Also, since I changed the blog (after losing everything and having to re-install from a backup) I have noticed most of the audio and pictures I had uploaded have disappeared from blog posts and pages, so I will start replacing those at the weekend.

I had a lovely surprise when I returned from France to discover I had made number 21 on a list of the 50 Most Powerful and Influential Women in Social Marketing on the Immediate Influence Blog. I feel quite honored to appear on a list like this – I’m pretty sure it’s the first time, and want to thank anyone who nominated me through Twitter (I sound like I’m making an Oscar acceptance speech – LOL – I’d like to thank God, my parents, the wonderful developers at Twitter…).  I’m not sure how influential or powerful I actually am, but it’s great to see that somebody thinks my ramblings are worth listening to.

In France I was – yet again – trying to explain to my friends the point of Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites. They couldn’t understand the value of creating communities and networking online, whether for business or pleasure. We came to the realization that our online personas often reflect our offline ones. I am essentially a sociable, chatty person who is always ready to extend my circle of friends and acquaintances, while they only like to socialise within their small group of friends. I did try to explain that you could choose who you did or didn’t follow/listen to very easily, but I have not converted them.

I love to communicate with people and social media offers me that opportunity. It certainly beats sitting on a cold bench in the city centre chatting to anyone who may walk by and show an interest!