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PeerInterview: Hazel Walker

Nov 01 2012

PeerInterview, Social Capital, Social Media

Hazel Walker has achieved many great accomplishments including the best seller “Business Networking and Sex, it’s not what you think” and is a successful business owner, author, influencer and mother. Get to know Hazel better with our exclusive PeerInterview where she tells us more about her interests and background.

1. In 140 characters, tell us about you:

I am an Author/Speaker/Coach who works with amazing clients, travels the world, seeks adventure, loves people, and always do my best for others.

2. Who influences you most online as a role model and why?

Michael Reynolds with Spinweb, because he takes a practical measurable approach to the who social media experience. I have now hired him to help me.

3. When has social media helped you achieve something great?

Social Media help me drive the sale of my book, Business Networking and Sex, not what you think, the the top of 12 different number one list!

4. What makes you unfollow or unlike somebody?

Rudeness, horrid language, or if they just keep doing the same thing over and over. Also, If there are people who do not follow me, for the most part I just delete them. No reason to have them in my list if they are only speaking and not listening.

5. If you could have a topic trend on twitter what would it be and why?

Not sure that I would have one specific topic trend, I love the way that they organically just start trending up, it is fun to watch and catch up with what others are finding interesting and talking about.

6. How would you differentiate impact vs influence?

I think that when I have impact I make an immediate difference but when I have influence I inspire people to make a difference.

7. Three links you recommend highly are:

MOO Cards: Creative and personalised business cards.

TED Talks: A nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading.

Seth Godin: “Writes about the post-industrial revolution, the way ideas spread, marketing, quitting, leadership and most of all, changing everything.”

8. If you were an animal, what would you be?

A Feline of any kind.

Be sure to follow Hazel on Twitter for some informative business tips and unique ideas.

PeerInterview: Dabney Porte

Sep 28 2012

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PeerInterview, Social Capital, Social Media

Dabney Porte is an author, international speaker and entrepreneur. Her specialty is online relationships and her passion is bringing social to big brands and the media Industry. In 2011, Dabney caught the eye of veteran talk show host Ricki Lake. After forming an immediate online friendship, Ricki sought Dabney to build the first ever social TV community of its kind, The Friends of Ricki, for the new Ricki Lake Show. She helps others leverage online relationships to enhance business strategy and is a leader in building online communities. Visit Dabney’s website for more on lifestyle and the empowerment of women.

1. In 140 characters, tell us about you:

I’m living the Social Media Lifestyle and LOVE empowering women! I produce SM communities ~ #SmManners #SmGirlfriends #FriendsofRicki and #SlumberParty

2. Who influences you most online as a role model and why?

The best-kept secret today is the successful online woman entrepreneur, and she influences me most. Brilliant, dedicated, hardworking and creating a social presence to do good on Social Media while building a business, the women of today are remarkable and creating BIG magnificence!

3. When has social media helped you achieve something great?

There is a dynamic and global shift going on today and we are connecting like never before. The Dalai Lama said, “The world will be saved by the Western Woman.” I believe this is true and it is happening now as a direct result of Social Media.

Via Social Media I have been able to create many online communities where individuals can connect and engage like never before.

In creating the online community Social Media Girlfriends, women from over 23 countries are engaging, supporting and working together to change businesses and lives. Social GOOD to take place via over 8 billion global impressions made on Twitter alone!

4. What makes you un-follow or unlike somebody?

The only reason I will un-follow or unlike someone, is if they are bringing negativity into my “nest” on twitter or my “world” on Facebook. Hence, I will un-follow porn sharing accounts, spammers and those who are negative and present with aggressive or passive bully-like behavior towards others or me.

Many ask me why I follow those who do not engage or are very “quiet” ~ and I remind them that the person who may be simply observing and quiet may be your million dollar deal or new best friend. One day, they may speak up and engage and offer wonderful value to your life. I am a believer that un-following or un-friending need only be done if offensive behavior is present.

5. If you could have a topic trend on twitter what would it be and why?

I love seeing topics that add value to Social GOOD ~ I love #kidsareheroes #kindness #Gratitude #Love #Charity

6. How would you differentiate impact vs influence?

I always say that it is the impression you LEAVE on Social Media (impact) that is valuable, not the number of impressions you make (influence). Many are so confused about metrics such as number of followers, reach, impressions and how they measure your “influence”.

I speak to leaving an impact by sharing information that will help others. This is far more important than having said influence via RTs given by auto programs, RSS feeds etc. Ask yourself, “Are my followers engaging with my posts?” When you can answer yes, you know you are making an impact, which in the end will give you “credible” influence. Remember, we must be very careful and observe how some who are “influential” are really not leaving an “impact” at all.

With a focus on lifestyle and women empowerment, Dabney has received worldwide attention and is known for her passion in building relationships online and in person. Dabney is noted for connecting people across the globe. Be sure to follow Dabney Porte on Twitter for more great ideas from a social media diva.

