Here’s the next in a series of profiles about people who inspire me. The first, on journalist Rachel Hills, was hosted on Thoughts Questions Comments.
Meet the lovely Johanna Baker-Dowell, who after chatting to on Twitter, I met in person at Media140 Sydney, and lately caught up with at Social Media Women before she jetted off to Tasmania for a Treechange.
The power of 140 characters to forge new relationships never ceases to amaze. But I digress….
Johanna runs a writing and public relations business, Strawberry Communications, working to generate amazing publicity for SMEs. She is also a mother to two gorgeous boys, wife to a lovely man, avid reader, prolific blogger and aspiring author of a business mums book.
Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate, imaginative and devoted.
What are you passionate about?
Telling stories.
How did you launch yourself into the Twitterverse?
I started tweeting to find and chat with other business owners and found so much more!
What’s your other social media involvement?
I also have a personal Facebook account and Facebook business page, several blogs, a LinkedIn profile, infant YouTube channel and have fun with Foursquare.
What are you currently playing with in the social media sandpit?
I’m still a firm Twitter lover, but will try out anything new to see if it suits. I’ve just been road testing Rockmelt and Flock browsers and thinking about trying the new photo application Pic Plz. (Ed: Flock is a great find!)
How did you get where you are today?
A bit by accident, because I never saw myself running a full-time business that supported a family. I always thought my freelancing would be something I did on the side while working full-time for someone else, but I wouldn’t change it!
What are you doing at the moment?
Living the dream in Tasmania searching for a suitable property to start our hazelnut farm and writing a book for women who want to run a business around children.
What is your secret to getting big things done?
At the moment building a deposit for the farm, but in the bigger picture, I’m motivated by other people’s success – whether that is one of my clients, being inspired by a great speaker or reading a book I just can’t put down.
Name any dream brands, companies, personalities you would love to work with.
I would love to interview Janine Ellis from Boost Juice for my book, but as far as brands or people to work with – Jennifer Byrne and kikki.k.
When you look back on what you’ve achieved, what will be the highlights?
I plan to look back after successfully building a hazelnut farm producing the most amazing nuts that people are willing to travel to get them! Looking back now, though, my highlights are building a successful business, finding a partner who ‘gets’ me and two beautiful children I thought I’d never have.
Favourite quote:
“If music be the food of love, play on” – from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
Here’s how to get to know Johanna and her work:
Personal blog: t-changers.posterous.com
Biz blog: strawberrycommunications.com.au/blog
On Twitter: @JohannaBD
Linked In: linkedin.com/in/johannabakerdowdell
Facebook: facebook.com/StrawberryCommunications
Website: strawberrycommunications.com.au
