It’s been a busy 2009 for Alaska Airlines. Between having to worry about the ash-spewing eruptions of Mount Redoubt and sicknesses named after our favorite farm animals, Alaska Airlines has been busier than ever ensuring that its customers are up-to-date on the latest information that may affect their travel plans. With so much that could get in the way of a smooth flight, Alaska Airlines has added social media into it’s customer communications arsenal and recently, I had the great opportunity to speak with the man behind Alaska Airlines’ Twitter account, Elliott Pesut. Being seriously involved with Seattle’s social media scene, it was great to pick Elliott’s brain for a bit.
Thanks again, Elliott!
The Basics
1. What is your name?
Elliott Pesut
2. E-mail?
elliott@elliottpesut.com
3. What is your occupation/company?
Official title: Campaign Management Specialist at Alaska Airlines.
4. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area? (if applicable)
I was born and raised in South Carolina. When I was 12, my family moved to Indianapolis where I live until I graduated from high school. After Indy, I moved to Prescott, Arizona, for school and lived there until I graduated from college. After graduation, I moved to Seattle to be a Courseware Developer at Alaska Airlines.
5. How can people find you on the web?
elliottpesut.com
Social Media:
6. Why do you like social media?
I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I’ve spent ALL of a three-and-a-half-hour flight coming up with an answer for this question. It’s hard to pick just one reason why I like social media. Basically, I love that we can share anything with anyone. I love being able to @someone on Twitter, post a photo from my iPhone, or even share my exact location by using Tweetie. For me, social media helps everyone tell their story in ways that are meaningful, productive and open for ALL to see, use, and question. Social media helps me find new ways to apply other people’s knowledge—it’s one giant remix.
For example, the act of sharing has given way to some spectacular “personal brands.” John Gruber of DaringFireball fame is an excellent example. He has built an entire brand around his opinions. It’s a brand that resonates with thousands. I love to pick and choose from John’s perspectives to help inform my own.
One of my all time favorite bloggers, Anne Zelenka , wrote a great post a while back that looked at the web and it’s impact on our ability to share and draw conclusions. She makes an excellent point when she says, “…[T]he world of ideas is smart and the web makes it smarter. I’m excited that we have this platform to accelerate our interaction. Or should I say that the world of ideas has this network of people to accelerate its evolution, because sometimes I think we are in service to ideas not the other way around.” It’s sharing and connecting that makes social media so meaningful.
7. How do you utilize social media?
I use social media to share, listen, and inform my opinions. When I first started subscribing to blogs, I was trying to figure out CSS and HTML. “How do I make a website?” was the question that drove me into the social media scene. Fortunately, I found a large number of people that were willing to share best practices with amazing detail. I strive to do the same for others.
8. What is one thing that mainstream population should know about social media?
There’s a conversation out there for everyone—it’s just waiting for you to join.
9. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
A mixture of lighthearted banter and acknowledgment of exceptional people, products, and ideas.
10. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
To me, the social media scene in Seattle is akin to a family.
11. Do you have a good social media success story or “wow” moment?
My “wow” moment came from my first SMC Seattle event where Chris Heuer talked about the “Business Case for Social Media.” He said, “Brands with the best storytellers win.” I think that’s the heart of Social Media; we’re all telling our story. I’m dedicated to help telling the story of Alaska Airlines.
Just For Fun:
12. What are your hobbies?
Running, tweeting, rock climbing, and appreciating great typography.
13. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
My favorite vacation spot is Kauai. Favorite thing to do is hike the Nā Pali Coast. It’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
14. Favorite restaurant in Seattle? Favorite food?
Right now, it’s Phuket. Favorite food: basil pesto.
15. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Run down on Alki, go sailing, enjoy happy hour on a deck somewhere, have cookouts with friends.
16. Most embarrassing CD you own?
Does anyone own CDs anymore? 
Um, the NSYNC Christmas CD.
17. Any hidden talents?
I love to cook from scratch and without a recipe.
18. What would you like everyone to know about you?
In sixth grade, my teacher awarded me the “Someone who can make friends in an empty room” award.
Elliott Pesut Links
- Elliott Pesut on Twitter
- Elliott Pesut on Facebook
- Elliott Pesut on LinkedIn
- Elliott Pesut’s Google Profile
- Elliott Pesut’s Flickr Photo Stream
- Alaska Airlines on Twitter
- Twitter helps to let Alaska Airlines go North of expected
- AUDIO: Airline Twits or how airlines are using Twitter to make life easier
VIDEO: Twitter Roadtrip’s Interview with Elliott Pesut
