97 Remarkable Ways to Diversify Your Network in a Down Economy
October 15th, 2008
Are you looking to expand your network? Or, perhaps create some new connections to make yourself even more recession proof…?
image source: 24oranges.nl
If I hear the words “down” and “economy” in the same sentence one more time I might just hurl my laptop out the window!! And, to be honest, this post could actually be titled, “97 Ways to Diversify Your Network in ANY Economy.”
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the value of using your indirect network and how you can capitalize on its potential to expand your business, or grow your ideas, by engaging the followers of your followers (who can be just as valuable).
Case in point, I came to know Sean Bohan of Core Performance via a Twitter message sent out by Chris Brogan and to date, Sean has been one of the most ardent supports of Train for Humanity.
Whether you are looking to start a small business, travel the globe, gain some traction with social media, or even maintain your current existence…creating a network of like-minded individuals can help to keep you focused, informed, and on task. As a small business owner myself, and someone who is attempting to launch a humanitarian initiative, I think it is paramount that we all assist each other in these times of uncertainty.
What I thought I would do today is list out 97 people that I follow on Twitter and whose blogs I happen to read. To help you to identify whom you might be interested in following or reading I have included everyone’s Twitter profile, blog link, and brief bio.
Under the various topic headings I have not listed people in any particular order…just how they happened to fall while I was researching this post.
Please NOTE - this is NOT a popularity contest! These are people that I happen to follow. I am not stating that they are the most popular, but to me they add value to what I am trying to accomplish.
This is how we help each other…we meet, we connect, and we exchange ideas! Some folks below you will recognize and others you won’t. Truthfully, I don’t want to see ANYBODY fail, sink, or go down with the ship!! (Myself included.) So, let’s expand our networks, join forces, be proactive, and kick some ass.
Happy connection making!
image source: www.FinancialAidPodcast.com and www.ChristopherSPenn.com
PR/Marketing/Social Media/Business - I started off not knowing a thing about social media marketing and because I am still learning the people below are who I read when I need some insight. I am quite certain you will find tremendous value in their blogs and Twitter messages.
Sean Bohan - @SeanBohan, http://www.seanbohan.com/ - when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro - Hunter S. Thompson.
Ross Hill - @RossHill, http://www.rosshill.com.au/ - Entrepreneur, Yabble, Rentoid, The Hive, etc.
Sarah Evans - @PRsarahevans, http://www.linkedin.com/in/prsarahevans - PR professional and social media freak.
Corvida - @Corvida, http://shegeeks.net/ - ReadWriteWeb writer, social media co-ordinator, SheGeeks author.
Colleen Wainwright - @communicatrix, http://communicatrix.com/ - Translating truth into various media since 1961.
Tracey Hope Ross - @thopeross, http://www.momcentralconsulting.com/ - VP of Research at Mom Central Consulting. Possible cynic. Proud owner of a calculator as big as my head.
Chad Richards - @chadrichards, http://blog.firebellydigital.com/ - Social media specialist at Firebelly in Indianapolis.
Laura Fitton - @Pistachio, http://pistachioconsulting.com/press/who-is-pistachio/ - Much excitement and geekiness about where this all leads.
Marc Pitman - @marcapitman, http://fundraisingcoach.com/ - Fundraising coach, author “Ask Without Fear!”
Marketing PRofs - @MarketingProfs, http://www.marketingprofs.com/ - Smart thinking, pass it on.
Shama Hyder - @ShamaHyder, http://www.afterthelaunch.com/ - Online marketing expert.
Kathryn Nudelman - @Kathryn_N, http://www.newlevelgroup.com/ - Marketing, interactive design and user experience, strategy, paradigmn shift.
Steve Garfield - @SteveGarfield, http://stevegarfield.com/ - Founder of Boston Media Makers.
Becky McCray - @BeckyMcCray, http://www.smallbizsurvival.com/ - Small town entrepreneur
Shana Albert - @TheNanny612, - Web designer, webmaster and a blogger. My recent passion is social media and Web 2.0.
