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Introducing…Elaine Batzer: MS Office Maestro and Harry Potter FanGirl

Posted on March 13, 2012 in Blog Posts, Facebook, Featured, Microsoft, News, PC Tips | 0 Comments

Who are you and what do you do?

Elaine Batzer, Geek Girl #13

Career & Tech Ed (Vocational) Instructor, Weymouth High School IT Shop

 

What will you be teaching at Geek Girl Conference this year?

MS Office, including Word, Excel & Powerpoint. There is always some file management that goes along with those as well.

 

What was your favorite part of the conference last year?

The Opening Ceremony, when I stood there taking in the hundreds of attendees, the amazing and cool presenters and trainers as they spoke about themselves, and experienced the intense positive energy in that room.

 

PC or Mac?

PC! Although we did get a Mac Mini this year in shop.

 

When did you first know you were geeky?

During my AutoCad days, getting a new large-format plotter was the coolest thing EVER!

 

Star Wars or Star Trek?

Not much of either. Does Harry Potter count for anything?

 

Choose 5 people from any moment of time to have dinner and drinks with. Who would they be and why?

Julia Child, Dolly Parton, Henry Rollins, Bruce Cockburn, and Alton Brown. It’s hard to describe but those are some of my favorite people.

 

Who do feel has had the most impact on technology in your time?

Besides the usual (Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, etc.) it would be the consumers who drive development with their wallets. Microsoft Zune is a great example of this.

 

Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook.

 

Tell us something about you nobody knows….

I have a phobia of dropping my keys into a catch basin. Hey, it could happen!

Introducing….Tammi Jacobsen: Social Media Marketeer and Jedi Knight

Posted on March 13, 2012 in Blog Posts, Facebook, Featured, Interviews, News, Social Media | 0 Comments

Who are you and what do you do?

First and foremost I am a dog owner. My wonderful dog Gracie has been my inspiration for a lot of who I am and what I do personally and professionally. I am a small business advisor and social media speaker for the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network and an educator at heart. I am caring and enthusiastic in helping others to learn and succeed. My mission is to experience life through love and teaching others.

 

What will you be teaching at the Geek Girl Conference this year?

Marketing Strategies Using Social Media and Facebook for the Businesses

 

What was your favorite part of the conference last year?

Hearing all the positive feedback from everyone who attended.

 

PC or Mac

An Apple a day keeps the doctor away! I treat myself to “Apples” (iPhone, iPad, iTouch & MacBook) everyday.

 

When did you first know you were geeky?

When I created a website dedicated to my dog Gracie!

 

Star Wars or Star Trek?

I’ve always wanted to be a Jedi

 

Choose 5 people from any moment of time to have dinner and drinks with. Who would they be and why?

1. Rosa Parks because her of courage on that famous bus ride.
2. Olympe de Gouges because she is one of the earliest feminists who demanded that French women be given the same rights as French men.
3. LouAnne Johnson (author & teacher) because she showed her students that their lives don’t have to revolve around the violence and poverty that they see everyday, and that they can do more than they ever thought possible if they only believe in themselves.
4. Martin Luther King so he could inspire me
5. Yoda because…well who wouldn’t want to eat dinner with Yoda!

 

Who do feel has had the most impact on technology in your time?


The Jetsons living in their futuristic utopia in 2062!


Facebook or Twitter?


Definitely Twitter.


Tell us something about you nobody knows….

I used to drive a motorcycle…..

Introducing…Maura Longueil: Photographer Extraordinaire and Galley Wench

Posted on March 12, 2012 in Apple, Blog Posts, Facebook, Featured, Google, Interviews, Photography | 0 Comments

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Maura Longueil and I’m a compulsively over-committed mother of three. For fun, I hoard large quantities of chocolate and gather lots of smart and crafty people around me in an effort to encourage and foster everyone’s creative spirit. In a fit of shameless self promotion, I will confess that I sell these crafty products for profit at my boutique/studio in Hanover called the {Sassy Boutique} at Abbey Knoll Photography.

And when I have a spare moment, I photograph babies, families, seniors, weddings, and a few businesses.

 

What will you be teaching at the Geek Girl Tech Conference this year?

I’ll be taking professional headshots for participants ensuring that you all look ten years younger and as thin as you were in high school (back when you thought you were fat).

I’ll also be hosting a very fun photobooth when you arrive, so practice your fish face and cartwheels.

And teaching one Google Picasa workshop so everyone can get their act together with organizing their pictures.

 

What was your favorite part of the conference last year?

Spooning Leslie Fishlock.

 

PC or Mac?

Love/hate relationship. Love my Mac, hate the pretentious non geek girl types at the genius bar.

 

When did you first know you were geeky?

