My Social Media All Star Team
So I posted last week that I would be taking nominations for Social Media MVPs, but times are busy, and while I got a few very very nice responses, it was nowhere near 100.
Well, not one to be diverted by minor details, I am just going to go ahead and give you a list of some people that I think are all stars in the Social Media space. Alphabetical order so that no one says, “Ohh, why was that person named first.”Hopefully, this inspires you to read some blogs you’ve never read or follow some people on Twitter you’ve never followed. It’s all about paying it forward, after all.
So, here are 34 people who are on my All Star Team. Who is on your team? Maybe we could make a game of it 🙂
Chase Adams
Twitter Name: @REALChaseAdams
Blog: The Chase Scene
Why On the List? Whether he likes it or not, Chase is a major engine keeping the powerful new Twitter group #usguys going. He is funny, warm, intelligent, and ambitious. I’ve watched him grow over the last couple of months faster than Jack’s magic beanstalk. I can’t wait to see what this guy does in the months to come.
Jay Baer
Twitter Name: @JayBaer
Blog: Convince and Convert
Why on the list? So many reasons. Before I joined the world of Twitter, I encountered Jay via a couple of webinars he did. He was one of the first people to talk to me on Twitter. He accepted some light criticism from people gracefully and with genuine concern. And he’s a published author!
Jeannette Baer
Twitter Name: @MyAgenda
Blog: Primary Color Blog
Why on the list? Jeannette is one of the nicest people walking the planet. I think you’ll discover this, as I did, about 5 minutes after you start talking to her. Jeannette is one of those people who can light up a room, and for a virtual environment, that’s pretty amazing. She is charismatic, gracious, great to be around – and also smart as a tack. She has really helped Stan and me grow Tweetdiner into everything we hoped, and she deserves massive amounts of credit for that. You rock, sister!
Tristan Bishop
Twitter Name: @KnowledgeBishop
Blog: KnowledgeBishop.com
Why on the list? If you’ve read this blog for awhile, this name will probably seem familiar. Tristan was a common inclusion in my #30thursday posts. He is a great writer, and the interesting thing is that is a great writer about many many different subjects ranging from customer service to leadership. He’s also an extremely nice guy. Many a day, his kind words, unrelated to anything in particular I say or do, have brightened my spirits and made me smile broadly.
Bill Boorman
Twitter Name: @BillBoorman
Blog: The Recruiting UnBlog
Why on the list? Bill is always helping people. It doesn’t matter what chat is going on, it seems like Bill is there, contributing, helping people, and offering insightful stats at the end. This guy embodies hustle, with care as his engine.
Chris Brogan
Twitter Name: @ChrisBrogan
Blog: ChrisBrogan.com
Why on the list? Well, you might say “duh.” However, Chris is on this list because I appreciate his maintaining a genuine and authentic good heart with everything he has going on. Even if he does have a penchant for writing a blog post on something I was just thinking I could write about. We all have our flaws. Folks always talk about how smart this guy is. His heart is pretty good too.
Amber Cleveland
Twitter Name: @AmberCleveland
Blog: Sterling Hope Blog (with Kay Whitaker)
Why on the list? I met Amber via a couple of different chats, but she really seemed to stand out in our shared #CustServ chat. I thought she was extremely smart, smarter than me. I tweeted her one day thinking she was from Cleveland. We started chatting (it turns out that’s just her last name), and I have had the pleasure of discovering what an amazing and sweet person Amber is. Don’t you just hate people who are that brilliant and that nice? It’s like, c’mon, man. Give me a chance here!
Mack Collier
Twitter Name: @MackCollier
Blog: MackCollier.com
Why on the List? Mack is the king of blogchat. Blogchat is what made the entire difference in my Social Media career. Mack has remained accessible and friendly even as blogchat has become the largest Twitter chat going. He is open to ideas, treats everyone with respect, and is just an overall great guy.
Michael Corley
Twitter Name: @MyBklynReport
Blog: Your Social Media Real Estate Guide: My Brooklyn Report
Why on the list? Michael started chatting with me when he started attending Tweetdiner chats. At first, he was kind of shy, but boy were we all in for a happy surprise when he started letting his real personality show through. Michael took the step of using his own face instead of a logo as his avatar, and he has shown tenacity, dedication, and courage throughout his Social Media efforts.
Debra Ellis
Twitter Name: @WilsonEllis
Blog: WilsonEllis Consulting
Why on the List? I met Debra during #IMCChat. She is always so on top of the topic and so smart, so at first I was worried that my somewhat goofy aura would put her off. In fact though, Debra has become a friend and mentor for me. I admire how she spreads her wisdom. A prime example? All of the links you see here..see how they open in a separate window? It was Debra that brought that technique to my attention. She knows her stuff and is willing to share it!