Ryan Stephens - @RyanStephens, http://www.ryanstephensmarketing.com/blog/ - Entrepreneur, social media, Gen Y, relationship marketing, SEO.
KMunse - @kmunse, http://www.socialmediamom.com/ - I am a social media consultant and mom to 4 kids.
Brian Wallace - @nowsourcing, http://www.nowsourcing.com/blog - Blogging and social media’ing around.
Lid - @madlid, http://blog-well.com/ - An Aussie in Palo Alto.
Tibi - @tibipuiu, http://www.lostartofblogging.com/ - Blogger, social media connoisseur and freelancer.
Valeria Maltoni - @ConversationAge, http://www.conversationagent.com/ - I have been called a communicator, a marketer, and a Renaissance person.
Reem Abeidoh - @rabeidoh, http://www.reemabeidoh.com/ - Web 2.0 Strategist, blogger, podcaster and social networker.
Deb Robison - @DebInDenver, http://icantkeepup.blogspot.com/ - Creating community through social networks.
Ange Recchia - @angesbiz, http://angesbiz.com/ - Addicted to my laptop, I trekked the Kokoda Track in June 2008! Internet Marketing fits in there somewhere.
Kristie Wells - @KristieWells, http://www.kristiewells.com/ - Founder of Social Media Club. Community evangelist, connector, communicator.
Nan Palmero - @NanPalmero, http://salesby5.com/ - Chief Inspiration Officer at Sales by 5.
Marta Kagan - @mzkagan, http://bonafidemarketinggenius.com/ - Social media evangelist/online marketing pro.
image source: MarinaAvila
BIG DOGS - You are most likely already reading the blogs of these incredibly intelligent individuals. If for some reason you aren’t then I suggest you start here before going any further down the list.
Jeff Pulver - @JeffPulver - http://pulverblog.pulver.com/ - Technology Anthropologist; Entrepreneur; Early-Stage Seed Investor; speaker, Living in Social Media
Robert Scoble - @Scobleizer, http://www.fastcompany.com/scoble - Tech geek blogger @ http://scobleizer.com .
Jim Long - @newmediajim, http://www.vergenewmedia.com/ - New media soul trapped in an old media body.
Chris Brogan - @chrisbrogan, http://chrisbrogan.com/ - Social media type, but love the emerging enterprise tech space, too.
Guy Kawasaki - @guykawasaki, http://blog.guykawasaki.com/ - Online magazine editor.
Steve Rubel - @steverubel, http://www.micropersuasion.com/ - Micropersuasion
Liz Strauss - @lizstrauss, http://www.successful-blog.com/ - Social Web Strategist - I show businesses & universities how to choose and use social media tools to make business growth faster.
Gary Vaynerchuk - @garyvee, http://garyvaynerchuk.com/ - Winelibrary.com and I care about this: The health and happiness of my Family and Friends. Keep it simple!
Darren Rowse - @ProBlogger, http://www.problogger.net/ - Blog tips to help you make money.
Jeremiah - @jowyang, http://web-strategist.com/blog - Currently employed as Senior Analyst, Social Computing, Forrester Research.
Shel Israel - @shelisrael, http://globalneighbourhoods.net/ - Writer. speaker. nice guy.
Brian Solis - @briansolis, http://www.briansolis.com/ - Principal of FutureWorks, an award-winning PR and New Media agency in Silicon Valley.
Pete Cashmore, @mashable, http://www.mashable.com/ - Mashable is the world’s most popular blog focused on online social networking.
Kevin Rose - @KevinRose, http://kevinrose.com/ - Founder of Digg, Revision3, Pownce. Rock climber, tea drinker, podcaster.
Maki - @doshdosh, http://www.doshdosh.com/ - Concerned citizen of the world.
Tony - @zappos, http://www.zappos.com/ - CEO of Zappos.
Lifestyle/Travel/Cubicle Escape Artists - mostly folks who are pursuing a life outside of the traditional norm of a nine to five job.
Jarkko Laine - @jalaine, http://insanelyinterested.com/ - A dad. a blogger… a guy insanely interested in everything.
