Myth: Nice Guys(and Gals) Finish Last – See Exhibit A @JessicaNorthey

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You’ve heard it before; “Nice guys finish last.” A good number of you probably still believe that philosophy but that argument comes to an end TODAY. We’re debunking that myth using this week’s So Genius Award Winner, Jessica Northey, as evidence…. that is, unless you consider being a top Social Media Influencer with hundreds of thousands of twitter followers (including top music talent) as finishing last. But if that we’re the case, I certainly wouldn’t mind bringing up the rear! A genuine interest for helping others is quickly becoming an extinct quality in this “me-first” society. It’s refreshing to see someone as compassionate as Jessica achieve such great success without employing the backstabbing or mudslinging tactics that some people resort to.

Before we get too much further talking about the awesome sauce Jess pours onto everything she touches, I want to congratulate her (along w/Amy Howell) for having the opportunity to be backstage covering the Academy of Country Music Awards this Sunday night (live from the Reaction Room). I know they’re both super pumped, as they should be, and want to wish them both a grand ole’ night! Jessica is the Kred leader for the music community and you can check out the nice write-up they did on their blog to get the 411 about all the tags & details on the event.

WHAT MAKES JESSICA SO AWESOME?

I asked a few of our mutual friends that same question, here’s what they had to say.

Reg Saddler

Geez, where to start. I’ve known Jess for what seems like an eternity in ‘Social Media’ time. Some people write amazing books about our industry, others speak at conferences. What sets Jessica apart is she does some serious heavy lifting. The girl’s moving eyeballs and you don’t have to squint at a chart to see her industry prowess. Every Monday night the beast known as CMChat is ripped out of its slumber and into the twitterverse. Greats like the Oakridge Boys and Charlie Daniel step into the stream to pay homage to her mastery of the domain. Her charm and grace, paired with a strong history in radio add a polished professionalism to a still sometimes green industry. Beyond all that I consider her a dear friend, who support knows no bounds. If you don’t know her already, get to know her. She’s an amazing person to have in your corner.

Amy Howell

They broke the mold when they made Jessica —one of social media’s key influencers and personalities. Jessica has built a powerful platform for herself in the country music industry and is recognized as leading one of Twitter’s largest chats: #cmchat where she hosts selected country music icons and facilitates a Q & A on Twitter each Monday night. The quality people Jessica attracts and the diversity of the chat is one of the best things about it as it increases in popularity and reach. Jessica has an amazing gift of wit and attracts fans and followers through her constant engagement online and her gregarious personality. I have had the pleasure and honor of working with her on several events and can tell you that she is as real, generous and even more wonderful in real life.

Stephen Caggiano

I retweeted Jessiica’s arrival in Las Vegas for the CMA Awards. I noticed that She gave no mention of the Red Carpet access She would be given. Nor did she mention the Celebs She would be rubbing elbows with. She never even mentioned why She was going. Jessica is the voice of the Country Music Industry, in Social Media. from the Fans perspective. Her profound impact was magnified by the  Country Music audience, whom She won over, one at a time. Her 300K+ following on Twitter, would rival 6 of the Nations largest Concert stadiums, all filled to capacity, tuning in on Monday Nights for #CMChat on Twitter. Jessica is a Celebrity in Her own right.  What really defines Her, for me, is one humbling moment a while back. I told Her I had a question that was too long to type out. Moments later, She called. I am still humbled. She’s impossible not to love. Go get em’ Girl! #Boom

SHE’S THE PEOPLE’S CHAMPION

The 3 testimonials probably say more than I can but I have a funny story. I recently had a back-and-forth conversation with Jessica about whether she embodied Social Media. She tried telling me while she’s knowledgeable about Radio, Broadcasting, Celebrities, and Musicians, she doesn’t think she’s “mainstream” or influential about social media. But that’s Jessica, always grounded and unpretentious! I countered by saying that if you’re in with the Twitterati and clearly influence other “top” influencers, YOU ARE SOCIAL MEDIA. When your twitter chats generate millions upon millions of impressions, YOU ARE SOCIAL MEDIA.

It boils down to the simple fact that she’s a people person. You’d think someone who was so popular would be more caught up in what others think about them but her upbringing and perspective simply won’t allow it. Her Grandpa Bill, an accomplished stock car driver, always told her “don’t drive by the rearview mirror.” It’s apparent that she took his advice, as she’s running her own race – and WINNING it. When I’m looking for guidance, I look for #TrueNorthey on my social compass and her blog always points me in the right direction.

She’s great at building us up and making us feel good, now it’s our turn to show appreciation for our beloved Social Media Celebrity. Tell her what an inspiration she’s been to you, below, and then stop by her Klout and Kred pages to make her head spin with more +K(red)’s than she can handle!!!