@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone following, and welcome to the Twitterview of local Twin Cities PR-guy @cbetancourtPR. Lets get our Tweet on!

Q – #1    So @cbetancourtPR, where did you grow up, and what kind of schooling/training did you receive to do the work that you do now?

A: I grew up near downtown in NE Mpls and attended the University of Minnesota, where I studied PR (@umn_sjmc) and policial science.

Interestingly, I started as a poly sci major and fell into PR while working on a US Senate campaign.

While working on the campaign, I produced a love for PR and declared PR as my second major. I had an amazing experience at @umn_sjmc!

Q – #2    @cbetancourtPR So what kind of PR work do you do now, and is blogging involved?

A: Currently, I my job is charged with creating online content (blogs) for our legal clients, who are mostly law firms.

On any given week, I write 30+ blog posts on topics ranging from DUI to car accidents and drug trafficking to medical malpractice.

Additionally, my group is also exploring new ways to support law firms in other social media capacities. Never a dull moment :)

What’s great about my position is that I get to research and develop stories on various topics, like a journalist would.

Q – #3    I see. Now when you blog, are Key Words or SEO important in the making of your posts?

A: Absolutely, when blogging, this is a key consideration. Clients want interesting, original content that drives traffic to their site.

SEO is critical to my position. Being about to write creatively while mixing in SEO keywords and making them flow is key.

Im thankful for the SEO training I obtained in college, other positions and at my current job. Its an invaluable skill to have in PR.

As PR continues to be charged with online content creation and SM, SEO skills will continue to be important to the profession!

Q – #4    @cbetancourtPR Now what kind of work did you do in the past with @lulugrimm & @kmskala regarding PR locally?

A: I currently work with @lulugrimm & @kmskala on the Comm Committee for @MinnesotaPRSA.

Currently, I serve as the social media lead for @MinnesotaPRSA and I manage all the social sites for the org.

@Lulugrimm and @kmskala lead our awesome committee of bright minds and we continue to push the envelope when it comes to Social

@MinnesotaPRSA has been a great playground for us to experiment with social media.

Q – #5    Good to hear from @lulugrimm & @kmskala on your work @cbetancourtPR! What are some other groups/orgs that you are a part of?

A: In addition to @minnesotaPRSA, I serve on the marketing board for a nonprofit, ARC Greater Twin Cities.

Currently, I’m assisting ARC to create an online presence and assist in other mktg activities. They own Value Village, so its fun too

For the most part, @MinnesotaPRSA keeps me busy the most, which I love.

Q – #6    Let move you your FAVORITES: Restaurant, store, sport(s), Mpls Neighborhood & gadget.

A: Fave Restaurants: Chino Latino, Stella’s, Fogo de Chao, Cafeteria, anything Mexican :), True Thai, Pizza Luce. I know Im missing some

Fave Stores: Macys, @mallofamerica, Best Buy, Apple and any other store where I can fiddle with things :)

I live in NE Mpls and I love the stores/pubs around my neighborhood: Surdyks, Bulldog, Whiteys, Gastofs, etc.

Fav Gadgets: my blackberry, blu-ray player, Wii. Others I wish I owned: ipad, Macbook Air, Flip Cam.

Q – #7    For high school/college students interested in PR, what would you encourage them to do to learn/experience?

A: HS: I encourage them to shadow PR pros and really learn what we do. Its not for everyone and not everyone can do it.

College: I encourage them to be involved in #PRSSA and do as many internships you can. Invaluable experience.

Also, take some business classes. Company’s want PR pros that speak the language of business. Probably my most important advice!

@JoelECarlson – Thank you @cbetancourtPR for your time and your in depth comments today. Have a great weekend & enjoy the winter!

@cbetancourtPR – Thx!

@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone, and welcome to the Twitterview of @stremcha, a self proclaimed Geek of the Twin Cities. Lets get started!

Q – #1    To start @stremcha, please share where you grew up and what kind of schooling/training you received that led you to what you do now.

A: I physically grew-up in Northfield, MN – about 45 mi straight south of the city on I-35.

Professionally, I grew-up @concordiastpaul working in alumni relations.

I’ve earned a BA from @csbsju and an MA from @concordiastpaul

Q – #2    Smarty pants! :) So what kind of work do you do?

