The following people have joined our blog-off contest that will run from Monday May 18th to Sunday May 30th. Winners will be written up in a News Release which will be posted to twitter, a million+ professional group members on LinkedIn, several major social bookmark sites and several online News Wire services.
Contestants have 3 goals in the Blog-Off Contest:
1) To write topics they believe will be inspiring, useful, and demonstrate thought leadership in the particular area of marketing or social media they are focusing on.
2) To generate as much traffic to their blog as possible by whatever means at their disposal. This is a demonstration as marketers that they not only get the concept of great ideas but know how to reach an audience that will be interested in what they have to say.
3) To create as much interaction as possible through comments on their topics. One of the key stages of building a social network/community is interaction between the author, the contributors and the contributors amongst each other. We'll be looking for how engaged their audience is.
At the end of 2 weeks we'll identify who the top performers are and invite them to join the Community Marketing Blog as co-authors. We have a vision of expanding the Community Marketing Blog to be an interactive social / business center where thought leadership, best practice, innovation and community interaction thrive. In addition, we'll look to these authors for potential contribution towards the books we're working on about the relationship of marketing and social media due to be completed in 2009.
Andrew Ballenthin - "Community Marketing Blog Founder"
About my professional background: Presently working on 2 books about social media and its relationship to the next generation of marketing. 18 years, 15+ countries and experience working with big business through to start-ups as a branding and integrated marketer. Founder and president of Sol Solutions, an integrated marketing consultancy.
When I am not working: Taking up sports fishing and realizing how much it has in common with marketing (find the audience, create an attraction, make the connection). Just bought a Bouvier and getting ready for a big dog in a city condo lifestyle change.
Introducing Our Blog-Off Contestants - get ready for 2 weeks of social media and marketing thought leadership and audience interaction!
Doug Hall - "Innovation & Marketing data geek who believes - 'In God we trust all others must bring Data!' "
About my professional background: Founder & CEO of Eureka! Ranch International and Planet Eureka! Innovation Marketplace.I'm a "left brain" researcher and "right brain" inventor. My greatest love is writing books, my business hobby is being an occasional tv/radio performer (ABC TV's American Inventor, Brain Brew Radio from Public Radio International).
When I'm not working: I'm a compulsive reader of 50 different academic journals with a love for Highland Park Scotch Whisky, Kayaking Prince Edward Island, Malpeque, Oysters and bag pipe music from the College of Piping.
Catherine Mcquaid - "Big Game Hunter In The Urban Jungle"
About my professional background: Securing longstanding assignments with the Fortune 1000 for specialty business services firms is a challenge Big Game Hunting accepts.
When I'm not working: I delight in Baroque music, the REALLY dead guys: Bach, Vivaldi. Must have been those years spent in a convent school!
About my professional background: I'm an Ivy League-educated Ph.D. cultural historian and the author of over 3,000 magazine articles. I'm now a professional in the senior services industry - the fastest-growing sector of this economy for the next 100 years or so! - while also resuming my career as a heavy-volume journalist.
When I'm not working: I'm a mezzo soprano trained at Juilliard Prep when it was at 123rd and Claremont. I like lighthouses, carousels, and botanical gardens. And my Dog-Nephew Garcia, named after Jerry Garcia, was - honestly! - the inspiration for the Obamas getting a Portuguese water dog.
Dan McCarthy - "A perpetual questioner with an interest in what works and why"
About my professional background: As a contributing editor for Forbes and other publishers, I’ve built a career cutting through hype. Seven years as a freelance B2B copywriter hasn’t changed that. My copy helps businesses grow by communicating concrete value, not simply hyping the next sale.
When I'm not working: I’m a career independent, a neurotic creative and a budding foodie. I’ve lived in Nashville, Austin, San Francisco, Seattle and the Bering Sea, where I made it to the farthest Aleutian Island. That lifestyle changed when I became father to an incredible boy. We now live in the Berkshires in Western Mass, with two cats and the world’s finest woman.
Julie Tyios - "Social Medialite"
About my professional background: I’m the CEO and co-founder of two online marketing companies, one of which provides "ghost tweeting" services for individuals and companies on Twitter while the other, Red Juice Media, mixes traditional methods with social media movements.You can find me on Twitter @JulieTyios.
When I’m not working: You might find me photographing people, winning cooking contests, writing a memoir that's sure to turn into a sitcom, playing poker in Vegas (and winning!), tweeting, fishing, or playing momma to my pet snakes. I also love reading but I’m so into my job that every time I see a dash in print, I automatically think it signifies a negative keyword.
Tibor Shanto - “Have sales process will travel!”
About my professional background: I head a firm focused on helping B2B companies improve and accelerate their client and business acquisition process. I work with managers and their teams to adopt and execute a plan to win more business. Our focus is on achieving objectives not just completing tasks.
When I'm not working: I am a father of three, and run half marathons (at times being chased by one of the three). I write for several blogs, and am in the early stage of developing an book. Enjoy all types of fiction and most music but never tire of Zappa or Tull.
Ananda O'Brien - “Logged in twenty-four hours a day”
About my professional background: I graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in journalism and was hired two years ago as an assistant account executive for MassMedia Corporate Communications. My position has since then changed and grown to encompass social media research and strategizing. I counsel many brands in the evolution of their social media objectives across multiple online communities, connecting them with their most influential customers.
