After a relaxing Easter weekend, it’s back to business. Hands up those of you who ate your weight in chocolate eggs? … ME ME ME! It’s fine, I found that chocolate does actually have some nutritional value.

On to more pressing matters and it’s time for another ‘remarkable individual’ to step into the spotlight.

As part of my role at Chelsea Football Club, I look after the blog platform. Last year when I transferred from Freelance United to Chelsea FC for my record fee, I looked to blogging as one of my first projects to get stuck into. I advised that we should move to WordPress and look to re-structure Chelsea FC blogging. As part of the strategy, I wanted to look to bring in external fan bloggers to blog on a regular basis as a part of the official blog. I am happy to say, both formulas have worked out well and now there is a variety of talented international authors on the blog.

Whilst we made contact with a large quantity of fan bloggers, there was one chap that stood out from the crowd particularly. Not only does this lad have a beautiful looking website, he also writes like a professional.
One thing that differentiates bloggers and journalists is their writing caliber. By no means do I think I have an outstanding ability with words, but I do love when somebody writes effortlessly with fluid story telling aligned with facts and stats.

It must be noted that I am not a Chelsea FC fan (Newcastle United if you are wondering and don’t ask), however, bluechampions.com is one Chelsea FC fan blog that I do love to read.

I am all about transforming passion into a marketable product, and if you are looking to set up a blog or a site; read this guys story and take a leaf out of his book, because VJ aka Blue Champion definitely sets the standard…

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Vijayakrishna (VJ for the flat tongued). I’d like to call myself a writer. I’ve been a blogger for about 5 years now. I own and run this Chelsea FC blog – BlueChampions (http://www.bluechampions.com). Having singlehandedly set up, designed, maintained and grown the blog, it is now an inseparable part of my life. And yes, in order to fund my lifestyle, I work for a bank. Spending 12 hours on office/driving normally doesn’t leave anyone with lot of time for blogging. But then, ever since I started blogging, I’ve been borrowing some hours from my sleep on a daily basis.

How did you get into this industry and why did you chose this path?

I don’t know if I’ve gotten into the ‘industry’ as such. I started blogging because I love writing, I love analysing and debating. With the rise of internet and blogging, I thought that was a natural progression. People that were artists before internet could have become graphic designers now. It’s a bit like that. Plus, I strongly believe that if you have a talent and if you’re passionate enough, the ‘industry’ will find you.

What do you consider to be your biggest achievement to date?

To have brought my Chelsea blog (http://www.bluechampions.com) to where it is now. In this here-now-gone-tomorrow world of blogging, I’m quite pleased that the blog is nearing 1000 posts and has seen more than 35,000 comments. The blog has not only survived but also has grown stronger through the personal and professional ‘rain and shine’ of the last 5 years. The achievement got itself a crown when Luca contacted me to ask if I would be a blogger on the official Chelsea FC blog. Dreeeeaaaamy!

Aside: Another small scale achievement is also that I’ve managed to keep the blog ad-free all these years despite all the traffic it gets. I’m very particular on design and user experience. I’m ready to forego the revenue potential of the blog if that means the blog could look nicer for the readers. The only thing I run is a promotion for the official Chelsea FC megastore.

Was this how you had planned things to go or are you capitalising on opportunities and simply rolling with it?

I’d say it’s a mix of both. I’m generally someone who’s keen on the direction than the distance or the destination. As long as I feel that I’m in the right direction, I’ll let life take its own course and I enjoy seeing things unfold.

We’re in a new era where anyone can create opportunities for themselves. Do you agree?

Looks like it. I don’t think we quite know what all we can do with the internet and communication technology. Don’t think we know the full potential of this new era. If you have the passion, you can definitely create the opportunities for yourself.

Is who you are in reality, the same persona you represent online?

I think the answer is yes. I am what I am – offline or online. I know people tend to get more aggressive or more courageous or more courteous and nice. But I certainly don’t need the veil of internet to be the person I want to be.

What one thing can you not live without?

Family. If you give me everything I’d had ever longed for and take away my family, I won’t be happy. The things that I long for – anyways I’m living without them.

If you wasn’t in this field, what would you be doing?

