The first cavewoman (or caveman) to open her mouth and utter an intelligible word changed the game for the local tribe. After some time, humans gained the power of language, and eventually, figured out how to write things down. Suddenly information could be transmitted and retained. The game had grown larger and more complex. Somebody needed to make some rules.
Centuries later, a German blacksmith named Johannes Gutenberg invented mechanical movable type and ushered in a printing revolution throughout Europe, and then the world. Now information could be spread throughout the masses. Reading and transmission of data was no longer relegated to the educated elite.
More centuries later, technology began to increase at a rapid pace. Suddenly there were telegraphs and then telephones, enabling almost instant communication across traditional boundaries. Finally, the Internet was born. It’s still going through its growing pains.
The game has come a long way. So what does the future hold? Who knows? Though nobody can know for sure, it’s always a good idea to see what the experts and influential power players have to say.
Here’s a list of savvy individuals whose words are worth your precious time.
1. Gary Vaynerchuk
Family 1st! but after that, Businessman. Just a dude that Loves the Hustle, People & the @NYJets @vaynermedia .Tasted wine for years online! @winelibrary
An entrepreneur as a child, Vaynerchuk turned his family business into an ultra-successful wine store. He parlayed his expertise into a successful blog and eventually a consulting firm. His tweets reflect his exuberance and passions.
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2. Ted Coine
Looking for better ways to conduct business? Coine’s tweets are full of helpful links to informative articles that will open your mind and increase your productivity.
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3. Chris Brogan
CEO&President, Human Business Works, a business design company. More? http://hbway.com/c . contact: http://chrisbrogan.com/contact Boston, MA
Chris is the owner of Human Works and is a New York Times bestselling co-author of The Impact Equation, and a sought-after professional keynote speaker. Be prepared for some fun facts and humor.
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4. Ashton Kutcher
I make stuff, actually I make up stuff, stories mostly, collaborations of thoughts, dreams, and actions. Thats me.
We all know Ashton. He’s on your television. He’s on your computer. He’s in your backyard! Just kidding, you’ve been Punk’d.
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5. Robert Scoble
@Rackspace’s Startup Liaison Officer, who grew up in Silicon Valley, brings you technology news, videos, and opinions.
Long term blogger and trendsetter, Scoble is best known for his blog, also called Scobleizer. His experience as a technological evangelist at Microsoft make his tweets and blog worth examining thouroughly.
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6. Justine Ezarik
I play video games and make vids on YouTube http://youtube.com/ijustine
Viral comedian and Internet celebrity, Ezarik has been described as a “lifecasting star.” If you’re looking for cutting edge tips for social media, check out the tweets of a “new media star.”
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7. Mark Cuban
Entrepreneur.
Pretty short twitter bio, huh? Well, when you reach the status of Mark Cuban, you don’t really need to say much. Luckily, Cuban does have things to say and people should definitely be paying attention.
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8. Guy Kawasaki
Author of Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions. Former chief evangelist of Apple. Co-founder of Alltop. Silicon Valley, California · apethebook.com
Remember Macintosh? Well, Mr. Kawasaki was one of the original marketers for that little bestseller. Add in experience as a venture capitalist and a popular blogger, and his tweets are not to be missed. [/threecol_two_last]
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9. Ann Handley
Head of Content here at ‘Profs. People seem to like my writing:http://www.contentrulesbook.com http://www.annhandley.com Boston, Massachusetts · http://www.marketingprofs.com
Mixing a potent combination of tactical and strategic marketing techniques, Handley has a passion for building communities, and it shows in her kind and helpful posts. [/threecol_two_last]
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10. Scott Monty
Global head of social media at Ford Motor Company, husband, dad, podcaster, proprietor of http://bakerstreetblog.com , and a generally nice guy. Formerly from Boston. Detroit, MI · http://scottmonty.com
Forbes ranked Monty as one of the top 10 influencers in social media. He’s in charge of social media for Ford Motor Company and thankfully, he’s willing to share techniques on his blog and twitter feed.
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11. Kim Garst
Not only is she a social media expert, Kim Garst adds a personal touch to all of her business endeavors. It often feels like you’re in a conversation with her directly. We could all learn a thing or two from her techniques. [/threecol_two_last]
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12. Lori Ruff
CEO Integrated Alliances The @LinkedInDiva ? Social Influencer ? B2B Sales, Marketing/PR #GreatContent Chat Founder ? Author#RockTheWorld w/LinkedIn Radio Host Minneapolis, MN · http://RockLinkedIn.com
An orator extraordinaire, Lori Ruff can reach listeners in an auditorium, on the radio, or over the Internet. Old-fashioned rhetorical skill combined with modern social expertise. A potent combination.
