I am honored to be a nominee for the Texas Social Media Awards.

The Texas Social Media Awards is a brilliant idea brought to us by the Austin American Statesman. The Statesman is truly leading the way not just in Austin, but nationally when it comes to traditional media's usage of social media. They're not eligible for their own awards, but I would argue that its the Statesman who really deserves to win the Social Media Award. With nearly all of their reporters on Twitter it's now possible to truly have a dialogue with the daily paper. They really understand that the power of social media is creating community and conversation, and that's just what they're doing.

Currently there are 125 nominees. The top 25 will be chosen and displayed by Feb. 18. An overall Statesman winner will be awarded at a party on March 15 which coincides with SXSW.

It appears that much of the selection for the finalists will be based on the public comments about each nominee. Hopefully this doesn't turn into too much of a popularity contest. I'd much rather see the individuals who set the best examples of social media usage be finalists, not just those who receive the most comments. That being said I'm personally not beyond doing a little bit of campaigning, and would like to ask for your help.

If you've benefited from the events and networking tips I share in the NetworkInAustin.com Newsletter or from any of the hundreds of blog posts I've written over the last 3.5+ years I hope you'll share your comments about the specific value you've received. Also if you have learned anything from the way that I utilize LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter I hope you'll share that as well.

Share your comments on Scott's social media usage: Help me become a finalist!

I'm probably not the only nominee you know. Please also considering commenting on the nominations of some of the other nominees who you feel are deserving.

Here is a list of some of my friends and others I'm quite familiar with who certainly deserve a nod:

Andy Meadows

Bryan Menell

Bryan Person

Connie Reece

David Davenport

Elizabeth (Liz) Handlin

Eugene Sepulveda

Jay Ehret

John Erik Metcalf

Joshua Baer

Kay Bell

Doug Ulman (Lance Armstrong Foundation)
 
Michelle Greer
 
Mike Chapman

Sam Decker

If you really want to learn what social media is all about spend some time understanding what these folks and the rest of the nominees are doing. Something tells me your time will be very well invested. I hope to find some time to do this myself. Congratulations to all of the nominees!

Happy Networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com