Many believe that I have what it takes to be a good trainer or teacher or coach. I too like working with people to improve or develop them. That might have been my alternative career.

Name three people who have inspired you in your life.

(1) Myself: The way I have evolved as a person is a great inspiration for myself. My best teachers have been my best and worst moments and my choices and my mistakes.

If you were a superhero, who would you be and why?

Krishna – the superhero from the Indian mythology (wiki him now!). As with any superhero, he fights for the good against the evil. Krishna was said to have lived the perfect life – he had a very mischievous and adventurous childhood, he spent his adolescence as the darling of the opposite sex, he was a great ruler of his nation, he was a master of tactics and strategies and he was a great philosopher too – keep in mind that he was fighting the ‘evil’ all through these phases of life. A very colourful personality who lived his life to the fullest. I’d be him.

The world is coming to an end and you have to take one celebrity into the safe bunker to live with forever. Who do you take?

I’d pick Katrina Kaif, only because I heard she’s a good cook.

Do you have any regrets about anything?

That I’ve still not made the ‘plunge’. I want to be able to say ‘this is what I do for my living and I just love it to bits’. I’d love to reach this harmony between ‘what I enjoy’ and ‘what I do’. Until I achieve this, I might continue with that bit of regret.

What cool projects are you currently working on?

Ooh! This makes me look for some ‘cool projects’ to work on. Actually, I’ve got a few things – (a) to take BlueChampions to ‘another level’ (don’t know what that is). (b) to connect more and better with the football bloggers – to leverage on the football blogging community (c) to write the ‘autobiography’ of my blog (d) to create an iphone/android app for BlueChampions.

What does the future have in store for you?

Carlo Ancelotti on the phone with me:

Fast Forward by about 5 years. I could be in the media industry proper. I could be a column writer. I could be an armchair analyst. I could be a copy editor. I could be a publisher. Definitely more than a blogger. Surely not a banker.

Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to young creative minds, what would it be?

Here’s my ‘one’ piece of advice: “Recognise that you’re unique. Keep doing what you enjoy. Be original.”

To stay in touch with VJ you can follow him on twitter and even if you are not a Chelsea fan, I urge you to join the huge International community VJ has built up on his site.

In last week’s Industry Spotlight I interviewed one of the London technology scene’s brightest sparks and I think it’s safe to say anyone who read the article came away feeling inspired.

This week the script has flipped as I catch up with an old friend and a young lady I met whilst I was at the very beginning of my post graduation journey.

I was first introduced to Kieran Yates at the Ctrl.Alt.Shift offices in Waterloo, London where I worked on Social Strategy among other tasks that young social activists with enthusiasm for change do. Our shared network compiled a mix of music industry influencers, key journalists and Mervin Martins.

It was through this network where we both worked to seek and create opportunities and while we both ended up in completely different areas of expertise, we kept in touch and I thought it was about time Kieran showcased just a little of herself to the rest you.

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Kieran Yates and I’m a (mostly music) journalist for MTV, The Guardian, The Independent, Red Bull and a few others. I also do freelance PR and A&Ring [Artists and repertoire] on the side. When I get time, I write press releases and biographies for artists and have also been known to ‘whine pon the floor’ at Dubstep, Grime, Spoken Word and Hip Hop nights.

At the moment, I front the Urban Bards blog, which is a project I’ve just started, to document the Spoken Word scene in London, trying to educate people about what it is, what’s going on, and to shed light on underground voices.

There’s a lot of voices to engage with on the underground, I support musicians a lot in my work, but Urban Bards is for the poets, and their culture.

How did you get into this industry and why did you chose this path?

Well, I always knew I wanted to be a writer in some capacity. I did a lot of unpaid work experience at places like LIVE and The Guardian. I could never afford to do them in the Summer, so I did them in half terms and just worked like crazy. Through LIVE, I made a lot of good contacts through some amazing mentors, like Emma Warren and Chantelle Fiddy, and then I moved on to work for CtrlAltShift, and then from there, I just fell into all the other stuff by writing constantly.

When I graduated, I tried to attend every night [gig] going, write about it, consistently update my blog, write for free where I could, and now the hard work is starting to pay off.