Susan Fox
Twitter Name: @gagasgarden
Blog: GagasGarden.com
Why on the list? I know I sing her praises all of the time, but I just can’t stop! Susan’s process of growing and evolving on Twitter evolved into not just a process for herself but also for everyone to whom she passed on what she was learning. She has become a kind friend for me and I know to many other people as well. And guess what? She already has over 700 followers on Twitter!
Cristian Gonzales
Twitter Name: @Galactic
Blog: Cristian Gonzales at Tumblr
Why on the list? Man. What can I say about Cristian? He came and found me after reading one of my #30thursday posts. He sent me a post he had written that was gorgeous, personal, yet universally applicable. We started chatting on Twitter, and Cristian, I’m happy to say, has become a dependable friend. Oh, and he’s scary smart on top of that.
Ann Handley
Twitter Name: @MarketingProfs
Blog: about 27 different ones. Check out the MarketingProfs MP Daily Fix for starters!
Why on the List? Okay, so once again, you could probably name a ton of reasons why Ann is on this list. She’s on my particular team though because she has been ridiculously supportive of me and my efforts from the time I first started tweeting and blogging. The fact that someone as busy and amazing as this lady would take the time to help me out, well, it still astounds me. And hey, she’s now a published author too!
Bob James
Blog: Copy Points (The Mighty Copywriter)
Why on the List? Bob has been a loyal commenter here on my blog for months now. I don’t get to talk to him as often because I don’t think he has a Twitter account (you can correct me on that, Bob), but he is smart, funny, and full of valuable insights. You need this fellow on your team!
Nick Kellet
Twitter Name: @NickKellet
Blog: HuStream Company Blog
Why on the list? When I posed ten up and comers a few days ago, there was a massive outcry because Nick wasn’t on the list. In retrospect, it was in fact an oversight on my part. Nick offers a magnetic personality, extremely valuable information, different perspectives, and an always friendly face. He’s a valuable part of my community, and he could be a valuable part of yours as well!
Debra Leitl
Twitter Name: @MentorMarketing
Blog: EMentor Marketing Blog
Why on the List? Debra has been around for about the same amount of time as me. She hustles to a lot of the same chats I do and always offers great contributions, regardless of the subject. She seems to know everything about everything. If you don’t believe me, check out her blog! She’s also extremely easy to talk to and has been a good friend of mine for quite some time now.
Fred McClimans
Twitter Name: @FredMcClimans
Blog: FredMcClimans.com
Why on the list? Fred is the kind of person you’re almost afraid to talk to at first because he is just that stinking smart. What you come to realize is that Fred, like so many people I have been lucky enough to encounter, has a heart of gold and a rather wicked sense of humor. Fred has been endlessly supportive of me and my efforts and always is a valuable contributor to the many blogs we both attend.
Jason Mikula
Twitter Name: @mikulaja
Blog: Jason Mikula’s Analysis of the New Media Landscape
Why on the List? Well, if you missed the #usguys chat that Jason hosted this past Thursday, then you really missed a chance to see a growing Social Media star. Not only did Jason offer questions that really got people thinking and conversing, but he was also able to draw in the authors of The Dragonfly Effect, who recently were interviewed by Chris Brogan for 501MissionPlace.com. Jason is a down-to-earth genius and a kind soul. Get to know him.
Tom Moradpour
Twitter Name: @TomMoradpour
Blog: Tom Moradpour’s WordPress Blog
Why on the list? Well why wouldn’t I include Tom would really be the better question! Unassuming, kind-hearted, smart, never a mean word to anyone, and last weekend he spent a great deal of his time helping Dider Drogba raise money to build a hospital (via Pepsico). Tom has been a true friend to me and I know, many others. His new blog posts have really highlighted the dept of his knowledge as well!
Deb Morello
Twitter Name: @debmorello
(Photo) Blog: DebbiMorello.com
Why on the List? What can I say about this amazing woman? I am fairly certain we met because we both go to a lot of the same chats. I didn’t really know much about her except that she was really really sweet and very smart. Lo and behold, I find out that she helped get USA Today off the ground and is an amazing photo journalist. Well, who knew?!? Deb has been a great friend to me and invaluable in helping gather information for my Online Safe House project.
