When it comes to art, I’m awful. Really bad. I remember seeing drawings from when I was a kid and looking at them now, I might as well have not used my hands to draw them. But, thankfully, what I lack in artistic skillz (yes, I spelled it with a “z”), David Hoang more than makes up for.

To say David is a talented artist would be like calling Yao Ming slightly taller than average; an understatement of epic proportions. From his portraits of Guy Kawasaki to Monica Guzman to Chris Pirillo, David is an amazingly gifted artist who clearly has a passion for what he does. But besides art, another thing he loves is social media, and most recently, he’s decided to combine his two passions into one amazing project called Xhatch (cross hatch).

Please take a second to get to know David Hoang. You won’t regret it.

Thanks again, David!

**Note: This profile is a bit dated.

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
David Hoang

2. E-mail?
david@davidhoang.com

3. What is your occupation/company?
Visual Artist and Freelance Designer

4. What is the best part of your job?
I love the flexibility of my schedule. Sometimes I like to work for 20 hours straight and then take a day off. I get to work, play, eat, and sleep whenever I want to. In addition, it’s a job where I should probably like my boss… me! Awkward annual reviews in front of the mirror.

5. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area?
I grew up in Longview, WA. However, people in that area always say they are from the “Portland area,” kind of like how people from Everett might say they’re from Seattle. I moved to Seattle in 2006 after I graduated from college and plan to be here for a while. I have a lot of family up here, including 26 cousins.

6. How can people find you on the web?
Website (davidhoang.com); Blog (atDavid.com); Twitter (twitter.com/davidhoang)

Social Media:

7. What is it about social media that attracts you?
I like social media because it’s a great way to connect with people you otherwise would probably not meet. I’ve made good friends from Twitter, and at times, it can be a true community of care. Why wouldn’t you want to make the world smaller?

8. How do you utilize social media?
I use social media for storytelling and sharing—both personally and professionally.

9. What is one thing the mainstream population should know about social media?
Give it a chance! Don’t jump to a conclusion based on what you hear or think. Test drive before you buy (or sell).

10. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
You’ll get a lot of tweets about art, coffee, books, The Beastie Boys, and random thoughts I have. I don’t complain too much.

11. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
It’s wonderful… I’d say unrivaled by most cities. It’s amazing to read about how people in Seattle are using social media, particularly for good things, such as charities or volunteering (see @ShaunaCausey).

12. Do you remember your social media “wow” moment?
Reading my e-mail with the message “Trent Reznor is following you on Twitter.” That “wow” moment made me realize that Twitter really humanizes and connects people; people who you thought would be improbable to connect with. We just need to remember there are real faces behind the tweets.

The whole experience working with Veronica De La Cruz, Jane’s Addiction, Tony Hawk, Nine Inch Nails, and many others was unreal. So many people got together to rally a for meaningful cause (#Eric). We couldn’t have done it without social media.

13. What is one piece of advice you give to new users of social media?
Put some effort into understanding. What you will get back from social media will amaze you, but you have to try to understand it and try it out.

14. Are you currently working on any projects which involve the use of social media?
I’m working on a couple of art projects. One is a photo project—“Lateral Worldview”—which is a collaboration between me and someone else I met on Twitter. I still continue to draw the hand-drawn avatars, too. In fact, I just finished one of Guy Kawasaki. I’m also working on a website called Xhatch (pronounced “crosshatch”), which is going to be an online resource for artists.

15. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future you would like to let people know about?
Two big things are happening on August 29. First, Natasha Wescoat (@natasha) and I will be painting live at Bedlam Coffee on 2^nd and Bell. That starts at 3pm. Everyone is welcome to bring materials to make art with: createliveseattle.com.

On the same day, I am launching Xhatch (@xhatch), an online resource for artists. I wanted to have a website where people can go and watch “how to” videos and read useful articles for them to get into art or become a better artists. Niki Torres and I have been working extremely hard on getting the content looking good before we go live: xhatch.com.

