Every business involve a degree of networking, without that it would be missing that certain element of an in person promotion. Some cities are good for networking, but Burlington is amazing because of the people you meet. We may live in a small town by comparison to New York City, but we are by no means small. Burlington is filled with many businesses that started in a garage and have expanded out to a national or even global level. Yesterday I went to a “Burlington Social Media Lunch” to hear author Mitch Joel speak about creating relationships. Many of the people who attended this event were there because they too believe in having a business with a true face. There are too many to name, but here are a few of my favorite colleagues. Make sure to connect with them on LinkedIn and follow them on Twitter.
Kristen Mercure of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters
Twitter: @mercurek
Background: Kristen is a phenomenal gal, she’s driven, fun, outgoing, and a pleasure to be around. She has a degree from Champlain College in Public Relations and has significant working with large brands on their social media presence. During college, Kristen was an intern at People Making Good and worked with Nichole Ravlin.
Nichole Ravlin of People Making Good (PMG)
Twitter: @PMGNicole
Background: Nichole is the co-founder of the public relations firm called People Making Good (PMG) in Burlington, Vermont. She has an awesome outlook on marketing and PR, but manages to create a happy mix of digital and traditional mediums.
Rich Nadworny of Digalicious
Twitter: @rnadworny
Background: Rich is the owner/founder of a digital marketing group called Digalicious. He has a great deal of experience in the advertising and media world after working for several years as a partner for a large area firm called Kelliher Samets Volk. He and Nichole Ravlin are the organizers of the Burlington Social Media Breakfasts (#BTVSMB) and awesome people to get to know.
Lara Dickson of Deep Dish Creative
Twitter: @DeepDishCreates
Background: Laura is the owner/founder of Deep Dish Creates, an agency that offers creative solutions for better hospitality and tourism marketing. She has a background in cooking an graphic design and used to work for Vermont Teddy Bear. She’s got a great personality and does some phenomenal work for her clients.
Bridget Butler of Voices for the Lake
Twitter: @BirdDiva and @VoicesVT
Background: Bridget is passionate about conservation education and uses social media to promote that passion. She is a self declared “Beek” (Bird + Geek). She works at the ECHO Lake Acquarium, loves kayaking, blogging and coffee.
Matt Hovey
Twitter: @hovz
Background: Matt is a 21st century graduate of Champlain College and a former web marketing intern at EpikOne. Matt is currently looking for a SEO / SEM related position in the Montreal, Canada area. He’s a Google fanboy, photographer, traveler, and always looking for something new.
Katherine Kent of New Breed Marketing
Twitter: @itskaykay
Background: Katherine is yet another shining star rising in the marketing world of Burlington and beyond. She has a great personality and enthusiasm backed by experience and a drive to learn. She is a fellow Champlain College graduate and is currently working for New Breed Media in Winooski, Vermont. She also loves social media, good music, and her adorable wiener dog Oliver.
Jodi Whalen of August First
Twitter: @augustfirst
Background: Jodi is the co-owner of August First bakery in Burlington, Vermont. She has a friendly and warm personality that compliments the delicious hungarian sweet rolls she serves at the bakery. She and her husband are a fantastic example of successful “do it yourself” social media marketing. Their efforts prove that anyone with the drive and commitment to promote their brand online has the ability to do so. If you’re in Burlington on a friday night make sure to stop by for “Flatbread on Friday” in the evening.
Bibi Mukherjee of Curve Trends Marketing
Twitter: @wookiesam
Background: Bibi is the founder of Curve Trends Marketing, a search marketing and web analytics business. She also offers a number of business trainings in the Burlington area that help to teach about things like SEO, SEM, and PPC. Bibi is phenomenal at search and analytics, I highly recommend her to anyone looking to increase traffic, awareness, and ROI.
Dana Freeman of Find & Go Seek
Twitter: @MissMagpieFGS
Background: Dana is the founder/editor of a fantastic website called FindandGoSeek. FGS is the number one source for any kind of family fun. She’s a compulsive fun seeker who is always looking for insider tips for family fun in Vermont. If you have kids and you live in Vermont, you need to check out this website.
Matt Sisson of Mathew Sisson Design
Twitter: @Wickedcoolmatt
Background: Matt is a web developer, graphic designer, and photographer that is currently working for Union Street Media in Burlington, Vermont. He’s a fun, creative guy to hang out with and is a constant source of inspiration.
Tags: Blogging, Burlington, Facebook, Social Media, Twitter, Vermont
