@JoelECarlson – On a gray and wet day, it seems appropriate to have a Twitterview with the @lakecreature. Lets dive in! #PunIntended

Q – #1    So @lakecreature, how long have you been in Minnesota, and how did you get your name?

A:    Let’s see

this would be my second year in Minnesota…

ha missed the name thing…

Last year the Minneapolis Parks Foundation had a naming contest and well…Minne won!

I like that name don’t you?

It fits because of my small, petite frame…right?

and of course my small head…

just a lake creature, waiting for my interviewer to ask me another question…simply lake creature…swimming in Lake Nokomis…la la

Q – #2    So how many lakes have you visited this year, and how do people normally respond to you?

A:    Let’s see…first there was Powderhorn…they loved me over there…a lot of the response was surprise…

They didn’t think the Lake Creature would come to their little Lake, thought I only hung out in the big Lakes in Minneapolis..

I love Powderhorn, the neighborhood was awesome…people visited me everyday and still come visit me on Facebook and Twitter….

they ask me to come back, which is sweet and I probably will at some point… :)

Then there was my home lake, Lake Harriet…This is a lake I spend time in every year…

Lake Harriet is so much fun, they even have a little platform built so you humans can step out a bit to see me…very nice…

Lots of ducks and I especially like the concerts that happen there…

Lots of people to visit with all the time at Lake Harriet…and I will be back there again next summer at some point.

Finally Lake Nokomis…

I live in the Lagoon over at Lake Nokomis…love watching the cars go by…

it’s fun to see the drivers expressions when they see me for the 1st time

and of course there are lots of airplanes which is fun…I like watching them fly by…and think of all the place I have yet to visit

People at Lake Nokomis have been totally awesome, fun crowd…love them! Love all Minneapolis people…Minneapolis is home to me…

Q – #3    Now you work for the Minneapolis Park & Rec Board right? How do they compensate you? Food? Free lake access?

A:    No I do not work for the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board…I work for no one..I am a lake creature!

My family is the Minneapolis Parks Foundation…let’s be clear that is foundation…the private nonprofit representation for citizens

The Minneapolis Parks Foundation sponsor me, they make sure I get fed, have lake access, pay for my transportation when I need it

This is their website, check it out…Minneapolis Parks Foundation http://bit.ly/avjVFf

Q – #4    My mistake! :) Your treatment sounds wonderful. Are children ever intimidated at first? Are you lonely at night?

A:    Children love me…but ok, some of the wee humans do look at me in awe…it’s a lot for those little humans to comprehend

but you big humans love me too and sometimes I think the big humans are more scared when they first see me…

I think the mid sized humans “get” me the best…I think they are the ones who in human age are from 4yo-9yo..

Some nights get lonely…it depends…I have lots of creature friends…ducks, fish, dragonflies…birds…an occasional stray dog…

Q – #5    How about the local bird population, do they land on you or nest on you? Can people bring you a treat?

A:    Birds and I are “tight” like we go together like sha na na na na ding a ding a dong…they land on me and sometime sleep on me…

I am well fed, but humans may bring healthy treats, leave it at the shore or throw in lake, same things you feed ducks…

no preservatives, no meat, nothing with chemicals…remember we all have to share the lakes…

I do like mosquitos…but humans don’t need to bring them to me…they seem to be around always…

so let’s see what else…birds do not nest on me, I have a no nesting policy…they respect that you know…they are cool like that!

Q – #6    So @lakecreature, what time of year can people of the Twin Cities see you in the lakes, and when do you “hibernate” for the year?