Glenn - @PluginID, http://www.pluginid.com/ - Plug into your Identity
Jonathan Fields - @jonathanfields, http://www.jonathanfields.com/ - Father, husband, career renegade, lifestyle-entrepreneur, marketing/copywriting maven, blogger, social-media explorer.
Pam Slim - @pamslim, http://www.escapefromcubiclenation.com/ - I love entrepreneurship
Mark McGuinness - @MarkMcGuinness, http://lateralaction.com/ - Poet, creative coach, co-founder of Lateral Action.
Terence Chang - @TerenceChang, http://www.terencechang.com/ - internet entrepreneur.
Al - @Seven_P, http://7pproductions.com/blog/ - Blogger at 7P Productions
Soultravelers3 - @soultravelers3, http://www.soultravelers3.com/ - Family on 3rd year of open ended world tour.
Julie Gallaher - @juliemarg, http://thingsyoushoulddo.com/ - Fun things to do - cool places to go.
Brian - @coqui2008, http://www.visit-the-coqui.com/ - Travel blogger - spreading the word about the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
Kelly Rigby - shepower, http://www.she-power.com/ - I’m a freelance writer, aspiring novelist, mother, wife, and an all round cool chick on the wrong side of 35.
Catherine Lawson - @CathLawson, http://www.cathlawson.com/blog - Join me on a journey to success in business and life.
Pearl - @tyropearl, http://fresh-perspectives.net/ - Fresh perspectives.
Jenny Mannion - http://jennymannion.com/healpain/ - It took only a couple of weeks to turn my health and life around (almost 2 years ago).
Chris Guillebeau - @chrisguillebeau, http://chrisguillebeau.com/3×5 - Challenging Authority Since 1978.
Non-Profit/Social Responsibility - organizations and people who are attempting to use social media and blogging to make the world a better place.
Train for Humanity - @train4humanity, http://trainforhumanity.org - getting fit + social media + blogging = social good
Katrinah - @Katrinah, http://www.katrinah.com/ - I care about education: it’s the way to empower people. I love technology, social media, video, clean tech & twitter.
Amy Sample Ward - @amyrsward, http://amysampleward.org/ - Connecting non-profits to social media tools for listening, conversations, and more effective social change.
Erik Hersman - @whiteafrican, http://www.whiteafrican.com/ - Where Africa and technology collide… and other stuff.
Beth Kanter - @kanter, http://beth.typepad.com/ - Social Media for non-profits for social change.
Sara - @thewordisberry, http://www.ecosalon.com/about - I am the editor and manager of EcoSalon. The site is new, so please check us out and feel free to share feedback. I greatly appreciate your excessive support.
Jonathon D. Colman - @jcolman, http://www.nature.org/ - Associate Director, Digital Marketing, The Nature Conservancy: social media, web 2.0.
Shea Gunther - @SheaGunther, http://meatspacetees.com/blog/ - I’m an eco-entrepreneur running Meatspace Tees. I’m a pro green blogger and live in Maine.
Health/Food - looking to get into shape? These folks can help. Visit SweetsFoods after you workout.
Mark Salinas - @mark_salinas, http://marksalinas.com/ - I am just a guy on a journey, hoping to inspire others. I am passionate about health, fitness and family.
Talli van Sunder - @TallivanSunder, http://www.beinghealthy.tv/ - Doctor of Physical Therapy, exercise & health nut, podcaster, new mom, avid reader.
Stephen Cooper - @StephenCooper, http://stephencoopertraining.com/ - L.A. personal trainer
Core Performance - @coreperformance, http://www.coreperformance.com/ - Core Performance is the premier website to improve your game and your life.
Steven Dean - @sgdean, http://www.g51studio.com/ - Designer, health 2.0 entrepreneur, educator, endurance racer.
SweetFoods - @sweetsfoods, http://www.sweetsfoods.com/ - Engineering & Business…but not all is work ;) I’m a foodie and I enjoy sweets.
Friendly Folks
Liz - @nwjerseyliz, http://spiral-scratch.blogspot.com/ - A Californian-in-exile on the East Coast. Where is the fog, damn it?
