CommuniKate: Social Media Musings – KateDickman.com CommuniKATE: Social Media & Other Musings

Value-Adding People to Follow in 2010

Anyone on Twitter knows that the abundance of information shared on a daily basis is not only beneficial on a personal level, but on a professional level as well.  It never ceases to amaze me that I can continuously learn through 140-character tweets from the brilliant people I follow.  Recently, a few people have contacted me asking how to become more involved in the social media world and mentioned how they have been interested in pursuing it on a professional level.

Naturally, I tell them to first read, read, read.  There are endless blogs that are available to keep up with the trends and learn more about what this emerging media is all about.   The AdAge Power 150 list is a great place to start looking for the media blogs that best interest you.

Equally important is connecting and following those who know what they're talking about. Additionally, with Twitter's new "List" function, one can find a group of fantastic people to follow in one place.  Here is a list of people (that I admire & learn from) that you would be absolutely silly not to follow:

		derekshowerman - Derek Showerman Former Director Of Social Media @ Authority Domains. Senior Mgr Of SEO at Sokolove Law's Digital team. Perfectionist, Mets fan & Analytical Sith Nerd.
		TheCR - The Community Roundtable A peer network for community managers and social media practitioners by @jimstorer and @rhappe
		DanSchawbel - Dan Schawbel The leading personal branding expert for Gen-Y. Author of Me 2.0, blogger, national speaker, magazine publisher & BusinessWeek columnist.
		AaronStrout - Aaron Strout CMO - Powered, Inc. and dedicated husband/dad.
		leslie - Leslie Poston Speaker. Social Media Enabler. ENTP. Author. Hockey+. Formerly @geechee_girl,  & ♫ ♬ lover, books, movies. @filmpop @scub3d @smbnh @pcnh @dummies plus more
		Britopian - Michael Brito VP of Social Media @ Edelman Digital. I believe that marketing is good; and if you love your customers they'll love you back and tell others.
		alejandroreyes - Alejandro Reyes I'm kind of a big deal. I help people & brands get internet famous w/ social media. ADDICTED 2 ppl & their passions. Speaker. Video Blogger. Storyteller
		whatsnext - BL Ochman Blogger, swing dancer, Labradoodle lover, orchid grower. And one of the few people actually born in New York City. New site: http://Pawfun.com
		AdamBroitman - Adam Broitman Partner/Ringleader, Circ.us
		stevegarfield - Steve Garfield Author: Get Seen, Online Video Secrets / Founder of Boston Media Makers / http://bit.ly/SG_Disclosure
		LindsayMAllen - Lindsay M. Allen Experienced communicator w/PR & journalism skills; laid off and seeking employment and/or freelance/contract work.
		JeffCutler - Jeff Cutler (Jeff Cutler™) Columnist, content creator, Twitter teacher, journalist
		SueOnTheWeb - Sue Online Community Manager for 10 years for a large expat community. I live and breath online communities and in between I consume large amounts of chocolate!
		gregverdino - Greg Verdino strategy vp at powered. micromarketing author. social media whatever. long islander. father. the lesser half of gremanda. not necessarily in that order.
		jquig99 - Jane Quigley Recently acquired by Powered. Dislikes many people - Not you. Never you. We're totally cool.
List Creator...
		KateDickman - Follow the list creator: KateDickman (Kate Dickman) Crayonista, Social Media Gal + Community Manager for Panasonic's new online community - LivinginHD.com