Robert Clarke is like any other young person; he enjoys sports and video games—and, oh yeah, he reviews tech gadgets, has his own web show and blog, and has garnered attention from both businesses and media. Did I mention he’s not even a teen? As the kid spearheading OmniTechNews, a blog dedicated to all things tech and gadgets, Robert is very quickly making a name for himself in Seattle’s social media space.

At just 12 years old, he’s making noise by creating and producing great-quality video and blog content at his family’s eastside home. To date, he and his team have created more than 50 YouTube videos ranging in topics from product unboxings to reviews to software tips and tricks. Because of his great work on his blog, companies have begun to take notice and have even started sending him products for review. But, it’s not just businesses he’s gaining the attention of; recently, Robert and his OmniTechNews team have even been featured on NPR and King 5 News Seattle. Amazing, isn’t it?

Through OmniTechNews, what Robert is doing is absolutely remarkable; he’s reinforcing the fact that if you have a great original ideas, some social media savvy, and a lot of passion and knowledge, it doesn’t matter your age—people will find what you have to share valuable. Is the next generation of social media users starting to arrive? I think so, and it’s being lead by young people like Robert. So get ready, because they’re not just knocking on the door, they’re about to break it down.

Get to know Robert of OmniTechNews.

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
Robert Clarke

2. E-mail?
robert@rjfc.net

3. What is your occupation/company?
OmniTechNews

4. What is the best part of your job?
Having something to do in my spare time; summer gets boring for 12 year olds.

5. Originally from?
I originally lived in London but moved out to Seattle with my family. We thought it might be fun to try something new.

6. How can people find you on the web?
Just go to www.omnitechnews.netor find the podcast on iTunes and Zune. We also have Twitter and YouTube accounts. (www.youtube.com/omnitechnews and twitter.com/omnitechnews)

Social Media:

7. What is it about social media that attracts you?
It is so easy! You don’t need to be a computer wiz to have a Twitter or YouTube account (although it helps).

8. How do you utilize social media?
I use it for many things:

• Twitter makes it easy to stay connected to world information like current events.
• It is fun to tweet and see how people respond.
• I like being connected to the world.

9. What is one thing the mainstream population should know about social media?
It is very big, don’t get frustrated at your friend who has more followers than you. There is always someone who is going to have more than you.

10. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
I try to do fun facts here and there, but mostly it’s behind the scenes of OmniTechNews.  I also tweet about what I am doing, like going to Starbucks.

11. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Friendly; when I went to my first tweetup (age 11) in Seattle, everyone was really friendly even though I was small and new to social media.

12. Do you remember your social media “wow” moment?
I think it was when OmniTechNews hit a hundred subscribers. I was just like “WOW. 100 people have said they want to find out whenever we release another show. That’s awesome!”

13. What is one piece of advice you give to new users of social media?
Don’t be a stranger; really express yourself.

Just For Fun:

14. What are your hobbies?
I play most sports, but the two I am really into are tennis and basketball. I like to tweet, blog, watch videos on YouTube, and be a geek.

15. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
Vashon Island; I love to fish a chill out. It’s the one place where I don’t a have a to-do list.

16. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Do lots of OmniTechNews. It is the one time where I don’t have to worry about school getting in the way.

17. Favorite quote?
“Acta non verba” (Action not words)

18. Guilty pleasure?
Twitter; I am way to obsessed.

19. Favorite actor/actress?
Leonardo DiCaprio

20. I really like it when…
Someone subscribes to the OmniTechNews YouTube account. There is always a small satisfaction.

21. One day I would love to…
Have 2,000 subscribers on YouTube with OmniTechNews.

22. What would you like everyone to know about you?
To some degree, I want to be noticed but not hassled.

OmniTechNews links:

• OmniTechNews
• OmniTechNews on Twitter
• OmniTechNews on Facebook
• OmniTechNews on YouTube
• NPR: Young Hi-Tech Entrepreneurs Get Noticed
• NWCN: WA tweens garner loyal following with gadget reviews

OmniTechNews on King 5

OmniTechNews on the Zune Insider Podcast

Blogger, tech expert, social media advocate, community builder, happy dog owner, YouTube celebrity, and avid tea drinker are just a few of the words that could be used to describe Chris Pirillo.