When I was in 5th grade, I wrote lines of code that would make a Christmas tree made of x’s with a blinking star on top. I also wore two ponytails, pink wide whale courduroys and an argyle sweater.

 

Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Trek because my mom once made me a counselor Troy costume for Halloween and by roommate bought me a chest communicator. Thanks Lars!

 

Choose 5 people from any moment of time to have dinner and drinks with. Who would they be and why?

The entire cast of MacGyver, second season.

 

Who do feel has had the most impact on technology in your time?

Steve Jobs.

 

Facebook or Twitter?

The Facebook time suck.

 

Tell us something about you nobody knows….

I spent a summer working as a cook in a galley of a tug boat which pulled a barge carrying top secret submarine parts between Boston and Virginia leading to the little known nickname of “galley wench”, affectionately.

Introducing….Kaitlyn Pintarich: Social Media Community Manager and Legend of Zelda Zealot

Posted on March 12, 2012 in Blog Posts, Facebook, Featured, Interviews, Social Media, Twitter | 0 Comments

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Kaitlyn I’m an insurance professional (boring), the Vice President and Marketing Director/Community Manager for Berry Insurance (getting better), and one-half of the mother-son blogging dynamic duo at http://www.ItsLearningTime.com (AWESOME). I spend much of my professional time teaching local businesses about the power of social media marketing and in my spare time, I work with my 14-month old son to share our lessons learned as we navigate life as a new family.

 

What will you be teaching at Geek Girl Conference this year?

Social Media Primer, Using Video Marketing to Grow Your Business, and How to (Completely) Monopolize the Internet with Pictures of Your Child (just kidding)

 

What was your favorite part of the conference last year?

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it (darn that maternity leave), but I’m looking forward to this year!

 

PC or Mac

My PC is to comfort food, as my MacBook is to an energy bar! Once you go Mac, you never go back.

 

When did you first know you were geeky?

This one time, at band camp…..

 

Star Wars or Star Trek?

My son is always telling me how he wants to learn the ways of the Force and become a Social Media jedi like his mother.

 

Choose 5 people from any moment of time to have dinner and drinks with. Who would they be and why?

1. David Bowie….I’ve loved him since his Goblin King days of Labyrinth.
2. Mari Smith….her love of Facebook and all things turquoise is truly inspiring.
3. My mother back in 1968….I’d want to hear her love story with my father as it was happening!
4. Walt Disney….it’s amazing how a man and his mouse can change the world.
5. Beethoven….to learn his struggles and triumphs as one of the world’s greatest deaf composers.

 

Who do feel has had the most impact on technology in your time?

Jeff Bezos

 

Facebook or Twitter?

I was hardcore Facebook for a while, but now I’d definitely pick Twitter!

 

Tell us something about you nobody knows….

I’m not allowed to play the Legend of Zelda video games….I become obsessed and have dreams about Link

Introducing: Catherine Weber…Social Media Maven and Power Tool Junkie

Posted on March 9, 2012 in Blog Posts, Facebook, Featured, Interviews, LinkedIn, Marketing, News, Pinterest, Social Media, Twitter, YouTube | 0 Comments

Who are you and what do you do?

Catherine Weber, Geek Girl #12, I am so many things it is difficult to figure out how to start. I am an entrepreneur, passionate social media consultant and teacher. I am also an artist, a wife and mother and storyteller. That should do it for now. If you see me at the end of the day during boot camp I might tell you that I am a huge proponent of foot massage and back rubs.

 

What will you be teaching at Geek Girl Tech Conference this year?

Social media strategy for businesses, social media time management, social media speed consulting and whatever else Leslie tells me to teach (within reason).

 

What was your favorite part of the conference last year?

Classrooms crammed with people hungry for understanding. People sitting on the desks, windowsills, and hanging from the lights (well that might have been my imagination). I LOVE our conference participants!

 

PC or Mac?

Mac convert. PC for 20+ years. Now, Macbook Pro, iPad and iPhone. Don’t ask me what I would save if the house was burning down. The answer might cause hurt feelings.

 

When did you first know you were geeky?

Me? Geeky? I think it was first, out of need, being my own boss. Then it was about independence, and finally passion. But having said that, it was gradual, over the last many years.

 

Star Wars or Star Trek?

I was neither until my son started expecting lightsaber duels. I accepted the challenge with great enthusiasm and he tells me I fight like a Sith, whatever that means.

 

Choose 5 people from any moment of time to have dinner and drinks with. Who would they be and why?

