It’s hard to believe that it is already January 2, and today as I looked over the 2,081 posts that I’ve written since Bit Rebels launched in 2009, I decided to choose my favorite one from the past year. It was a hard decision since I’ve had fun writing them all. Of course, all the articles aimed at helping Japan through their heartache, the articles raising awareness about what happened in Egypt, and articles with Steve Jobs tributes are all near and dear to my heart, but when I think about my absolute favorite one, I knew it would have to be one that involved my Twitter friends since they are all such a big part of my life.
Writing about Twitter’s 30 Most Eligible Bachelors was definitely a highlight of mine. I mean, who wouldn’t agree that writing about a bunch of hot guys is fun? However, my number one favorite article that I wrote in 2011 would definitely have to be Twitter’s Top 75 Badass Women.
If you work in social media or even if you are just interested in the dynamics of social media, you might enjoy this story about what happened after this article published eleven months ago. It all started when my friend @HowellMarketing and I decided to put together a list to celebrate the badass women on Twitter from all over the world who were contributing to the community each day. This is a very special group of women who are talented, smart, business savvy, and most of all; they make the Twitterverse a fun place to hang out. They are beautiful on the inside and the outside.
Once this article published, it went viral, which I’m very humbled and grateful for. Soon after that, @MarySarahMusic created a hashtag for us, which is now well known as #BA75. The women in this group are all exceptional, and over the past year, we’ve all formed a bond of friendship and support. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before online.
What started as just a simple post evolved into a full on “club” which all the women on Twitter are invited to join. Now there is even a monthly Twitter chat (#BA75chat) that all the badass women on Twitter are invited to attend. Are you a badass on Twitter? If so, you are invited! There is even a Facebook page dedicated to supporting all Twitter women, which @JackiesBuzz so graciously maintains for our group.
We would like to invite you to participate in our next #BA75chat which is this Thursday, January 5th at 9pm EST (it’s always the 1st Thursday of every month). Whether you are officially in the #BA75 group or not, even if you can’t be there for the chat, we would like to invite you to leave a positive quote or inspiring message on our Facebook page. We will refer to the Facebook page during the chat so everyone can benefit from your message even if you aren’t able to be on Twitter at that time.
These are the incredible stats from the first #BA75chat back in September.
Last but not least, we are in the process of passing the torch to the 2012 Twitter’s Top 75 Badass Women. If you are a founding #BA75 member, I would like to ask you to email 3 nominations for women you would like to see on the 2012 list. My email address is diana@bitrebels.com. This year’s list will be created completely based on your nominations. Please send me 3 nominations (along with their Twitter usernames) before January 31st. We hope to continue inspiring, motivating and supporting each other to success in 2012!
Click Here For The Original Twitter’s Top 75 Badass Women Post
This picture below represents a snapshot of a unique moment in history from February 2011. We’ve all changed and grown so much since then! We’ll always share such wonderful memories. I added a little personal commentary below for those who want to continue reading about these fabulous women.
2011 was such a big year for us all!
This almost felt like a poem when I wrote it. It’s just a small sampling of the events that happened with us in 2011. I just simply typed this from the top of my head, and it comes from the heart. I hope this inspires you as much as it did me. Best wishes for a great 2012 ladies!
Some became moms (@Alyssa_Milano, @ErinMargolin, @TarynP)…
Some published books (@AmyOscar, @grattongirl)…
Some continued to inspire us with their charitable work (@CharityIdeas, @JackiesBuzz, @AnnTran_)…
Some have transformed from extraordinary bloggers into blogging superheroes (@joycecherrier, @RedheadWriting, @rocksstar10)…
Some have taken their offline leadership skills and allowed them to explode online (@ambercleveland, @brandcottage, @KrystynnSG, @BlondeTXGoddess)…
Some are transforming into real celebrities right before our eyes (@marysarahmusic, @JessicaNorthey)…
Some have taught us how to go through a difficult situation with grace and a smile, even when the road ahead is uncertain (@LoriMoreno, @sheconsulting, @krystynchong, @saving4someday, @mistygirlph)…
Some continue to remind us everyday that everyone on Twitter is part of the same community. They are the glue that holds everyone on Twitter together even when we all go our own directions (@ShellyKramer, @mmangen, @terrinakamura, @shilpiiz)…
One person inspired me every single day of 2011 with her self-portrait photography project (@ninibaseema)…
One person even wrote a 2011 #Nifty50 Top Twitter Men‘s post (@ckburgess)…
One person got engaged (@radiopotato1)…
And there is much, much more…
Every single one of these women is exceptional in her own way. It has been such a pleasure getting to know you all, and I’m excited to get your nominations for our 2012 list so we can do it all again!
Also, thank you to @dianebrogan for suggesting that I write this post. Diane told me on the phone that being a part of this group has changed her life, and I agree. You all will never truly know how many people have been inspired by you. I’m one of them! :) Thank you.
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