A man who knows social media, Chris is one of the most well-known members of the Seattle social media community and is often referenced when the subject turns to online communities. You may have also heard Chris’s name most recently because of Gnomedex, which is considered to be one of the nation’s premier social media and technology conferences. When he’s not putting on amazing conferences or performing other public duties, Chris can be found streaming live video from his eastside home via Ustream.tv, talking everything from tech to web culture and everything in between.

Get to know Chris on another level, wouldja?

The Basics

1. Name
Seriously? If they don’t know it, how did I get nominated for this gig? Ok, ok—I’m Chris Pirillo.

2. Occupation or company
I don’t know what my occupation is, really. I’m a geek and I work for myself. I’m lucky enough to have made a career out of a personality disorder.

3. What is the best part of your job?
The commute time! I roll out of bed into this room, and I’m there, dude!

4. When and how did you end up in Seattle?
I originally started out in Iowa. I ended up here because I wanted to be here. I love the weather here in the northwest and the outdoors (even though I’m the great indoorsman).

5. How can people find you on the Web?
Google the word Chris. You’ll find me.

Social Media

6. What is it about social media that attracts you?
The babes! Dude, seriously, have you seen the social media babes? They’re very attractive, except for that one that we won’t talk about.

7. How do you utilize social media?
I tickle it with my pinger! I use Ping.fm to sneeze out updates to sites like Twitter and Facebook, among others. I honestly feel that social media is using me, instead of the other way around. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I feel like I’m being followed by thousands and thousands of people!

8. What is one thing the mainstream population should know about social media?
They should know it’s happening, whether they’re using it themselves or not. People are talking about you (or your company) whether you know it or not.

9. If people are following you on Twitter, what can they expect to read?
They can expect pithy quotes. Sometimes, I can be a little blue. I post links from people who post on Geeks and Lockergnome and ones that others send to me that I like.

10. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Sometimes it’s very stinky, and other times it’s beer-y. In any sense, it’s a hot scene. If there’s a social media event, there will be hundreds of people who show up!

11.Do you remember your social media “WOW!” moment? What was it?
Uhm… I really don’t know. I don’t know if I’ve ever had a “WOW!” moment. It kind of just came upon me before I even really knew it, and I was off. I was doing social media before that even became a term!

12. What is one piece of advice you’d give to new users of social media?
Be yourself, and understand that transparency applies to you. It’s important. Don’t ever think you’re the exception to that rule.

13. Are you currently working on any projects that involve the use of social media?
Yes! I’m recording this as a video for YouTube right now!

14. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future that you would like people to know about?
Well, at the time of this recording we were getting ready for Gnomedex! That’s my annual tech/social media conference. I definitely recommend it, of course.

Just For Fun

15. What are your hobbies?
I build LEGO sets!

16. Favorite vacation spot and thing to do there?
My favorite vacation spot is Costco, actually. I love their hot dogs with a large drink. It’s only $1.50!

17. Favorite restaurant in Seattle?
Costco, of course! I love both the hot dogs and polish sausages.

18. Favorite thing to do in Seattle in the summer?
Well, if it’s meal-time, I like to just go to Costco!

19. Favorite Quote?
I’d have to say the curly one!

20. Guilty Pleasure?
On a rare occasion, I will go to Costco, get a hot dog, and add sauerkraut!

21. Favorite actor/actress?
My favorite actor is Harrison Ford. I’ve modeled my entire career after him. I’ve been told I am the Harrison Ford of geeks! I’ve worked very, very hard to attain that title.

22. “I really like it when…”
Someone goes out and gets a Costco hot dog for me! That’s the best because I don’t like to leave my home environment!

23. “One day, I would love to…”
Finish this video! How long has it been already? Is anyone still reading/watching?

24. “If I could meet anyone, alive or dead, it would be…”
Someone alive! I wouldn’t want to meet a dead person. Can you imagine the awkward conversation? It wouldn’t go anywhere!

