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