
The Nanny Nine: Jason DeRusha, Reporter
Chances are if you live in the Twin Cities or surrounding cities, you’ve seen Jason DeRusha. The question is…where have you seen him? Not only is he a reporter for WCCO (CBS), he often Anchors the news desk, is the Host of Good Question on WCCO, a Food Writer & Guest Judge, Blogger, Guest Speaker, and avid user of Facebook and Twitter.
One thing you don’t question is his sincerity and passion. This is evident in his everyday presence and demeanor on the web. He talks to people, not at them, by asking and answering questions, sharing information, and genuinely being himself…a great example of how Social Networking should be done!
1. How long have you been using Social Networking for your business?
As soon as I was allowed to be on Facebook, as a non-college student, I was on it. I’ve been on Twitter since August 2, 2007 (the day after the 35W bridge collapsed in Minneapolis – I was on scene all night covering that, and joined the next day).
2. Is your business using Facebook &/or Twitter?
Yes, WCCO-TV has a Facebook Page and a @WCCOBreaking Twitter feed as well as a more general @WCCO twitter feed.
3. Facebook vs Twitter – do you like one better? If yes, why?
I like both for different reasons. Twitter feels more like a Happy Hour to me – where I’m surrounded by thousands of really interesting people. I use it to get instant feedback, to share quips, and to search for experts for my news stories. Facebook provides a wider cross-section of opinions from people who’ve Liked my page, and allows for longer, more thoughtful responses.
4. Do you post daily?
I post multiple times a day! I’m obsessed!
5. What is your favorite thing about Social Networking?
6. What do you think is the biggest benefit of Social Networking?
As a journalist, it’s a constant check and balance of my work: am I being fair? Am I covering interesting topics? Am I surprising people with things they didn’t know?
7. How do you measure Social Networking, and explain.
8. What is the best moment you’ve had on a Social Networking site?
Last night I was hosting a fundraiser at a local homeless shelter, and a couple came up to me and said, “I wouldn’t have been here except for your Tweets!” That’s so inspiring to me – that there’s this whole social network out there full of people who want to do good. That couple being at that fundraiser helped put a family in the homeless shelter for a week – all because of a social network. It’s powerful.
9. What is your best piece of advice to other businesses about Social Networking?
Facebook: Jason DeRusha
Twitter: @DeRushaJ
The Nanny Nine brought to you by the Social Networking Nanny