Last year, I organized a list of the top 20 social media innovators in Minnesota. It was a community-based list–the community nominated and voted for all 20 of those folks. And despite some negative feedback, a year later, it’s still a pretty solid list (although my one regret is allowing myself to be nominated–pretty lame in hindsight. Live and learn, right?).
But, it is a year later. And a lot has changed. People have changed jobs. Founded new companies. And moved a lot of needles.
So, I wanted to revisit the concept. But, this time, I thought I’d just share my views on 11 people who have moved the needle in the social media world by generating one little thing: Results. This isn’t a popularity contest–these are folks who took risks, pushed others to think differently or advanced the digital space locally in some way, shape or form.
Here you have it. Who would you add and why?
* Greg Swan. Greg continues to set the bar high for digital thought leadership in this market. As one of the leaders of Weber Shandwick’s digital team, Greg has played a lead role in a number of accounts, including the U.S. Army’s foray into social media. Without question one of a handful of folks in town I look to for advice and ideas on a regular basis. And, oh by the way, he also runs a pretty successful music blog, Perfect Porridge and organized a religious social media group, #smsheps.
* Lee Odden. The numbers speak for themselves. TopRank’s blog is killing. Lee is speaking at events across the globe. And while I don’t have hard numbers, I’m guessing his business is doing pretty darn well, too. The guy is on fire. But, here’s the thing: You would never know it by talking to him. Lee’s success definitely hasn’t gone to his head, which is what I love about him. Humble to the core. Apparently, nice guys don’t finish last.
* Mykl Roventine/Meg Canada. One of my favorite local events continues to be Unsummit. From the unconference feel to the wide-ranging speaker and topic list to the new venue, Unsummit has grown up in the last year. And Mykl and Meg have been steering the ship (plus they’re not afraid to take risks–like this!).
Glee-like Video – UnSummit4 from Mykl Roventine on Vimeo.
Sure, they had help from folks willing to speak and pitch in, but Mykl and Meg have done the heavy lifting. And it’s paid off in my view. Events like this are helping us all get smarter locally in the digital realm.
* Nancy Lyons/Meghan Wilker. Sure, those darn Geek Girls notebooks are EVERYWHERE in this town (that’s a metric in itself–number of notebooks found in agency, corporate and meeting spaces throughout the Twin Cities 😉 , but that’s not why these two stand out in the crowd. It’s their content. It’s the presentations I’ve seen them give. And it’s the way they do business and the actions they exhibit each day online–and off. At least from where I sit. Oh, and that Geek Girls idea: Brilliant (even though I know it’s a couple years old–I still love it).
* Erica Mayer. You can’t go two minutes on Twitter without seeing an avatar that’s been shot by Erica. And, it was all for charity. Charity Water, to be specific. Yes, Erica’s honed a reputation as someone devoted to giving back–not only to the community, but to the world. I think of her as our local version of Danny Brown (founder of 12for12k). In the last year, Erica has raised more than $11,00 for Charity Water–almost entirely by herself. That’s not just innovative–it’s incredible.
* Lee Aase. The “father of social media in health care”, Lee remains one of the true leaders in the Minnesota digital scene. He may be a bit overlooked here in the Cities because he’s down in Rochester, but I know a number of folks still look to him for ideas and guidance in this field (including me). And, even though Lee had early success at Mayo Clinic and with his popular SMUG blog, he hasn’t rested on his laurels. Recently, Lee played a lead role in helping the organization roll out its new Mayo Clinic Center for Social Media.
* Don Ball/Kyle Coolbrath/Zack Steven. If you’re a solo-preneur in Minneapolis/St. Paul, you surely know Don, Kyle and Zack. These three gentleman brought co-working to Minnesota. By creating collaborative, open work environments (CoCo in St. Paul and Third Place in Como) that are affordable (relatively speaking), these three gentleman have given solos/freelancers another option in town–one that really just hasn’t existed before.
Anyone you would add to the list? Minnesotans who have moved the needle in 2010? Please share your ideas–and results.
