@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone, and “Welcome!” @David_Sherman. Lets start today’s Twitterview in focus. :)

@David_Sherman – I am ready!

Q – #1    So @David_Sherman, where did you grow up, and what were some of the steps that you took to get where you are today?

A:    Grew up in Iowa – studied AgEcon – worked in sales /mking for 11+ yrs – able to finally follow my passion!

Q – #2    So what led you to get into photography? What kinds of things or kinds of people do you shoot?

A:    I was always fascinated by the ability of photography to communicate emotion and personality

AND I was tired of paying for bad images of my kids!

My practice includes shooting @MNTimberwolves, @minnesotalynx, @targetcentermn and many corporate /individual clients.

Also – with some great non-profits – @openarmsmn, @JFCSMinneapolis , AEON, Ampersand Families.

Q – #3    Are athletes easier then say family to shoot photos of?  What’s a “trademark” of your style of photography?

A:    Athletes are great to work with-usually no crying babies!-but pose their own set of challenges! – esp tight time-frames

My objective is to capture the personality,emotion and energy of my clients-keep the image clean-let my subject speak!

Q – #4    Nice! So how has your experience using Social Media been, and does it help with the work that you do?

A:    I try to use Social Media-esp Twitter-for building my business brand – usually tweet with a photo.

Use Twitter to follow interesting people and business trends/topics. Great way to see what my clients are up to!

Q – #5    Who are 5-15 people on Twitter that you follow that you benefit from connecting to?

A:    In addition to @JoelECarlson interesting stuff always from @flashlightmpls , @KatieNadeau,@Sherman_Ian!

Q – #6    That’s nice of you to say! :) Now for your FAVS: Favorite – restaurant, store, summer activity, color & camera.

A:    Fav restaurants – senyai-senlek in NE,Pittsburgh Blue and sushi anywhere!

Fav summer activity – biking and lounging on the deck! I shoot with the #Canon system.

Q – #7    @David_Sherman – How about FAVE store & color? :)

A:    Ok – fav color is blue – fav stores – REI, any bicycle shop, any camera store.

Q – #8     To end with today, what suggestion or mantra would you like to share with everyone today?

A:    Pursue your dreams, exceed your clients’ expectations, keep family as the most important priority!

@JoelECarlson – Well said! Thank you @David_Sherman for sharing some of your life & thoughts today with this Twitterview. Have a great day!

@David_Sherman – Thank you for the opportunity!

@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone and welcome to the TwitterReview of @FACESmearspark. Lets begin!

Q – #1    Lets begin by asking, where are you located and what kind of restaurant are you?

Thanks for this opportunity Joel. We are located at 380 Jackson Street in St. Paul

and are an all natural organic sustainable modern American restaurant , bakery, and deli

Q – #2    So are there meats of all varieties, or is it more vegetarian type fare?

A:    Our menu is extremely varied & encompasses sustainable seafood & fish, grass-fed meats & organic poultry

We also offer vegetarian entrees and all natural bakery items

Q – #3    Wonderful! So when did you open, and how have you been received in that neighborhood and by the general public?

A:     We opened @ the end of June & have received an incredibly warm welcoming from the neighborhood & residents of St. Paul

Q – #4    Great! So what are your hours of operations, and is your restaurant “kid friendly” or more for adult dining?

A:    The bakery opens everyday at 8 a.m., the restaurant at 11 a.m. & is open until 1 a.m. Sun. – Wed. & 2 a.m. Thurs.– Sat.

We offer aspects that both adults and families can enjoy.

The hospitality of executive chef, David Fhima’s mother, was one of the inspirations for FACES

Q – #5    @FACESmearspark – Good to know. What are some of the specialties that you have on your menu, and are you running any specials now?

A:    We have daily specials and dishes based on what the local markets have available.

For example: today we have lobster cake risotto and organic Greek salad with Moroccan shrimp skewers

Q – #6    Yumm! Do you have a set up for large groups or meeting to take place at your location?

A:    We have several beautiful spaces for large groups that include a private dining room, lounge and atrium

We just hosted a 50th b-day party last night & the whole space has been rented out in the past for a wedding reception

Q – #7    Great! To end off with, what are the top desserts that you have to offer?