Just For Fun:

16. What are your hobbies?
I try to be as nomadic as possible. I like to jump on the bus and randomly go somewhere; see what develops. Besides drawing and painting, I like to read, mountain bike, drink a lot of coffee, and watch stand-up comedy. My favorite thing to do is to sit with people and have conversations. I also have a 19-pound cat, Wilson, who I like to hang out with.

17. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
I’d love to travel all over the world, but my favorite spot to re-visit is Southern California. I have a lot of family down there. I always like to go to Los Angeles and finish off the trip with a quick trip to Santa Barbara.

18. Favorite restaurant in Seattle?
Hands down, Green Leaf.

19. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
I think Seattle has the best summer nights ever. I like to spend the evenings in the city, when everyone is out and enjoying the weather.

20. Favorite quote?
“Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.” — Salvador Dali

21. Guilty pleasure?
Sometimes I watch “Keeping Up With The Kardashians.” Enough said!

22. Favorite actor/actress?
I love Al Pacino because, after “Scarface,” he plays “Al Pacino” basically in every movie. My mom raised us with a heavy dosage of Arnold Schwarzenegger, too: Terminator, Predator, Commando, etc. However, my favorite actor is probably Liam Neeson.

I used to be in love with Winona Ryder. I think she is a brilliant actress. My favorite actress is probably Audrey Tautou.

23. I really like it when…
You get in that “creativity mode” where everything in life seems to pause, and all you are focusing on is your work.

24. One day I would love to…
Find the perfect hooded sweatshirt. I love hoodies and like all the ones I have. However, I haven’t found my soul mate.

25. If I could meet anyone, alive or dead, I would want to meet…
I would love to meet and have conversations with Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs), James Cameron (Terminator 2), and Frank Miller (Sin City, 300). They are all huge influences on me, especially regarding narratives, production, and creativity.

I also love their stories of how they made it, like how Tarantino was couch surfing and working at the Manhattan Beach Video Archives before he wrote “True Romance.” Or, how James Cameron’s mother would send him coupons for “buy one, get one free” coupons for Big Macs at McDonald’s while he was trying to make it in the film industry. These stories inspire me to put my dreams into action and never to let go of them.

I also love the late George Carlin; one of the most funny and intelligent men who ever lived. I love his non-sequitur and observational humor.

I just named four people, LOL.

26. What would you like everyone to know about you?
I am so OCD when it comes to eating Skittles. I group the flavors and eat one at a time. However, with other candies like M&Ms, I just grab a handful and eat them. Don’t think less of me. I also think the Nerds Blizzard is one of the worst inventions ever made. Nerds? Good. Blizzards? Amazing. Nerds Blizzard? Beyond horrible!!!

I am also a man who isn’t afraid of Hello Kitty.

David Hoang Links:

• David Hoang’s Xhatch.com
• DavidHoang.com
• David Hoang’s “AtDavid” blog
• David Hoang on Twitter
• David Hoang’s Facebook Fan Page
• David Hoang on UStream.tv
• David Hoang on Digg
• David Hoang on Flickr
• David Hoang on YouTube

David Hoang on His “Hand-Drawn Avatar Series”

Jason Preston Interviews David Hoang

SEATTLE SOCIAL MEDIA THOUGHTS

We have lots of brilliant social media people in here in Seattle and luckily they like to write about it.

• Shannon Paul: Becoming a Social Business
• Warren Sukernek: Don’t Read that DM
• Kristy Bolsinger: Don’t’ Take Advantage of Me
• Jessica Randazza: Is Social Media It?
• Filiberto Selvas: My Bookmarks 10/02/2009
• Randy Stewart: 140TC – The Twitter Conference
• Jennifer Cabala: Interview On Wiki-Brands With Sean Moffit
• Tac Anderson: Crowdsourcing Influentials Just Like Us

OTHER USEFUL SOCIAL MEDIA INFO

With so many social media bloggers, it can be easy to miss valuable articles – We make sure you don’t miss them.

