5 Questions with... Renée Warren

Sit back, relax and enjoy your favourite morning beverage as you enjoy this week's edition of 5 Questions.

Upon returning to Canada she studied Marketing Management. After a short stint as Manager for a small co-working company she was soon recruited by BizLaunch Media Inc. to help preserve the nation’s passion for small business success.  A job well done there led her to start Renee Warren Communications to work with medium to large start-ups in need of unique online marketing services.

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

I am motivated to do what I love, not what I get 'paid' to do.  The community, people, places, and spaces I get to see and work with inspire me.  Start-up life is not about making the billions of dollars (At least not for me), its about getting up and having fun all day long. It's about meeting new people, sharing experiences, and learning new things.

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

Your mom will tell you to 'be yourself' and I agree, but just keep in mind that in this industry everything you say and do IS ONLINE.  You live a celebrity life. People talk. They share. And they have a very public opinion.  Brush off what doesn't effect you or your business, appreciate any constructive criticism, and always say thank you.  Nice people do finish first.

In your opinion why is Toronto a great place for cool tech start-ups?

We live in an awesome, caring, sharing city.  There are so many people willing to help you out there is no way you can't be successful.  And if you fail, those same people will be there to help you get back on your feet.  Come on...we're Canadian!

What's your favourite tech toy and social media site and why?

Oooh fun question.  My favourite tech toy is my smartphone.  It is on 24/7, comes with me on the boat, swimming (Yes, weird. I know) and is often the reason why my parents get annoyed with me.

Fav social media site, duh, Twitter (Tweetdeck and Hootsuite).  I got my last three gigs over Twitter, met the most incredible people, and can source out any info I need. It's my lifeline.    

Who would you say is one of Toronto's up and coming stars in your space and why?

I am going to be completely biased and plug two of my fav Toronto peeps. Why?  Because these two people, hands down, are already 'killing it' (Rocking the show).  Here they are:

@erin_bury: I remember the first day I met her on the street outside of Sprouter, when she was first hired.  I thought, wow ok, this girl has got something going on.  Was honestly a bit intimidated by her.  Since she has been at Sprouter, she has totally rocked the show blogging, speaking, being Erin.  Any person/company would be so lucky to have her a part of their community.  I am.

@danielpatricio:  Like a little brother to me, Dan is the epitome of a young guy going for gold. Watch out for this 'kid' as he is going to be big. I mean REALLY big.  You need any SM advice, this is your man.