Ok, Interview #1 of the “7 Habits of Highly Effective Social Marketers” series.

Our first interview is with Aaron Strout. I call him a friend and mentor, but also an evil arch enemy because he’s a Red Sox fan and I can’t seem to shake my allegiance to the New York Yankees…without further delay, Aaron Strout…

Tell us about yourself
I am the chief marketing officer at an Austin-based company called Powered. We are a full-service social media agency helping big brands succeed with their social initiatives. I’m also a diehard Red Sox and Patriots fan (the Celtics also hold a place in my heart). I’m a serial blogger, podcaster and Twitterer which drives my wife crazy but helps me learn the things I need to know to do my job well.

1. What one trait or habit got you to where you are today?
This one is easy. Networking. Ever since I started my first real job at Fidelity Investments back in 1997, I’ve been focusing on building my network. The approach I take is always to provide value to the folks I connect with, whether that’s helping them find a job, introducing them to another key contact or responding to interview questions for a blog like I’m doing now.

2. Your work day just started, what’s the FIRST thing you do and why?
My work day usually starts when I first get up — somewhere between 6:15 and 7:00 AM. I traditionally do two things: check e-mail (both personal and work) and then head over to Twitter. I’ve worked hard at not feeling the pressure to answer most e-mails, comment on blogs or follow people back on the various social networks right away. Usually taking this approach gives me a sense of what my day will look like and also lets me know how much “firefighting” I’ll need to do that day.

3. What makes you efficient with your day?
I’m not necessarily the most “efficient” person I know but I am a good multi-tasker. One thing I’m trying to do a better job of these days is to pick 2-3 things that I know HAVE to get done (yet might be things that aren’t my favorite things to do) and just sit down and bang them out first thing in the morning. That way, I have time to focus on the other things I enjoy doing. One tactical thing I do that seems to help with staying organized is keeping my work inbox to no more than 25 e-mails and then using that as a bit of an ongoing “to do” list.

4. Your Favorite Business book of all time?
This is tough one as I’m not actually a huge fan of business books. From a practical standpoint, I think Groundswell does a nice job talking about ways to think about social that include measurement and ROI. The World is Flat is also one of my favorites.

5. 3 things on your desk right now/ 3 things you can’t live without
My iPhone, My MacBook Pro and my SavvyAuntie Coffee Mug.

6. Habit you want to kick in 2009
I swear this is the year I will find a better balance this year between work and family time. In particular, not being so plugged in all the time. This has been my New Year’s resolution for about 5 years running but I’m hoping this year it might actually take.

7. Habit you want to form for 2010
A greater commitment to blogging about things that people care about.

NOTE- for those who want to follow along in the Twitter conversation use the #sm7habits hashtag