Dana Twichell - @DanaTwichell, http://thoughts4food.typepad.com/ - Visionary ideator learning the intricacies of social media.
Lucilla Feliciano - @LucyFel, http://www.cimapr.com/ - Linking people with careers.
Kris - @FreshFocus, http://freshfocus.info/blog - Professional organizer & productivity expert.
Judy Vorfeld - @Judy_Vorfeld, http://www.ossweb.com/ - Love Internet, reading, photography, people, pets, & suspense movies.
CoachBriany - @coachbriany, http://www.expertintherough.com/ - Live big, live small, people will still bitch, Live Big.
Kim Woodbridge - @kwbridge, http://www.kimwoodbridge.com/ - (Anti) Social development, Wordpress, RSS, Aston Villa Fan, Real Madrid.
Brian Swanson - @bgswanson, http://blogs.purpleant.us/bswanson - President Purple Ant Software, .NET win/web developer, DNN-guru wannabe…
TJ Sondermann - @sondernagle, http://tsondermann.mp/ - Parenting, urban sustainability, non-profits and social technology.
Rebecca Leaman - @rjleaman, http://domestikgoddess.com/about/ - Writer, editor, and beekeeper.
Jaculynn Peterson - @diablogue_chat, http://diablogue.wordpress.com/ - Always stretching to wrap my arms around the social sphere.
Ron Hudson - @Ron_Hudson, http://immediateinfluenceblog.com/ - Strategic Influence Trainer and coach.
Lola - http://twitter.com/Lola86 http://www.africannect.com/ - a blogger, a geek, an Africanist, a techie, creative, interested, & passionate.
Stephen Smith - @hdbb_stephen, http://hdbizblog.com/blog/welcome-twitter-friends/ - I write about productivity.
Liz Scherer - @LizScherer, http://www.flashfree.wordpress.com/ - Interactive health ad copywriter, news reporter, sometimes journalist, wordsmith interested in reveling in the web, social media and life.
Web Design - need some help with branding or web design?
Sean Hodge - @seanhodge, http://aiburn.com/ - Branding and web design.
Joshua Clanton - @joshuacc, http://www.joshuaclanton.com/blog/ - Web designer, blogger, and aspiring author.
Chris Pearson - @pearsonified, http://www.pearsonified.com/ - If you’re using a WordPress theme that I didn’t build, it’s time to get your head checked
Steve Snell - @stevensnell, http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/ - Web designer, blogger, freelance writer, and founder of traffikd.com.
Easton Ellsworth - @easton, http://www.visionaryblogging.com/about/ - Blog consultant, work-at-home dad, BlogActionDay.org promoter.
CyberPunkDreams - @cyberpunkdreams, http://www.dbpractice.com/ - Lateral thinking… design and other stuff.
ProBlogDesign - @problogdesign, http://www.problogdesign.com/ - Web designer, specializing in blog design. Which I blog about.
Miscellaneous
Barack Obama - @BarackObama, http://www.barackobama.com/ - Presidential candidate.
The Onion - @theonion, http://www.theonion.com/connect - America’s finest news source.
MC Hammer - @mchammer, http://www.dancejam.com/ - Hammertime….need I say anymore!
Bill Gates @billgates, http://www.microsoft.com/ - Your Potential, Our Passion.
Rick Sanchez - @ricksanchezcnn, http://www.cnn.com/ - Newscaster.
Anderson Cooper @AndersonCooper, http://ac360.com/ - Newscaster
Some good news - - If you make a commitment and choose to connect with at least one person listed above everyday (for 97 days) that’s over three months worth of network diversification. Wow!!
Finally, as I am ALWAYS looking to expand my existing network, you can follow me on Twitter, get the MyTropicalEscape feed, or go check out what we are trying to do with the new humanitarian organization Train for Humanity. I also encourage you to please add in people below in the comments that you feel would be worth following and if you know of anyone looking to diversify their network let them know that this list is here.