• Harvard Business Publishing: Scoring with Social Media: 6 Tips for Using Analytics
• ManVsDebt: How NOT To Suck At Blogging
• McKinseyQuarterly.com: How Companies are Benefiting from Web 2.0
• RWW: More Proof Facebook for the Rich, Myspace for the Poor
• MediaBuyerPlanner: Microsoft’s ‘Looking Glass’ Enables Brands to Monitor Social Media
• TechCrunch: Twitter Lists Competitors Respond: We Can All Get Along
• For The Win: How to Succeed on Twitter
• Computer World: Google Wave could threaten Facebook, Twitter
• SAS.com: How to Lose Customers in Five Easy Steps
• Scott Monty: Recent Facebook Demographics
• Mashable: HOW TO: Get Started with Google Wave
• Pro Blog Design: 13 Great WordPress Plugins to Power Up Your Admin Area
• Brian  Solis: Revealing the People Defining Social Networks
• Sneer Well: 10 Firefox Addons and Plugins for Twitter
• BloggingTips: 101 Great Blogs You Should Be Subscribing To
• Fast Company: How Social Media is Upending the Enterprise

COOL THINGS WE FOUND THIS WEEK

Social media platforms by themselves can be overwhelming, unorganized, and a mess. Thankfully there are some people trying to help us out.

• Tweetoclock – “Find out when it’s best to tweet someone”
• Trendistic – “see trends in twitter”
• Overheard.it – Eavesdropping on Twitter
• 6 Great Twitter Quiz and Polling Apps

Do you know Blake Cahill? For a long time, I actually didn’t.

Of course, being heavily involved in the local social media community I knew of him, but surprisingly, it wasn’t until recently that I spoke with him for the very first time. How did I know of Blake? Well, to put it simply, he’s a very “visible” guy. First off, he’s the SVP of Marketing at Visible Technologies, which is one of the premiere social media monitoring solutions companies anywhere. Besides that, I also knew of Blake as a co-host of one of my favorite social media podcasts, Socializing Media.  Finally, I knew of Blake from being on the SMC Seattle board (as we’re both board members). But other than those three things, I honestly didn’t know much about him.

But recently, at an event in Bellevue I met Blake for the first time and have since spoken with him on a handful of occasions. Having done so, I can tell you this: he’s much more than the Visible Tech/SMC Seattle guy who’s on the podcast I like. Beyond being those three things, I’ve learned that Blake is a very devoted family man, an athlete, an artist, and most of all, a great guy with a solid sense of humor.

Please take the opportunity to get to know Blake Cahill. He can be found at many events around the sound and if you see him around, go say hey. You won’t regret it.

Thanks again, Blake!

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
Blake Cahill

2. Email?
blake@visibletechnologies.com

3. What is your occupation/company?
SVP of Marketing at Visible Technologies

4. What is the best part of your job?
Working with leading brands and agencies that are defining engagement and measurement in the social channel with their customers

5. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area?
East Coast, Midwest, Europe…been here for 5 years and enjoy people, business climate and outdoor activities of the Northwest

6.How can people find you on the web?
@bcahill on twitter

Social Media:

7. What is it about social media that attracts you?
The openness of dialogue and exchange of ideas

8. How do you utilize social media?
To stay connected, on top of breaking information, to share and to learn from others

9. What is one thing the main stream population should know about social media?
That it is such a rich source of insight and the most powerful way to connect with others

10. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
That I share interesting information about the social media space and pass along learning from others

11. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Vibrant and thriving – so maybe great brands doing things (Alaska, REI, Comcast, Microsoft, Starbucks) it’s amazing.

12. Do you remember your social media “wow” moment?
The wow moment for me was winning the business of a major finance services firm over three years ago that philosophically understood then where we would be now and invested towards it.  They are reaping the rewards for it.