A:    Our organic carrot cake topped with orange marmalade and chocolate butter cream cake are the two house favorites.

However the fruit tarts and assorted truffles are very popular as well.

@JoelECarlson – Can a person get a sugar rush from a Tweet? :) Thanks so much @FACESmearspark for sharing some details about your restaurant!

@FACESmearspark – Thank you Joel. Please stop by soon and let us know what you think!

@JoelECarlson – Hello everybody and welcome to Twitterview today, and our guest will be @beautybets. Time to look pretty! :)

@BeautyBets – I’m putting on my lipstick!

Q – #1    So let begin @beautybets, where did you grow up, and what were some of the steps you took to get you where you are today?

A:    I grew up in North Oaks, attended Mounds View HS, then left to attend Wake Forest in NC.

I started my career at a fashion mag in London, then came back to MN to be a buyer for Target.

I also did a stint at Aveda, which is what sparked my passion for beauty/wellness.

I joined @MNMOmag as the lifestyle editor 3.5 years ago, and have been writing ever since!

Q – #2    So are you still with @MNMOmag, and what is @beautybets?

A:    I moved to a freelance role for @MNMOmag so I could focus on beauty/wellness writing, including the blog.

beautybets.com is about providing smart, well-written beauty news, candid product reviews, and expert tips/tricks.

When I looked at the beauty blogging landscape, I saw a lack of professional sites. They weren’t blogs I would read!

I’m also building a personal brand as a beauty expert. It’s in my blood, and I could talk about it 24-hrs a day.

Q – #3    What are 2-3 current topics you’ve covered, and what’s the “hottest” haircut style for women right now?

A:    Hot topics: detox/cleanses, dry shampoo, shellack manicures. Am I speaking in tongues?!

Long hair is always in, big messy updos are all the rage, and bangs are still big.

Q – #4     Lets shift gears, how many blog posts a week do you average, and how is Social Media helping you with your brand?

A:    I blog daily M-F. It’s far more work than I anticipated, but planning the blog calendar like a magazine helps.

Social media has been crucial for drawing readers. FB & Twitter are my #3 and #4 traffic drivers.

Twitter has helped me attract a 60% readership outside the TC. It’s not a “local” blog, so I need to reach wide.

I knew very little about social media before I started blogging. @socialnicole is my coach!

I also use twitter to build relationships with brands, experts, and other beauty bloggers. More efficient than email!

Q – #5    @SocialNicole is a good coach! So who are 5-15 people/org’s that you follow in which you benefit from their Tweets?

A:    For beauty/trends: @glambr @cutblog @dailyintel @BeautyBlitz @DailyMakeover @StyleListSays

To stay connected to food/style/biz: @derushaj @minnpost @heavytable @alishops @dbrauer @forbes @fastcompany

I also write a food blog for @MNMOmag so the local dining scene is always on the brain!

Q – #6    Lets then go to your FAVS – Favorite: reatuarant(s), offline store(s), hair salon(s), summer activity and color?

A:    112 Eatery + the lounge at King & I Thai; too many stores to choose just one; Evolution salon in LynLake, and green.

I shopped for a living @MNMOmag, which made me appreciate our amazing local retailers all the more.

Forgot summer activity! Going to my family’s cabins in Grand Marais and Big Sky, MT and hiking up a storm.

Q – #7     are you thoughts on the local food/cart offerings, and what do you see as the next food trend?

A:    It’s about darn time! Street food should be followed by $5 brow threading on the corner, like in NYC!

Oh man, more slow food, fresh food, local food, asking where our food comes from. More from @leezukor!

Fine dining is being redefined. I dread formal meals, and I think most people secretly do as well!

Q – #8    You ARE a good resource! If you could invite any 1 person (dead/alive) for dinner, who would you ask and why?

A:    Easy. My father-in-law, who passed away 3 years ago from cancer. An hour with him would center me for an entire year.

Q – #9    That’s touching. :)  To end today, what advice or mantra would you like to share with everybody?

A:    Mantra: Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never. -Winston Churchill

Advice: Never wear glitter. Never, never, never, never.

@JoelECarlson – Whew!!! I’m glad you commented on not wearing glitter. :) Have a great day @beautybets, and thanks for sharing your thoughts!

