5 Questions with... Neil Pasricha

This week's 5 Questions comes to you from the site of the World Cup, South Africa. But as always, we feature one of Toronto's top social media and tech stars. Today we have Neil Pasricha. Who is Neil? Neil is the creator of the highly popular and Webby Award winning blog, 1000 Awesome Things. It is also the title of Neil's new book. So, sit back and enjoy this awesome post.

What motivates you on a daily basis to do what you do?

I just think it's important to keep focused on the positive. So many of us have lost jobs, lost houses, lost savings over the past few years. And a lot of us have had personal problems, too. I know my marriage ended and my best friend took his own life. We've lived with broken hearts and read about doom and gloom in the news every day. The Book of Awesome is just a little escape from all that... it's a world where wearing warm underwear out of the dryer, playing on old dangerous playground equipment, and flipping to the cold side of the pillow is more important.

Do you have any start-up tips for people wanting to create a name for themselves in your industry?

Be yourself, be honest, and follow your heart. Don't worry about anything else. Just do what you love and enjoy the process of doing it.

Why is Toronto such a hot-bed of activity in the social media sphere?

I didn't know it was! Maybe the winters force everyone inside to rub their hands together while basking in the glow of the laptop monitor.

What is your favourite tech toy and why?

I really like my remote control. It allows me to flip between Seinfeld and Simpsons reruns without moving off of the couch.

Who would you nominate as Toronto's tech superstar?

My favorite Toronto blogger is definitely Sam Javanrouh (www.dailydoseofimagery.com) He's got a beautiful way of capturing the world which is why I asked him to take all the photos for The Book of Awesome!