Online Media: Yvonne van der Laak

Can you tell us something about yourself?
My name is Yvonne (@YvdLaak), I’m 30 years old and live in Utrecht together with the love of my life and my elderly cat. I’m getting married in spring of 2012. My addictions are social media – especially twitter, facebook and instagram – and (dark) chocolate. Things I love and need to do more of are scuba diving, travelling, reading and spending time with my friends and others that inspire.

I’ve studied Communication Management in Utrecht, continued in marketing and am now an entrepreneur in social media marketing & online branding.

Last year I started my own business Start With Y (@startwithY), but by the looks of it will have two new ‘real’ jobs from April onwards. I am passionate about public speaking, networking (connecting people) and of course, social media/online communication. Finally, I care deeply about animal welfare and sustainability.

What’s your job TEDxDelft?
I will be taking care of the online media of TEDxDelft. The closer we get to the event, the more active I will become. So be prepared for some serious online stalking from July onwards…

What’s your favorite TED(x)talk?
Last year I was in search of the perfect name for my business. Then I attended a workshop on personal branding where the talk of Simon Sinek (How great leaders inspire) was shown. There it was: Start With Y. (his book based on the ‘golden circle’ is called Start With Why).

Furthermore I very much enjoy the talks of David Blaine (How I held my breath for 17 min) and Mark Bezos (A life lesson from a volunteer firefighter).

What’s your idea worth spreading?
It’s not so much an idea but a message. I’d like everyone to be more conscientious when it comes to sustainability and animal welfare. Don’t live just for yourself or for the short-term, but make a difference in lives of others. You don’t have to change the world on your own, just change yourself and your attitude & behaviour and people around you will do the same.

And of course, use social media! It’s a fantastic way to get your message across to a wider audience.

Which keywords define you as a person?
Social (media), idealistic, high heels, emotional, entrepreneur, ambitious and I am a bit of a nerd-in-disguise (which means I like it but never really get it, quite frustrating at times).