Julia Child. (she brings the boeuf bourguignon ) – my heroine on so many levels, not to mention food.
Steve Jobs (he should bring the newest prototype and accidentally leave it behind for me) – brilliant man. I could learn so much from him.
Jerry Garcia (he brings a guitar and his voice) So love his music.
Mother Theresa (she brings her radiant self) So much to learn from her.
Billy Collins (poet, alive and well, funny, funny man, brings his sense of humor) He is talented, makes me laugh, and is the only one alive on this list.

 

Who do feel has had the most impact on technology in your time?

Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Tim Berners-Lee.
Sorry, couldn’t pick just one.

 

Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook, closely followed by everything else.

 

Tell us something about you nobody knows….

I LOVE power tools.

Introducing: Nikki Groom…Blogging Brit and Tudor Fan Girl

Posted on March 6, 2012 in Blog Posts, Blogging, Facebook, Featured, How do I..., Interviews, Social Media | 0 Comments

Who are you and what do you do?

Hi, I’m Nikki and I’m a geek. I’m also a word crafter, digital scribe, and British expat. I’m on a mission to empower extraordinary businesswomen (like YOU) through the power of the written word.

 


What will you be teaching at the Geek Girl Tech Conference this year?



Blogging. Want to start a blog? Or ready to take your blog to the next level? I’ve got you covered. Oh, and if you’re trying (and failing) to find your authentic writing voice, I’d love to help you out with that, too. Highlight me on your schedule and come shower me with questions.

 

What was your favorite part of the conference last year? 



In my next life, I want to be a photographer, so Maura Longueil’s workshop was definitely up there.

 

PC or Mac?

I’m a closet PC.

 

When did you first know you were geeky?



When I realized how at home I felt among other geeks at my first Geek Girl Tech Conference.

 

Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars. No doubt.

 

Choose 5 people from any moment of time to have dinner and drinks with. Who would they be and why?

Whitney (in her hey-day, pre-drug addiction) – she was sassy, witty, and I loved her in The Bodyguard (who didn’t?)
Henry Cavill – why? C’mon ladies, have you SEEN “The Tudors”?
Marilyn Monroe – I just finished her autobiography. She seemed both humble and woefully misunderstood.
Robin Williams – he’d crack everyone up.
Buddha – to teach us a thing or two about the path to enlightenment.

 

Who do you feel has had the most impact on technology in your time?



Steve Jobs.

 

Facebook or Twitter?



Twitter.

 

Tell us something about you nobody knows….

I love it when people impersonate my accent. (Do it, I double dog dare ya.)

Introducing: Tricia White…Pinterest Freak and Closet Crochet Addict

Posted on March 5, 2012 in Blog Posts, Facebook, Featured, LinkedIn, Marketing, Pinterest, Social Media, Twitter | 0 Comments

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Tricia White and I am a Senior Business Advisor with the MA Small Business Development Center. We offer free (Yes! FREE) technical business assistance to small businesses in business plan creation, financial projections and analysis, marketing and strategic planning. All of our advisors have specialties within our positions, and mine is branding, marketing and social media. I have a fairly technical background along with an art degree. I do pretty well with Adobe products, blog platforms (WordPress, Blogger, Typepad, Tumblr), Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Foursquare, Pinterest, Google+, Google Tools, SEO and I am Google Adwords Certified. (Whew…that was a mouthful!)

I am also a passionate foodie and have a food blog called Friends Food Family. My husband and I create and re-create recipes from our 100+ cookbooks, magazine articles and hours of watching food videos. I blog for two reasons – 1. My personal brand: I love to cook and bake and what a wonderful way to share this information with others 2. I believe that in order to teach people about social media, you have to be engaged in social media. Ultimately, I’d like to offer advertising opportunities in the future.

 

What will you be teaching at Geek Girl Tech Conference Cape Cod this year?

Mostly Social Media; LinkedIn for Business, Twitter for Business, Facebook for Business, Google+ for your Brand and Pinterest. Plus, I bring really delicious chocolate chip cookies to my classes. Not that I’m bribing you with a great class and delicious treats but I’ll let you decide.

 

What was your favorite part of the conference last year?

I wasn’t there last year, but if I was I’d say…the opportunity to meet an awesome group of people that are interested in learning more about technology for business and personal growth.

Did I answer the question correctly? ;)

 

PC or Mac?

PC, but I am just waiting for my computer to die to move to Mac. I have an iPad and an iPhone, I need the iMac to complete the set!

 

When did you first know you were geeky?

Well, that’s a little personal. I have always looked a little geeky with the freckles, auburn hair (and I’m blond now…what a transformation!) and big glasses. As for the technical side…it’s math, computer programming, designing with grids and enjoying the challenge of working through technical issues. I have always been hands on so this is a very natural environment for me. What’s funny is the clashing of two opposites, the math geek and the artist. I guess you could call me technically creative.

