Friday, October 23, 2009

The Katnip Awards

This month we honor a few of our favorite Twitterers -- including 2 spectacular breast cancer survivors -- who are worthy of your clicking the "Follow" button.

Pretty in Pink Award
She not only survived cancer twice. She endured 7 breast cancer surgeries. And she came out with her sense of humor intact. Now Jamie Inman"s passion is helping others face the challenge of cancer through her Pink CafĂ©. She says she’s still got cleavage. We think lots of heart, too. Be sure to read "Sick of Pink Yet?" See why she inspires daily. @ibeatcancrtwice

Best Tweeting & Eating Award
He tweets. He eats. He scores. Usually simultaneously. Jeff is an advertising copywriter/social media consultant we knew BT (Before Twitter), although he’d probably prefer a BLT. It’s no wonder he has his own hashtag: #wwjce  (What Would Jeff Cutler Eat?).  He also happens to be in with the In Crowd at almost every social media event. One of the masterminds & stars of last week’s hugely successful NomX3 featuring @garyvee in Boston. Truly genuine, gladly helpful and great sense of humor. Definitely one to know. @jeffcutler


Illuminating and Informing Award
What men need to know about breast cancer. How a smartphone can help cancer patients. Which pink products really help make a difference. How you can keep working while going through treatments.  The hidden blessings cancer offers. All kinds of valuable information is in one spot on twitter, and doing it well.   @Bcsurvivors



Swashbuckler Award

He leapt out of the Twitterstream on Sept. 19 when he tweeted, "We suck! We will never win the world series...what? Not that kind of Pirate? #talklikeapirate" We’ve been paying attention ever since. Warm,
witty and even wise. A New Orleanian at heart who lives on the Left Coast and loves the Red Sox. He has a blog and he’s not afraid to use it. @kevinvandever

Thriver, Not Just Survivor Award
Three-time cancer survivor (2x breast cancer) who is now director of her own non-profit, The Staley Foundation, which supports cancer patients and their families undergoing treatment at Tufts Medical Center through education, advocacy, and immediate financial assistance.  This summer she organized
Staley’s Riders to raise more money.  Selfless, sunny, spunky and sweet. There’s a reason she’s getting a second nod from the Akatemy.  @stales


Blinding Smile Award
You’ll probably fall in love with her based on her avatar. Then her bio will clinch the deal: "CEO of nothing. But very busy and important." Self-effacing but not shy. Funny, clever, and quick. Terrific new blogger who’s always interesting. An instant friend on Twitter that we wish lived around the corner, but then we’d never get anything done. @mjjaaska

Ride Like the Wind Award
He’s wanted by Interpol for his brazen Blip-ing of Christopher Cross songs. You may recall mention of him here in June when he lost the infamous BlipOff (aka BlipIdol) against @julito77. But he’s so much more than a passive-aggressive DJ. New England native living in ATL, this sports fanatic for all teams Boston is also a savvy media maverick who has just launched BuzzCal Communications. Truly one of the good guys, despite his taste in music. @jeffmello
 

Don of Civilization Award
His bio claims he’s a "Bleeding-edge Gadget Junkie, Early adopter. Apple loyalist. Marketing and advertising exec who's been into tech since before the microprocessor."  We’ve known him since the dot.com days at Mullen, and happy to see he’s still fearless about new technologies. Sharp mind, inquisitive nature, and likeable style. Knows how to have an opinion without trampling yours. @donlorenzet 


Check out previous Katnip winners.
Engage with us on Twitter.
Got comments?  Leave them here.

Friday, September 25, 2009

The Katnip Awards

We’re back. Rested, refreshed and glad those wanna-be awards shows (VMAs and the Emmy’s) are out of the way. Here are the awards that really matter.

This week, we're focusing on five who make Twitter entertaining, inspiring and a great place to be.

LEADING LADIES

The Sassy Lassy Award
She’s smart. She’s funny. She’s quick as a whip and loose with a quip. But that’s not all. This marketing strategist helps small businesses do it right, and she tells it like it is… on Twitter and in life. Behind that sass is a heart of gold. Fun to watch. Fun to engage. A leader by example. Look at this morning’s tweets.
@ShellyKramer


The Great Escape Award
Her bio says she’s all about escaping mediocrity in life & biz -- one adventure at a time. Follow her tweets and her blog, and you see she’s doing it. She’s one of the rallying forces behind 12for12k – which is all about using social media for good. Fun, lively, full of integrity and great information. She gladly shares her Escape Plan and dares you to come up with your own. @SarahRobinson


Den Mother of the Year Award
Oh, boy. Where to start? She’s the one who responds to your tweets, who takes an interest in whatever you’re doing, who lends support and rejoices in everyone’s successes. Case in point: when twitter friend @makinitright was in the hospital, she not only asked the rest of us for prayers – she went to the hospital see her. Kind, kind, kind. Energetic, intelligent with a sparkly spirit.
@debdobson


The Winning Hand Award
We noticed her back in our first weeks on Twitter. You can’t miss her amazing energy early in the morning. “Who is this relentlessly sunny person and what is this #PositivePosse” we wondered. Glad we found out. A whiz at getting things done for Very Busy People, she embodies that “can do” spirit that makes Twitter a better place. Talk to her about improving your productivity. Follow her to improve your mood.
@AceConcierge


Fearless Flyer Award
If Twitter is a circus, here’s your trapeze act. She grabs hold of the bar, swings to breathtaking heights, and then makes that leap to the next bar without batting an eye. At least that’s how it looks from our seats. Young, gutsy, willing to jump in to the headiest social media conversations with “the experts” and hold her own. She’s a a savvy communicator and bright light on Twitter, looking for a job in the real world – or clients who know a good thing when they see it. An asset wherever she lands.
@TransitionalTee


Congratulations to all of this week's winners. Well done!
Next week: Leading Men.