A:    Humans may catch a glimpse of me in the lakes from April until end of September…

where, I will never tell…that’s a surprise…you have find me…

Although now that I have this twitter thingy and facebook thingy I tend to talk a lot about where I am at…

I like that I have a way to communicate with you humans…it would be nice if you would learn how to speak lake creature…

I mean come on…it’s like you just focus on your own language…ughh

For the winter I like to kick around a little different places…depends on my mood…

but Florida is one of my destinations each year…

My family and it is big…all come together in Florida for a big Lake Creature Family reunion each year…

and I mean big, like lots of us and we take up a lot of space, cuz well let’s face it we are not small

Nessie, the loch ness “monster” – I hate when we are called that… she comes usually…she’s my great great aunt…

It’s a secret location in Florida, so I can’t tell you where…otherwise the media would flock there…

It’s like you humans have never seen a gathering of gigantic lake creatures before…I mean really…

Have you ever searched lake creature on Twitter Joel?

so if you search Lake creature on Twitter, you will see a bunch of silly humans sharing stories, real media articles of lake creature

Lake creature sitings…all over…it’s crazy…like people are afraid we are going to eat them….really…we have better taste …

better taste than to eat humans…and I know humans would not eat us…right joel? right Joel? Joel…joel…where are you?

ooops was that you Joel that I just ate? sorry…oh well…end of interview…

ha ha just kidding I didn’t eat Joel, I’m a vegetarian…

So back to the interview…really Joel are you there?

Q – #7    So with being in MN for about 2 summers so far, have you made an good Twitter friends? Who are some of them?

A:    I have so many awesome Twitter friends…it would take me all day to list them all to you…

@studioloraine @JoppaThoughts @amanjo @rribbitz @skeetswrites @Zachamon @ChikageWindler @completelydark @Felizchica @lulugrimm

@Nylons @Seanotd @ButMadNNW @cleverkate @astercafe @whereitblooms @TTZero @DotWonder @enKaneCo and so many more

cant list all my friends…i’m am just too close to too many people…and now I hope someone’s feelings are not hurt..I list everyone

@JoelECarlson – Don’t worry everybody, the @lakecreature has not eaten me. But I don’t like that look in his eyes. Back to the @lakecreature. :)

@lakecreature – I am a vegetarian…although if I was not…well we won’t go there..

WHERE THINGS STARTED GETTING CRAZY……..

@lakecreature – you did not ask me about some of the cools stuff I did this year…so I will just ask myself…

so Minne, what are some of the cool things you did this year?

Well Joel, I got to watch the milk carton race, where tons of kids built lake creature boats out of milk cartons http://bit.ly/bgVzD9

And then there was the @mpls_bike_tour last sunday, see pics here… http://www.facebook.com/LakeCreature?ref=ts

And I am a big supporter of #30daysofbiking cuz ya’all come biking to see me…

and well that’s just a few cool things from this year…

Q – #8    What kind of goals have you set for yourself for next years MN visit, and will you be single for a long time?

A:    Now to next year…goals…

@JoelECarlson – @GRLitman needs to throw the penalty flag.The @lakecreature isn’t supposed to ask the questions. The @lakecreature is out of control!

Let’s see, to raise enough money so I can cont to be in the Mpls Lakes… http://bit.ly/bkWh2U it’s humans like u that keep me going

@JoelECarlson you need to get a bit out of control Joel…come on…let’s dance! :)

whoo hoo shake it Joel…you go man…you got it…

My next goal will be to update my website…www.lakecreature.com I want my Twitter conversations to show up there… and I want to…

be able to talk back to people when they comment…did you see the free coloring blook …that’s cool http://bit.ly/cESc7J

@JoelECarlson – I think I need to say “Get the Net” or “We need a bigger boat” about right now. :) You are funny @lakecreature!

Another goal will be to start a Minne line of apparel…I’m thinking I may be a fashion icon…

and I want to go to lots of events….did you see my Mini me at the @mpls_bike_tour? yeah it was cool? http://bit.ly/cI5FCe

My biggest goal will be to keep people interested in the parks and lakes in Minneapolis…get outside and enjoy…it’s beautiful here

As far as being single…that is way too personal Joel, anyway I hear you’re married…

@JoelECarlson – @lakecreature You have been THE most entertaining Twitterview I’ve EVER had. Please take a bow and share a departing thought.

@lakecreature – Any other questions from others besides Joel…ask them ask them…right Joel…it’s ok?!

My parting thoughts are: 1) Make sure you thank the Mpls Parks foundation supporting me and consider donating http://bit.ly/bkWh2U

Parting thought #2 Check out my YouTube Channel to learn more about how I was made and such http://bit.ly/bgVzD9

3) Learn to speak Lake Creature…dang it anyway you darn humans!!!!!