A: Nah. I just like to learn.

I work for @childrensmn in the foundation raising money to advance children’s health in MN and the upper-Midwest.

My focus is online fundraising, so I use web content, social media, email and mobile technology to raise money.

I also work closely with @randyran and @cavan to engage patients and families online to support the hospital.

Practically, I do work support all of our fundraising teams: events, cause-marketing/corporate relations…

…and our major and planned giving teams.

Functionally, I’m part of the ‘annual’ team, so I also work to connect our direct mail fundraising online.

Q – #3    Lots of work I can imagine. Have you seen the economy make a hit on your efforts?

A: We’ve been fortunate and seen our fundraising results run counter to the larger national trends.

We had a record fundraising year last year, and I think will have another strong year this year.

There’s a couple reasons for that, IMHO.

1) Historically, the foundation raised money with a relatively small staff focused on direct mail and events.

We’ve grown the team and diversified our efforts to include corporate relationships and more emphasis on major giving.

We’ve also seen substantial growth by focusing on online gifts.

2) Unlike some, we were never dependent on grant funding from fdtns(which reduced giving as a result of reduced assets)

Q – #4    What kind of departments or functions have been helped by your efforts?

A: We raise money online for a wide variety of areas in the hospital.

On the events side, the Cancer Kids fund and Cardiovascular Care are big beneficiaries.

In general, we provide support for Clinical Excellence, Family-Centered Care and Community Care.

Check-out http://tearstotriumph.org

As a hospital caring for kids, we focus a lot on experience: helping kids understand whats going on and be comfortable.

We believe @ChildrensMN that experience results in better clinical outcomes/healing.

…but insurance doesn’t cover it, so philanthropy/generosity/donors/giving play a big role.

Giving helps provide care to those who can’t afford it.

Q – #5    Lets now focus attention on you. Why do you consider yourself a geek? What elements of proof can you provide?

A: 4% of the population/6% uses Twitter. Those are daily activites for me. Clearly that puts me in a minority

I also like spreadsheets and data visualization a lot. I read. I cook. I don’t watch much TV.

In short, I do a lot of stuff the world doesn’t think of as ‘cool.’ I guess that’s why I think I’m a geek.

That and my co-workers tell me so! :-)

Q – #6    Geeks are the “New Black”, so you’re cool! Now to favorites: restaurant, store, MSP neighborhood & tech gadget.

A: I’m not much for favorites, so how about lists?

@JoelECarlson – Sure, like Top 5 would be fine.

Restuarants: I like the Highland and Longfellow Grills a lot; Supatra’s Thai; Cheeky Monkey; Brasa; and Pizza Luce.

I like the beer selection at the Happy Gnome a bunch.

Store: far and away – Costco! (more evidence of geekiness)

Neighborhood: I’m squarely a St. Paul guy: Highland Park, Mac/Groveland, Summit/Grand, Selby/Dale/Cathedral hill, Dwtn.

TechGadget: my iPhone, although I’m not really a gadget guy.

Apps: Angry Birds Seasons, Pulse News, NYT, iMapMyRun

Coffeeshop: @kopplins

Q – #7    If you could have any 1 guest (dead/alive) eat dinner with you, who would you pick and why?

A: I had in school suspension once in my life. This was the ? on which I had to write an essay, so I don’t like it much.

I’m going to say Mary Meeker.

She’s been on the right side of a lot IPOs; I’m fascinated with mobile; and, now she’s a VC.

Q – #8    I understand. What goal(s) do you have for yourself either professionally or personally for the near future?

A: Professionally, in December; it’s important to kid’s health we raise $ for @ChildrensMN (& online is my part of that)

Pro. more broadly, I’m working to help nonprofits, hospitals and fundraisers understand the value of online tools.

Personally, I try to be a good, healthy dad and husband.

@JoelECarlson – Thank you so much for your time and comments today @stremcha. You are doing a good work for children in need!

@stremcha – Thanks for including me – it’s been fun!

@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone, and welcome to the Twitterview of @MNTimberwolves web-guy @JonahBallow. Lets get on the court!

@jonahballow – Good morning to everybody on this Twitterview!

Q – #1    So @JonahBallow, where did you grow up, where did you go to school and how did you end up with the @MNTimberwolves?

