5 Questions...with Evelyn So
Your favourite Wednesday habit is here!
A digital veteran with 18 years of experience, Evelyn So has been helping businesses connect with their customers via technology throughout the waves of Web 1.0, Internet banking, video on demand, interactive television, multi-platform applications and Social Media. 
What motivates you to do what you do on a daily basis?
The unlimited possibilities of the digital business. It encompasses the adrenaline-inducing elements of innovation, collaboration, cross-pollination and more. I have been with the digital evolution since the late 80s and I love to reflect back, enjoy the present and help shape the future.
Do you have any success start-up tips for people wanting to create a name for themselves in your industry?
Really know yourself well so you can be in the right place, do the right thing and work with the right people.
You may be an entrepreneur or you may be more suitable in a structured company setting. You may work best as a visionary or as an execution expert. You should know if you are an introvert or an extrovert, a number guy or a picture girl. You should know your strengths and how to leverage them, and your weakness and how to improve. You may have family obligations or you may be a free single spirit. Everyone has potentials, limitations and preferences. The more you know yourself, the better you can insert yourself in the right environment, work on the right things and team up with the right people. There are many ways to create a name for yourself!
To everyone, one thing I strongly recommend is: reach out and connect with people!
In your opinion why is Toronto a hotbed for cool tech start-ups?
Our spirit of knowledge sharing and collaboration. For sure business is and will always be about competition, but people in this city have an exceptional talent in practising the art of collaboration. It does not have to be formal – just look at the number of free/almost free meetups we have!
What's your favourite tech toy and social media site and why?
iPhone, though I am not a Mac person! It’s because it is a device that users can truly integrate into their lives. You basically customize what it can do for you (as opposed to what it can do). With iapps, I have customized mine as a business tool (e.g. Marketingprofs apps), a personal improvement tool (e.g. fitness apps), a connection tool (e.g. Tweetdeck) and a child entertainment tool (I have lots of apps for my 2 boys). A mobile tech device that has unlimited usage and potentials and is tailored for me and me alone – what’s not to love?
For social media, I have to pick two! Facebook – because it allows me to see how people (like friends and family) outside the industry experience social media. Because of my work, I interact mostly with “digital folks”, and this can really cloud my perception of what “online” is all about. I try out things on Facebook because I need the reminder of what the “everyday consumer” experiences.
I am a huge supporter of Twitter because it is an amazing information network for what I call “pulse sensing”. Knowing what’s going on in the industry. Connecting with tweeps is of course an absolutely beautiful experience!
Who would you say is one of Toronto's social media/tech stars and why?
I really respect David Crow for seeding, growing and nurturing the community.