Tagged Dabney Porte, Interview, Ricki Lake, twitter

PeerInterview: Kristal Ireland

Sep 20 2012

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PeerInterview, Social Capital, Social Media

Kristal Ireland is a digital marketing professional with over six years experience in the field. She was featured as one of the top 30 under 30 women to follow in the digital industry within the UK. Kristal is also known to speak at conferences and various digital, social media and marketing events around the UK and Ireland. Check out her blog for more details on upcoming speaking gigs and her thoughts and insight into the world of social media.

1. In 140 characters, tell us about you:

I’m the Strategy Director for the fantastic Enjoy Digital, a total geek I love small fluffy things and own a fab collection of cat jumpers!

2. Who influences you most online as a role model and why?

I would say someone like Martha Lane Fox, she’s a true digital pioneer and I really admire her recent work as a digital champion for the UK. She has done a lot of good in the digital industry, not only as a female role model but also to highlight the need for digital inclusion in the UK for less affluent communities.

3. When has social media helped you achieve something great?

Social media has helped me in many ways for work reasons but in terms of doing something great it helped me find out about and reach out to the fantastic people who run the LS14 Trust in Leeds. It’s a charity that runs a free digital lounge in the city. I helped them set up their website and social media profile to communicate and reach out to more members of the community.

4. What makes you unfollow or unlike somebody?

I tend to unfollow people who are too vanilla or just RT things without having an opinion on them.

5. If you could have a topic trend on twitter what would it be and why?

#digitalinclusion – I feel strongly that it is important for social media and digital in general to be used as a force for positive social change, not just by us marketing bods. Ensuring that everyone in the UK has access and support to the use of Internet is key to this.

6. How would you differentiate impact vs influence?

I would say that impact is a statement or action that gets people talking, not necessarily positively, but can make someone stop and think. Influence is instigating change, development or getting people to spread the message because you are a trusted source of information.

7. Three links you recommend highly are:

LS14 TRUST – Check out the great work the team do over there

Sascon – If you are interested in hearing from some of the best digital marketing speakers in the UK today, it’s the conference to be at in 2013!

Kristal Ireland – My blog where I write about my take on digital marketing and events in the digital industry

8. If you were an animal, what would you be?

Oh a cat for sure – I’d sleep all day and party all night!

Be sure to follow Kristal on Twitter for more insightful ideas.

PeerInterview: Gabrielle Laine-Peters

Sep 06 2012

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Influence, PeerInterview, Social Capital, Social Media

Gabrielle Laine-Peters is a digital and social media consultant with over 15 years of experience in marketing, PR and advertising. She is a 9/11 survivor and a New York City turned London expert. Gabrielle tells us about the benefits of being a digital and social media professional, her reasons to unfollow a person, three websites worth checking out today and more.

1. In 140 characters, tell us about you:

Curious, sassy, savvy, fun, compassionate, connector, enabler – 9/11 survivor & dirty vodka martini drinker. Lover of debate & spacegeek.

2. How do you use your digital and social media expertise to benefit/help others to change the world?

Change the world is such a big statement – it is all about small steps for me, building solid, organic networks. Social is all about the layers of connections and interactions. I have helped to build non-profit communities online that have reached out to help, inform and change lives- that is big.

3. When has social media helped you achieve something great?

Social media has helped me build a career in a sector that didn’t even exist 10 years ago, doing a job that didn’t exist 3 years ago. It’s exciting, new and challenging every day. On a personal note being active on twitter got me to Kennedy Space Centre, FL to watch the final launch of the Space Shuttle – this is turn lead me to consultancy work with NASA. That counts as a great achievement in my book.

4. What makes you unfollow or unlike somebody?

People who broadcast about themselves be that through a blog/product/cause with no other conversation. Passion is good, selfish passion is a turn-off.

5. If you could have a topic trend on twitter what would it be and why?

#WaterPoverty – Because it is going to be critical, bigger that the ‘Oil Crisis’ could ever be.

6. What does influence mean to you?

Influence is the ability to inspire action and reaction. In social media it’s not about the number of followers or likes (these numbers are the new ‘penis envy’ – yes I said it!), these can be gamed and purchased.

7. Three links you recommend highly are:

a) For all things internet and tech this is one of the best online – TheNextWeb

b) A brilliant social media curating tool – Storify

c) If you work across time zones this is great and simple – WorldTimeBuddy

8. If you were an animal, what would you be?

A monkey – inquisitive, intelligent, social and mischievous!

Follow GabrielleNYC on twitter to stay updated on politics, social media and the latest in technology.

Tagged Digital, influence, social media, twitter

PeerInterview: Ally Manock

Aug 30 2012

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Influence, PeerInterview, Social Capital, Social Media

Ally Manock is the Head of Digital Strategy, Planning & Insight at Brass, a Digital Marketing agency. Ally has always had a passion for digital stats, insights and research, and has been working in digital marketing for the past 15 years. Check out Ally’s blog about social media brand statistics, infographics and useful websites to look out for.