A: I’m from Denver, CO. Graduated from KU & joined the @MNTimberwolves after 4 yrs in Kansas City sports radio

Q – #2    I see. Now I need to ask this today, is their any concern regarding the #TargetCenter roof collapsing?

A: Ha! I think the #TargetCenter has a more sound structure

Q – #3    Whew, I don’t know how many road “home games” #MNsportsfans could take in 1 year.What/who got you interested in sports?

A: My father was the podiatrist for the Nuggets when I was a young child & I was instantly addicted to #NBA & sports

Q – #4    Fun! Now when you were at KU, what did you major in, and which sports did you cover?

A: Mainly broadcast journalism – starting w/ play-by-play of KU bball & fball but also focused on convergence

Q – #5    Having studied journalism, how did you learn about the internet/web design & social media?

A: The technical aspect of Web design / HTML intrigued me, so a KU friend taught me how to design & work w/ photoshop

Thanks to @liozzi, during my time w/ the #Twolves (3yrs) I started to learn more about social media & integration

Q – #6    So what are your duties with the @MNTimberwolves, and do you travel with the team as part of your work?

A: I create & manage Web content & co-host halftime on @WolvesRadio. I join the #Twolves on 1 road trip a month

Q – #7    How do you think the @NBA & their teams have taken to social media as a way to connect with fans? On the right track?

A: The @NBA is the best league (out of the big 3) @ social media interaction (over 2 million followers)

Not only is the @NBA on the right track but paving the way for other sports leagues & traditional media

The @NBA’s growth over the last couple of years is due in large part to its large presence on twitter & facebook

Q – #8    Right on! When it come to new technologies, how are the @MNTimberwolves using #iPads to help the players?

A: The VID coordinator loads up gm content on all the players/coaches personal #iPads, so they can watch on #Twolves plane

I need to figure out a way for the #Twolves to hook me up w/ an #ipad. Any thoughts?

Q – #9    Lets switch a little time to you. You favorite: restaurant, birck/mortar store, winter activity and gadget.

A: My favorite restaurant resides in Denver, CO – Sushi Den. I love going to Best Buy & my PS3 is my top gadget

Q – #10    Huge fan of the @MNTimberwolves, so I wish we could Tweet more, but to close…what advice or mantra could you share?

A: I think it’s essential for traditional media to embrace & change its process regarding sports coverage

Fans have become the analysts & should be integrated into more of the general sports coverage

Expect www.timberwolves.com to push the boundaries & offer the best multimedia of the #Twolves Thanks

@JoelECarlson – Thank you SO MUCH for your time and comments today @jonahballow! See how busy he is here -   http://www.youtube.com/user/mnwolves

@JoelECarlson – Welcome everyone to the Food-Friday Twitterview of @agoodappetite. Lets get to cooking!

@agoodappetite – Hi there!

Q – #1    So @agoodappetite, please share: Where did you grow up? What kind of training/work has led you to what you do today?

A: I grew up in Port Huron, MI @JoelECarlson then my family moved to Duluth, MN while I was in college at University of Dayton, OH

I got a degree in communications @JoelECarlson then moved to Mpls to work for Title Wave then EMI Music Distribution doing marketing

From here I went to San Francisco @JoelECarlson & did sales for a small record label before moving back here to Mpls.

Really no background in food other than a lot of personal interest.

Q – #2    Wow. That some traveling! So what kind of food or food preparation do you tend to focus on?

A: We like to cook seasonably & locally as much as possible. Many of the recipes on the blog are written for just two.

Most of the food we do isn’t too fancy, a lot of comforting homestyle dishes.

Q – #3    @agoodappetite So there are 2 of you that then do the work together? How long have you been blogging?

A: Yes, I do most of my cooking with my husband @lewinski The blog started as something for us to do together

I’ve been blogging since 2005 on my craft blog http://kat-knits.blogspot.com

The food blog started in 2007 but became a more regular thing after moving here in 2008

Q – #4    @agoodappetite Sounds like a fun thing to be able to do together as a couple. I see you visited @PizzeriaLola, you do reviews too?

A: We started out mainly doing reviews but then I realized most of our readers don’t live in the same city as us

We do write about special food events we attend like @tourdefarm more often

Q – #5    I see. How has Social Media help you expand your blog awareness and connections with other food bloggers?

