25 Very Smart Business Women to Follow on Twitter
Since joining Twitter in October 2008, I’ve had the chance to “meet” lots of really cool women. Many of them are in marketing, some are not, but they all have one trait in common: they are very, very smart.
Herewith, my list of women you should be following on Twitter (in no particular order):
1. Anne Holland (@AnneHolland55) — After selling MarketingSherpa, Anne took a hiatus and spent three months sleeping. She’s now back in the entrepreneurship saddle with WhichTestWon.com and her blog, Anne Holland’s Ventures. Welcome back, Anne!
2. Sandy Carter (@sandy_carter) — Author of The New Language of Marketing 2.0, Sandy is a VP at IBM who writes about social media for technology companies.
3. Stephanie Tilton (@StephanieTilton) — Stephanie is an expert freelance white paper copywriter and one of the founding members of the way cool, totally hip Savvy B2B Marketing blog.
4. Jamie Wallace (@suddenlyjamie) — Like Stephanie, Jamie is a founding member of the Savvy B2B Marketing blog. She’s also got her finger on the B2B social media pulse and “gets it” like it’s no one’s business.
5. Lois Geller (@loisgeller) — Lois moved her highly successful direct mail agency from NY to Florida and never looked back. President of the Lois Geller Marketing Group, she’s also the author of SOLD! Direct Marketing for the Real Estate Pro. Be sure to check out her Joy of Direct Marketing blog.
6. Rachel Levy (@bostonmarketer) — Rachel just recently accepted a job as Director of Marketing and Social Media at Second Time Around. Hopefully she’ll keep up her blog. Congratulations, Rachel!
7. Ardath Albee (@ardath421) — Ardath writes about B2B marketing and sales. Read her fabulous insights at her Marketing Interactions blog.
8. Kellye Crane (@KellyeCrane) — Kellye, a PR consultant, is one person whose tweets I enjoy reading. She also writes the Solo PR Pro blog.
9. Beth Harte (@BethHarte) — Beth is the MarketingProfs Community Manager and publishes the Harte of Marketing blog.
10. Ann Handley (@MarketingProfs) — In addition to being being a terrific writer (she can write circles around me), Ann is the Chief Content Officer for the very popular MarketingProfs publication. Be sure to catch her on her Annarchy blog.
11. Allen Mireles (@allenmireles) — Allen, a social media consultant, is the Principal of Allen Mireles Marketing PR. She writes frequently about social media and PR on her blog and is frequently retweeted.
12. Jill Konrath (@jillkonrath) — Jill is the best selling author of Selling to Big Companies (a must read for anyone who wants to work with the GEs and HPs of the world). She’s also the SHeEO of Sales shebang, *the* Web resource for women in sales and provides training as well as an annual conference.
13. Laura Ramos (@lauraramos) — A VP and analyst for Forrester Research, Laura writes about issues pertaining to B2B marketing — including social media. Be sure to catch her insights at her B2B Marketing POSTs blog.
14. Helaine Smith, DMD (@helainesmithdmd) — Full disclosure, Dr. Smith is my client, but the longer I work with her, the more I learn — about business, working with people, and setting and achieving goals. She also has an “outsider’s” perspective on social media that is often refreshing. Learn more about dentistry and how it affects your health at her Successsful Smiles blog.
15. Kel Kelly (@kelkelly) — I met Kel at a Publicity Club of New England meeting and have been her fan girl ever since. She possesses two things I would kill for: daring and deadly wit. The founder of the “un-agency” Kel & Partners, Kel writes a blog that will leave you in stitches.
16. Leslie Poston (@geechee_girl) — A “social media enabler” Leslie helps social and entertainment businesses (think restaurants and artists) market themselves. I met her face-to-face at the last New Hampshire TweetUp — very exciting! She also publishes the UpTown Uncorked blog.
17. Kelly Parkinson (@copylicious) — Kelly is one of those copywriters who combines real creativity with business acumen to deliver copy that’s different, engaging — and that gets results. (Her Twitter profile reads, “I help companies fight robot invasions” — ha!) Be sure to read her fun and witty blog.
18. Jill Whalen (@jillwhalen) — *The* SEO goddess, Jill is a frequent speaker at SEO conferences around the world as well as the President of the SEO firm High Rankings. I met Jill for the first time this year — she’s smart, funny, and lives, eats, breathes SEO. Sign up for her popular High Rankings Advisor newsletter.
19. Sima Dahl (@simasays) — Principal of Parlay Communications in Chicago and founder of MarketingJobWire.com, Sima provides marketing that supports sales.