Arié Moyal
Twitter Name: @amoyal
Blog: Arie Moyal’s Posterous
Why on the list? For those of you who have seen me interact with this fellow, you might think Arié is my arch-nemesis, and in some ways he is. However, he also is pretty darned smart and he always adds a fun and charismatic element to chats. And ok. He often offers good insights and input. Plus, I have seen him be nice to other people 🙂
Melody Overton
Twitter Name: @SBuxMel
Blog: Starbucks Melody
Why on the list? Melody is using Social Media to be a brand evangelist for Starbucks, and let me tell you, any brand would be lucky to have this lady on their team. Melody’s blog offers interesting and unique perspectives. She is great at networking, thoughtful, and kind. Plus, anyone who loves coffee more than me deserves to gain some kudos!
Sam Parrotto
Twitter Name: @QStreet
Why on the list? Sam is a truly gentle and sweet soul. She always seems to have a kind word for everybody, and I would say she is part of the glue that keeps #usguys together as a cohesive group. Sam just recently published her first blog post, and it was a beauty. By this time next year, I’ve no doubt she’ll be at the toppermost of the poppermost in the blogosphere!
Maya Paveza
Twitter Name: @mayaREguru
Blog: MayaReGuru.com
Why on the list? Maya is fast becoming a leader in the world of Social Media. What’s amazing about that is Social Media is only part of Maya’s career. As per her Twitter handle, her real sweet spot is real estate. Maya is funny, charismatic, endlessly patient and supportive, and I adore her to no end. She is the kind of woman who will slap you around if you act silly in a bad way, too. Everyone needs a friend like that!
Michele Price
Twitter Name: @ProsperityGal
Blog: WhoIsMichelePrice.com
Why on the List? Michele is a no nonsense Texas kind of lady. She speaks her mind and is a tireless supporter for doing Social Media right. If you have any questions about what might mean, listen in on her radio shows, follow her in other chats, or join her on Tuesday nights at 10PM EST for her own chat, #SMManners.
Patrick Prothe
Twitter Name: @PProthe
Blog: PatrickProthe.com
Why on the list? Patrick not only is a valuable contributor to chats and a key member of the #usguys group, but he has also been an invaluable help to me in blogging for The Online Safe House, another project of mine. Patrick is a calm see of intelligence, a reliable friend, and a genuinely good guy.
Ian Rountree
Twitter Name: @ianmrountree
Blog: (now with a new and snazzy design!) IanMRountree.com
Why on the list? I first met Ian via Blogchat, and a few things caught my eye. First, he was totally up on Cylons and Daleks, so I knew we would get along smashingly from the start. He is always available to offer helpful hints for those of us new to the world of self-hosting websites, and he’s scary smart about such things. Plus, not to be redundant, but this guy? He’s really nice and fun to talk to.
Joseph Ruiz
Twitter Name: @SMSJoe
Blog: StrategicDriven (with Ron Fink)
Why on the List? I talked about Joe as someone to keep your eyes on, and a few days later, I stand by that assessment. Good thing, huh? Joe is always supportive but can also have fun. He is extremely smart but is able to explain things in ways that are easy to understand, which is a great gift to have in the online world (one I think I lack!). I always know a chat is going to be good when Joe is around.
Anne Saulovich
Twitter Name: @solete
Why on the list? Anne is one heck of a smart lady. Our #usguys rep in Madrid, Anne always seems to be at a conference, and she always seems more interesting in sharing what she’s learning than just learning for herself. A fun person to be around, Anne has become a cherished member of my online community (even if she does have a slightly unhealthy obsession with Klout) 🙂
Stanford Smith
Twitter Name: @PushingSocial
Blog: PushingSocial.Com
Why on the List? He’s a Buckeye. He’s my Blog BFF. He’s TweetDiner co-founder. He lets me post blogs on his beautiful site. He offers never-ending advice and support. I’d be an idiot not to have him on my team!
Carl Sorvino
Twitter Name: @CarlSorvino (which I all too often mistype as Carol)
Blog: Carl’s Cog of a Blog
Why on the List? Oh gosh. What would I do without Carl? He makes me laugh every time he pops up in my Twitter stream. But at the same time, he also is a perpetual resource for great information and new ways of thinking about things. He is one of the more sweet fellows around and lets me call him anything I want, pretty much. What could be better?
Suzanne Vara
Twitter Name: @Suzannevara
Blog: Kherize5.com
Why on the list? What more do you need to know than what Chris Brogan said about this lady back in August? She’s the queen of community, brilliant, kind, giving, and endlessly patient with her Jets and Mets. Plus, like me, she’s a Pepsi drinker. What more can I say? 🙂
Dawn Westerberg
Twitter Name: @DWesterberg
Blog: DawnWesterberg.com
Why on the list? What more can I say about Dawn that I haven’t said before? She’s passionate about her work, her advice ranges from how to keep the past in the past to how to write an effective press release, she has a sunny disposition, always an interesting perspective to offer, and a heart that’s at least as big as her home state of Texas.