If you want to nominate someone for a Katnip Award, tweet us!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Best of Katnip Awards

Please enjoy this look at some -- not all -- of our fave Katnip winners from the first 2 months. (The Women were featured last week.)

The Men

Where the Action Is Award
If it’s happening, he knows about it. He was talking about Presence Engineering when most of us were asking what Twitter is. He bought @chrisbrogan a beer from 1,500 miles away. And his blog about it got me into this whole crazy world. A great guy I’ve had the pleasure of working with IRL, a good friend in any space.
@MichaelCalienes


The Real Deal Award
Forget that a gazillion people worship at his feet. He didn’t ask for that. What he knows, he giadly gives away. In fact, he met us for coffee when we were all twitchy about Twitter. A regular guy with a heart of gold and a mind that never quits or takes naps. Not just a rockstar. The brightest light in any galaxy:
@chrisbrogan



Best Lead in Branding Adventures Award
When he was a kid – excusez, l’enfant, he was most likely called a prodigy. He toyed with ad campaigns while others toyed with toys. Held patents while others held their breath. Now he stirs up passionate discussions about branding and social media. (Look at his July 1 blog for proof.) Has a loyal following, for good reason. Dashing and smart, happy to include others in the limelight.
@thebrandbuilder



Eureka Award
This guy was our favorite find of the week. Here is one reason why. And here's the other one. Still consistently delivers.
@adtothebone



Fort Knox Award
If you’re looking for gold, he’s got plenty of it. Interesting links. Helpful tips. (Everything that has helped us manage Twitter better, we learned from him.) Plus a heart of pure Au. One of the absolute nicest guys we’ve met here. Be sure to say hello and engage him.
@glennhilton



Smartypants Award
Always interesting. Shares good stuff. Mixes it up with all kinds of people. Asks questions that draw you in. And is not afraid to be real or show heart. Ad people love him. You will, too. His Friday Feeding Frenzy inspired us to start the Katnip Awards. The amazing...
@smashadv.


Pinch Hitter Award
Late in the game, this guy appears with all the energy and enthusiasm befitting a first inning, picks up the bat, and hits it out of the park. There when you need him – with encouragement, an RT and that big bright grin. Did we mention that he was named NEDMA's "Direct Marketer of the Year" for 2009? Congrats to copywriter, creative director and social media marketer. We didn't know he had already written this when we gave out his award.
@cargillcreative


SmArt Director Award
In real life, he’s actually a hotshot Creative Director with an Art Director background. On Twitter, he’s the guy who leads you to wonderful finds on creativity, art, music… oh, yeah, and advertising. No ego. A generous sharer. All around sweetheart who will cringe when he sees this.
@mancevic



Most Rabid Sportsfan Award
It was a tough contest and lots of fun watching them duke it out. But then @jeffmello talked about music, leaving our guy to cover the bases. Hands down, the winner is
a PR pro recently written up in Fast Company who also happens to consistently appear in the Top 20 on TwitterGrader's Boston Elite,
@julito77.


5-Carat Award
What can I say? This guy is a real gem. He has clarity, color and cuts through the clutter with his fun and interesting tweets. A copywriter who understands the meaning of the word “engaging”.
@jphodgins


Sophie's Choice Award
What can we say? It was our first week, and already we couln't choose between these two. If you knew them, you'd understand. Fun, kind, interested in others, totally engaging.
@justinthesouth AND @scott_farrell


Like last week, this was harder than the Akatemy anticipated. So many other great men to follow! We encourage you to read about all the previous winners. Back with new awards next week.

Please give these guys a tweet and congratulate them on their win.
If you want to nominate someone for a Katnip Award, tweet us!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Best of Katnip Awards

While the Akatemy is on hiatus, please enjoy this look at some of our previous Katnip winners from the first 2 months.