25. What would you like everyone to know about you?
What do you want to know about me? I’ll answer any question! I would like you all to know that I don’t take myself seriously, and that’s something I’ve been accused of on occasion. Does that make sense at all?

Chris Pirillo Links:

• Chris Pirillo’s Lockergnome.com
• Chris Pirillo on Twitter
• Chris Pirillo on Facebook
• Chris Pirillo on YouTube
• Chris Pirillo on FriendFeed
• Chris Pirillo on Wikipedia
• Chris Pirillo on UStream
• Chris Pirillo on Flickr
• Chris Pirillo on LinkedIn
• Podcast: Chris Pirillo on the Social Media Bible
• Video: Classic Chris Pirillo

SSMP Interview with Chris Pirillo – Note: It’s a bit dated.

Chris Pirillo – Community WebVisions: WordCamp SF 2009

How Do You Get Started in Social Media?

Chris Pirillo: The Power of Social Media

I love Seattle. L-O-V-E it.

From the rain, to the culture, to the food, to the crazies, I love it all. It’s so uniquely… well… Seattle.

But ask me, “What one aspect of Seattle do you love the most?” and I’ll tell you it’s not the fresh-from-the-boat seafood, the breathtaking scenery, or the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee that makes it great. For me, what truly makes Seattle great are the voices and people that make up our amazing community. And if there was ever a person who understood Seattle’s community, it would be our next profile, Mónica Guzmán.

A journalist for seattlepi.com, Mónica constantly has her fingers on the pulse of Seattle’s community. As the main contributor to The Big Blog, Mónica writes stories which matter the most in the hearts of Seattle-ites; from issues that affect the city, to local events, to baby leopards at the zoo, she covers all aspects of life here in Seattle. She has been a pioneer in her use of social media to share her articles and connect the collective voices of Seattle residents.

When she’s not doing her Seattle P-I thing, Mónica can be found speaking at events on topics from journalism to social media, watching sci-fi flicks, and singing in a band called “The Bad Editz.”

Get to know Mónica. She’s wicked awesome.

Happy Monday!

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
Mónica Guzmán

2. E-mail?
moniguzman@gmail.com

3. What is your occupation/company?
Reporter/Newsgatherer at seattlepi.com.

4. What is the best part of your job?
The randomness. I get to hear and write about all sorts of things that are going on in Seattle—from zombie walks in Fremont, to the state’s simmering gay rights battle, to a guy who watched 104 films at SIFF this year.

5. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area? (if applicable)
Born in Mexico, grew up in New Hampshire, studied in Maine, and moved to Seattle in January 2007 to begin work with the Seattle P-I as a full-time Hearst Newspapers Fellow. The paper hired me to stay on that July to design and run what we lovingly call The Big Blog.

6. How can people find you on the web?
The best place is on Twitter: twitter.com/moniguzman. Quickest way to contact me, too. Then there’s the blog: seattlepi.com/bigblog.

Social Media:

7. What is it about social media that attracts you?
That it makes tangible these things that we do to make friends, get to know people, share ideas, and make them spread. It makes those things possible even when we’re not in the same room or on the same phone line. Even when we’re asleep, people can see and discuss our ideas. And that’s pretty cool.

8. How do you utilize social media?
For lots of things. On Facebook, I stay in touch with my family in Boston and Mexico and my friends from the East Coast. Through my tweets and Facebook status updates, I talk about some of the stories I’m working on or share interesting links I run into. As a reporter, I also use the real-time web as a resource for breaking news and developing stories. Once, it helped me figure out what to wear to a fashion show.

9. What is one thing that mainstream population should know about social media?
No matter what you hear elsewhere, there are many rewards and nothing to fear.

10. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
There’s no formula for it—just a mix of links, observations, and stories from my work and my life. I think I have an amazing job and love being plugged into what’s going on around Seattle. I like to think that shows.

11. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Enthusiastic, unbelievably friendly and still struggling to figure out what being a social media community even means.

