It’s that time to review highlights of the past year, and it’s very easy for me to identify the overarching bright shiny object for me – Twitter!
I reluctantly and skeptically entered the Twitterverse March 18, 2009 (I checked!), largely due to the advice from one of my highly respected advisor/friends, Betsy Talbot. The thought of expanding my personal chef business through this 140-character universe was intriguing and promising, but I ended up with something much different.
The short version is that I quickly identified a much better use of Twitter than I expected – by combining my former public relations background (15+ years) with my personal chef knowledge and experience (5+ years), I could help restaurants and food companies build their businesses in a powerful way. And off I went!
Without all the gory details of the ups and downs as I learned to use this fascinating – often time-sucking! – social media tool, it’s been a career-changing discovery that’s been an amazing surprise every day. I’ve met fascinating people, learned about incredible events, discovered cool products and generally felt my whole world grow exponentially.
So, I’d like to present a few quick highlights from the past year on Twitter – and I apologize to anyone in advance that I may have forgotten, overlooked or snubbed (ha!). If you ask me, I’ll just tell you that you were #6 on my list…
The Homegrown sustainable sandwich shop in Fremont
I Like The Way You Tweet (restaurant division)
I Like The Way You Tweet (non-resto division)
Chef Wayne Johnson, Andaluca
Cool People I Never Thought I’d Meet in Person
(but I did after “meeting” them on Twitter)
Great Advisors or Role Models in Building My Twitter Biz
Who doesn't love a Big Gay Ice Cream Truck? Too bad it's in NYC...
These Tweeps Are Having Way Too Much Fun (national division)
These Tweeps Are Having Way Too Much Fun (local division)
Always An Entertaining and/or Helpful Read
Try a Naughty Nellie at The Pike!
You Are What You Tweet (companies I’ve consulted with)
You Are What You Tweet (actual clients of mine)
The free-spirit Married With Luggage team - Betsy and Warren Talbot
Good Friends I love to follow
- @betsytalbot
- @homegoddess
- @wtalbot
- @LIEvans
- @mmtgsolution
- @simplyplaced
- @hankelizabeth
- @debbwhitlock
- @ZitaGustin
- @scoremoresales
And there you have it…a look back at my Twitter world in 2009. I’ve posted nearly 3,000 tweets (okay, that does sound like a lot…) and have nearly 1,000 followers. I’m so excited for what 2010 and beyond will bring, and I look forward to meeting many more exciting people along the way.
Please leave any comments on your “top categories”, or additions/omissions from my lists or just to say whatever the heck you want! Happy New Year to all!
Jeffrey J Kingman
December 31, 2009 11:36 amKaren, I am humbled at being included on your list. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you. Jeff
Betsy Talbot
December 31, 2009 1:41 pmThis is a great idea for a post! And who wouldn’t want to be on a list of people having too much fun?
It has been a great year of meeting people and connecting in ways we would have never imagined. I connected with lots of big fish – thought leaders, industry giants – and with regular fish just like me who want to make a splash in our corner of the pond. Twitter is a great way to do that, and I love what you’re doing for food companies.
Oh, and thanks for the great picture of Warren and me. That was a fun day!
Karen
December 31, 2009 2:04 pmThanks – and I owe it all to you for PUSHING me into Twitter – ha ha ha! Seriously, I appreciate it…best to you in 2010 – wherever you are!
Karen
December 31, 2009 3:35 pmThanks Jeff – I LOVE your restaurant insights and the blog; look forward to future projects we might be able to work on in Seattle someday!
franticfoodie
December 31, 2009 4:08 pmthank you. I am so honored to be on this list. You have been a great person to follow, you always seem to know what is happening and are so supportive. Wishing you lots of twisness next year.
@DeepDishCreates
January 1, 2010 8:21 amWow, this ultimate #FF list is great! I may follow your lead… I am humbled to be in such good company. Best of success to you in 2010!
Lori Richardson
January 1, 2010 10:22 amKaren,
It has been so wonderful seeing you find and follow your passion! Thanks for including me on your list – I have totally enjoyed following YOU as well – keep it up – 2010 is going to be FABULOUS!
Lori Richardson @scoremoresales
Diane Easley @homegoddess
January 2, 2010 2:59 pmYou are such a great one to follow, I love your insights and how much fun YOU have. I am honored, humbled, pleased and happy that you love to follow me too. May 2010 bring you all you desire and more!