Was this how you had planned things to go or are you capitalising on opportunities and simply rolling with it?

I didn’t plan anything at all, apart from the fact I knew I wanted to write. I capitalised on opportunities, writing into the night, sacrificing time, all that kind of thing. I just banged on lots of doors until they opened for me. I still do that now.

We’re in a new era where anyone can create opportunities for themselves. Do you agree?

Definitely! It is hard to be creative; but you have to establish your own path and find opportunities. After putting in the hard work, listening, learning from the experts and having loads of drive, I believe if you want anything enough you can get it.

Would you rather have 100,000 twitter followers to market to or an extra £10,000?

The money. With it I would be able to manage projects and make a lot more things happen, such as events, creating various magazines and the like. You can do all that without money, I think it just takes you longer.

What one thing can you not live without?

My notebook. Half of what I do is about being organised, pitching ideas, and waiting for a brainwave, so when they come, I’m ready. Also, there’s nothing better then putting pen to paper sometimes.

With so many talkers and gamers out there claiming to be experts and influencers. Do you consider yourself a smooth talker, a real talker or a don’t talk to me I’m not a talker?

I’m a real talker! I’m my own worst critic when my work isn’t up to scratch and I always try and tell people the reality of how hard it can be to succeed. Which isn’t being harsh it’s just real talk, that’s not a reason not to try tho.

If you wasn’t in this field, what would you be doing?

I’d probably be teaching, probably some kind of social activism… and I’d rally children to look cute, camp outside parliament and make [David] Cameron feel bad for taking away their EMA.

Name three people who have inspired you in your life.

My mum. For teaching me early on that knowledge is power, and being the most inspirational woman I know; she’s amazing.

One of the keys in this industry is recognising the people that helped you when you were coming up, and that’s a lot more than three.. sorry but you know its true.

If you were a superhero, who would you be and why?

Wonderwoman, for the outfit, invisible plane, and thinly veiled feminist sayings. Obviously.

What does the future have in store for you?

Hopefully lots more of the same thing. More writing, more plotting and hopefully inspiring lots of fun things for and beyond…

Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to young creative minds, what would it be?

Don’t be disillusioned by knock backs or people telling you that there aren’t enough opportunities. I had it and you have to push through all that, look at what people are achieving despite the current cuts. It’s a great time for the arts.

Be sure to keep up to date with all of Kieran’s Wonder Woman adventures and her quest for global peace over at her personal blog. Her new project Urban Bards gives a unique angle on the current underground Urban scene so make sure you check that out also.

And if that isn’t enough Yates for you, don’t forget to stalk her on Twitter. Aight!

Main image courtesy of Verena Stefanie Grotto

This week you turned five years old. Marketing scams, iPad & baked bean bots and Beliebers army aside, you have become the single most useful and important tool in my life. I’m not referring to you keeping me in the loop within my industry, but the human connection and the opportunity this has afforded me from being a loyal user over the years.

Do you remember how we met?

In Jan 2009 I attended a seminar at the London Southbank University. The seminar was recommended to me by good friend and former boss at @OrangeRockcorps, @TheoLuck. ‘Luca, you’ll like this’, he said. It was at that seminar, Twitter, that someone finally mentioned you. It was @andrew_davis, who without batting an eyelash responded to the ever-present question, ‘What social media tools will blow up next?’. ‘Watch out for Twitter’, he said. That was all I needed to sign up.

Fast forward to March 2011 and look at you today. Not only have you redefined the way we consume information, but you have also helped highlight the uniqueness of your experience as a leader in the social media sphere.

Because I am one of millions, I want to tell you a little about my special relationship with you. In late 2009 I was an unemployed graduate with a vision, i.e. a bum. I’d been using you (oh, not like that!) for the best part of a year, publishing my music/events related blog posts and networking with fellow like minded people. I was happy with my progress but like a lot of graduates, I had no income.