@BeautyBets – Thank Joel & Co! It was fun.

These are the top 20 most viewed Twitterview blog posts, using Google Analytics.

1)   @SallyMcGraw

2)   @rackael

3)   @justrobyn

4)   @jasonsandquist

5)   @bradwellman

6)   @whitneytaylor

7)   @elizabethries

7)   @brooke_wolford

8)   @REMedina

9)   @SocialNetNanny

10) @Nylons

11)  @rribbitz

12)  @Sarspok

12)  @jennbarnett

13) @SarahKayHoffman

14) @moarinternets

15) @DarciAlexis

16) @JulieFaye

17) @AndreaKopfmann

18) @Jennabennett01

18) @khortenbach

19) @KaceeMaree

20) @heatherbrown21

20) @MichaelaKocon

20) @julieawarner

20) @jojeda

20) @KrisColvin

@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone and welcome to today’s Twitterview with @DarciAlexis as our guest. Let’s make it a great Monday!

Q – #1    So @DarciAlexis tell us, where did you grow up, and what were some of the steps you took to get where you are today?

A:    Morning Joel–I grew up here, in West St. Paul. Went to college at St. Thomas at first, and graduated from Metro State.

I also spent two years with AmericorpsVISTA in St. Paul.

After Americorps, I worked at @msmarketcoop for about 3.5 years as the Marketing Manager. Now, I’m back in school for design.

Q – #2    So where do you work currently, and then describe what your role is there?

A:    Well, you could say that I committed career suicide last month. I’m taking school as a full time job right now.

I’m in the Art Direction program at Miami Ad School. It’s a ton of fun

I also like to create my own “jobs.” Right now I’m planning a bike-centric fashion show for the fall.

Q – #3    It’s not suicide if it works out right? So what kinds of classes are you taking now? Where are you attending?

A:    Good point! I take concepting classes at @miamiadschoolmn along with technical things like photography and typography.

I wanted something more creative though. I took some design classes at MCAD and fell in love with it.

Q – #4    @DarciAlexis – I hope that it all turns out for you. With your bike centric fashion show, are you more in to biking, fashion or both?

A:    Bike Fashion Show! The idea is that you don’t need to wear spandex or other specialized clothes when commuting.

The designers are showing looks that are functional and also stylish. The models will ride bikes-so I guess both?

Q – #5    Now to shift gears (pun)…How has your experience been using Social Media, and what do you use?

A:    I was on Myspace and Friendster, now switched to Facebook. Joined Twitter to see what it was about, and now I’m hooked.

I’ve tried Tumblr and Flickr, but don’t participate very much there. #jectv Twitter is my favorite. It’s a good funnel

Q – #6    On Twitter, who are 5-15 people that you follow that you gain something from?

A:    Of course there are also my bike friends: @ARTCRANK, @nicycle and @jessinader, @lizbastian

Q – #7    On to your FAVS question: Favorite – restaurant, store, summer activity and color?

A:    FAVS! Restaurant: I have a few loves: Barbette and BLB, Moto I has the best patio in the city.

My favorite summer activity is of course riding my bike, love to take it to the beach or just out on the town.

I do most of my shopping online, at ModCloth or Etsy, but I love Lula in St. Paul. I also hit thrift a lot.

And my favorite color? Somewhere between Pantone 310C and Pantone 313C. That’s 6FD4E4-0098C3 for your HTML friends. :)

Q – #8    HTML Code for color choice…WOW! :) So what goal(s) do you have for yourself for the next 6mos – 1yr?

A:    I’m sorta nerdy (understatement of the year). I just applied to an internship in LA at Mistress, an agency there.

So if all goes well, I will be in LA Oct-Dec, then on to another (maybe New York?) for Jan-March.

Q – #9    Cool for you! To end today – what thought or mantra would you like to share with everyone?

A:    Advie from @ARTCRANK Do what you love and what you love will come to you. He’s good like that. Thanks for chatting!

@JoelECarlson – Thank you @DarciAlexis for sharing your thoughts and dreams today on Twitterview. Have a great week!

@DarciAlexis – Thanks Joel-you too!

@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone, and welcome to the Twitterview of @ks95′s very own @moonANDstaci. Lets rock!