4) Tell Joel to post a video of himself getting out of control…dancing…it is funny you should see him here at Lake Nokomis! LOL

5) Join my Facebook Fanpage http://www.facebook.com/LakeCreature

6) Get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather and yes even today when it is a bit chilled and a bit wet…live…love…be happy…

Life is too short to sit on that couch…come out and enjoy the parks and the lakes…and me before I leave…

p.s. Joel…I don’t bow…my body type does not permit such behavior…that is a human thing…remember I am a Lake Creature!

@lakecreature – Oh and I love Cherry Coke as @cleverkate will tell you… 2 liter bottles with extra long straws…

oh and I really love restaurant food so if you are out…bring me a few dozen entrees…k thx…

oh and …Joel…where did he go?…oh there he is still dancing…

Joel…Joel…Joel…that human…silly silly human…

Joel never said goodbye to me…so sad :(

@JoelECarlson – Good-bye @lakecreature! You’ve made many humans happy today and made many good memories on a gray day. Thank you!

@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone, and welcome to today’s Twitterview with @Zackolantern. Lets get things started. :)

Q – #1    So @zackolantern, where did you grow up and how did you come up with your Twitter handle?

A:    Hi Joel. Thx for having me. Grew up just west of Mpls. I made up my handle on a whim – 2 years later, it’s still here.

Who knew this Twitter thing would stick around? I figured I’d never wind up using it a whole lot. Go figure.

Q – #2    I see. So what HS did you attend, and what kind of schooling/training did you get after HS?

A:    Went to Hopkins HS. BA in Political Science @ GWU and MA in Communications & Technology @ Georgetown after that.

Q – #3    WOW! That’s some smarts! So what were some of the jobs you had coming out of college that led you to what you do now?

A:    I was all over the place. A few yrs at @warnermusic, a few yrs at @amprog and @campusprogress. All marketing focused.

Q – #4    So would you say that you have you’re dream job now, or has marketing in general always been your dream work?

A:    Absolutely a dream gig. I have a ton of freedom at @20tonideas – there’s an enormous amount of trust around this place.

Trust translates into entrepreneurial spirit among those of us working on new platforms & tools. No internal barriers.

Q – #5     So what is your specific role at @20tonideas, and does Social Media play a role in your work at all?

A:    I’m sr. social media strategist. I put together strategies that help our clients take advantage of emerging platforms

Online interaction shifted seismically over past few years – continues to as people become familiar w/ new tech…

… so I keep our marketing in tune with an audience whose preferences and competencies are evolving every day.

Q – #6    Sounds like a job with challenges and rewards. Lets change it up. What’s your favorite: restaurant, store and gadget?

A:    1. Brasa. 2. Apple Store (I’d be lying if I said anywhere else). 3. Turntable. Almost counts as “unplugging”

Q – #7    Apple seems to be a popular brand amongst my guests. Despite AT&T issues and ADOBE-Flash battles. Why do you like them?

A:    I mean, I still have a Powerbook 165 at home. I’m a bit of a loyalist. Apple and Subaru. It’s in my blood or something.

For someone whose job is thinking about the future… I’m totally set in my ways. Crappy iPhone service notwithstanding

Q – #8    I understand. So to end, what advice or mantra would you like to share with everyone today?

A:    Advice? Don’t take things too seriously. That about sums it up. Thanks for having me, Joel

@JoelECarlson – Thank YOU @zackolantern.  I appreciated your participation and all that you had to share today! Have a great afternoon!

Being a part of a Social Media/Marketing/PR community is a great experience. You are most likely doing work that you really have a passion for, but then you also work to build relationships with others who do similar work because you have a common link and also are looking to branch to see what others are doing in yours or similar fields.  You can also work to expand your knowledge of your chosen field by seeing how others handle and approach your role.

One area that can be a constant battle is to juggling your time. Weather your a freelancer/consultant or have a 9-to-5 role, there can be a lot of “pulling” on your time to attend events and network with other people over coffee or for arranged meetups. How many can you make in 1 week?  How many can you make time for in 1 month?  Which ones do you see as gaining real value from and which ones may be a group of people that you already know talking about things that you already understand?  There can be a lot of questions to ponder over in your mind before saying “yes” or accepting an invitation.