13. What is one piece of advice you give to new users of social media?
Join, listen and share

14. Are you currently working on any projects which involve the use of social media? If so, what are they?
Too many to mention but am involved with UW on a couple of interesting things to support some of their classes and curriculums about new media, technologies and PR .  Additionally, we did some very cool work earlier in the year with the AdCouncil around a site for Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

15. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future you would like to let people know about?
Here’s a link to a sample of things we are doing.  http://www.visibletechnologies.com/events.html

Just For Fun:

16. What are your hobbies?
Triathlons, road biking, and painting

17. Favorite vacation spot?
Newport, Rhode Island

18. Favorite restaurant in Seattle?
Olivar

19. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Bike, Swim or run around Lake Washington or Lake Sammamish

20. Favorite quote?
“Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, our actions run as causes and return to us as results” – Herman Melville

21. Guilty pleasure?
TopPot Old Fashion Glazed Donuts – they are the best!

22. Favorite actor/actress?
Robert Redford

23. I really like it when…
The sun is out!

24. One day I would love to…
Teach where I went to school

25. If I could meet anyone, alive or dead, I would want to meet…
Nelson Mandela

Blake Cahill Links:

• Blake Cahill on VisInsights Blog
• Blake Cahill on Twitter
• Blake Cahill on Facebook
• Blake Cahill on LinkedIn
• Socializing Media Podcast

Blake Cahill talks with Jeremiah Owyang

Blake Cahill talks with Charlene Li

If you’re like me, you’re constantly amazed by the flow of amazingly bright people within Seattle’s social media scene. It seems every week, there are more and more just truly brilliant people to meet and a perfect example of that is Tac Anderson.

It was just about two months I first met Tac Anderson in Bellevue. After having talked on Twitter (have you heard of it?), we decided to meet one day for lunch and it was over that chat I learned a lot about him; he’s a recent transplant to the Seattle area, works as a Social Media Director at WagEd, and he’s a devoted family man, just to name a few things.

Since then, I’ve seen Tac at what seems like a thousand different events and each time I do, I walk away having had spent the time chating with him. He’s a great guy who’s brilliant when it comes to social media. In fact, Tac’s NewCommBiz blog is a regular in my rotation and one of my favorite blogs to recommend.

As a guy who’s very active and adds a lot to our community, I think everyone should take a second to get to know Tac Anderson. You won’t regret getting to know him.

Thanks again, Tac!

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
Tac Anderson

2. Email?
tac@newcommbiz.com

3. What is your occupation/company?
Social Media Director at Waggener Edstrom

4. What is the best part of your job?
Helping our clients use social media to achieve their business goals.

5. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area?
I am most recently from Boise, Idaho where I was working for Hewlett-Packard. I was recruited by Waggener Edstrom for this position and they moved me out here 3 ½ months ago.

6. How can people find you on the web?
Search for Tac Anderson on any search engine and I’m at least the first 5 SERPs. Or you can just go to my blog www.newcommbiz.com or on Twitter @tacanderson.

Social Media:

7. What is it about social media that attracts you?
I’m a people watcher. I love communication. I love the Internet. It’s a perfect match. Back in the mid 90’s I started studying Computer Mediated Communications and have always been fascinated by the space.

8. How do you utilize social media?
It’s pretty much everything I do. It’s how I communicate, how I learn, what I do for a living. It’s a bit all encompassing.

9. What is one thing the main stream population should know about social media?
It’s not that hard or scary.

10. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
Lots of links. I share things I find interesting.

11. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Very friendly and active. I’ve only been here 3 ½ months but everyone’s been great.

12. Do you remember your social media “wow” moment? What was it?
I’ve had a lot of them but the one that put me on the path I am today happened  a little over 5 years ago. I heard a webinar with Steve Rubel and the founder of the now dead-pooled PubSub and they were talking about how in *theory* companies could use things like RSS and blogs to reach their customers directly. Everything clicked and that’s when I decided this is what I was going to do.

13. What is one piece of advice you give to new users of social media? Could be specific or broad.
New users should get comfortable using the tools. RSS, social bookmarking, blogging and microblogging should be worked into your workflow.

14. Are you currently working on any projects which involve the use of social media?
LOL! All of them. That’s literally all I do.

15. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future you would like to let people know about?
BlogWorld is going to be a blast everyone should go to that. It’s in Vegas, in October and I’ll be speaking.  http://www.blogworldexpo.com/

Just For Fun:

16. What are your hobbies?
Hanging out with my wife and 3 kids. Music and Mountain Biking.

17. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
The mountains. Mountain bike

18. Favorite restaurant in Seattle?
Right now it’s probably The Flying Pie Pizza in Issaquah.

19. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
The coast is amazingly beautiful. My kids love the Pacific Science Center and the Seattle Aquarium. It’s also a goal of mine to make it to a Sounders FC game.

20. Favorite quote?
I have 3

Benjamin Franklin
I have always thought that one man of even moderate abilities can create great change and leave a powerful legacy if he has a good plan, stays focused on it and dedicates his life to making that plan a reality.

Theodore Roosevelt
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

Alexander Graham Bell
When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

21. Guilty pleasure?
Post-apocalyptic, Steam Punk and Cyberpunk Science Fiction.

22. Favorite actor/actress?
Don’t have a favorite.

23. I really like it when…
I learn something new.

24. One day I would love to…
Meet everyone and know everything.

25. If I could meet anyone, alive or dead, I would want to meet…
Anyone reading this.

26. What would you like everyone to know about you?
I have many leather bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany. (j/k) I think this interview covers it.

Tac Anderson Links:

• Tac Anderson’s New Comm Biz Blog
• Tac Anderson on Twitter
• Tac Anderson on Facebook
• Tac Anderson on LinkedIn
• Tac Anderson on Posterous
• Tac Anderson on MySpace
• Tac Anderson on Flickr
• iMediaConnection: Tac Anderson – Digital Consulting Director, Waggener Edstrom’s Studio D Group

Tac Anderson Explains Social Media ROI

SEATTLE SOCIAL MEDIA THOUGHTS

We have lots of brilliant social media people in here in Seattle and luckily they like to write about it.

• Ethan Yarbrough: Random Thought: Everything I Needed to Know About the Importance of Social Networking In Business I Learned In Kindergarten
• Tac Anderson: What Does the Future of Marketing Organizations Look Like?
• Kathy E. Gill: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (It Will Be Live, And On Your Phone)
• Randy Stewart: What Do You Do With All Those Photos?
• Jessica Randazza: Did You Forget How To Be Social?
• Marty Collins: Benchmarking Social Media Programs
• Warren Sukernek: Can I Catch Happiness From My Twitter Community?
• Filiberto Selvas: Get Them To Wear Your Brand With Pride
• Heidi Miller: Fun Facebook Facts

USEFUL SOCIAL MEDIA BLOGS, NEWS AND INFO

With so many social media bloggers, it can be easy to miss valuable articles – We make sure you don’t miss them.

• Adam Cohen: The Basics of Social Media ROI
• Jeff Bullas: 5 Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media
• Marc Mayer: Social Media is Free… But I’m Not
• Jason Falls: Smart Targeting: Influencers Or Fans?
• Jeremiah Owyang: Want A Corporate Social Media Job? Demonstrate These Essential Qualities
• Greg Verdino: Social Media Marketers Are A Shallow Bunch
• Smashing Magazine: Effective Twitter Backgrounds: Examples and Best Practices
• Seth Godin: Things To Ask Before You Redo Your Website
• MakeUseOf.com: 10 Solid Tips to Safeguard Your Facebook Privacy
• CNET: Voice Chat Coming To Facebook

EVERYTHING ELSE

Here you can find some of the interesting, insightful, or funny stories that were floating down the tweet-stream.