12. Do you remember your social media “wow” moment?
In 2004, I was senior editor of my college weekly and we were covering the initial rise of this newfangled site from Harvard: Facebook. I remember editing the story, clicking from student profile to student profile on the site, and thinking things were never going to be the same.

13. What is one piece of advice that you give to new users of social media?
Don’t use it professionally until you understand why people use it personally.

Just For Fun:

14. What are your hobbies?
I’m big into sci-fi, movies, and music. I’ve got a piano and a couple guitars.

15. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
My favorite vacation spot is the one I haven’t been to yet. My favorite thing to do is the thing I haven’t done.

16. Favorite restaurant in Seattle?
I’m a big fan of Wasabi Bistro in Belltown, Galerias in Capitol Hill, Tum Tim Thai in Queen Anne, and Dick’s… everywhere. But my real favorite is Dragonfish downtown. They’re fast, delicious, close to the movie theaters, and, during happy hour, amazingly cheap.

17. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Lounge and read on the grass in the sun, especially at the Olympic Sculpture Park and by the International Children’s Fountain at the Seattle Center. Also, lining up outside Cinerama for midnight premieres of summer blockbusters.

18. Favorite quote?
“Caminante, no hay camino. Se hace camino al andar.” It means, “Traveler, there is no path. You make the path as you go.”

19. Movie you’re embarrassed to say you like?
No such thing.

20. Last song you listened to?
Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” at the gym. It came up on the Lady Gaga station on Pandora on my iPhone, and I don’t care how commercial it is. I love it.

21. I really like it when…
People leave smart, thoughtful comments on my stories and blog posts—the kind that make me look at things differently and want to write another story.

22. One day, I would love to…
Meet Billy Joel, live closer to my parents, and teach.

Mónica Guzmán Links

• Mónica Guzmán on Twitter
• Mónica Guzmán on LinkedIn
• Mónica Guzmán on Facebook
• The Big Blog on SeattlePI.com
• The Big Blog on Twitter
• Puget Sound Business Journal: Working the Web at the Seattle P-I
• BeatBlogging.org: Q&A: Monica Guzman discusses the new, online-only Seattle P-I

Monica Guzman – Comcast Newsmakers

KOMO 4 @ 4: Monica Guzman, “The Big Blog”

Ignite Seattle: Monica Guzman on Being an Awesome News Commenter

Twitter Road Trip: Monica Guzman

In the world of social media, if it seems like Jason Preston is in a lot of places, it is because, simply put, he is. He was at the 140 Twitter Conference, Ignite, Social Media for Businesses Conference, Podcamp Seattle—the list goes on. The point is, Jason is a guy in high demand. It’s for good reason too; he is considered to be an expert on all things blogging, Twitter, Facebook, publishing, and beyond.

To be honest, whenever I see Jason, I can’t help but call him the LeBron James of social media…

Okay, so I’ve never actually called him that, but the next time I see him, I will, just to make that statement true.

But for now, I think it’s a legit comparison; Jason is a charismatic guy who, although only in his mid-20s, is already considered an authority on all things in the social media landscape. He’s speaks at major conferences, has been quoted in publications, and can slam dunk a basketball—he may or may not need a trampoline.

Seriously, though, Jason is a very cool guy who adds a lot to the ever-growing social media community here in Seattle. Get to know him. He’s good people.

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
Jason Preston

2. E-mail?
jason@parnassusgroup.com

3. What is your occupation/company?
I’m the Director of New Media at The Parnassus Group.

4. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area? (if applicable)
I was born in Houston and moved up to the Seattle area when I was seven. I’ve been around pretty much ever since, although I took a few years to go to college at Occidental in Los Angeles.

5. How can people find you on the web?
Look for “Jasonp107” on pretty much any web service, like Twitter. I also run Eat Sleep Publish (dot com) and keep a personal blog at jason-preston.com.

Social Media:

6. Why do you like social media?
That’s a pretty broad question.

7. How do you utilize social media?
Social media tools more or less permeate my job. I use Twitter almost constantly to share cool links, images, or thoughts. I keep a close eye on the development of Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, WordPress, and other social tools so that when I work with clients to shape social media strategies, I can be sure I know what I’m talking about. Beyond that, one of the main services we offer is the measurement of social media tools, especially with Sentiment. So I also spend a fair amount of time assessing blog posts, tweets, Facebook notes, LiveJournal comments, and so on, for their content and importance.