Q – #1    To start off with, where did each of you grow up?

A:    I (Staci) grew up on Devils Lake, North Dakota

I (Moon) grew up in Sidney Nebraska.

Q – #2    2nd question for both of you – What got you interested in doing radio for a living?

A:    For me (Staci) I was always a little performer in plays and choir and stuff so it seemed like a natural thing

Moon: Tired of being a farm boy. I listened to the radio in the tractor and thought I could do it.

Q – #3    What are some of the radio formats and locations that you did before you did this show with each other?

A:    Moon: Houston, TX was the same format. Las Vegas, adult contemporary. Denver was Top 40 and Hip Hop and then country.

Staci: first was news & info in Devils Lake. Grand Forks -Top 40. Fargo (AC, AC, top 40) St. Cloud – top 40 & country @

Q – #4    If you weren’t doing radio, what was a “plan B” for you?

A:    Staci: I went to college for TV. I have a degree in television production and a minor degree in theater.

Moon: I would have started my own advertising agency.

Q – #5    Besides for your program, do either of you use Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare or do any blogging?

A:    S: I do a lot of videos and photos on both the station website and my FB. I don’t tweet much – feels like overkill

M: I Facebook, (rarely) but that is about it. Too much to deal with! S: Moon has kids in his custody. Must concentrate!

Q – #6    Hehehe! Now for your FAVS: Favorite – restaurant, store, MN lake and summer activity or summer event.

A:    Staci’s Faves: I LOVE Target (I’m a simple girl). Fast food restaurant is Noodles.

S: I like(d) Azia a lot. It’s closing. :( M&S Grill is awesome too

S: I live in Mound so all the lakes in Minnetonka area are awesome. Just drop me in I don’t care. We Kayak.

S: I’m a runner so summer is awesome running time for me. Again the kayaking…any boating, really.

M: restaurant is Fogo de Ciao. Store isThe Perfect Ash. Lake Prior Lake. Fav activity is motorcycle riding!

Q – #7    Almost done now, so to end with for today – what thought or mantra would each of you like to share?

A:    Moon: Any manual labor I’ve done was purely by mistake.

Staci: Flaming globes of sigmund!

@JoelECarlson – Thanks to both @moonandstaci for participating in this Dual Twitterview today. Have a great Friday and a super weekend!

@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone on this fabulous Friday! Lets start right away with the Twitterview of @NatalieAKane. On with the show! :)

Q – #1    So @natalieakane – Where did you grow up, and what were some of the step that you took to get to what you do for work today?

A:    I grew up in a suburb of St. Paul and started taking dance classes when I was 3. That pretty much set the stage (ha!)

I danced competitively f/ 6th grade thru to college & joined the Timberwolves Dance Team my sophomore yr at St. Thomas.

After 4 yrs w/ the Wolves, I decided to audition for the in-arena host. I got it along with @mikeryalnder.

Once I started there (& worked very hard) opportunities w/in broadcast began to present themselves and I never said no.

Now I’m with the Wolves, Fox Sport, Big Ten Network, CW, LTF Vision, KDWB, KFAN and various others.

Q – #2    Typically, people see 1 person associated with 1 brand/network. How were you able to diversify yourself?

A:    Freelancing is the future. It’s in your best interest to diversify as it will give you the greatest level of success.

The most successful ppl w/in the field today are working in mult mediums – Seacrest, Ellen, Rancic, etc.

Q – #3    As someone that is managing it successfully, what advice would you give to other freelancers in other fields?

A:    Be contractually bound to networks w/o exclusivity – become your own biz rather than an element of someone else’s.

Get a macbook

The key is organization and mentors. My dad is an entrepreneur and has taught me a lot about running your own biz.

I was only half kidding about the macbook :)

Q – #4    LOL! (re:Mac) Would you ever do a @BRAVOtv show about your jam packed life if they offered, or too much exposure?

A:    Absolutely! Reality TV can be tricky, but I think there’s a way to do it without overexposure.

If the show is about my work life, that’s the focus. Every1′s lives have many layers. U don’t have to see all at once.

Q – #5    Interesting! Now on to Social Media briefly. Which tools do you use, and who are some people that you like to follow?

