Everyone wants to be an A-lister, it seems, these days. OK, not everyone. But there is a certain amount of cache that goes along with the term. To be clear, when I say “A-lister” I’m talking about the Chris Brogan’s, Brian Solis’ and Jeremiah Owyang’s of the world. Authors. Headliners. And people who keynote at massive conferences worldwide.
The A-listers are revered, well-read and often worshiped online–and off. And, for good reason. These are smart people. Read Jason Falls stuff sometime. Try Todd Defren’s blog. These are creative professionals with analytic minds and deep experience in the industry. That’s a powerful combination. The bottom line is the A-listers are A-listers for a reason. And there are a myriad of lists that outline that.
But, here’s my question: Are we focusing too much time on today’s A-listers at the expense of cultivating tomorrow’s thought leaders? Tomorrow’s rock stars. The next round of visionaries. Our future.
I’d like to take a moment and recognize 20 people who I believe to be the PR and digital A-listers of tomorrow. Granted, there are a number of others I could have added to this list, but this was just intended to be a start.
For the folks mentioned below, please don’t take this the wrong way. There’s a chance you might with the whole “next A-lister” tag. To be perfectly honest, I think you’re all A-listers already. All I’m trying to do here is recognize tomorrow’s superstars (in my opinion) instead of always focusing on today’s.
Without further blathering, here’s a short list of folks I believe will be the PR and digital leaders of tomorrow. Who would you add?
Amy Mengel, communications consultant/founder-Tech Valley Social Media Breakfast
Chuck Hemann, manager of research and online reputation, Dix & Eaton
Dana Lewis, student/moderator-Health Care Social Media Twitter chat
David Mullen, account supervisor, Mullen
David Spinks, community maanger, Scribnia/co-founder #u30pro Twitter chat
Elizabeth Sosnow, managing director, Bliss PR
Greg Swan, social marketing strategist, Weber Shandwick
Heather Whaling, principal, Geben Communications
Justin Goldsborough, social media ocnsultant, Fleishman Hillard
Lauren Fernandez, account executive, Moroch Partners/co-founder #u30pro
Len Kendall, digital strategist, Golin Harris
Ken Burbary, digital strategist, Enrst & Young
PR Cog, “Cog in a small New York PR firm”
Rachel Kay, president, Rachel Kay Public Relations
Ryan Stephens, media analyst, Sports Media Challenge
Scott Hepburn, president, Media Emerging
Shonali Burke, principal, Shonali Burke Consulting
Sonny Gill, social media/online marketing consultant, co-founder Community Chat on Twitter
Tony Saucier, PR/digital consultant, Olson
Valerie Simon, senior vice president, BurrellesLuce Media Monitoring & Measurement
Note: Chris Brogan photo courtesy of FramesMedia | Dan via FlickR Creative Commons
Nice list, all smart people.
I just wonder why you had Jason Falls as an example?
A couple of years ago, Falls was a complete nobody with a southern accent who started writing. Solis, Brogan, Defren and Owyang were well known enough that you didn’t even need to put their first names.
But Falls? Total unknown.
My point is that there is no A-List, and no glass ceiling preventing new voices. In fact, I am convinced there are now non-overlapping ecosystems of PR/Communication/Marketing thought-leaders, each with their list of somebodies.
The playground is big enough that we’re all Nobodies to Somebody.
Arik, I’m flattered to be included on a list with such smart people. Just make sure you add yourself to the list as well π
Heather
Nice list. Amy Mengel and David Spinks are both awesome add ons. Totally agree!
Wow Arik. I’m genuinely flattered you’d include me among such esteemed colleagues. I regret that I don’t find more time to read all of these people on a regular basis. I know a handful personally, and look forward to getting further acquainted with the others. And while all of these people are rockstars, that David Spinks guy is especially hot lately.
Arik,
Some advice. It would be great if you highlighted the contributions these A-listers have made to social media. I think there are a lot of us who just know these people as highly active on Twitter, blogs, and online events/chats. Can you expound on specifics? Think it needs to be beyond their blog/website.
Thanks!
Tim
Nevermind, I see you included some of this.
Arik – awfully kind of you to include me in this. Appreciate it very much.
Arik –
Much humbled by inclusion on this list, thank you. It’s a great list — many folks on there I frequently approach for counsel and guidance. Good show!
P
Arik,
Thanks so much for including me with a group of people who I greatly admire. I can’t help but agree that everyone on this list is extremely inspiring. What an honor.
Rachel Kay
Ike:
Thanks for the note. I highlighted Jason because he’s a huge influencer online. He may not be a famous author (yet), but his posts and content are spread throughout the blogosphere regularly. And, quite honestly, he’s a hell of a nice guy, which is probably the thing I appreciate about Jason the most.
But, you make a great point about “nobody to somebody.” I think that quote characterizes a few of these folks perfectly. In particular, Dana Lewis. A student who’s made a tremendous impact online–especially in the health care community. Then again, I would argue Dana was never a “nobody.” π
Tim: I probably could have dug in more to each future A-lister, but I wanted to leave something for the reader π One great example is David Spinks. The guy is everywhere. Leading the youth movement by co-moderating the #u30pro chat, guest posting on Mashable, creating a community for bloggers everywhere at Scribnia. The guy is doing a heck of a lot online. But, what I like most about David is he never stops learning, questioning and taking risks. It’s that curiousity that makes him unique. And that’s what’s going to propel him to the next level very soon.
@arikhanson
Wholeheartedly agree with you on David Spinks. He’s definitely an A-lister because he understands valuable information-share and knows how to network/engaege with his key audiences effectively– much like you have done!