8. What is one thing that mainstream population should know about social media?
Social media tools can be used for business, and it’s not the end of the world when they are.

9. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
A fair mix of personal and professional tweets. Some people use Twitter primarily or even exclusively for business purposes (which is fine), but I like to think of Twitter as a way to connect frequently and easily with friends. If that’s not your thing, that’s fine. I’m not offended when people don’t follow me back; Twitter is about making your own experience.

10. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
In a word, “lively.” For a town that’s nowhere near San Francisco or New York, there’s a whole lot of activity up here. A lot of cool people who really get social media live and work up here, and it’s a fun city to live in.

11. Do you have a good social media success story or “wow” moment?
My most recent favorite “wow” moment demonstration is the classic “call me” tweet. The idea is pretty straightforward: Twitter, although pretty easy to understand, is not obviously useful. So one of the first hurdles when you’re talking to someone about Twitter is getting them to realize how powerful a tool it is.

One good way to do this, if you have enough followers, is to tweet “Someone call me: 206-235-8981. Showing Twitter to a friend.” It’s a pretty stunning demonstration when you get a call from a random follower.

12. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future you would like to let people know about?  Please include dates, locations, etc. Where can more information be found?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a solid date to share at this moment, but I can tell you that before 2009 is out, we’ll be putting on another 140 | The Twitter Conference. Stay tuned for the announcement at thetwitterconference.com

Just For Fun:

13. What are your hobbies?
Luckily enough (or maybe not) my hobbies are pretty digital. I enjoy designing and building websites, so I do that in my spare time. When I’m not doing that, I’m probably playing video games or reading science fiction.

14. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
If someone said “Here’s a zillion dollars, take a vacation,” I’d hop on a plane and head to Hawaii. I’ve only been there twice before, but to me, nothing says vacation like sitting on a giant, sandy beach in 85-90 degree weather with absolutely nothing to do except eat sometime before tomorrow.

15. Favorite restaurant in Seattle? Favorite food?
My favorite restaurant in Seattle is probably Burgermaster. I know, I know, I’m low class. My favorite food, though, is the spaghetti my mom makes.

16. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
I love to play disc golf when the weather is nice. It’s a lot of fun to make up courses around schools and public parks. My friends and I have a couple favorite courses (full 18 holes!) plotted out around the eastside that are just fantastic.

17. Most embarrassing CD you own?
Pretty much any physical CD is embarrassing nowadays, right?
 

18. Any hidden talents?
Nothing that I’d call a talent…

19. What would you like everyone to know about you?
My record lap time for Wario Stadium in Mario Kart 64 is under four seconds.

Jason Preston Links:

• Jason Preston’s Eat Sleep Publish Blog
• Jason Preston’s Personal Blog: Jason-Preston.com
• Jason Preston on Twitter
• Jason Preston on Facebook
• Jason Preston on LinkedIn
• Jason Preston on Biznik
• Jason Preston on Vimeo
• Jason Preston on Flickr
• Jason Preston’s Blog Business Summit Article: Does Blogger Engagement Still Matter?
• Q&A with Jason Preston of Eat Sleep Publish
• MySuccessGateway.com: Jason Preston Social Media Guru Interview
• The Pitch: Bringing Together Seattle’s Best Media Minds
• Wilshire & Washington: Jason Preston talks about the future of the newspaper industry
• Twitizen Journalism: Can Twitter Be a Real News Platform?
• Mind Camp 5.0: Things That Happen at Mind Camp
• Slideshare: Jason Preston on Podcasting

VIDEO: How to say anything in 140 characters or less – Ignite 2009

At Chris Pirillo’s last tweetup, I had the great pleasure of meeting Leann Underwood, the next featured member of our great social media community here in Seattle. Coming to us by way of Nebraska, Leann is a current Microsoftie who, in her free time, consults with non-profit organizations on how to integrate social media into their marketing strategies. Honestly, a lot of fun to converse, the next time you see Leann go say “Heya Leann!”