A: I resisted Twitter at first but other food bloggers convinced me to join.

Now I use to ask other foodie immediate cooking questions or bounce ideas off of. A way to hit a lot of cooks at once

Plus its a great way to let interested people know what’s cooking on our kitchen

Q – #6    Good for you. Now to your FAVORITES: Restaurant, food store or market, national known cook and comfort food.

A: Restaurant is hard. We love Corner Table, Craftsman, Broders & now Pizzeria Lola

Our farmers market is @kingfieldmarket & we shop at Lunds & Kowalski’s. Have to say I’m a sucker for Jamie Oliver

For favorite comfort food it has to be homemade mac & cheese with a side of peas.

Q – #7    Yummm! For people interested in starting to cook, maybe even food blogging, what advice would you give them?

A: I’d say pick up a copy of Joy of Cooking, use the best ingredients you can afford then don’t be afraid to experiment

For those starting to food blog, write about what you really cook & write often. Don’t be afraid to show mistakes.

@JoelECarlson – Having courage helps in a LOT of areas of life. Thank you very much for your comments today. Enjoy the snow!

@agoodappetite – I agree! Thanks for having me. I’m looking forward to staying in & roasting a chicken,

@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone! Welcome to Twitterview 2.0 of @JLBraaten. He was Twitterview #12 when I first started in March of 10′. Lets start!

@JLBraaten – Has it been that long already? It seems like just yesterday Twitterviews were getting off the ground

Q – #1    Yep. Time flies! So @JLBraaten, since the last Twitterview, you’ve changed jobs. What had you been doing, and what do you do now?

A: I was an IT/web project manager up until June, @JoelECarlson. Now I do SEO as an online marketing manager. Loving it!

Q – #2    I see. So can you explain how Social Media helped you with your new job? (Feel free to use up to 5 Tweets)

A: Crazy story about how social media helped me get a new job. I was found on LinkedIn!

As an SEO practitioner, I optimized my LinkedIn profile for “SEO” and “project management.”

One day I got an email out-of-the-blue from my new boss asking if I’d be interested in my current position.

He said he searched for “SEO project manager” in LinkedIn and found me on the first page. Talk about luck!

Lesson: if you want to be found on LinkedIn, make sure the job you want is somehow included in your profile title.

Q – #3    Good points from an SEO pro! :) Now you are also a blogger as well. Any new things have you’ve done with that lately?

A: A lot of things are happening on my humble blog, BigPictureWeb.com, recently. A new logo, design, eBook AND tutorials.

I started off blogging generally about online marketing but have started to focus on what people seem to like.

Mostly I blog about SEO, web analytics, or the awesome, yet lesser-known blogging platform, Squarespace.com.

Q – #4    Can you explain a little more about www.squarespaces.com? How it works? What makes it different?

A: Sure, I could talk all day long about @Squarespace, the easiest way to create a high-quality blog or website.

Squarespace is different because there are no servers or widgets or plug-ins to install. No upgrades either.

You get a fully hosted, fully functional website with all the features built into the powerful WYSIWYG editing software

Q – #5    Another topic to bring up is the use of the Paper.li updates. What’s your thought on them?

A: I just can’t get behind Paper.li. I know others (like @timbursch, @jakrose) feel the same: http://ow.ly/3ngCy

To me, if you’re going to curate content, do it one link at a time or put it on your blog. In between is a waste.

There’s enough to click on and read on the web today as it is. I don’t need another layer. Paper.li creates noise.

Last Paper.li thought: It’s oft lamented the “echo chamber” feel Twitter is taking on. Thanks, Paper.li.

Q – #6    Interesting. To close, what kind of personal/professional goals do you have for yourself for the near future?

A: Near-term professional goals: Support @rasmussen’s mission of education with the power of SEO and web analytics.

Near-term personal goals: Keep plugging away at my blog. Perhaps dabble in some public speaking.

And of course, finding balance is critical. Being a good friend, family member and boy friend are always goals of mine.

@JoelECarlson – Great! Thanks so much @JLBraaten for your comments and views today. All the best to you, and enjoy the MN Storm that’s coming!

@JLBraaten – Thank you, @JoelECarlson for having me and congratulations on nearly 200 Twitterviews in 2010!