The Women

MVP Award
We could write an entire blog about why we admire this person. Heads up her own dynamo PR firm. Adored by many. Turns followers into friends. A genuine, caring soul. Smart, shares great content, and infinitely engaging. Did we mention the best laugh we’ve ever heard on twitter? The true queen of the Twitterverse, and a very benevolent ruler.
@ginidietrich

Highly Infectious Award
Upbeat without being rah-rah. Human. Sincere. Helpful. And great at introducing and connecting wonderful people. If there was a cure for her, I would advise against it. Since she won her Katnip, our love for her has grown and grown. Her inspiring Love, Staci is one reason why.
@StaciJShelton


Life of the Party Award
“Who is this chick we keep seeing retweeted?” we wondered. She’s everywhere. Passionista about art, music, film, design, comedy – fun! Also A++ for giving shout-outs, connecting people, spreading the credit & love. If this is a #worldwiderave, she is hands-down the leader. Watch how one RT from her goes round the globe.
@Kim



Treasure Hunter Award
Looking for a wealth of great web and design tips, plus just great social media links on a daily basis? This is your girl. If we had $1 for every gem she’s uncovered, we could retire and tweet about the good life. A generous giver and connector, too.
@mistygirlph



Best Tweet That Wasn’t a Tweet
And that’s only because she’s been blogging 140 char. before there was a Twitter. She's witty, warm, heart of gold. Check this out and know why so many wouldn't dream of missing @amyflanagan



Alpha Centauri Award
Definitely one of the brightest and fastest rising stars here, her enthusiasm for social media is unparalleled. So is her genuine willingness to share what she knows and help others – including businesses and newbies – find their way in the Twitterverse.
@lisahickey



Living Boldly Award
Gutsy brand strategist who this week, instead of curling up in a ball while awaiting cancer test results, wrote this. We love her for it, and so much more.
@SueSpaight



Cheerful Giver Award
Totally interested in others. In being the light -- not grabbing the spotlight. Her tweets always spread good vibes. Plus we think she’s onto something with her techniques for boosting natural energy, weight loss, body sculpting and more.
@ZnaTrainer

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Katnip Awards

While the Akatemy is on a short break, please enjoy a look at previous winners.

Click on any of the weeks from June 21 - August 14th.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Katnip Awards

You don’t need an Oscar or an Emmy. On Twitter, it’s all about
The Katnips
-- awards given to those who delight and
intoxicate us with their tweets.


This week’s winners are (drumroll):

The Tripp Worth Taking Award
The judges at the Akatemy were really in a quandary this week. We had planned for over a month to give a Katnip to one of our favorite ad people. She’s a top-notch, super respected Creative Director from NYC whose blogs and tweets are the source of terrific information about the industry. Our admiration has only grown as we’ve come to know her better. So when she featured the Katnip Awards in her new B r a n d F o r w a r d B l o g this past Monday, we wondered: Should we hold off, so that it doesn’t appear as if she “bought” our votes? The members of the Akatemy protested that they had waited long enough. And they won. You’ll win too when you start following her. @michelletripp.


Bells & Whistles Award
It’s clear just from today’s tweets that this relative newcomer to twitter is a natural. He’s funny. Engaging. Modest. And truly brings out the best in others. (Read his bio and his #FollowFriday recommendations.) Yeah, he called us gurus. But that didn’t sway us one bit. We’d love him even if he called us ginsu's. Deserves 1000’s of followers. @Daveisbell


Miss Helen Award
Remember Romper Room? Remember Miss Helen? She would look in her magic mirror and call you by name. That’s what it’s like tweeting with this award winner. You would never know she has 40,000 followers by the way she tweets, because she truly makes you feel that she has taken a special interest in YOU. Not sure how she does it. But she manages to engage, inform, educate, and be a real person. She’s trying a new experiment on twitter time management. We wish her luck. We’ll keep following. @sharonhayes

Hole in One Award
We started an alliteration game on Twitter. Ours: Driving thru drizzle drinking Dunkin Donuts. His reply: Eight excellent eggs earning exceptional extra energy especially eccentric egomaniacs. From there, he was unstoppable. A champion in every sense of the word, on and off the course. Author. DJ. Great friend. @jmbuckingham said it best. Please congratulate @golfnovels


Most Riveting Award
If you like your tweets wry, with a twist, follow this witty Paradox who looks like Rosie the Riveter and calls herself a Contrarian with a heart of gold. We love her spunk, her spirit. And her generosity. Look at her tweetstream, and it’s 99% engagement. We’ve yet to figure out what is “sub” about her. As far as we can tell, she’s a cut above. @submom


Bayou Bengal Award
The first time we met this fanatical Fightin’ Tigers fan, he’d just been out for a 40 mile bike ride... on a Sunday morning...before 8 a.m. That’s the kind of passion and energy he brings to Twitter, too, where he’s always full of life and mostly full of good cheer. (Okay, we won’t talk politics.) All about interacting. And committed to putting together another list of 200 Top Twitterers to follow. Put him on your list. @CesLSU


Green Goddess Award
She’s a marketing consultant and entrepreneur who also happens to know her way around a garden. A huge advocate of all things “green” – not just veggies. Always seems to pop up with an encouraging word just when we need her. Can help you with your brand, share expertise on social media, show you how to grow papayas in New England and make a good case for a French pedicure. @dvautier


Son of a Ghandi Award
Peace-loving, joy-loving guy Mumbai, India who’s all about positive change. In fact, he’s a leader in Change Consulting who is not afraid to admit he’s also a “Mistake maker.” Combines business with heart. One of the nicest people you’ll meet. @JoyAndLife

So that’s it. Congratulate to all the winners!

If you enjoyed this week's Katnip Awards, please spread the love.

And be sure to say hello when you're on Twitter.