This year’s been an important one for me. At the back end of last year I was in a job that was going nowhere and I was getting little opportunity to put my knowledge of the web, online marketing and social media into practice. So I decided to do something about it. I started blogging, reading, researching and putting time and effort into my personal Twitter profile. And it gave me the confidence to do something that some undoubtedly thought was crazy: in the first week of 2010, I quit.

Within two months I found a new job working for BOTTLE PR, a company that has a far more progressive attitude towards PR 2.0. In my current role, I’m encouraged to go out there and do things my way, to spend time reading blogs, building my personal network and researching new tools and techniques. And as a result I’ve come into contact with, met and learned from some fantastic people in the last 12 months or so. These are just some of the guys who I’d like to give New Year’s kudos to...


Adam Vincenzini 

Probably the person who’s influenced me most this year. The guy continuously amazes me with his thoughts, ideas and knowledge. And rather annoyingly, he’s a genuinely nice dude too. Must-read blog, must-follow Twitter profile. Cheers, fella!

Chris Hall 
Chris and I are, in a way, kindred spirits. I know that if I ever doubt my thinking or want an opinion on something, I can ask Chris. Great at sharing knowledge and, like Adam, a lovely bloke. Thanks, Chris.

Emily Leary 
One of the most supportive and knowledgeable people I’ve met over the last year, Emily is someone who adds value to my network almost without me realising it. But when I think back, her influence on my way of thinking and approach to the social web cannot be questioned. One day we’ll meet in the flesh, Em!

Beth Carroll, Katie Colbourne & Gemma Went 
All three know what ‘social’ marketing is all about, are prepared to debate issues, share opinions and bounce ideas around. Invaluable to have in my network. Thanks, ladies. 

Danny Brown, Deidre Breakenridge, Gini Dietrich & Lauren Fernandez
This quartet from across the pond demonstrate what the social web is all about. Their consistently awesome blogs are inspiring and their entire approach to the sharing of information for the benefit of all in a personable and ‘social’ manner is to be admired. Kudos, guys!

Honourary mentions 
For various reasons too many to list: Kate Spiers, Laura McBeth, Antonia Harler, Barry Furby, Reda Haq, Sheli Rodney, Danny Whatmough, Steve Earl, Kerry Gaffney, Lucy Thorpe, Felix Hemsley, Joel Hughes, Mark Perkins, Paul Rayment, Louise Doherty, Sally Whittle & Susanna Scott

Have a great 2011 one and all!