Arik, thank you. I would like to add you to the list. Your work, networking and outreach in this community is significant. And your support of your colleagues and friends is beyond generous.
Hey, Arik! Thank you for acknowledging the role of us crazy coworkers, even though by renting physical space and investing in desks, chairs and coffee — we're as non digital as you can get.
If you go even further in history (I know this wasn't your point, but I feel full credit is due), you have to give both Zack and Amy Bryant credit for pioneering the first actual instance of coworking in MSP at Cafe Crema.
Finally, I want to echo Nancy's comment. You need to be on this list!
Arik–great list. I would also agree with Nancy's comments that you should be on the list 🙂
Glad to hear you guys in the north are shaping the way we all do business. Great little profiles!
I would like to submit two nominations that have flipped the lid on this social scene both on and offline.
John Bernier
One has done so on a global scene in building probably one of the best online customer social service for Best Buy. His implementation and continued innovation, teaching, mentoring, building and sharing through @twelpforce. Without question one of the best customer service platforms on the social web today. He has definitely paid his dues and took his idea to planning to action!
Jennifer Kane
Jennifer has put together many events and social gatherings for people to get out of the intertubes and conversing IRL to take these conversations back to the intertubes to make everything better. She brought one of the foremost experts to the Twin Cities in the form of Brian Solis. She did a public critique of D'Amico & Sons for all of us to learn about how to strategize, plan, execute, rinse and repeat. So many nuggets of how to's and who should's, that if you don't think you can really turn your social on dime and will need to, because people are watching Jennifer's critique makes you think are we in or out? Plus have the courage to critique someone else's work from the community is brave and should be commended! I think we all should have the courage to give this type of feedback!
Those are on my list! Honorable mention:
@lulugrimm
@studioloraine
@vruno
@karyD
Hey Arik, well done drawing attention to the social media smarties of MSP and MN in general. The examples of results you've shared are great inspiration. You should indeed be on the list.
Thanks, Nancy. I'm not sure I deserve any credit though–this list is all about results. I'm not sure I qualify just yet…
Thanks, Bryan. Like I said, I'm not sure I qualify just yet…
Good point–how could I forget Amy Bryant. From what I understand, she was instrumental. So, that's a good add to the coworking angle.
I think what you, Kyle and Zack have done with coworking (while technically not in the digital space), has allowed many of us who do work in that arena to network, collaborate and grow. There's a whole heck of a lot to be said for that, sir. Don't sell yourself short…
I'm not intimately familiar with John's work, but I know he played a major role in the development of Twelpforce. For that alone, he should be on a list like this.
And, I completely agree on Jen. That's a great addition, too. No one, and I mean NO ONE, puts on an event like Jen (and Kary). Two really smart women. Thanks for the additions, Keith!
I can throw and intro out on twitter for you two to meet if you would like? John is awesome to meet with and get to know!
[…] time I turn around, another list is out documenting a set of, “Minnesota’s Social Media […]
Good list, Arik.
Mykl Roventine has used social networking to support our nonprofit organization, Cheerful Givers which has resulted in our being able to expand our reach of providing birthday gifts for less fortunate children. He currently has a “Social Summer Fundraiser” running through the end of August at http://www.cheerfulgivers.org
Keith is too kind, and I certainly appreciate being nominated. We're doing some work here that surprises many because hey, who expects ideas like that from a company as big as Best Buy, and I am blessed to work with some great people who are my inspiration. I'm glad so many people find the experiment we launched so useful, and that some consider it game changing is really beyond humbling. We just thought it would be cool to try :).
Well getting the Cannes Award sure changes the game a lot! Providing great customer service where your customers at at is not sexy or shiney new commercial add, but it plays and plays well across many forms of your business! I know I use when I get stuck trying to be a Geek Squad wanna be!
[…] front, I was named to a few lists this year, including Twin Cities Top 10 Titans in Social Media, Top 11 Minnesotans Who Moved the Social Media Needle and Twin Cities Top 25 Most Influential Social Media Professionals on […]