Editor’s note: You might also enjoy these other posts available here at MyTropicalEscape:
- 39 Things I Have Learned As I Prepare to Turn 40
- A Rookie Entrepreneur Looks Back at Lessons Learned During Year One
- The Cat Is Outta The Bag - How Top Bloggers Divide Their Time For Maximum Exposure
- According to Seth Godin, Tim Ferriss is a LIAR
- Ten Questions - Interview With Darren Rowse of ProBlogger
- AnyWired–Middlebrook Make Money Online Challenge: The Beginning
- Make Money Challenge - The Ideas Are Hatching
- Ten Questions With Leo Babauta of Zen Habits
- AnyWired-Middlebrook Make Money Online Challenge: Open Source Entrepreneurship
- Ten Questions With Skellie of Skelliewag.org
- Value Added Blogging - The Art of Growing Traffic Organically One Reader at a Time
- 30 Must Read Articles To Help Kick Start Your Blog, Attract More Readers, And Stay Motivated
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October 15th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Mark,
Thanks so much for including me in your list of 97 people to connect with. Certainly, many of these names are very familiar, but there are others I don’t know, and I’m looking forward to reaching out and connecting with many of them.
One of the themes of my blog over the last couple of weeks is filtering and sharing great content, and that’s exactly what you’ve done with this rather extensive post. These are all people that have the ability to impact our lives in a positive way, and you’ve provided a real resource by compiling them here.
Now, I just need to get my 5K time back down around 22:00 so I can keep up with you!
Best wishes!
October 15th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Thanks Mark!
It seems that we follow many of the same people but there are definitely some on this list that I need to check out. Thanks for putting this list together.
October 15th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Hey Mark, this is a very extensive list and like Ryan, I know and follow some and others here I haven’t had the pleasure yet so thanks for putting this together.
I agree with the use of the words “down” and “economy” in the same sentence. It’s really what you make of it from your own perspective as to how you deal with the challenges that face you everyday. For one thing, I am ever so grateful for what I do have and everything else always falls into place. There’s no time to waste energy on the negative stuff anyway… blessed be… and thanks for the link!
October 15th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Mark,
As I write this comment I hope you and your wife are safe during the passing of Hurricane Omar.
Thank you so much for the mention in this blog. I truly hope that you and the other athletes of Train for Humanity succeed in reaching your goal.
Gracias de una amiga,
Lucy
October 15th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Mark, I’m just delighted to be on your list of “Friendly Folks” — can’t think of a nicer category to be in, or a nicer surprise to brighten up a mid-week! More importantly, among the familiar names here, I see some interesting people it would be a pleasure to connect with. New friends, new ideas, new connections — that is the way to growth, in any context and in any kind of economy! Thanks so much for taking the trouble to put together this post.
October 15th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Hey Mark,
Thanks for including me.
Best,
Coop
October 15th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Mark:
Thank you for the link love. It’s amazing how many more friends you have made since you started this blog. You are doing excellent jobs on your way to success.
I have a lot to learn from all the great people above. Good to see you making great progress. Keep it up! I am honored to be part of your journey.
October 15th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
You have some interesting friends! Thanks for sharing.
Carrington
October 15th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Mark:
I did not make your list so I thought I would introduce myself…
http://yinvsyang.com
Hope you enjoy!!! I will be following you on twitter soon as well…thanks for the wonderful list!
October 15th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Aweome list, thanks for writing it (and for including me :))
Now, after reading this post, I’m following many more people on Twitter than I was last night.
October 16th, 2008 at 1:17 am
Great list, Mark. There are a lot of people whom I already know well, but there’s an equal amount of social folk that I haven’t had the chance, yet, to interact with. Oh, and thanks for adding me to the list, as well. Always a pleasure to follow you :D.
Now, it’s time to socialize a bit ;)
October 16th, 2008 at 3:08 am
Mark, thanks for including me in the list with such wonderful folks! Some familiar and many to get to know!
October 16th, 2008 at 3:51 am
Hi Mark, Thank you for including me on this list — LOTS of new people/sites to check out. Gratefully, Jenny
October 16th, 2008 at 4:08 am
Interesting list Mark. Some folks I follow; others I don’t. Intrigued enough to check some of them out though.
