One of the great things I love about social media is the fact you are able to connect with so many wonderful people. I have found Twitter to be the main platform I have used for personal networking opportunities for not only myself, but for my students who are in my classes.
I think as we enter 2016, networking is going to become more of a factor for everyone in society. It’s not only what you can bring to the table, but also who you know and who knows you. This is why social media is so great – it allows you to make these connections and relationships with leading professionals, innovators, and visionaries of the field.
As 2015 comes to a close, it marks another year where I really wanted to take on a task I started last year, and that was my “Social Media IRL Bucket List.” These are the professionals who I wanted to meet in person after having conversations online. 2015 marked a HUGE year where I was able to do just that!
Here are the professionals I finally got a chance to meet in person:
1. Chris Kerns (Author of Trendology) – March 2015
I have written a few posts about Chris and the work he has done with his book Trendology. I actually heard about his book back in November 2014 the day before I had to turn in book orders for my social media class! I of course read it in one sitting and I knew that this was definitely going to be a book I’d want to use for my class. We started talking and I asked Chris if he would be able to guest lecture for my social media class in the spring. He said yes and it was a HUGE success! Chris talked about RTM and social data, and my students actually told me later that they wish the class was longer because they enjoyed his talk so much! We also had a chance to meet up in Austin when I presented at SxSW Edu and that was a major highlight for me!
2. Michael Brito (Author of “Your Media Brand) – August 2015
I have been following Michael for years – ever since I really got into research and teaching social media – because he is one of the best. Not only is he creative and strategic in his insights and in his book (which I use for my social media class), but he also understands and appreciates what professors are doing in the classroom. His social media strategy course at San Jose State is legendary! I finally had a chance to meet Michael at the AEJMC Conference in August and was so excited!! He’s exactly how he is online – engaged, outgoing, generous with his time and insights, and excited to be part of the community.
3. Jonathan Gantt (Digital and Creative Director, Clemson Athletics) – September 2015
Jonathan is one of the BEST professionals in the business for sports across college and professionals. I first met Jonathan this year but it was after a couple of exchanges via email and social media that got the ball rolling on this. Jonathan reached out to me after I wrote this post about 5 #SMSports pros to follow and the conversation started around talking about social media and sports. Next thing you know – we are meeting up for lunch in Louisville while Clemson came to town to play UofL and introduced him to bourbon balls. After seeing the work Jonathan and his team were doing for Clemson, it sparked this post. I am SO glad Jonathan reached out to me and shared what he and his team are doing for Clemson. They are truly one of the best teams in the industry in football, but they have truly one of the best social media teams I have seen in my career as a professor. They are the standard to meet – from their creative services but also how they have truly formed a strong community with their social media team as well as the university – they are simply.. the best!
4. Chris Yandle (AD in PR, Georgia Athletics) – October 2015
Chris and I have also corresponded and talked over the years as well – and he’s definitely someone that understands what needs to happen in the industry as well as in the classroom. I had a chance to meet Chris through a mutual friend (Jimmy Sanderson) and we’ve been talking and chatting about sports, teaching, and research ever since. We had a chance to finally meet up over coffee when I was done in Atlanta for the PRSA Conference. I really, really respect and value what Chris does for our industry – he’s very transparent, open, and generous with his insights and what he does. His podcast is a must listen for those who are in the industry and teaching sports communications.
5. Deirdre Breakenridge (Pure Performance, PR professor / author extraordinaire) – October 2015
Deirdre is one of the BEST professionals, professors, and people in the PR industry. I began reading her blog when I was in graduate school and I remember reading her book with Brian Solis in one sitting. She was someone that I felt was doing it all – owning her own business, writing books, teaching, and now she has a super successful podcast now! I am so happy for Deirdre!
I think the way we first initially got connected is interesting – because it all began with research. My very first published study was actually on social media influencers, and Deirdre was one of the professionals focused for the study! I shared the results with her and then it sparked into more conversations, dialogues, and connections online. We’ve had several virtual coffee chats and she has been a guest speaker for my social media class (which she was super fabulous and my students loved her!) We finally got a chance to meet in person in Atlanta and I was beyond excited!! She is exactly how she is online – and just as fabulous!
Summary
I was really excited to meet all of these amazing people this year in person. I will try and continue on this path for the upcoming year and see if I can meet some more professionals on my social media IRL bucket list! I also want to continue building the community and professional relationships I have made with the professionals I have listed and of course make new connections. That’s the true benefit of social media – so many wonderful opportunities and people to meet!
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