• 16 Wicked Easy Word-of-Mouth Marketing Tactics
• Scobleizer: Our online lives slowly leak away
• MNN: The 15 Most Toxic Places To Live
• NewScientist: Better world: Eat more plants
• LifeHacker: Five Features We Want to See in iTunes
• Kanye Being Kanye
• Politico: Obama Calls Kanye ‘Jackass’
• MSNBC: Bad Behavior? Blame the Internet!
• FOR A.tv: Steve Wozniak: How I Invented the Personal Computer
• PHOTO: Must. Not. Freak. Out.
• Six Revisions: Popular Search Engines in the 90’s: Then and Now

Jolkona Foundation. If you’re a Seattle local, I’m sure you’ve probably heard of it, but now it’s time to get to know one of the faces behind this amazing organization.

If you’re like me, you love giving to non-profit organizations; however, not being able to see the impact of your donation can be a bit frustrating. Well, not anymore, because when you donate to the Jolkona Foundation, you will receive tangible proof of your donation with a video, photos, or other material. In addition, with Jolkona, you have complete control over how your money is spent and to which causes it goes. And the best part about it? They’re fully utilizing social media in all of their efforts. Between their Facebook Connect integration with their website, to their blogs, to their YouTube videos, they are fully Non-Profit 2.0, and I think all other non-profit organizations should take notice of what they’re doing.

As you can tell, I’m a huge fan of what Adnan Mahmud and his wife and Co-Founder, Nadia, are doing with the Jolkona Foundation. I think it’s absolutely amazing stuff.

With that, please take a second to get to know Adnan, CEO of the Jolkona Foundation.

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
Adnan Azfar Mahmud

2. E-mail?
adnan at jolkona dot org

3. What is your occupation/company?
Co-Founder and CEO of Jolkona Foundation

4. What is the best part of your job?
Realizing every day that it doesn’t take million-dollar solutions to change people’s lives. There are small things that we can do that can go a long way in making the world a better place.

5. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area?
Originally from Bangladesh. I moved to Seattle almost six years ago when Microsoft hired me.

6. How can people find you on the web?
twitter.com/adnanmahmud

Social Media:

7. What is it about social media that attracts you?
That it is a relatively cheap way to reach a large community very easily. There is a low (negligible) barrier to entry, but the sky is the limit.

8. How do you utilize social media?
We use it as an effective marketing/PR vehicle to reach our supporters without spending big advertising money.

9. What is one thing the mainstream population should know about social media?
It is a lot more fun than people might think.

10. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
Random musings from a social entrepreneur with a wide array of interests who is focused on galvanizing the next generation of philanthropists.

11. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Nascent, fun, creative, vibrant, and full of potential.

12. Do you remember your social media “wow” moment? What was it?
Remember it very clearly—when Ashton Kutcher showed that he has just as much reach as a billion-dollar media giant.

13. What is one piece of advice you give to new users of social media?
You have got to have fun while using social media. If you think of it as a chore, it will be very unrewarding.

14. Are you currently working on any projects which involve the use of social media? If so, what are they?
Jolkona Foundation is a small non-profit startup that I co-founded, and we make extensive use of social media already and are constantly looking for ways to further invest in social media. Got any ideas?

15. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future you would like to let people know about?
Social Media Club Seattle’s monthly event is a definite must-attend for anyone in social media.

Just For Fun:

16. What are your hobbies?
Travel, music, collecting stamps (yup, some of us still do that!), any sort of sports but mostly beach volleyball and soccer, and meeting new people. I absolutely love meeting new people.

17. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
Some beach surfing, enjoying the sun, and sleeping!

18. Favorite restaurant in Seattle?
Umi.

19. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Anything, as long as it gets me out of the home. But, I do like to play beach volleyball as much as I can. Wish I could do more of it!

20. Favorite quote?
“All you can do is make the most of the time given to you.” – some movie

21. Guilty pleasure?
Okonomiyaki. But, we can’t get them here, so I would have to go with cupcakes!

22. Favorite actor/actress?
This one is obvious: Angelina Jolie.

23. I really like it when…
Someone takes the time to say “Hello… how are you doing?” with a genuine smile and care.

24. One day I would love to…
Travel the world and hear the stories of all the different people and truly acknowledge and appreciate that there are other ways of being than the one I have grown up knowing.