1. In 140 characters, tell us about you:

15 yrs working on digital marketing for big brands and I am still excited by it! Digital diva, lover of the colour orange and devourer of cake.

2. If you could have a topic trend on Twitter what would it be and why?

#DifferentWaysToEatYorkshirePuddings

I love Yorkshire Puddings, maybe even more than cake. I’m looking for more ways to get them into my diet.

3. What five tips can you give on being a good influencer?

1. Read a lot;
2. Listen to wise people;
3. Add value to those that follow you;
4. Don’t be an ego;
5. Smile

4. Who influences you most online? And why?

Paul Mallett. He’s been my boss for many many years and is a constant source of advice, wise words and intelligence.

5. How would you differentiate impact versus influence?

Impact gets your attention, it catches your eye and makes you look. Influence is softer, it’s a feather that affects an action. Whether that is a thought or a purchase.

6. When has social media helped you achieve something great?

Social media is integral to my life. It’s a big part of my work, but I’m also very active personally in social networks. I started a social network back in 1999 using Yahoo Groups (remember them?!) for a band that I liked. It quickly became their official fan club and I became great friends with the band.

Social media helps to bring you closer to the things you are interested in. It deletes distance and erases boundaries.

7. Three links you recommend highly are…

digit*ally: My blog, focusing on digital marketing insights, stats and current thinking.

Econsultancy: A very talented bunch of people and their blog is an excellent source of tips, advice and benchmarks.

Google: With this website, the world is your oyster.

8. If you were an animal, what would you be?

A magpie. Spotting fantastic things (which means that it could be a great article/stat or if it’s a beautiful dress) makes me happy.

Be sure to follow Ally Manock on Twitter to get the latest social media updates and insight on digital marketing.

Tagged Digital Marketing, influence, social media

PeerInterview: Jorgen Sundberg

Aug 23 2012

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Influence, PeerInterview, Social Capital, Social Media

Jorgen Sundberg is a London based social media consultant and trainer for recruitment & HR. He runs The Undercover Recruiter blog and his company is called Link Humans. You can connect with him on Twitter @JorgenSundberg.

1. What attracted you to social media?

I started using social media when I was still a technology recruiter. Historically, recruiters relied on their own database, job adverts and referrals. The calibre of people I was looking for would never apply to jobs, their details on our database would most likely be out of date, so referrals was the main source of finding ‘fresh blood’. Until of course one day I discovered LinkedIn, luckily ahead of most of the competition. We were able to network on LinkedIn, identify and approach the right candidates, especially the ones who weren’t looking for new roles. So I have social media to thank for a good run in recruitment – and now I am a social media consultant.

2.How do you use social media in your line of work?

In several ways, first of all I use social media to have a professional identity. I know most people will find my LinkedIn and Twitter profiles when they google me. Second, I use it to connect with people I do business with; partners, customers, suppliers and such. Third, I use it for branding; sharing useful updates from our blogs, industry sites, general social media tips ‘n’ tricks. Finally, we also use it to target new clients based on demographics, location, job titles and so on.

3. What five tips can you give on how to be a good influencer?

Know your purpose – what brings you onto social media in the first place? Is it to get a job, promotion, clients, investors? Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and try to set some success metrics if possible (e.g. X number of relevant followers by end of Dec).
Find your voice – you ought to look at what 3-5 things you want to be known for online. The more targeted you can be, the better. Nothing wrong with talking nuclear physics and lol-katz but make sure you get the balance right.
Find your peers – who will be useful for you to engage with? Who would you love to have read your new blog post or retweet you? Identify the influencers in your space and make sure you get on their radar for the right reasons – apply a non-salesy approach here please.
Be a leader – retweeting Mashable and TechCrunch all day is not original. Stop looking at what everyone else is doing and do your own thing. People will respect you for having your own opinion and daring to do something different. And you will become a leader in your niche over time.

Lolcats are fine but you need to balance your social media content

And as the question included the word ‘good’, remember that you have influence and you have to use it for good things. Help out with charity campaigns whenever possible, retweet and highlight contributions for less known users and try to be helpful if you have the time. Remember that you are setting an example for lots of new users every day.

4. Where do you see social media going in the next five years?

Finally dropping the word ‘social’? I have a feeling social media will be embedded in everything we do from now on. Humans crave attention from other humans and social media has enabled us to get this wherever we may be (provided there is 3G or WiFi of course).

5. Who is your favourite influential tweeter?

Outside the social recruiting bubble that I operate in, I enjoy tweets from @Queen_UK. Who knew she had such a sense of humour? And adopting technology at that age, well done.

6. Three websites which you would recommend are:

Again outside the recruitment / HR world, I would recommend:

Social Media Explorer : Nice juicy articles

Wallblog: For UK related social media

Guardian Tech: Good writers here

7. If you were an animal what you be and why?

A meerkat, need to sort out car insurance.

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