 

Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars…just call me Princess Tricia (I’m Leia’s 1st cousin)

 

Choose 5 people from any moment of time to have dinner and drinks with. Who would they be and why?

1. Jim Henson – I think he was such a creative visionary and I was born on his birthday.
2. Stevie Nicks – I’m a huge music fan and have followed her since the days of Buckingham/Nicks.
3. John Singer Sargent – One of my favorite impressionists.
4. Julia Child – A woman who fought to be recognized as a chef in a man’s world.
5. My great grandmother who was a nurse midwife in the mid to late 1800′s.

 

Who do you feel has had the most impact on technology in your time?

Steve Jobs. I don’t think there is anyone who has been able to create a lasting brand recognition with technology through computers, music and telephones.

 

Facebook or Twitter?

Pinterest, because it’s creative and new!

 

Tell us something about you nobody knows….

I have been crocheting since I was 6 years old. I’m one of those people that can look at a print or design and just copy it. I’ll wear my scarf and mittens to Geek Girl.

I’m such a GEEK.

Introducing: Alecia Orsini Lebeda….Video Vixen and Girl Scout

Posted on March 1, 2012 in Facebook, Featured, Interviews, Social Media, Video, Viral Marketing, YouTube | 0 Comments

Who are you and what do you do?

Professional Nomad and I create media by shear force of will.

 

What will you be teaching at the Geek Girl Conference this year?

How to take over the world….with video….and the Internet.

 

What was your favorite part of the Geek Girl Conference last year?

The Sandwiches. GEEKING OUT OF COURSE!

 

PC or Mac?

There is no PC. There is only Zuul.

 

When did you first know you were geeky?

When I joined Geek Girl. Before then,…I was Artsy. So now I’m an Artsy Geek?

 

Star Wars or Star Trek?

Both, mixed. These are not the answers you are looking for.

 

Choose 5 people from any moment of time to have dinner and drinks with. Who would they be and why?

Juliette Gordon Low: (Girl Scout Founder) Cause she’s the bomb. The original J. Low!
Oscar Wilde: Purely for this quote: “Dancing is a Vertical expression of a Horizontal desire” I’d want to see his moves on the dance floor.
Charlie Chaplin: I bet he could show Oscar some moves.
Queen Victoria: We’d talk fashion, I’m a sucker for a bustle.
Dr. Who…. I have my reasons.

 

Who do feel has had the most impact on technology in your time?
The Users & DARPA.

 

Facebook or Twitter?

BOTH!
But I spend far more time on Facebook.

 

Tell us something about you nobody knows….

I am the Walrus.
Bah…ok…lets see.
I am extremely dyslexic. I can only spell (correctly all the time) about 40% of the words I know how to use. That’s why I love to talk. :)

Introducing….Adrienne Baumann: Email Enchantress and Orinthologist

Posted on February 29, 2012 in Blog Posts, eMail Tips, Facebook, Featured | 0 Comments

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Adrienne (as in “Yo! Adrienne”) – I am Geek Girl #8, one-half of the dynamic Geek Girl “Greek Girl” duo, and occasionally have been spotted as Super Girl.  By day, my business Koinonikos provides social media management services to small businesses. I’m also part of Constant Contact‘s Local Experts program, which gives me additional super powers.

 

What will you be teaching at the Geek Girl Cape Cod Conference this year?
I’ll be teaching “3 Keys to Email Marketing” and “The Power of Email Marketing Leveraging Social Media”.  It’s good stuff for anyone who sends e-mails for their business; we’ll cover some great best practices!

 

What was your favorite part of the conference last year?
I always love seeing people’s eyes light up as their brains fill with new geeky knowledge!

 

PC or Mac?
PC, with occasional Mac envy.

 

When did you first know you were geeky?
I guess I knew I had geek in my blood when I made my first e-Trade in my crib…which is even more incredible considering it was the 70s.

 

Star Wars or Star Trek?
I’m a big fan of the original Star Trek series and the Next Generation, but I have to choose Star Wars!  Watching those movies now is just as awesome as when I was a kid; however, those old Star Trek episodes look a little hokey.  Plus, I still have a crush on Han Solo…

 

Choose 5 people from any moment of time to have dinner and drinks with. Who would they be and why?
John Lennon, John Belushi, John Candy, John Cleese, and Pope John Paul II – because it’d be a raucous great time, everyone would know each others’ names, but it wouldn’t get too out of control. (said with a wink, of course)

 

Who do feel has had the most impact on technology in your time?
Steve Jobs. ‘Nuff said.

 

Facebook or Twitter?
The ADHD in me appreciates Twitter, but I gotta have both!

 

Tell us something about you nobody knows….
I was a member of my high school Ornithology Club for four years, and President my senior year, effectively making me a geek AND a nerd!

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