A:    Twitter, Fbook, 4Square. I love @huffingtonpost, @thecurrent, @citypages, @louiseroe, @stephenathome, @lookbookdotnu

Q – #6    Now to your FAVS: Favorite – restaurant, store, place to travel to, summer activity and MN lake.

A:    112 Eatery & Cafe Victor, Covered & Planet Blue (LA), Rome or Paris, cabins, West Battle Lake.

Q – #7    Now how is your diet different than standard meat eaters?

A:    I’m a pescetarian. I occasionally eat fish & eggs, but no other meat. I’ve been this way for about 2.5 yrs and love it!

Q – #8    Interesting! Well, to end with today, what thought or mantra would you like to share with everyone?

A:    I’ve be subscribing to the idea of decisionless decision making lately. Don’t worry or make any decisions until…

…u have 2. U never know what answers will present themselves in the meantime. It’s the best way to enjoy the journey!

@JoelECarlson – A very big THANK YOU to @natalieakane for fitting a Twitterview into her busy schedule today! Keep up the good work!

@NatalieAKane – It was my pleasure! Great questions, Joel. You are very talented. It was great to meet you. Best of luck!

@JoelECarlson – Hello everybody and welcome to Twitterview with @MikeRylander as our guest. (Sorry, no Doritos or stunts today.)

Q – #1    So @MikeRylander – Where did you grown up, and what are some of the steps that led you to what you do today?

A:    I grew up in Minot, North Dakota where I started performing onstage when I was in the 3rd grade…

I stopped performing when I was in junior high as I played sports all-year round, but rediscovered theatre my Sr year.

After high school, I attended @NDSU on scholarship for Computer Engineering & Mathematics. (I was a “good” student)

It was there that I realized my skills in those areas didn’t translate to a ‘passion’ for engineering & math.

It was also there (@NDSU) that discovered ‘improv’. I was hooked instantly. I moved back home, saved $ & moved to Mpls.

Q – #2    So once you were in Mpls. What kind of work have you done, and who have you worked with or for?

A:    Studied & performed improv & sketch comedy at @BNWImprov for 4yrs & have been working professionally for the past 5yrs.

@MikeRylander – So what you do now, is it more promoting, acting or interviewing?  Would you like to do more commercials?

The work I’ve done in Mpls has been very diverse. I’ve performed in many theatrical productions with many companies…

…I’ve been the In-Arena Game Host / Co-Announcer for the @MNTimberwolves for the past 5 seasons…

…I’m a Guest Host for @ShopNBC, an On-Air Host for LTF Vision – @lifetimefitness’ national in-club tv network…

…I’m a former Live Event Emcee for @fsnorth, a former On-Air Personality for the Twin Cities @cw_network…

…I’ve been in a plethora of local & national commercials, training videos, web videos, short films, etc…

My 1st love is & will always be acting. Storytelling. Invoking emotion & thought. Playing characters. Making people laugh…

Hosting work, promotional work, even commercials – they are a means to an end. They are a way for me to pay my bills.

Don’t get me wrong, I like hosting. I LOVE my job w/ the @MNTimberwolves. I like working on funny tv & web commercials.

But ultimately, *acting* in feature films & narrative television is the goal. Storytelling. That’s when I’m happiest.

Unfortunately, that type of work isn’t prevelant in Mpls, so I do what I have to do now to get where I want to be then.

Q – #3    A professional “career juggler”? :) Good for you! So how do you use Social Media in your work and personal life?

A:    Social media, especially Twitter, has changed EVERYTHING. It’s applications & uses are incredibly diverse…

It allows artists & entertainers to promote their work (of all kinds) on a global level for free. It connects people.

Twitter in particular connects artists & comedians to other artists & comedians in a way that was unimagined before.

It creates new friendships, strengthens old ones & ultimately, allows a free medium to broadcast thoughts, ideas & your work.

Q – #4    FAVS questions – Favorite: restaurant, store, MN lake & summer activity?

A:    Fav restaurant: @commonroots. Fav store: Hmm. I kind of hate shopping. Materialism will destroy us all. Live simple.

Fav lake: Sakakawea (ND). MN? Any of them. Still trying to hit all 14K. Fav summer activity: Camping. Hiking. Nature.

