Margie G’day,
thank you from the bottom of my heart for adding me on your list. As you said we need to make our own lists, as you do! I need to say YOU are guide to many of us. You always bring such a value to the table, when it comes to Social Media. You are Social Media Wikipedia!
Thank you again for making my Monday happy Monday!
Truth be known, The Top # lists annoy me. Although I’ve been fortunate to be on them, I feel that the list creator rarely digs deep to provide insight and value to the reader. Since Social is all about deep interaction, I want to know who the people are behind the blog rather that they consistently rake in a bushel full of pageviews. For some it seems like these lists are just the prerequisite link-bait required to jolt their visit numbers. Oh well…
You, however, neatly sidestepped the same-old list and delivered something truly valuable. I’m adding these folks to my list now.