Eric Berto: Seattle’s Geek Giant
Driving among Volkswagen Bugs and finding a Sherman tank-that pretty much describes the first time I ran into Eric Berto. It was at an SMC Seattle event and, despite having had encountered “the Geek Giant” online several times, it had not occurred to me that maybe his Twitter handle was more than just a clever name. Let me assure you: It is not.
At a towering 6′8″, Eric is a hard guy to miss in Seattle’s social media community (especially next to this Asian guy). Currently working as a Corporation Communications Manager at Right90, Eric is a regular at many of the social media events held around Puget Sound. He also attended Chris and Ponzi Pirillo’s Gnomedex conference as well as the last SXSWi. When he’s not working from his home in Kent, he can be found rooting for the Seahawks at the Hawk’s Nest in Seattle.
If you see Eric around, definitely say “Hi” to him. He’ll be more than happy to talk social media, Seattle sports, and beer with you.
The Basics:
1. What is your name?
Eric Berto
2. E-mail?
ericberto@gmail.com
3. What is your occupation? Company?
Corporation Communications Manager at Right90.
4. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area?
Grew up in Ojai, California, but have been coming to the area every summer since I was six. Moved up here full time in 2000 and graduated from Western Washington University.
5. How can people find you on the web?
The Geek Giant Blog
Social Media:
6. Why do you like social media?
I like the fact that it is totally opt-in. You get out of it what you put into
it. Since social media is totally passive, it allows those that hustle to rise
to the top.
7. How do you utilize social media?
I’m (a little too) active on Twitter, I occasionally blog and my day job allows me to implement some of these same methods as part of a sound public relations strategy.
8. What is one thing that mainstream population should know
about social media?
It’s OK to be yourself.
9. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
It’s like mining for gold. You sift through the rest of it and you’re bound to find a nugget. Oh, and Seahawks talk too.
10. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Diverse array of interests. It’s still social networking here, instead of
social marketing.
11. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future that you would like to let people know about?
I’m pretty easy to pick out of a crowd, so you’ll be able to find me wherever I’m at. 
Just For Fun:
12. What are your hobbies?
Die-hard Seahawks fanatic; I’m as much of a beer geek as I am a grammar geek; housework; and I am learning some hunting skills.
13. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
Anywhere warm, with a beach and Cuban cigars.
14. Favorite restaurant in Seattle? Favorite food?
My kitchen, but it’s in Kent. In Seattle proper, I’ll have to go with the Hawk’s Nest, the only true Seahawks bar in town.
15. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Mariners games; fishing; camping; working on my house.
16. Most embarrassing CD you own?
What is this CD you speak of? I’d have to say Backstreet Boys “Black and Blue.” I’ve also been to a Britney Spears concert.
17. Any hidden talents?
I am able to write press releases faster than a speeding bullet. I can
launch a blog in a single bound. I am stronger than a mass-pitched press
release.
18. What would you like everyone to know about you?
I like turtles.
Eric Berto Links:
- The Geek Giant Blog
- Eric Berto on Twitter
- Eric Berto on LinkedIn
- Eric Berto on Facebook
- Eric Berto on Flicker
- Eric Berto: SxSW Tips from a Geezer (Part 6)
- Eric Berto says “It’s okay to sleep.”
Eric Berto at Gnomedex
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