Nic Wirtz
Twitter Name: @NicWirtz
Why on the list? I met Nic via Ian Rountree, whom I met via Blogchat. Nic is another person who seems to participate in some manner in all of the chats that happen on Twitter, and he always has interesting perspectives to offer, too. I have found Nic to be supportive of a lot of my efforts, and he also keeps me on the straight and narrow, which is no mean feat, I might add.
So there they are. My 34 All Stars of 2010. Who’s on your team? Let me know. And more importantly, let them know!
Image by Alex Bruda. http://www.sxc.hu/profile/alexbruda
38 comments
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Margie! I am honored not only to be among this group of people but to have been mentioned by you ….Did you know that “you are a rock star in our eyes! ” you have this unique way to interact with people, so real and so open, so transparent and so warm. It was been a pleasure getting to know you. I know many of us in this list would agree that we all have an immense deal of respect for you as a person, as a marketer, as a business person and as a human being.
Your tweets are beyond a ‘post’, your tweets call for engagement, they call for action, accountability. We learn daily from you about marketing and social media but we have also learned from you about fairness, about the importance of taking a stand and making a difference in someone else’s life! … and that my friend is a rock star in my book!
Your # 1 Tweetdiner fan!
Well, that’s silly. I’m no more a rock star than anybody else. Everybody is a rock star!
I very much appreciate your extremely kind words, Jeannette. Truly. I’m glad I met you!
Reading through the list I was pleasantly surprised to see that I was following and regularly talked to the majority on it. Or should that be margieity? Stunned that I was mentioned along with these social media stars, this was a list that I’m happy to appear bottom of 🙂
I’d like to thank Margie for focussing on the little guy one moment and seemlessly chatting with the deities the next. What better example that anyone who wants to get anything out of social media have?
Whenever I’ve had cause to ask for help I’ve found Margie’s advice the one I return to. Between Margie and my mother-in-law, the roots of business ideas are taking hold.
Yeah that last name of yours…it worked out, didn’t it? 🙂
Thanks, Nic. I don’t view anyone as a little guy or a deity. I just view everybody as people that make my life better for knowing them.
Yes, even you 🙂
Marjorie, you’re too kind to have put me on your list. Many thanks. Gotta go now. I want to check out the others on your list who I don’t yet follow. Thanks for all you do!
Thanks, Bob. Enjoy, as I know you will. You’re a great friend and supporter!
The deluxe pedi-mani that I had scheduled just dropped to the second nicest part of my day after reading this. I am thrilled to be included with such a great group of people. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
haha, well, we’ll see if you still feel that way when you’re done. Sounds divine 🙂
Aw thank you Margie for the mention! And now you’ve given me some new people to meet, thanks for that, and hope to see you at #Blogchat 😉
No problem, Mack. A lot of these people do join the madness of #blogchat – keep your eyes out for ’em 🙂
Gee Willies Marjorie
This is my first list mention ever! You are super generous with your time, energy and knowledge. It is so cool to be amongst the people on your team.
\D
Never been listed? Well that’s a travesty, but I’m glad I got to be the first one to do so 🙂 You’re awesome and are working your tush off. It doesn’t go unnoticed!
One of the best lists I’ve ever been on, because it’s from you. I’m thrilled and honored Margie. Keep on keeping on!
Aww, thanks, Jay. That’s sweet o’ya 🙂
Hi Margie! What an impressive & thoughtful list. GR8 to see so many good Tweeps all in one place. Must follow! =) Deborah
I like ’em 🙂
Dearest Margie,
I have to say this is the nicest list I have ever found myself on 🙂 seriously, I was reading what you had written about everyone and smiling while doing so because it’s such a great group of people… and all part of this community. I was very touched to find ‘me’ here… I had no idea! Thank you, I’m in great company missy, and right back to ya! You’ve been wonderful to me.
(((hugs))) We are lucky to have you making a difference!
You deserve it my friend. You’re an awesome, awesome lady.
Wow Margie I am honored to be included on a list with these folks. I completely agree with Jeannette’s comments. You are a great source of inspiration for me. I love the way you are always reaching out to serve, to engage to meet people. You really have a passion for life and you care deeply for others.