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13. Mari Smith
Top Social Media Expert | Premier Facebook Marketing Expert | Globe-trotting Speaker | Author | ‘Mari like Ferrari’ | Scottish-Canadian | http://fb.com/marismith San Diego, California · marismith.com
Mari Smith has shared the stage with the likes of Tony Robbins, Richard Branson, and the Dalai Lama. A marketing expert particularly knowledgeable about Facebook and Twitter, Smith is a true international powerhouse. [/threecol_two_last]
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14. Jeff Bullas
Social Media Marketing for Business, including Blogging, Facebook, Twitter,YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+, Search, SEO and Content Marketing Sydney, Australia · http://jeffbullas.com/
A consultant, coach, mentor, and speaker, Jeff Bullas has a highly successful blog to add to his impressive resume. He knows how to merge old-school marketing techniques with modern social media methods to ensure rapid success. [/threecol_two_last]
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15. Chris Abraham
Chris Abraham is the consummate social media marketing and digital PR professional, experiencing unparalleled success. He is also very humble. Washington, DC · chrisabraham.com
Chris Abraham has been in the game for over a decade. His fascination with memetics and how they influence culture make anything he writes fascinating and informative. [/threecol_two_last]
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16. Renee Blodgett
I’ll help you paint a new canvas for your Biz & Your Life! Branding, Social Media, PR, Marketing, Blogger, Coach, Rainmaker, Connector, Photographer,Innovator San Francisco · http://www.magicsaucemedia.com
Renne Blodgett does it all and she does it everywhere. With over 20 years experience in several countries, she has helped launch companies through her unique campaigns consisting of branding, viral and traditional marketing, and word-of-mouth techniques. [/threecol_two_last]
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17. Chris Voss
A serial entrepreneur for over 25 years, Chris Voss has experience in a variety of fields, including retail clothing lines, talent agencies, real estate, stock markets, and so much more. His dynamic personality shines through in all of his endeavors. [/threecol_two_last]
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18. Susan Cooper
Hi I’m Susan from NC, Social Media Enthusiast & Strategist. I create social media campaigns to help build awareness. ? Music, Movies & More! North Carolina · http://buzzedition.com
A quick look at her website will demonstrate that Susan Cooper understands the power of humor and personality when it comes to social impact. Add in her years of experience and you can be assured of quality advice. [/threecol_two_last]
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19. Chris Pirillo
Entrepreneur, Entertainer, Speaker, Consultant / Coach, Geek… and an expert in being myself. I’ve been online since 1992. chris@pirillo.com Seattle, WA · http://www.twitter.com/ChrisPirillo
Self professed geek Chirs Pirillo uses his unique personality to keep his finger on the pulse of the social media environment. He genuinely loves to help people and it shows. [/threecol_two_last]
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20. Amber Naslund
Social business at @SideraWorks. Author. Musician. Bully breed advocate. Mom. @Mindsharers. Bibliophile. Word Nerd. I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. Chicago, IL · http://brasstackthinking.com
Amber Naslund understands the changing ecosystems of businesses and their customers. An accomplished writer, blogger, and speaker, she helps companies adapt to the modern business environment smoothly. [/threecol_two_last]
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21. David Carr
David Carr, Media Equation column, blogs @ Decoder, covers pop culture at NYTimes. Tweets hi-low, news, whatnot. Author: Night of the Gun. http://amzn.to/lhYAP5 Jersey/NYC/Lincoln Tunnel · http://nyti.ms/mNutl
A journalist for over 25 years, David Carr has established himself as an expert on the intersection between media, culture, business, and government. His writing is so good, you’ll find yourself reading column after column. [/threecol_two_last]
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22. John Battelle
Who hasn’t spent hours perusing Wired magazine? Well, you can send some of your thanks to John Battelle. Be sure to check out his book, The Search: How Google and Its Rivals Rewrote the Rules of Business and Transformed Our Culture, for a fascinating history on the rise of the search engine giant. [/threecol_two_last]
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23. Michael Stelzner
Founded Social Media Examiner & Social Media Marketing podcast, authored Launch & Writing White Papers. Committed Christian and dad. http://socialmediaexaminer.com
Specializing in social media and white papers, Michael Stelzner appreciates the importance of family and community as well as success in business. His old-fashioned values are a breath of fresh air in a turbulent world. [/threecol_two_last]
Of course, it’s impossible to list all of the power players. Who did we leave out? Any of your favorite experts? You, perhaps? Let us know with a comment.
Matthew Toren is an Award Winning Author, Serial Entrepreneur, and Investor. He Co-Founded YoungEntrepreneur.com along with his brother Adam. Matthew is co-author of the newly released book: Small Business, Big Vision: “Lessons on How to Dominate Your Market from Self-Made Entrepreneurs Who Did it Right” and also co-author of Kidpreneurs.