Your decision making isn’t going to be just about time, but also about dollars and cents.  How much is this event going to cost me for the ticket, for food and for parking?  Will my employer pay for this, does it come out of my own pocket or does it come out of my consulting budget? Will attending this affect my income for the week or month? Am I going to see any kind of financial return by attending in a relatively short period of time, if ever?

Another factor to consider, probably more so for those of the Gen X generation as opposed to Gen Y; will this take time away from my family?  Will I have to get a baby-sitter?  Do I have things around home that I need to attend to like repairs, grocery shopping, etc. before I can consider attending?

The answer to the title is “No!”.  It can be hard emotionally, mentally and scheduling wise to plan for and attend every event and meetup that a person is invited to. The key is to figure out what you can do, and then as things become presented to you, attend/participate in the things that have the most meaning to you and that will give you the most value. Is this a struggle for you?

@JoelECarlson – Hello everybody and welcome to the Monday Twitterview with local guest @Kelly_Jordan of Twin Cities Live.

@Kelly_Jordan – Thanks so much for inviting me to be a part of this Twitterview. I am excited!

Q – #1    So @Kelly_Jordan, where did you grow up and what were some of the life/work step you’ve taken to get you where you are today?

A:    I grew up everywhere.I was born in California, moved to Minneapolis, & Everett, WA (near Seattle) and ended up at SCSU

Q – #2    Okay, so you were born in CA, move to MN & WA and then college at SCSU. What did you major in college?

A:    Mass Communications with an emphasis on Broadcast Journalism.

Q – #3    I see. So after school, what kinds of jobs did you have, and how did you end up working with @KSTP?

A:    funny enough while I was at SCSU I interned at @KSTP then I worked at KSAX in Alexandria as a morning anchor, reporter.

I worked as a reporter in TX, & NE during my time in those 2 states I took a PT job in a hospital. I like the diversity

Q – #4    Alright. Now I see on your Twitter BIO that you are involved with radio now too. How did that happen?

A:    I had the opportunity to host a show on myTALK 107.1 and I jumped at it. I host “Minnesota Wealth” Sundays at 3pm

I was involved in Radio ages ago & I wanted to get back in. I also host a show @1500ESPN on Saturday AMs on Mens health

I have learned to never turn down an opportunity. It is amazing that I get to host I missed it too much to say NO.

I am very interested in health related topics, so the show on Saturday AMs on @1500ESPN is a great fit

Q – #5    @kelly_jordan Is that show more of a guest-based show or more of a call-in show? #jectv  re: @1500ESPN

A:    Each week we have a different topic, & the doctor and I come up with an outline. People call in, we answer emails etc.

We have a expert guest come on each week. The show is Saturdays at 7am. You should listen !!

my FULL-TIME job is w/ @twincities_live I’m a segment Producer & I couldn’t have asked for a better gig

I work alongside very talented people, and enjoy the work I do. Everyday is a different challenge.

Q – #6    I’ll check it out!  Changing topics, how has your Social Media experience been? When did you join Twitter?

A:    Social Media has completely changed the way I do my job. I reach out to people via twitter

I was kinda behind the curve on the twitter thing. I joined a little over a two years ago…

I can see trends in the market, follow my favorite celebrities, twitter has revolutionized media and my role in TV

I have had only positive interactions with folks on twitter. I hope my followers are happy following me. #

Q – #7    Twitter is VERY helpful in a number of areas! Who are some people that you feel you benefit from following?

A:    Wow. That depends. I love sports. So @PMac21 @1500ESPN @TomPelissero are my go-to’s I have a few others.

@NatalieWires @kristingast @beautybets and @bbrozak

@forkNroadtruck @jessicarfancy @DeRushaJ b/c they are smart people & I enjoy learning from them.

I am forgetting a lot of people but I gravitate to people who can teach me something naturally. People w/ different interests

Q – #8    I see. Now for some of your FAVS: Favorite – restaurant, store, National News ancor/reporter and summer activity.