20. Ginger Burr (@GingerBurr) — Ginger is the person who helps me and lots of other women look good every day — she’s a wardrobe consultant, and a damned good one. Learn more about clothing, colors, and how to dress for the life you live at her website Total Image Consultants. She also has a new home study course — “Who Taught You How to Dress?”
21. Michelle Golden (@michellegolden) — I “met” Michelle online a year or so ago and am continually impressed with her insights and business acumen. President of Golden Marketing, Michelle helps lawyers and accountants grow their businesses. She also writes the terrific Golden Practices blog.
22. Debra Helwig (@dhelwig) — Debra is another person I’ve recently met and have come to know through Twitter and now phone calls. Smart and funny, Deb is the Marketing Communications Manager for IGAF Worldwide, an international trade association for accountants. She writes the pithy Service Minded blog.
23. Casey Hibbard (@casey_hibbard) — Author of the book Stories that Sell, Casey is the expert on writing case studies. She writes a blog by the same name.
24. Sandra Fathi (@sandrafathi) — Sandra is the president of Affect Strategies, a strategic marketing, communications and PR firm in New City. She and her team write the Tech Affect blog.
25. Michele Linn (@michelelinn) — Another Savvy B2B Marketing Blog founding sister, Michele is a freelance B2B marketing writer, blogger, and work at home mom. You can find her at the B2B Savvy blog (see link above) or her business site.
26. Margie Dana (@margiedana) — I groan when I see Oscar winners pull out a slip of paper to thank wonderful people in their lives. I needed a slip of paper when I made this list because I left off one the most fabulous women — Margie Dana, President of Boston Print Buyers. I’ve been a fan of Margie since before social media even existed. She is *the* goddess of all things relating to buying print (as in, you need that piece printed and whom should you hire?). She hosts monthly meetings, holds an annual conference and puts out a weekly newsletter. In short, she is a *must follow.*
I know I left out tons of other smart and successful business women. If you know of one who needs to be included on this list, please leave her name in the comments section (or DM me on Twitter @diannahuff) and I’ll start another list.
Additional Smart Women to Follow
27. Lilia Shirman (@B2BGuru) — Lilia is Founder and Managing Director of the California-based Sherman Group, a marketing firm that helps companies address complex challenges in growth and profitability.
28. Carla Clayton (@blondeaffiliate) — Carla helps Web newbies market their businesses via blogs, social media, websites, etc. Be sure to read her clever blog, Internet Marketing for Blondes. 
29. Lisa Duhamel (@VirtuallyReady) — Ooooh! Lisa, President of Virtually Ready, does custom clickable Twitter backgrounds plus lots of other things to extend your reach online. Good to know!
30. Diane Hessan (@CommunispaceCEO) — Another very smart woman I follow but forgot to mention on the original 25 is Diane Hessan. Diane and her team help clients manage online communities. Be sure to subscribe to her Verbatim blog.
31. Kami Huyse (@kamichat) — According to Kellye Crane, Kami is a true pioneer in the social media / PR space. In addition to being the Principal of My PR Pro, she writes the Communication Overtones blog.
32. Rachel Kay (@rachelakay) — Another PR pro, Rachel’s firm, Rachel Kay Public Relations, is based in San Diego, California. Rachel writes the CommuniKaytrix blog.
33. Rebekah E Donaldson (@b2bcommunicate) — I met Rebekah about a year ago when she asked me to review her e-book about hiring a B2B marketing consultant. You can follow Rebekah via her blog, the red on marketing blog — great stuff.
34. Debbie Weil (@debbieweil) — Debbie is another smart woman I inadvertently left off my list — and one I’ve been a fan of before blogs and social media. (I subscribed to her newsletter way back when.) Debbie is the author of the Corporate Blogging Book and an all around smart woman. Be sure to check out her blog, BlogWrite for CEOs.
35. Penny Power (@pennypower) — Penny is the found of Ecademy, the online social networking site that is very popular in Europe. She coined the term, “Independent Capitalist,” which you can read more about in this February 2009 interview I did of her. She recently published a book about social media: Know Me, Like Me, Follow Me. A very smart woman, indeed!
July 29th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Wow – thank you so much Dianna! I’m psyched to be on the list at all – but #1 – you just made my day. Now I’m gonna go out and launch more stuff! Anne
July 29th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Thanks very much for including me on your list!! I’m honored to be included among the amazing women you listed. I’m looking forward to meeting you at the IGAF conference in November.
