Chris Brogan has started a big conversation on his blog. My story needs to be shared on my blog so here we go!

What were your first steps into social media?

In March of 2006, I attended an in-service with Library 2.0 guru Michael Stephens. He outlined the components of Web 2.0, introduced us to blog readers, flickr & social networking sites. And he wrapped it up by challenging us to start blogging - which I did. One month later my Director said, I can’t believe you did that without asking?! and asked me to stop which I did. But I was hooked because the blog reader was invaluable for my new hobby of digital scrapbooking. A month or so later our Director brought in Stephen Abrams a Library 2.0 powerhouse from Ontario.

I became actively involved in the online digital scrapbooking community. I loved the social interaction, learning curve of the hobby & soon found myself helping others. I was in search of an organizing sol’n & found that ACDSee Photo Manager was a fit. As I explored it I helped others in their adoption (by reading the help files :) )

How did you get started?

My turning point in going from a hobby to an addiction happened when Jason Kiwaluk, Community Manager from ACDSee contacted me. He provided me with book titles to read (see below) & links to learn WOM & brand monitoring. In Jan 07 my sister & I launched DigiScrapInfo & I started blogging. Jason expanded his mentoring to include site optimization, SEO, and taught us the basics of driving traffic & immersed us in exploring social media tools.

Who were your early people you admired and followed?

By the end of March 2007 I had exhausted the latest books (even working at a library!) & started reading blogs. When I found Jeremiah Owyang’s blog the resonance was staggering. I mined his categories & he became a great mentor & friend. I love his analytical sense of web strategy. Chris Brogan has also served as a great role model in terms of building community. I have adopted his “What can I do for you?”. Sean O’Driscoll has also greatly influenced me. He has incredible community resources on his blog. In December I had the joy of meeting Jeremiah & Sean in Seattle.

Last summer Dan Schawbel commented on my blog & he’s mentored me in personal branding. In return I edit his Personal Branding Magazine (which is a great resource that everyone should read!!) Since then my list has kept growing. Shel Israel was high on my list after reading his book & he’s now a valued friend.

Here is my list of great influencers in no particular order:

If you were going to give advice to someone starting out, what would you tell them?

I recommend three things:

  1. The following books are must reads:
  2. Read blogs & participate in the conversation. Learn as much as you can. Choose from the many I’ve listed above. Start your own blog! :)
  3. Identify your interests, strengths & weaknesses. Learn from those above. I mentioned the word ‘mentor’ many times & we’re here to help you!

What will you do in the next few months with social media?

  • As a Community Manager I keep my plate full.
  • In the professional community I work to connect people & provide mentorship.
  • And you just never know! Things move quickly in the social media world & I’m always open to new challenges.

Please join the conversation & share your story of how you got started! I’d love to read it. Maybe I’m calling out all of you above?! Do tell - we want to know. :)