25. If I could meet anyone, alive or dead, I would want to meet…
Way too many. I have so many questions that I would like the answers to!

26. What would you like everyone to know about you?
I am just a man trying to find his way through this world.

Adnan Mahmud Links:

• Adnan Mahmud on Twitter
• Adnan Mahmud on LinkedIn
• Adnan Mahmud on Flickr
• Jolkona Foundation on Facebook
• Jolkona Foundation on YouTube
• SocialEarth: Jolkona Foundation Launches Website Targeting Young Philanthropists
• BusinessPortal24.com: Jolkona Foundation Focuses on the Big Impact of Giving Back
• The Seattle Times: Jolkona Foundation extends micro-giving to Seattle
• The Seattle Times: Drop by drop, a current of young philanthropy grows

Comcast Newsmakers: Adnan Mahmud, CEO of Jolkona Foundation

Jolkona Foundation Video

Do you love having a great time for a great cause? Do you believe in social media for social good?

If you do, then come on out to the Twestival Seattle event at the Spitfire Grill in downtown this Saturday. We’re going to have a rockin’ good time with some of the Seattle social media community’s biggest movers and shakers all while raising money and awareness in supporting YouthCare. Come join us!

What is Twestival?
Twestival is the largest Twitter-based fundraiser on EARTH! In over 200 cities globably, twitterati will converge upon their cities for a night of networking, social media, and support of a local charity.

When is Twestival Seattle?
Saturday, September 12, 7pm to midnight

Where will it be held?
The Spitfire Grill in DT Seattle – 2219 4th Avenue Seattle, WA 98121

Where can I buy tickets?
Right here – Use the code: VISIBLETECH for $5 off! Thanks, Visible Technologies!

What is YouthCare?
YouthCare is a Seattle-based nonprofit that’s dedicated to helping and supporting homeless and underserved youth. Follow them on Twitter for more information.

YouthCare Facts

• In King County, over 1,000 homeless youth are on the streets with no safe shelter or place to stay.
• Nearly 30% of homeless LGBTQ youth attempted suicide within the last year.
• YouthCare served over 10,000 meals and gave out 15,000 pairs of socks in 2008.
• In 2008, more than 23 completed high school diploma or GED through the Orion school or GED programs.
• YouthCare runs the ONLY 24-hour/7-day-a-week emergency shelter for under-18 youth in Seattle.
• YouthCare Street Outreach makes over 10,000 contacts each year with high-risk youth.
• Hundreds are turned away from YouthCare’s workforce training each year due to lack of program funding.
• The number completing YouthCare’s educational and workforce training program exceeds the national average.  

Do you have more questions?
Contact Joann Jen – joannjen@gmail.com; (206) 443-9357; (425) 273-0100 (Cell)

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

*** Apologies about the dark video. I #blamedrewscancer. ***

The name Jeremiah Andrick first popped on my radar at BarCamp Seattle 2009 when I saw a fiery-haired man with dark-rimmed glasses standing on a bench in the lobby area of the Adobe Center. He was reading off conference center rules and normally this wouldn’t be worth mentioning, but this was different. He was reading off rules that anyone would already understand, yet all of the attendees were locked on him as if he were emitting some gravitational pull to which they were powerless. “Don’t… or I’ll punch you in the throat.” Each time, the entire room would explode with laughter. “This is going to be a great weekend,” I thought to myself. Turns out I was right.

BarCamp Seattle was one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences I had in 2009; it was stimulating, educational and involved some of the most engaging and honest conversations that I’d experienced in some time. How does this relate to Jeremiah? In just a few minutes, Jeremiah set the tone for what turned out to be an amazing weekend, and I think without him standing on that bench, it may have been a very different experience altogether.

Get to know Jeremiah, wouldja?

The Basics:

1. What is your name?
Jeremiah Andrick

2. E-mail?
jeremiahandrick at gmail dot com

3. What is your occupation/company?
Online Customer Acquisition Manager for Logitech.

4. What is the best part of your job?
I love the people and their passion for the products. We are really hungry to create great customer experiences with technology.