A series of tweets and DMs later, a new world had opened up for me. ‘Intern wanted asap’, I once read on your shiny, sky blue timeline. That was the sassy @chantellefiddy who at the time was the editor of a magazine named @CtrlAltShifthq. Some persistence, a few emails and meetings later and I found myself finally learning my craft in the ‘real world.’ The experience you helped me acquire resulted in my personal growth and that of my online persona. But my journey wasn’t over. As 2009 ended, I left Ctrl.Alt.Shift and jumped into the world of freelance. Unfortunately that translated to ‘unemployed but arrogant’.

Yet, I continued to learn from you Twitter. I learned about personal branding and what it takes to be recognised as somebody within the digital realm. You introduced me to my new media hero, @garyvee. From him, I learned the true meaning of the word ‘hustle’. It was @garyvee who coined the phrase, defining it as the one who wants it most. I knew what I wanted, but I was still learning, and I didn’t know how to achieve it.

From working with some really intelligent people in both the digital and music scenes, I became increasingly more confident in my ability to sell. You were a priceless tool in this learning curve. The curve that taught me the skill and importance of selling. Marketing yourself as an invaluable product. I knew I was this product.

By mid 2010, I had advanced from the music technology major who was formally running an events management business into a digital professional with experience within some of the world’s best known brands. University lectures, corporation strategies, board room presentations – all these had become part of my path to my personal and professional success.

And I wrote, Twitter. I wrote post upon blog post, documenting my journey, discussing business fundamentals and building personal brands to achieve, all the while trying to reach out to others who still hadn’t discovered their and your full potential, as I was simultaneously trying to reach mine.

Summer 2010 had pretty much ended along with most of the projects I was working on. With unsteady money coming in from freelance projects, and an unwell pup needing constant and expensive visits to the vet, I turned to you once again.

And then it happened. One bright sunny afternoon, the smell of opportunity in the air, and a staff bull terrier nuzzling at my feet, regular tweet buddy @JamesProud alerted me to a message that had gone out from @Mazi, then head of social media for Sky, re: ‘Digital Marketing Analyst for Chelsea Football Club’. And just like that, the heavenly chorus resounded, champagne fell from the skies and I knew I had to have that job. Lucky for me, and thanks to you Twitter, James and Mazi were actually well acquainted. This is what happened next:

DM, DM, DM, email CV, DM, interview, call back, job, send DM saying thanks.

Not once did the words recruitment agent, job agency, recruitment consultant, LinkedIn escape my or anybody else’s lips during my employment process. You, Twitter, young in age yet wise beyond your years, you have been the one constant in my never ending journey to pay the bills. And personal growth and all that of course.

Now, while you have been a great networking and professional tool, we both know what you’ve done for my personal life, Twitter. Let’s be honest, by enabling me (and all of you readers) to follow our interests and source those who are similarly intrigued, does this not at least form some sort of foundation for personal relationships, or dare I say it, dating?

Because it worked for me.

I know people may chuckle that I met my beautiful girlfriend through you, Twitter, but both her and I are proud of that fact. She saw in me a confident, budding, handsome (her words, not mine) man from whom she has learnt the social and new media ropes. I saw in her similar interests, culture and a breath of fresh air. What’s important is that because we followed each other, tweeted similar opinions and shared similar interests, it proved how compatible we were. We pursued it and here we are today.

Over a year later, we are still going strong, and we still speak through you every single day. Although we text, speak, chat, Skype (catching my breath) you remain very special to us. We discuss ideas on the public timeline that we think others may be interested in, aide each others paths in the professional realm and constantly take both enjoyment and experience from you. At this point we would also both like to say how sorry we are for abusing our DM inboxes, ahem.

With everything above in mind, I want to personally say thank you to it’s founders @Jack, @ev and @biz. Thank you for my job with @chelseafc, via the brilliant @mazi and @jamesproud.

Thank you for introducing me to my love, @iamsilverfox.