Regards.
October 16th, 2008 at 4:26 am
Wow!I’m honored that you included me, mark. Thank you! That means a lot to me and it’s a great way to start a Thursday!
October 16th, 2008 at 4:49 am
Hi Mark: Thank you so much for including me in your list of friends. You have been an inspiration for me and I’m learning so much more about marketing and social media from you in the past few months.. so thanks
Good to see Bill Gates and Hammer on your list :) have you had a chance to interact with them yet?
October 16th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Wow! What an awesome list!!
Thanks so much for including us. Our world tour has us in near Nice on the French Riviera at the moment, but we could also be included in your non-profit section.
We are very proud to be taking many schools of disadvantaged kids with us virtually and soon will be flying into NYC to meet them! ( We do this through an award winning non-profit supported by National Geographic called Reach The World).
If any of your readers would like to support that organization, please let them know you found them through us!
I know many of the great people listed here, but am excited to find more!! Thanks so much for a great post! Stumbled!
October 16th, 2008 at 6:24 am
As always Mark, Generous.
Mark, I would Add you to my list of Most Generous Bloggers.
Always ready to link, connect and share.
A great example of the Add Value First and the rest will fall in place.
Always a joy.
Brian
October 16th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Great list here! A lot of awesome people here that I follow that enjoy conversation.
October 16th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Thanks for the shout-out Mark, I appreciate your sharing this list. It is interesting how many of these we have in common, and how many are different.
Ah, the risks of sliding into the echo-chamber.
I pray that you are safely riding out Omar!
October 16th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Thanks for including me Mark! I’ve always counted myself lucky I got to meet you online. And twitter really is a great place to keep up with people. :D
October 16th, 2008 at 8:55 am
I’m astounded but gratified to hear you find anything approaching insight in my humble web output.
That is quite a good list (outside of myself, anyway) and you’re very smart to do it this way: slow, steady immersion, rather than plunging in willy-nilly. Something I’m addressing in a little talk I’m giving on the subject tomorrow, as a smatter of fact.
And the other thing that many people have pointed out is your generosity of mind and deed. The only way the web works as a connective/informational network is if we all share first, ask later. You’re a fine example of that, and I’m proud to be in your sphere.
October 16th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Hey everyone - thanks for your very kind comments! I hope some of you have been able to make connections which will help further whatever it is that you are hoping to accomplish with your specific projects. :)
Don’t forget, please feel free to add people in here that you think I should be following.
October 16th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Bill Gates Zune has been a blast to follow. Im not sure is this is part of Microsoft’s new advertising campaign but it’s hilarious
twitter.com/BillGatesZune
October 16th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Great initiative!
All the best,
Wahyd
October 16th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Hi Mark!
Networking is vital in all aspects of life and extremely important online because it isn’t easy to meet the real person behind the avatars..if not you’re lost in the cyberspace ;)
Thanks so much for including me in this impressive list. Some of them I don’t know, better, to explore new people.
Good luck with all new projects and keep up your training for your triathlon :)
Best for you!
Gera
October 17th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Hi Mark,
Someone I recommend following is @StaceyMonk from Epic Change.
http://epicchange.org/
October 18th, 2008 at 4:18 am
Mark
I’m a bit late to the party as I’ve been out celebrating my birthday (one day is just not enough), but thanks for the link love. And what a bloody great idea for a post! I follow a good number of people on your list, but there are definitely some more interesting folks who I’m about to become a lot more familiar with.
So, thanks for helping me expand my network.
Kelly :)
October 19th, 2008 at 2:47 am
Thanks Mark! I was actually planning to do a similar post myself soon - it’s always interesting to see who sticks out in your network.
October 22nd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Mark,
Yes, I think the value of networking does go up as the strength of the economy goes down. You are right - if we stick together, we’ll be OK. Thanks for putting the time into this resource-packed post. I look forward to adding more folks to my Follow List. And thanks again for including me - I am honored! :)
JP
November 9th, 2008 at 12:53 am
That’s a wonderful resource list you’ve posted for everyone. Thanks!