When I first joined twitter, I asked around who I should follow to learn more about social media. Nearly everyone I asked suggested Scott Monty. Thank goodness.
Through tweets and blogs and speaking, he’s spent years sharing information we can all learn from. His background is impressive and his expertise has done wonders for Ford Motor Company on the social web. Scott is extremely smart and arguably one of the best marketing minds out there. He also happens to be a really nice guy. Who wears bowties. And loves Sherlock Holmes. And you thought you liked him before?
As if his professional life schedule wasn’t busy enough, Scott makes time to blog and create regular podcasts about Sherlock Holmes. I had to ask him about this unexpected passion, and he gladly told me the story.
When Scott was in school, he was assigned to research and write about an author. Having enjoyed a Holmes story before, he chose Arthur Conan Doyle. Through his research, he was connected to a passionate group that studies the Sherlock Holmes stories, the Baker Street Irregulars. Through this common interest, Scott became part of his first social network and learned what it was like to bond over a topic and create content around it. Scott told me Christopher Morley, founder of the Baker Street Irregulars says “never before has so much been written by so many for so few.” Anyone else see the tie-in with the social media world?
Scott has a lot of influence because he’s built his reputation and Ford’s presence on honesty, transparency and a genuine desire to learn and grow. I highly recommend considering him a knowledgeable resource for learning the best ways companies can use social media the right way. But beyond that, he’s just a good guy to get to know. Drop him a tweet, say hi and tell him I sent you. You’ll be happy you did.
Check out the rest of the influencers series here.
Photo: Taken with Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi. Exposure 1/640 sec. Aperture f/3.2. Focal length 38 mm. ISO Speed 200.
Nice work Becky. That’s a killer shot of Scott as well.
Thanks, Nate. He was fun to shoot. He’s a natural.
Good stuff, I’ve noticed Scott’s interest in Sherlock Holmes before. Odd stuff like that I think is what makes people so interesting to learn about online.
Hi Steve, thanks for reading. Scott’s Sherlock Holmes interest is definitely a cool, unique passion that a lot of people probably don’t know he has. It was great to talk to him about it, hear the story of how it all began and get a glimpse into how he’s learned from it and applied that knowledge to what he’s doing at Ford. The amount of tie-in with his skills for storytelling in marketing and maintaining relationships on social networks is great.
Absolutely wonderful interview of a fascinating man Becky! Your style is very engaging.
Hey, thanks Caren! Glad you enjoyed it.
Wow – I didn’t realize I had my own theme music wherever I go. Just like the movies!
Seriously, you did a really nice job on the video and the photos, Becky. You’ve really got a talent for this kind of thing. And you made me look good, which isn’t always easy.
Scott
Thanks, Scott. Thanks for taking the time to grab lunch and talk and let me very publicly take photos of you. You’re a trooper.
I was totally intrigued by your Sherlock Holmes story and I’m constantly inspired by how the things we’re passionate about shape our professional lives in unexpected ways. Who would have thought you could tie back the Baker Street Irregulars to social media for Ford? As you know, I’ve learned a lot from you over the past several years, and I’m glad we can get together now and then. I’ve learned a lot from you and look forward to the great things you’ll continue to do and share. Thanks for taking me along for the ride in some small way.
Here for you if you ever need Mustang test drivers.
Becky, I literally laughed out loud at your description of Scott. I love how so few words leave such a huge effect! I also checked out your ongoing list of influencers, which I love, but…where are the women??
Gini, I’m glad you liked the interview with Scott. He’s a cool guy, I always enjoy the chance to catch up with him.
The influencers series will be ongoing, basically because over time I’ll have the chance to connect with different people. There are a few more already lined up to be part of it. I get a kick out of sharing what I learn with everyone, because I think it’s a nice change of pace from what we’re usually hearing about all of them.
I have some women on the list I want to interview and feature, but just haven’t had the chance to do so yet. I’m working on it. Anyone women you can recommend I should be paying attention to? I think it’s just sort of naturally happened that many of the leaders in the space have happened to be men. I’m just really all about connecting with smart, interesting, good people.