Thank you so much for including me on this list, but more important thanks for being my friend, for reaching out, for caring – for having the strength to challenge each of us to be the best we can be.
You are the best.
joe
Well, I would say you have done just as good a job of reaching out via chats and more recently via #usguys. You’re a warm soul, Joe. And smart to boot 😉
Thanks!
I’m pleased to say that I know a good number of these people! That shocked me, but it also proves a few things. First, that you are genuinely respected and liked by an enormous number of people. The second thing is that I probably met most of them through you!
Tweetdiner was my first chat ever, and I found it by accident! I don’t know how I ended up following you, Margie, but it was the smartest follow of my life.
I’ll be in your front row following for as long as I stay in this particular nook of the world. That I am very grateful for.
well thanks my friend. It’s great to have you in my community!
Hi Margie,
Thank you for including me. I’m honored and humbled to be in the company of the other people on your team and to have you as a friend. This is the real power of social media for me, expanding our horizons and introducing us to great people like you.
(BTW, I love your sense of humor. Your comments often make my day.)
Debra
Well, no problem, my friend! You deserve recognition for all you do 🙂
I’m a bit dumbfounded – being included on this list is mind blowing. I think about the first time I really watched you, Margie, interact in the stream. I couldn’t believe how many “pockets of knowledge” you could access – each person got a different piece of how you saw the world and at least 50% of them went over my head. Can’t wait for the day when I get to chat over a hazelnut latte with you.
The idea that you would take this kind of time, be thoughtful in how you saw each one of us, and then write it out so that we get to share in getting to know each other… is truly extraordinary. I’m not sure that any of us realize how important it is to “know” each other and on twitter, it’s through others’ eyes that we get some of the best insight. People respond to you and I get to see an aspect of them that wouldn’t have surfaced during interaction with me. That’s what’s better on twitter than in real life. We get to overhear relationships being built across the room and become connected with others through them.
You are constantly creating those moments for me, I loved getting to read each and every response to your list and the idea that I would be included on the list is like “reaching the South Pole” after an unpredictable journey. Thank you, Margie, I am in awe of your capacity to include others!
You shouldn’t be dumb-founded. I enjoy saying nice things about people, and it’s freeing to not have to restrict things to 140 characters. At least every now and then 🙂
I agree that it can be very illuminating to watch people interact with each other. You can discover a lot watching humans in their social environments!
Funny, I was going to write something similar to this for this coming week, but in the end, opted for holiday shopping. 😉
Still, I think it’s great to do call-outs like this. I learn a lot from the people I interact with and follow.
Great shout-out Margie, and thanks for the mention. Much obliged.
I probably should have gone shopping! oh well. 🙂 Happy to sing your praises, sir.
Margie
Thank you so much for the mention here and everywhere you do so. I am so honored and humbled as you know first hand, when we as bloggers get recognized by our peers, it has real meaning to us. Yes the clients that come from a blog are fantastic but there is just something to being included by those who also pour their hearts into writing a blog.
I say it often and will say it again, it never gets old seeing your name appear on a blog for being recognized for the time, dedication and effort that us social media types do.
well, luckily, it never gets old writing your name, so I think we’re good there 🙂
Could you be cooler? I’m thinking no! Thanks for making a GREAT list of people for me to follow and learn from. And thanks for graciously including me on it.
I love how intently you engage online, how genuine you are and how you can make me laugh and think at the same time. The web needs more like you, but there can only be ONE!
Again, I’m honored to be part of your All-Star team. My SmashMouth song dream has come true. Going to go get my game on and go play!
Tristan
Most excellent song reference worked in there!
I’m seeing all of the typos I have in there now. Kind of icky 🙂 It’s the thought that counts, right??
Thanks so much for the kind words, Margie. You know you are right there on My All Star Team too, and clearly not sitting on the bench ;-)!
I love the effort you’ve put to create a list with clear reasons why each name is on – that has so much more value than the usual #FF chain lists. I’ll start following anyone I’m not already following there (which, turns out, is not a lot!!!!)
Tom
Margie,
Like Debbi I read this post today without knowing I formed a part of this beautiful list. Thanks for thinking of me and making me part of your Social Media All Star team.
I believe I met you during a #blogchat, but since I’ve come to know you there isn’t a day that I don’t get a big smile on my face when I see you in the stream. There’s no one better to play and learn with!
All Star Team or not, you know i’d play for your team any day:)
Un besote!
Anne
You are quite sweet for that. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you. You are a force to be reckoned with, dahling.
What a great list of people, Margie! Truly a bunch of All Stars- and most importantly- really nice people!
Yeah…I like ’em 🙂