Ardath
July 29th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Anne and Ardath — My pleasure! I had a lot of fun putting this list together. Lots of great women out there!
July 29th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Dianna,
I return your compliment to you in spades. I am so grateful that tools like twitter and LinkedIn allow us to collaborate and learn from each other in amazing new ways – instantaneously! Now, if I could only figure out how to fit 36 hours into my 24-hour day.
Many thanks for your kind words. I’m honored to be in such good company.
See you on the social scene!
July 29th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Here’s another really smart woman to follow on Twitter.
Michele Schneider is trading analyst with a free daily video newsletter — “Mish’s Market Minute” — that analyzes what’s going on in the market that day and contains actionable trading insights.
Great info for women interested in taking control of their financial security. You can follow her at http://twitter.com/marketminute
July 29th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Dianna,
I am extremely impressed by your work. My hard work has given me the first AICI CIP and the first AICI CIM in the Image Industry. I’m a friend of Ginger Burr’s who is on your list. I am very excited at the possibility of you putting me up there as well. I believe I’m smart too:)
-Joyce
July 29th, 2009 at 11:43 am
It was a pleasure meeting you at the tweetup. Thanks for the kind words here – I do love getting a variety of unusual businesses up and running in social media.
Leslie Poston
Twitter @geechee_girl
SKYPE: UptownUncorked
800.501.4049 vm / 928.438.5038 fx
UptownUncorked.com Social Media Consulting: Bringing People Together, Founder
FilmPop.tv A Digital and New Media Agency for Independent Film, Co-Founder
You can read my work at Mashable, Style Career Publications, Technosailor, Media Bulls Eye, Louis Gray Blog, Blorge, Free Access Australia, Lost in Technology, Profy and now: Twitter for Dummies (coauthor: Fitton, Poston, Gruen)
July 29th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I’m so impressed my colleague, Sandra Fathi, is included among these smart and insightful woman! Thanks for this great list – I am following some – but am going to make sure I’m following all of these great gals.
@yasminbendror
July 29th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Hope — Thank you for adding Michele Schnider. Am now following her and will add her to the list.
Joyce — I will add you, too.
Leslie, Yasmin, and Jamie — Thank you for your nice words!
July 29th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Great list and thankfully I already know quite a few of them.
One lady I’d definitely add to this is Rachel Kay, Founder and President of RKPR (Rachel Kay Public Relations).
This woman has business and social media smarts coming out all over – great person to be connected to.
http://twitter.com/rachelakay
July 29th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Wow, I’m honored! And, humbled to be included in with these incredible women.
Thanks!
-Rachel-
July 29th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I love lists like this — I always find interesting new people to follow!
In addition to those noted above, another woman I’d recommend is Kami Huyse, @kamichat on Twitter. She has been a true pioneer in the PR/social media space, and I learn more from her every day.
Thank you for including me. I’m very flattered to be in such esteemed company, and it means a lot to be recommended by someone I admire.
July 29th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
daring and deadly wit? honestly, one of the greatest labels ever slapped on my ass. thank you for including me. i’m humbled.
July 29th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Oh my goodness! To be included amongst such amazing people, and by such an amazing person! Thanks so much, Dianna. I’m glad you can’t see me because my face is bright red. Can’t wait to follow all these new connections on Twitter!
July 29th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Dianna,
What a nice surprise to be included! Thanks so much.
As a nice benefit, many of my new followers are really interesting follows, so thanks for expanding my network!
Best,
Casey
July 29th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Dianna, I am SO honored and wow, what GREAT company. Holy cow. I am delighted to add your recommended must reads (the handful I don’t already follow) to my tweet-reads.
Your work is so fabulous and to be read and referenced by you is just…wow.
Thank you!
July 30th, 2009 at 1:59 am
This was a great list. I feel truly lucky to know and partner with two of the women on this list @casey_hibbard and @lauraramos … Great women and now more to know and follow.
Cheers,
Tina @socialtis
July 30th, 2009 at 6:33 am
I’m so glad everyone found this list helpful. I’ve been wanting to write it for a while now. I’ll be adding more names later today — meetings and work first.
July 30th, 2009 at 6:58 am
Thanks for including me, Dianna, among the other great women on this list, many of whom I’m honored to count as friends.
Thank you! And you rock, too, you know!
July 30th, 2009 at 7:05 am
Dianna I’m delighted to be in the company of such smart women, yourself included. On your good word I’ve added some terrific new follows to my list and look forward to sharing with and learning from all of you!