When I'm not working: I am an outdoor enthusiast and enjoy all that Reno has to offer. When I am not at work or on the web, you will find me skiing frosty terrain in the Sierra Nevada.
Chad Rothschild - "If Life is a Mystery, Then Maybe My Thoughts Can Create Reality"
About my professional background: I am a Sales & Marketing expert. I help attract, retain and engage audiences for my clients. I am a motivator, innovator and inspiring go getter. My passion is in sales, negotiating, business development, branding, marketing & social networking.
When I am not working: I am a family man. I have a wonderful wife and my pride & joy, my 4 year old son. As a former golf professional, I love to play golf and pretty much any sport. My son is falling in love with sports & games as well, so we do daily athletic endeavors. I love to read & learn. I hope to add as much value to you as you do me.
Jenmy Huynh - "An optimist in between marketing opportunities"
About my professional background: I am a Queen's University Commerce graduate and recently completed a six month contract with UPS as a Business Planning Marketing Specialist in Toronto. I am currently looking for her next opportunity that has the business philosophy of doing well by doing good.
When I'm not working: I am dancing like nobody is watching, living like it's my last day, and smiling because it's all good.
Leon Op de Beek - "Going Dutch 2.0!"
About my professional background: I'm a Dutch marketing MSc who worked for companies in Chicago and Hong Kong before settling as a marketing manager for TNT in The Netherlands. Since two years I'm doing freelance work in the area of (digital) marketing and communications.
When I'm not working: I like to draw and paint, attend art exhibitions and I am a fanatic in sports. Field hockey is my game. Furthermore I like eating Asian food and travel around the world to explore different cultures en kitchens.
Linda White: "The Media Maven with an Eye for the Next Big Thing"
About my professional background: I'm an Opportutunity Addict, which works out well, because I manage my own business offering services in publicity, marketing, and writing and editing. My career includes over 12 years in publishing in various areas and several years of working in online initiatives, including content, usability and strategy. I was in web content when VC-funded start-ups were King and I am looking forward to taking Social Media to the next step, and helping others do the same. I am captivated by the immediacy and variability of interactive online media
When I'm not working: I'm reading, writing, book arts, typography, paper, anything that has to do with words and languages. I read as much as I can, write for several publications and travel whenever possible, writing pithy viewpoints of life along the way.
Megan McQ - "Totally awesome... (and modest)."
About my professional background: I studied corporate communication at James Madison University (Go Dukes!) and graduated in 2008. Since then, I interned with the digital PR department at a top-10 PR firm where I worked with some of the top professionals in the industry. I’m a strategic, analytical and theoretical thinker, and am trying to establish myself in the industry by debunking myths and exploring pertinent case studies.
When I'm not working: I play volleyball at least twice a week. On the way to the matches I rev up by listening to baroque music, as I used to sing opera. Go big or go home, right?
Paritosh Sharma - "Your Social Media Guy next door"
About my professional background: I am a Social Media Evangelist and a leading consultant in Branding and Positioning. One of the youngest entrepreneur to be consulting startups in their processes and go to market strategies in India. I am the youngest Indian to be featured at the NASSCOM EMERGE community blog amongst some of India's top IT thought leaders. Have delivered lectures at some of the top regional colleges to management grads, though I am not one myself.
What you wouldn't know by just meeting me: I am a consumer behavior freak, I love understanding the consumer thought process on brands and how it affects their perceptive values.
Sara Barton - "A Caffeine Junkie Who Lives For Reality TV And Social Media"
About my professional background: I am currently an out-of-work senior copywriter and am is looking to combine my marketing and writing background into a career in social media and in-bound marketing. I have also worked in strategic marketing for one of the country's largest furniture manufacturers, and prior to that, I was a DJ and news anchor for some of Columbus's largest radio stations.
When I'm not working: I'm an aspiring gourmet chef, as well as an afficianado of cheesy movies and reality TV. When I'm not logging time on Facebook or Twitter, I am a voracious reader and I also attend as many art shows as humanly possible.
Becca Christensen - "Bridging Social Gaps Since 1985" About my professional background: I graduated from Purdue University one year ago in Sociology and moved to Tampa, FL where I've spent the last year working for a non-profit organization that promotes healthy lifestyle decision-making to the youth of Hillsborough County. My passion for people and my position with Impact have forced me to become a professional social networker and social media addict.
When I'm not working: I volunteer for another non-profit organization that uses the NFL platform to promote father's being active in their kids lives. I'm a football fanatic who's moods are entirely too connected to the Indianapolis Colts season success. If you need to find me it's a safe bet that I'm in the sun with friends, family, and whoever else wants to join (and tweeting about it)!
I would love to know the URLs to your blogs so I may add them to my blog roll!
I'm at www.meganmcq.wordpress.com.
Thanks!
Posted by: Megan McQ | May 15, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Looking forward to the posts. May the best blogger win!
Posted by: Kristin Andrews | May 15, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Hello!
We are two students from Kymenlaakso University of Applied Sciences, Finland and writing our bachelor’s thesis about community marketing and its effects on businesses. We would greatly appreciate it if you would take the time to complete our questionnaire at http://www.thesistools.com/?qid=75036&ln=eng. It consists of 24 questions and should not take more than five minutes to answer.
All the answers will be treated in confidence.
Thank you!
Yours faithfully,
Sirja Melto and Saara Hirn
Kymenlaakso University of Applied Sciences
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