5. Originally from?
Crosby, North Dakota; a small town in the middle of nowhere with lots of wonderful Scandinavians. I moved here in 2005 when Microsoft hired me.

6. How can people find you on the web?

• www.twitter.com/jandrick
• www.linkedin.com/in/jandrick
• www.thecubiclepunk.com

Social Media:

7. What is it about social media that attracts you?
I love meeting new people, and I find that the social media helps connect us to a more diverse set of people. But more than that, I enjoy the speed of communication and diversity of voices it attracts.

8. How do you utilize social media?
Mostly to connect with friends, plan events, and share industry information.

9. What is one thing the mainstream population should know about social media?
It can be revolutionary at a personal level. You can reconnect with your past, build a future, or make yourself a complete tool. But ultimately, like all forms of communication, it comes down to how you use it.

10. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
Lots of hipsters, sushi, and a fair amount of travel-related chit chat.

11. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Upside down pineapple cake… I love that people are interested in social media, but I would rather focus on the tech scene at large. Is social media making our tech community stronger? Are we creating new things and changing the world, or are we just being cheerleaders of the passe? I have more questions than answers, but I think that as a community we need to move away from the cheerleading. To be fair, I wrestle with this knowing I am just as guilty of it from time to time.

12. Do you remember your social media “wow” moment?
I don’t. There have been a series of moments in the last three years that I have seen projects or experiments just blow up online. For example, I raised $500 for a charity earlier this year in less than 14 hours by using Twitter and a blog post.

13. What is one piece of advice you give to new users of social media?
Humans are broken and prone to err. Don’t worry about being polished; don’t obsess about your brand; just have fun and be yourself.

14. Are you currently working on any projects that involve the use of social media?
I am always working on some kind of project that probably involves social media or the web. I have a big idea right now that I am trying to flush out, but I will keep it to myself til I figure out if it is worth pursuing.

15. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future you would like to let people know about?
I am really excited for Interactive Strategies 2009 in Houston. I am speaking on digital blight. www.is-conference.com

Just For Fun:

16. What are your hobbies?
Cooking, hockey, and hiking.

17. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
I haven’t had a real vacation in five years. But if I had to pick a place, it would probably be somewhere with a beach and no crowds.

18. Favorite restaurant in Seattle?
Rikki Rikki in Kirkland.

19. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Hiking—I love the outdoors and really enjoy getting away to the mountains.

20. Favorite quote?
“Hammers don’t talk, Hammers don’t try, Hammers don’t promise, Hammers just do.” - A Scandinavian proverb

21. Guilty pleasure?
Gossip Girl… But don’t tell.

22. Favorite actor/actress?
hmmm…  Tough question because people will read a lot into the answer. I love the Big Lebowksi, so I would say Jeff Bridges for his portrayal of “the dude.”

23. I really like it when…
“… a plan comes together.”

24. One day I would love to…
Be charming and talented.

25. If I could meet anyone, alive or dead, I would want to meet…
Lord Horatio Nelson. Obscure… Yes, but I have read a few books, and he was a very interesting and innovative leader.

26. What would you like everyone to know about you?
Sometimes, I carry. Be afraid, be very afraid.

Jeremiah Andrick Links:

• Jeremiah Andrick’s Blog: The Cubicle Punk
• Jeremiah Andrick on Twitter
• Jeremiah Andrick on Facebook
• Jeremiah Andrick on LinkedIn
• Jeremiah Andrick on Flickr
• Jeremiah Andrick’s Google Profile
• Jeremiah Andrick on YouTube
• Jeremiah Andrick on SlideShare
• Jeremiah Andrick on FriendFeed
• Jeremiah Andrick on Biznik
• Jeremiah Andrick’s Interactive Strategies 2009 Bio

VIDEO – Jeremiah Andrick: Google PR Sculpting and Nofollow Debate

Jeremiah Andrick: Google PR Sculpting and Nofollow Debate - The funniest bloopers are right here