Ever wonder why the Washington DC area is so ripe with social media? It’s because many of the experts are here
Andrew Bates
Client Services Manager
I have been recently asked why the nation’s capitol is so active with and in social media networking. Some believe the government and its newest administration play a big part. Others assume it’s because of the abundance of not for profits, associations, and organizations. And more still argue it is from all the activity generated by the local tech industry.
Not to discount the above reasons, but I say that those are just favorable conditions that help press the urgency. For me, what makes DC so rich with social media has more to do with the people evangelizing within our local community. To highlight this people first concept, I’d like to send a digital shout out to those that make this town a favorable place for social networking.
In no particular order, here of some of DC’s social pioneers that continue to push emerging technology and techniques:
Geoff Livingston – @GeoffLiving / geofflivingston.com – Geoff was one of the first people to articulate the ties between PR, Marketing, and social communications. Most social “gurus” are just copies of Geoff
Jill Foster - @JillFoster / womengrowbusiness.com – Jill is an avid blogger and co-founder of DC Media Makers. She does an amazing job of taking an online conversation offline and is great at making those valuable connections
Shashi Bellamkonda – @ShashiB / shashi.name – no one articulates the return on participation value of social like Shashi. Do businesses and associations use and measure social? Shashi has the example you are looking for
Frank Gruber – @FrankGruber / somewhatfrank.com – AOL product innovator, social media evangelist, and co-founder of @TECHcocktail, @shinyheart & @thankfulfor. Frank has more experience with practical applications of social for businesses and organizations then most. What’s on the cutting edge? Ask Frank.
Peter Corbett – @Corbett3000 /istrategylabs.com – Peter has real experience developing outreach and measureable programs for an impressive client list. He helps a group merge marketing with social in efficient and very successful ways.
Nick O’Neill – @AllNick / socialtimes.com – While people were still trying to figure out how to put social in a box with a label, Nick was already talking about the value of communicating in these environments. Nick always knows about the latest tech and can tell you if it has impact or not
Mayra Ruiz - @MarketingMisfit / mayraruiz.com – Marya brings communication out of community. Have a group or organization looking to understand their audience online? Let Mayra tell you what your community wants from your outreach
… and many others. Too many others to make one blog post. The fact is the DC area is filled with some of the best minds in social media today. The best part is there are so many events where you can engage and learn from these talented resources. Have a social “guru” in the area I didn’t mention? Send me your must have list.
Tags: Frank Gruber, Geoff Livingston, Jill Foster, Mayra Ruiz, Nick O?Neill, Peter Corbett, Shashi Bellamkonda, Social Media