July 30th, 2009 at 8:08 am
Thank you so much Dianna for including me on your list. So many of your followers began to visit me, and now I have to raise the bar on what I tweet…so I don’t disappoint them.
The other women on your list are so accomplished, that I’m humbled to be in their company and yours.
July 30th, 2009 at 8:38 am
You should definitely include Diane Hessan, CEO of Communispace. You can find her at http://twitter.com/CommunispaceCEO
July 30th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Thanks for including me on your list. It’s truly an honor. Plus, this is a great way to support other women and showcase their talents.
I’m having lots of fun discovering other very cool women whom I look forward to connecting with and learning from. I will tweet & retweet! Everyone should know about these smart, savvy ladies!
July 30th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Thank you! What wonderful company to include me in. Thanks for compiling – I’ll be sure to follow these female twitterati! Lovely to be included among them.
July 30th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
What a great list, Diana. And very generous of you. I’m already following Beth, Ann, Rachel, Jamie, and Leslie. Happy to add so many more smart women — including you, Diana! Not just to add, but to engage.
If you’re looking for other great women to follow, please check these out. http://bit.ly/13Q6k2
(You’ll find some great guys, too. Don’t miss the prior weeks’ lists.)
July 31st, 2009 at 10:00 am
Well done, Diana! Thanks for the effort you put into this!
July 31st, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Dianna,
Thanks so much for adding me to your list and of course thanks and big hugs to Danny for suggesting me.
Great summary of some talented ladies!
Rachel Kay
August 1st, 2009 at 2:42 pm
LOVE It! Thank goodness this topic is getting more play out there. I used to volunteer for a large tech non-profit in Silicon valley that put on hundreds of speaking engagement type events and we worked hard to include women – you’d be surprised how many people, even when asked, provided only males for us!
August 3rd, 2009 at 9:19 am
Dianna,
What a great list! Going to twitter now to update my following list. Nice to see women helping women.
Cheers!
Cathy
August 4th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Cathy,
How nice to see you — and thank you!
August 16th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Dianna,
Thank you so much for the kind mention and recommendation in your blog post. It is an honor to be associated with the other women on this blog.
August 26th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
[...] link is being shared on Twitter right now. @diannahuff, an influential author, said New blog post: 25 [...]
August 28th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Dear Dianna,
Better late than never, I suppose. Thank you so very much for including me among this group of exceptional women influencers in social media. It’s quite a diverse and intersting group. I am humbled and honored.
My thanks to Tina Stewart who pointed this out to me. And, I hope she doesn’t mind me saying so, but Ardath Albee and I attended the same high school (too many) years ago. I have been following her endeavors as blogger and interactive marketing guru for a while now. Congrats Ardath!
Thanks again, Laura
September 1st, 2009 at 10:35 am
Congrats to my colleagues, Ann Handley and Beth Harte, for selection as top women on Twitter here: http://bit.ly/IQ06M
September 1st, 2009 at 10:35 am
Congrats to my colleagues, Ann Handley and Beth Harte, for selection as top women on Twitter here: http://bit.ly/IQ06M
September 1st, 2009 at 11:52 am
[...] August 20, 2009 — Laura Ramos Wow! I am humbled and honored to find myself in such amazing company! Thank you Dianna, it’s great to get [...]
September 2nd, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Thanks! I don’t belong here but hey, I’ll take it!
If you work up a badge for this list I’ll put it on my site… my blog…. and my forehead!
I’m also envisioning a tshirt I could buy from you with “You Better Listen To Me Because Dianna Huff Said I’m The Bomb” on it…
JK. Sort of.
Red
September 4th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
A great idea and an intriguing list, Dianna.
If you’re not already reading/following Amy Africa, you’ll enjoy the way she makes us all learn more and more about web usability – sometimes the hard way!
October 29th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Dianna, I am embarrassingly late to saying thank you here on your blog! But…thank you!! It’s great to be listed with such wonderful marketers! Some I know, some I don’t…and that’s the beauty of social media, learning about new folks and what they are successfully doing. So, thank you again and major apologies for being late here.
All the best,
Beth Harte
Community Manager, MarketingProfs
@bethharte
November 20th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
[...] Ardath Albee who knows Brian Carroll, Jill Konrath and Laura Ramos . . . whom Ardath told about my Smart Women on Twitter post, which then prompted Laura write about me on her [...]
December 28th, 2009 at 8:35 am
[...] 25 Very Smart Business Women on Twitter — The original list now includes 10 new smart women, and my “smart women” Twitter [...]