Starting Today, I am M- Powered

You read that right, Valeria Maltoni joins the team at Powered.

After more than 20 years on the company side, where I've helped mature brands grow and start ups reinvent themselves, I chose to write the next chapter as part of the strategy team at Powered. Most recently I was with a Fortune 500 corporation and the active lead representing member for that organization at the Social Media Business Council.

I'm excited to join a diverse and experienced team I admire and respect -- people like Aaron Strout, Joe Jaffe, Greg Verdino, Jen van der Meer, Jane Quigley, and Steve Kleinberg.

Social media is helping us see how things have changed in how we communicate, share, and buy. I'm looking forward to putting my experience to work for organizations that are looking to power what’s next in their business cycle and reach their true potential with social media.

Having built a social network with Fast Company magazine going back 10 years, and with this blog about to turn 4, I have walked the talk for many years, seeing and creating opportunities to connect ideas and people. It wasn't as sexy to put that on your resume back then, believe me, especially in corporate America.

I do know for a fact that partnerships were formed, business models were improved, and numerous opportunities to collaborate on projects and make money, find jobs, and even get engaged in the romantic sense of the word were outcomes from those activities. It has been the best use of my spare time.

Definitely a labor of love and passion. Although the insights and connections have been priceless, I have given back to the business community freely -- with the network and with this blog, often covering the out of pocket costs. I am honored to serve the community by sharing what know, and grateful for your attention and participation.

Want to do something for me?

• leave a comment here telling me how I can be more helpful to you -- do you think we can get to 200?
• subscribe if you don't
• share this blog with your network and ask them to subscribe

We're just getting warmed up. Starting today, I am M- Powered -- I continue to be fearless in Philly. Let's get to work, shall we?

***

Look forward to more ideas, connections, and stories of executions at Conversation Agent, on Twitter, and in other social media outposts.

© 2010 Valeria Maltoni. All rights reserved.

Comments

[Tiffany Monhollon]

Valeria - Congrats! It's so exciting to watch your journey and I'm looking forward to the insights you have to share on this new adventure!

[CK]

This news made Monday so much brighter. I am so happy for you--and for your new team, they're lucky to have you!

I can't wait to hear of all the rewarding and advancing projects you'll be working on and I'm glad to hear that you'll be in NYC more (OK, so that's selfish on my part since I live here ;-)

All my love and luck--CK

PS: Please give Verdino, Jaffe and the team my best.

[Jon Knight]

Great news! Break out the chocolate!

[Wayne Sutton]

Congrats!

[Kellye Crane]

Valeria, you are one of the most original and independent thought leaders we have. That's how you can be helpful - don't ever lose that edge that we love so much.

In fact, I'm smiling at the mental image of your feisty self adding your perspectives to the brain trust at Powered. It's a sign of the wisdom of Aaron and team to snap you up - congrats to you all!

[Danny Brown]

Damn you and your challenge for 200 comments, Valeria - making me scroll this early on a Monday morning ;-)

Congratulations. This seems like the perfect fit, and I couldn't be happier for you. Look forward to seeing you rock the casbah and sharing your successes in the near future.

Cheers!

[Chel]

Congratulations Valeria!

I have no doubt that your passion will power your coworkers and motivate them to keep up. ;)

[Marianne Richmond]

Congratulations Valerie....and to Powered!

[Tim Sanchez]

That's exciting, congrats!

[Jeff Hurt]

Kudos to you and very smart move by the those at Powered! They are getting a gem of an team member.

How can you help me? Continue to provide provocative content that causes me to question status quo efforts in PR, communication, social media, etc. And continue to be as accessible as you've always been.

Thanks for all you've done in the past several years. Here's to four more great ones.

[Kurt Vanderah]

Congratulations, Valeria! It's been an honor to work with you at the Social Media Business Council, and I'm grateful for all the sharing and contributions you've made to our group (and to the world at large, for that matter!).

Excited for you and your next chapter!

[Jay Baer]

And the rich get richer. Terrific combination all the way around. Huge congrats to you on this exciting new opportunity, and to the Powered team for making the deal. Can't wait to see what you come up with together.

[leigh durst]

Valeria,

What a smart move on Powered's part! I already had respect for this team -- and now, with your addition, look out!

Congratulations, my dear friend! So happy to hear this formal news, and celebrating with you!

Leigh

[Sonny Gill]

Huge news, Valeria. Big congrats and all the best in your new adventure!

[Roger von Oech]

Go get 'em V!

You will be amazingly successful.

[Maggie]

Congratulations, Valeria! Wish you luck @ Powered!

[Nikki Stephan]

Very exciting! Congrats, Valeria!!

[Tom Kuplic]

That sounds like an excellent new gig with a great team. Congratulations!

[Patrick Prothe]

Another congratulations from a long-time reader and fan. You've been one my must read blogs since discovering your work at least two years ago.

I've been watching the Powered Team evolve over this year w/the addition of Greg Verdino and now yourself.

Look forward to where you all take this - very exciting!

[Rich Becker]

Valeria!

Excellent news. I'm thrilled you've found what seems to be a good match. You also demonstrated what I've long held: it's not the number of people you reach as much as reaching the right people.

Best,
Rich

[Leah]

Very exciting, Valeria. I hope you enjoy every minute of this new venture! Do stay in touch...

@LeahPatterson

[Connie Reece]

Valeria, I'm so pleased to learn your news. Powered is getting the cream of the crop! I look forward to exciting things with you as part of the team--and I hope this will bring you to Austin now and then so I'll get to see you.

How can you be more helpful to me? Just continue to be you. As we were talking about on #blogchat last night, I have reduced my commenting on blogs, even the ones I read regularly. You have provided so much valuable content, I consider you a mentor as well as a trusted resource. I haven't taken enough time to simply say, "Thank you, Valeria!"

Wishing you and Powered all the best.

[Sue Anne Reed]

Congratulations!

[Jackie Huba]

Congrats Valeria!

[Jared Wade]

Good stuff. Looking forward to the next chapter.