Behind every successful B2B social media page is someone crafting the posts, reading the comments, and bringing ideas to life. And now, those people are getting the spotlight. Oktopost has officially launched B2B Social’s Rising 30, a new awards program that celebrates the individuals shaping LinkedIn and beyond with bold content, loyal followings, and fresh thinking.
This isn’t about company logos or brand slogans. It’s about the people behind the scenes turning social feeds into real conversations.
Giving Credit Where It’s Long Overdue
Oktopost, a platform trusted by B2B marketers for social media publishing and analytics, has worked with hundreds of brands. Along the way, one pattern stood out: the individuals driving B2B social are rarely recognized, even though they play a big part in shaping brand voice and reach.
B2B Social’s Rising 30 aims to change that by putting the focus squarely on the marketers themselves—those building strong personal brands, sparking engagement, and leading conversations in spaces often considered “too corporate” for personality.
“These aren’t just social media managers. They’re thought leaders. They’re connectors. They’re the reason many brand pages feel more human,” said Adi Krysler, VP of Marketing at Oktopost. “It’s time we celebrate them as more than just behind-the-scenes contributors.”
What Makes a Rising Star?
Nominees for the Rising 30 list will be judged by a panel of B2B social media professionals. The selection criteria are built around five core attributes:
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A highly engaged LinkedIn community
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A track record of smart, valuable, or entertaining content
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Comment sections filled with real dialogue—not empty likes
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A clear, visible personal brand that adds to the broader conversation
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Active employment in B2B social media
The nomination window is open from April 23 to May 14, 2025. The final 30 honorees will be revealed on June 25, 2025.
Built by the Community, for the Community
One of the most distinctive elements of this initiative is its focus on peer recognition. The nomination process is open to the entire professional community, allowing peers, followers, and collaborators to submit names of the marketers who inspire them.
This structure makes it less about self-promotion and more about celebrating influence that’s earned, not claimed.
Whether it’s a marketer turning dry updates into viral posts, or someone who’s cultivated a thriving niche audience, B2B Social’s Rising 30 is positioned to capture the variety and personality that often goes unnoticed in B2B.
Where to Nominate
Nominations can be submitted through Oktopost’s campaign site: https://www.oktopost.com/organic-campaign/b2b-socials-rising-30.
This marks Oktopost’s first foray into an awards program celebrating individual influence—and with the growth of personal branding in B2B marketing, the timing couldn’t be better.
With B2B marketers increasingly building audiences as individuals—and not just as brand spokespeople—Oktopost’s Rising 30 provides a long-overdue spotlight. It’s recognition for those who show up consistently, say something worth hearing, and bring real connection into a space often dominated by automation and jargon.