A:    @Target. True Thai is up there, Ghandi Mahal. Pepitos, I can’t pick just one. I don’t discrimate when it comes to food.

I am pretty active in Happy Hours, Twins Games, and checking out the lakes in Mpls.

I have been a fan of @andersoncooper since his days on Channel One.

Q – #9    @AndersonCooper is quite good! So to end today, what advice or mantra would you like to share with people today?

LOVE LIFE, ENGAGE IN IT, GIVE IT ALL YOU’VE GOT. LOVE IT WITH A PASSION (cont.)

/C LIFE TRULY DOES GIVE BACK, MANY TIMES OVER, WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT -Maya Angelou

@Kelly_Jordan – Thanks Joel. I enjoyed it.

@JoelECarlson – Good point. Nice to have you spend some time sharing your life & thoughts today on Twitterview-#jectv. Enjoy your afternoon!

@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone, and welcome to a Friday-Foodie Twitterview with our guest @emilynystrom. Lets get things started!

@emilynystrom – Happy to be here, Joel!

Q – #1    Glad to have you as a guest. First, where were you born, and what were some of the job/life steps that you’ve taken?

A:    I was born/grew up in Minnetonka, MN. Graduated @CarletonCollege as English major bc I loved working w/ words, editing.

Knew I loved food, restaurants but didn’t edit food-based content until I heard about open position at @heavytable.

Q – #2    So how long have you been with @heavytable, and what kinds of places have you covered lately?

A:    I’ve been with @heavytable 1.5 years now as copy editor. In July I wrote about fun street food cart @foxyfalafel …

Mostly I edit, tho, for @heavytable. I loved our recent cheese flowchart, & also our comprehensive State Fair coverage

Q – #3    A cheese flowchart? Scratch-n-sniff? Any new local restaurants you care to recommend? Is the local scene changing?

A:    Hah, I wish it’d been scratch-n-sniff! As far as new restaurants, I had some fab appetizers at @Parma8200.

As far as changing scene, many restaurants are offering more vegetarian dishes.The Craftsman is making an effort there.

Q – #4    Sometimes there is a perception that only chain restaurants go to the suburbs and outer rings of the city. True?

A:    I’d agree most suburbs are packed w/ chain restaurants. But those like @ApertifMN, Porter Creek are defying that trend.

Woodbury is home to @Apertif; Burnsville is home to Porter Creek

Though, admittedly, I live in Eden Prairie and usually venture to Minneapolis or St. Paul for my dinners out.

Q – #5    Nice point on veggie dishes. Where do you go for good comfort food, and what’s yours specifically?

A:    My comfort food is Mom’s cooking…

Also I’d love to find a restaurant making a veggie pot pie or vegetable & dumplings. Perhaps your readers can suggest!

Q – #6    I think they can! Now to your FAVS:Favorite – restaurant, clothing store, grocery store, cooking show and unique food.

A:    Favorite restaurant: @tanpopomn. Friendly, casual atmosphere. I recommend the cold tofu teishoku.

Favorite clothing store: I love shopping on @Etsy to support local artists who use repurposed materials.

Favorite grocery store: I love @lakewindscoop. It’s near me and never as crowded as The Wedge.

Favorite cooking show: Barefoot Contessa. Ina Garten is so lovable!

Favorite unique food: I love ants on a log (raisins, peanut butter, celery)! Not so much unique as so 3rd grade.

Q – #7    LOL! Flashback-Food-Friday! Do you think @Foursquare, FB and @Twitter are making an impact in your industry?

A:    Esp. @Twitter. It lets ppl interact with restaurants+chefs, giving feedback, hearing what’s on the menu for tonight

It’s really interesting to see restaurants interacting with their followers, sometimes successfully, sometimes not.

Q – #8    Final question – what advice or mantra would you like to share today?

A:    In life, work, & volunteering, “It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little.”

It’s easy to feel like nothing makes a difference, but that quote by Sir John Golding helps keep me positive.

@JoelECarlson – Nice comments today @emilynystrom! Thanks for taking some time to be Twitterviewed today. Have a great weekend!

@emilynystrom – Delighted to have been asked, Joel! Thanks to those following along, too. See everyone around town!