Thank you for the friends you have afforded me, including bright talents like @teamsupremelee, @theevilfrog and @danielmclaren. Thank you for chow down friends like @max_hepworth, idea machines @iamelliot, @imjustmike and conversationalists @dannywhitehouse and @garf_richards. Thank you for bringing people across the pond closer to me, like bubbly @arianna and the classy @MarcusTroy. Thank you for the laughter via @djhotpoint, @jschoftraining @adonisdemon, @studiopixie, @DavidAclass, @loudmouthmelvin @_KevinGeorge, @cyberdees, @bluechampion and @iamayo. Thank you for inspiration like @liamtootill of @sbtvonline and @whatleydude. Thank you for thought provoking personalities like @peterlitchfield and music lovers like @djcable. Thank you for kindred spirits, old and new, like @djgrind aka @theswamps and @mazherabidi. Thank you for allowing me to keep up to date with some of my older friends such as @andrew_davis, @seanwebber87, @kieran_yates, @ThisIsChaz and @ErlenMasson.

Thank you @Twitter.

“The best way to discover what’s new in your world.” Guaranteed!

@iAmLuca

In this week’s Industry Spotlight I go International. That’s right chaps, the word is out and Mr. Luca is in public demand.

On the day that twitter turns five years old, it’s only fitting that this connection was built using the power of twitter.

Back in 2010 (that’s last year), I came across a lifestyle blogger based in Montreal, Canada. As we all now know, with twitter it is easier than ever before to seek, find and connect with people from all walks of life.

Now here is a tip. Although twitter makes it extremely easy to contact anyone and everyone, remember that everyone else also knows how easy it is to do so. Therefore if you are looking to make contact with someone who may have a large following, use your initiative, with some research, find their email address and send a personal email where you have a much better chance of getting the response you want.

So that’s what I did; I sent out an email to this Canadian blogger named Marcus Troy, explaining in brief, who I was and how I was impressed by the personal brand he had created for himself.

Marcus has a fantastic personal brand. A fashion enthusiast with an obvious passion for style and image (traits which are immensely important for online branding). His story is unique and inspirational to anyone wanting to build a brand and a business online and he is always willing to discuss further opportunities with anyone who shares a common interest.

Without further ado, Mr. Marcus Troy is this week’s Industry Spotlight:

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Marcus Troy and I am a lifestyle/fashion blogger and a cultural participant.

How did you get into this industry?

I’ve spent years in the fashion industry and blogging became an extension of who I was. I started off share passion and it turned into this amazing forum for engaging and connecting people. I enjoy sharing thoughts and ideas and engaging my audience.

Was this how you had planned things to go or are you capitalising on opportunities and simply rolling with it?

I did not plan this out it sort of just happened a few years ago when I co-founded an online magazine. Things just evolved into this multimedia platform.

We’re in a new era where anyone can create opportunities for themselves. Do you agree?

I believe we are all capable of creating new opportunities for ourselves. Some of the most influential people are just one click away. You can write a blog post that can change your life. You can create a video that goes viral and next thing you know you are sitting on Oprah’s couch. Technology has helped people connect in ways that would have taken forever to happen.

Would you rather have 100,000 twitter followers to market to or an extra £10,000?

I would rather have the money. With resources you can create opportunities, ideas that will get you the 100,000 followers eventually. I don’t think people have figured out how to turn their 100k followers into money. You might have 100k followers but it does not mean you are an influence to them. If you are able to activate your 100k followers and drive them to a product or a service you could probably monetize your twitter.

What one thing can you not live without?

My family.

If you wasn’t in this field, what would you be doing?

I would be in fashion retail.

With so many talkers and gamers out there claiming to be experts and influencers. Do you consider yourself a smooth talker, a real talker or a don’t talk to me i’m not a talker?

I would classify myself as a talker (meaning I like to talk) I don’t don’t like to talk for talking sake though. Some people talk because they have a hole in their mouth. I like to turn talk into action and into tangible things. I don’t like to consider myself an influencer…I believe I have the ability to influence but I rather other people call me influential than claiming it myself.

Name three people who have inspired you in your life.

My father

If you were a superhero, who would you be?

I’ve always been fascinated with Super heroes as I love the double identity aspects. I think I would want to be superman.

What does the future have in store for you?

I wish I knew.

Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to young creative minds, what would it be?

I would suggest to be patient, don’t be obsessed with growth. Allow things to develop organically and the journey will last a longer time.

Head over to Marcus Troy’s website where you can check out all the projects Marcus is working on right now. To stay up to date with Marcus and his quest for world domination, follow him on twitter.

The Marcus Troy iPhone app is available now. Click here to download for free.