Social Media Interviews with companies doing Social Media right

The Nanny Nine: Guy Kawasaki

Guy Kawasaki

Remember in the last Nanny Nine, how I said it was often interesting how I met people. This is another one of those examples. It was April 15 2013, the day of the tragic Boston Marathon bombing. Tension was high and rampant on the Social Media sites, especially Facebook and Twitter. Along with that were the range of opinions by Social Media Specialists, on if/when/how often a Brand should be posting anything. I have my own opinions on this, and most of the time I chose to remain silent in the back-and-forth commentary about it. But that night was different. It felt like there was a higher than normal number of posts and comments about Brands ‘Social Media etiquette’ following a tragedy. I responded to one of Guy’s tweets, in which he was responding to someone who was lashing out at him. My response was in agreement to the other person. After tweeting I felt that gut instinct of “that was not professional”.

In less than an hour I got the shock of my life! Guy Kawasaki sent me a Direct Message, asking what was wrong with what he was doing. What followed was

The Nanny Nine: Standard Heating & Air Conditioning

One of the things I love about my business, and the Social Networking I do, is the people and companies I have the privilege of meeting. Sometimes it’s even how I meet them that makes the story even more fascinating. For example, how I met Santiago Strasser (@santistrasser), Marketing Manager for Standard Heating & Air Conditioning.

We were finally heading into some warmer Spring weather a few weeks ago, and decided to turn the AC on in our house. We noticed after a few hours that something wasn’t right, and after an inspection by a different heating and air company, it was determined our AC needed repair or replacement. Due diligence was done, and appointments were set, to accommodate my husband and myself both being here. This worked into the schedules for two companies, but not the third, Standard Heating and Air Conditioning. The morning of the other two appointments I did an early Tweet simply stating how “bummed I was that @StandardHeating could not get out before the next week.” The weather people were now predicting 90’s that following week.

A couple of hours later, I had a first happen to me with regard to Social Networking…

The Nanny Nine: Dennis Powell, Senior Producer ABC News and AARP Inside E Street

Dennis Powell

Dennis Powell didn’t plan on being a television producer. He likens it to “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”. After studying theatre in school, he became a clerk in the ABC business office, moved on to Video Tape Editor at ABC News, and then advanced to Producer. Over thirty years years later he is still in the journalism field. During that time frame, Dennis was a Senior Producer for ABC’s World News, covering events surrounding the President, legislation on Capitol Hill, Department of Transportation & Department of Homeland Security. Most recently he worked on ABC News ‘This Week with George Stephanopoulos’. Dennis is currently the Senior Editorial Producer for Inside E Street, a public affairs show produced by AARP, airing on most PBS stations.

The Nanny Nine: Wellstone-Barlow Mental Health Initiative

If you think Mental Illness doesn’t affect you, think again. I would bet that each of you knows someone with a Mental Health Condition…and you maybe don’t even realize it. This week we are tragically reminded of how Mental Health plays a part in every day lives, with the loss of Mindy McCready to suicide. Her struggles were well publicized, but she was ashamed of the stigma. For many people their conditions are not known, sometimes not even to themselves.

The Nanny Nine: Minnesota Baby

(photo credit – Teresa Hermes Photography)

It’s obvious when talking to Melissa Saigh that she absolutely loves being a Mom! Her love for Linna also pours into her Minnesota Baby blog, and her social media sites. Writing has been a passion for Melissa since High School, at the college newspaper, and with her first blog, Missi Made. On Missi Made she talked about fashion and then everything-wedding when she was planning her own. She knew she had hit on something great when an Oprah producer contacted her for a referral on a stylist, after seeing her wedding day hair pics on Missi Made!

The Nanny Nine: Home To Homestead with Elizabeth Ries

Elizabeth Ries, host of Twin Cities Live, has piqued the interest of many fans, friends and family members with her passion for Urban Farming. Twin Cities Live viewers often get updates on her passion, but so do followers to her Home to Homestead blog and Facebook page. The topics vary, including gardening, recipes and her three chickens…Roz, Suzie Q and MaryAnne. Note that their names were carefully chosen: Roz for her boyfriend Jay’s Mom; Suzie Q for her own Mom; and MaryAnne for her two sisters, their middle names.

The Nanny Nine: General Mills

I recently attended a local Social Media event, and sat in on Kevin Hunt’s presentation. I’ve been a long time user of General Mills brands, and was very curious about their Social Media Manager, and how the brand was utilizing the various Social Media venues. By the end of his presentation I was very happy with what I had seen and heard, and I also could tell Kevin is very passionate about what he does.

The Nanny Nine: Shakopee Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau

It wasn’t until last year that I joined our local Chamber of Commerce. To be honest, up until that point I wasn’t quite sure if there was a need. But then I hooked up with the Chamber online, via Facebook and Twitter. They were very responsive, informative and fun. After attending an event, and meeting the Chamber staff and other members, I was sold! I’ve not only made great business connections, I’ve gained a wonderful network of colleagues and friends.

The Nanny Nine: PowerSellingMom.com

Danna and I had known each other online long before we got the chance to meet in person 1 1/2 years ago. I have always admired her knowledge of everything eBay, and also her personality and willingness to help people in so many ways. Danna has been selling on eBay since 1997, and in 2007 she formed PowerSellingMom.com She is a recipient of the eBay Hall of Fame Award, and is a strong participant in the eBay Community. She is also an eBay Education Specialist, as well as a Trading Assistant. Those are just a few of the hats Danna wears – as I mentioned. she has vast knowledge of all things eBay 🙂

Danna is as vibrant in person as she is online. I found our discussions to be very engaging, and thought provoking…and full of smiles and laughter. She is a very caring person, which is evident in her personal life as well as with her customers.

The Nanny Nine: Mayor Brad Tabke

From the first Tweet I saw from Brad Tabke, I could tell he was a go-getter. I had recently begun my involvement with the local Chamber of Commerce and he was one of the first to make me feel welcome. …