Q – #5    Nice comment on living simple! :) So to end, what thought or mantra would you like to leave with everyone?

A:    “Dream as though you’ll live forever, live as though you’ll die today.” -James Dean (That quote changed my life)

Also life-changing: the movie “Waiting for Guffman” and the book “The Alchemist”. Don’t dream it; be it.

@JoelECarlson – Thank you @MikeRylander. This interview was MORE than I expected. Nice work! Have a great afternoon and GO WOLVES! :)

@MikeRylander – No Joel; thank YOU.

Foursquare is becoming more and more popular amongst people and businesses as another way to connect with people and to share their life in an open forum. Though you do have control as to how broad of an audience you want to let know your whereabouts, maybe just your friends on Foursquare, maybe everyone that follows you on Twitter or on Facebook. Ultimately, you have the power.

Could there be some places that you shouldn’t check-in so that nobody knows that you’re there? Here are a few NON check-in suggestions.

You might now want to check-in at:

1. The police station
2. The doctors office
3. Where you live
4. Where your kids attend school
5. Your bank
6. Your personal storage location
7. Your vacation home or cabin
8. Where a friend lives
9. A weight-loss clinic

Do you agree with these?  Can you think of other locations a person might not want to check-in on Foursquare at, especially for privacy or secrecy? What boundaries should be set for themselves?

@JoelECarlson – Excuse the delay. Hello everyone and welcome to the Twitterview of @mndesigngal. Lets create!

Q – #1    So @mndesigngal, where did you grow up, and what steps led you to what you do today?

A:    born in Alexandria MN, HS grad Owatonna, moved 10+ houses and 8+ different schools between Wisconsin too!

the step part is tricky, because i am still taking steps in my career being a designer. always will be i feel…

main thing about my work is i’m so passionate about being creative it is crazy! at 10 yr i was an architect for career day.

working through college in the publication office, printers and more when left school told to apply for 3-5 yr of experience?!

Q – #2    Wow! So what kind of design schooling/training have you had over the years?

A:    opened a half-billion dollar casino, done pre-press at printer, entertainment, food, hospitality, automotive, consumer, B2B…

Life isn’t about finding yourself; it’s about creating yourself.

Q – #3    Interesting. So what kind of projects are you doing now, and what types of art formats do you use?

A:    currently am the designer and digital brand marketing specialist @brandsynchrony (plug) wide range from social media, print, email, website+

work with brands such as jennieo, cargil, J&J, bluebunny, slushpuppie amd more also some internal food and school reward programs

Q – #4    A big variety! So how do you used and benefit from using Social Media in your work and personal life?

A:    @JoelECarlson i joke w/ friends if they would have “social media” be a major when i was in college, i would have double majored. #growingup

always coming up with SM promos. 1role is #twitter #FB for clients. Knowing HOW to use for benefit of client is key =RESULT$

and personally have been asked out 50+ times #joke :seriously tho great way to promote my nonprofit work, learn from friends+

currently am the president of Ad2 and work closely w @adfedmn for it really is a cool way to network, learn, educate & :) hour

Q – #5    Who are say 5-15 people that you follow on Twitter that you feel you benefit from connecting with?

A:    knew this one was coming Joel… you can answer this one very “inspirational” or just do a #FF of my top fav follows. #hmmmmmm

peeps that inspire me or just like what they say or don’t mind their profilepic: @craigpladson @bradwellman @futureadexec @jtimberlake

my agency daily watch : @russellherder @prestonkelly @labreche2020 @modernclimate +++

Q – #6    Fair enough. How about your FAVS – Favorite: restaurant, store, museum and summer activity?

A:    finally, tweets that take me away: Not even engaged or married but @weddingxpert : fav eat? @crave because they tweet so much i crave #sushi

never been to walker (and have an art minor) hardly get to shop and summer activity has to involve the sun, water and a corona

I see. Well to end today, what thought or mantra would you like to share today with everyone?

The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up. #jectv #random

Q – #7    I see. Well to end today, what thought or mantra would you like to share today with everyone?

A:    Thanks @JoelECarlson for approaching me for #jectv interview> not going to lie i didn’t really get it but was refreshing to do w u today! :)