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
Leann Underwood

2. E-mail?
leannu@hotmail.com

3. What is your occupation? Company?
International Project Engineer, Microsoft.

4. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area? (if applicable)
Born in Nebraska. Random events lead me here. I started my career as a webmaster.

5. How can people find you on the web?
Google “Leann Underwood” or @Tierrah on Twitter

Social Media:

6. Why do you like social media?
I am passionate about easily available knowledge. Social media is an extension of the Internet revolution that made information freely available throughout the world. Instead of a one-way flow of data, social media allows people to engage in dialogue all over the globe!

7. How do you utilize social media?
I use social media to learn new topics; networking with co-workers; meet new people; and create community around common interests.

8. What is one thing that mainstream population should know about social media?
It can seem overwhelming at first. However, if you approach it as with any new technology, say when you received your first cell phone, take baby-steps and find what fits. I have no doubt that you will find a venue that will suit your needs.

9. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
I use Twitter to primarily share information about trends in social media, a little humor, and a little about the art scene in the United States.

10. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Very active and enthusiastic. I would say, come to a tweetup or a social media event. You will meet lots of people who will be interested in meeting you.

11. Do you remember your social media “wow” moment?
I have a primitive, rare breed dog, a Norwegian Lundehund. I have a mention of it in my profile and have chatted with a couple of people in Norway about their dog! I think that is the beauty of social media: instant community.

12. Are you currently working on any projects that involve the use of social media?
I’m involved with a Seattle non-profit group with Charl Pearce. We consult with non-profits on how to integrate social media into their marketing plans.

Just For Fun:

13. What are your hobbies?
Art; walking my dog; gourmet cooking.

14. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
Costa Rica-any beach will do. Las Vegas-Valley of Fire, Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, and the rollercoaster in Primm.

15. Favorite restaurant in Seattle? Favorite food?
Too many to pick just one! I love fresh, innovative food.

16. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Barbeque in the backyard; people watching; clubbing in Pioneer Square.

17. Most embarrassing CD you own?
Soundtrack to Titanic.

18. Any hidden talents?
I can wiggle my ears.

Leann Underwood Links:

• Leann Underwood on Twitter
• Leann Underwood on LinkedIn
• Leann Underwood on Facebook
• Leann Underwood on FriendFeed
• Leann Underwood’s Live Profile

Meet Andru Edwards, the man and the mind behind GearLive.com, a blog dedicated to all things high-tech. In addition to GearLive.com, Andru also manages a network of other blogs ranging in topics from celebrity news to sports and beyond. With a strong following, Andru and his blogs have been quoted in USA Today, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Seattle Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, KOMO 4 News, Q13 News, KING 5 News, and NPR, among others. With all that, you would imagine that Andru has a full plate on his hands, yet he somehow finds time to put on a conference each year in Seattle called MindCamp—Seattle’s ultimate “unconference” experience and a must-attend event for all those with entrepreneurial minds.

Originally hailing from New York, New York, Andru migrated out this way in 2000 and has been hooked ever since. He currently lives in Seattle with his wife, Monica, and son, Alijah. When he isn’t sitting in front of a computer covering tech, he can be found at social media events all around Puget Sound, playing Xbox, and wrestling (professional-style). When I asked him what his “finishing move” was, he told me Kata Ha Jime; I’m more interested in his theme music, however, which I imagine would be some song by Journey. Andru loves wrestling so much that, this year, he attended Wrestlemania 25 down in Texas.

Andru can be found at many events around Puget Sound, and if you happen to come across him, don’t hesitate to say hello; he is extremely friendly and definitely enjoys a good laugh. If you’re interested in contacting Andru, he can be found at www.twitter.com/andruedwards or you can e-mail him at andru@gearlive.com. You can also view his videos on his YouTube page.

Recently, Andru was featured in a segment by King 5 News Seattle about Twitter and OnStar. He would prefer it if you didn’t ask him why his Christmas lights are up really early this year—I know from experience.