BTW, any insight into why my photo doesn’t appear on your blog. I use DISQUS; is there a barrier there?
Wow…truly blown away by your kind words Arik, and the kind words in the comments here. I still remember the first time I connected with you on twitter. I didn’t think you had any idea who I was, and was honored when I found out you knew my name and everything. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you and learning from you. You’re already a rockstar in my book, but there are still big things ahead for you.
Proud to say that I’m friends with pretty much everyone on that list. Comforting to know I’ve surrounded myself with such amazing people.
Dana is definitely doing huge things. She hasn’t even graduated yet and she’s miles ahead of the game. I doubt anyone will have to warn that girl about the “terrible job market”.
Tim: I definitely don’t consider myself an “A-lister” haha but thank you very much. It means a lot to hear that you find my work to be valuable…because that’s what it’s all about isn’t it? It’s not about being popular, or well known as part of an elite group. It’s about those who truly provide value and contribute something that benefits those around them. If I can do that even a little bit, then I’ll have consider my efforts to be successful, regardless of the “list” I find myself in.
Lisa, I’m honored. I’ve recently started reading your blog on a regular basis and I love the way you approach important issues. You have a great style and a powerful voice. I learn a lot from you. Honestly.
Ryan: You’re the man. You’ve provided great content since I first started reading your blog, and have never let me down. When we are going to chill?
Ike: “The playground is big enough that weβre all Nobodies to Somebody.” Well said man. That’s the beauty of the social space. Everyone is a somebody to someone, and everyone is a nobody to someone else. That realization puts the concept of providing value in perspective.
David
Community Manager, Scribnia
@DavidSpinks
Arik – Great list! You have certainly identified some of the best and brightest within the PR/marketing/advertising and digital work.
From my own perspective, David Spinks, PR Cog (for obvious reasons with PRBC), Rachel Kay, Lauren Fernandez and many more have had a tremendous impact on my own personal and professional lives. Each has provided me with new insights and new ways of thinking about old methods. I also consider all of those truly great friends.
And certainly, Valerie Simon is very deserving on this list. I met Valerie early on when I moved to NYC, and she has been one of the biggest helps and such a good friend since the moment I met her. Plus, she offers some great insight into the changing dynamics of the media industry, insight that all of us could use as we try to navigate this ever-changing landscape.
Two that I would add to the list: Rebecca Denison (@RebeccaDenison), who now works for Edelman Digital in Chicago and provides some tremendous insight into understanding the technical world of PR metrics and analysis. Another is Carla Blumenthal (@CarlaBlumenthal) who has done some great work in community management/engagement, and has a really fresh perspective on the future and evolution of PR and social media.
@KeithTrivitt
I wouldn’t be who I am without a great community and mentors like you, Arik.
Thanks for the kudos – there are so many great people both on and off this list.
LAF
Arik, I’m honored that you would include me on this list. It’s wonderful that I can continue to learn from each person on the list, and even more wonderful that social media promises each of us the chance to meet the next inspiration at any moment.
As someone who is in the beginning stages of my own career, this list is much appreciated! I certainly love reading about what the big names have to say, but it’s actually the people who are climbing their way to the top that really hit home for me.
Thanks!
@kshoop
Wow, Arik. Feel very honored to be on this list and I must agree with Heather — You forgot to add yourself :).
Lauren, you make a great point about how the community and mentors make each of us who we are. I can safely say I have learned a lot from everyone on this list, including Arik, and from so many others out there who contribute to the conversation.
Now, does anyone know where I can get a hat like the one Brogan is wearing in the picture up above? π
Justin Goldsborough
@JGoldsborough
It is really an honor to be included amongst a group of people I have such high regard for…much appreciated. Also, your list has introduced me to two new folks to follow and learn from. Thanks for once again making me feel like such a welome member of your community.
Arik, thank you for including me – and thank you and David for the compliment!
After reading this, I feel truly honored to be listed on the same page as many of the people I highly respect and admire for their accomplishments.
What strikes me is that although they may not have the title of ‘student’, they are still open-minded, willing to check out new things and ideas, and engaging and learning with others on a regular basis. I hope after I graduate that I continue to learn and grow as much as these remarkable individuals!
Arik – really appreciate you putting me on this awesome list. I know many of the other folks you included and can no doubt vouch for them and what they’ve contributed to the digital realm.
Thanks again, bud. Don’t forget to put yourself on this list π
If you are correct that there is a cache associated with being an A-Lister (which, by the way, I’ve yet to learn a universal definition), then by extension, isn’t an A-Lister someone who one describes as an expert? Is there not an equivalency between cache and expertise?
I’ll argue there is no A-List and there is no expert; and the people you list, as well-rounded they may be, will never be on any A-List because they will never be experts.
And therein lies the rub. Who determines expertise?
Though I’m loathe to use the term A-lister, as everyone’s an A-lister to some and a Z-lister to others, I’d have that British guy Dave Fleet – http://davefleet.com – on there.
And then I’d add:
* Jay Baer – http://convinceandconvert.com
* Kneale Mann – http://onemann.blogspot.com
* Brett Borders – http://socialmediarockstar.com
* Susan Murphy – http://suzemuse.ca
* Andrew Weaver – http://drewmaniac.blogspot.com
* Stuart Foster – http://thelostjacket.com
* Tim Jahn – http://timjahn.com/blog
* Jackie Adkins – http://jackieadkins.com
Solid gold, the lot of them.
Cheers! π
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