SUPERNOVA » economics

Social Networking Through Global Issues

Jill Boyer — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:30:35 +0000

Taking IT Global (TIG) is a social networking site that connects cultures based on global issues that affect us all. The issues that are mainly focused on relate to culture, education, environment, health, human rights, media, peace and conflict, technology, and work and economics. TIG is about to reach a quarter of a million members that are located in 261 countries worldwide. All of the current members are people who want to make a difference in the world. TIG Connects people, specifically the youth, around the world to get involved with improving communities.

Each member can choose the involvement level they wish to participate at. There are opportunities for members to contribute to discussion boards on various topics, they can join different groups relating to their interests, they can sign online petitions for issues they support, they can locate upcoming events worldwide, and they can join ongoing projects.

Organizations can also choose to create a TIG page. This enables companies and organizations to connect with different cultural communities that are socially aware of the issues going on around the world and trying to make a difference. TIG can be advantageous, also: “Inspire the youth about your work and key issues you address, inform a global audience on your latest news and activities, and involve a growing network in making a greater difference together.” Organizations are able to create a profile, post events, promote resources on global issues, find qualified applicants, showcase digital videos and photos, and set up blogs.

Educators are now allowed to join TIG. This allows for classrooms to go global while having interactive learning experiences that “improve students’ global citizenship, critical thinking, and leadership skills.” Through educators getting involved with TakingITGlobal, students are prepared for the world and all of the ongoing issues and controversies that are faced daily.

A new tool that TakingITGlobal has adapted is the integration of Twitter. Twitter accounts are now capable of being associated with project pages where the latest tweets will display on the project homepage. This hopefully will be the first round of new features that are being built into project pages.

We Are Small But We Are Strong!

Ali Manouchehri — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:52:05 +0000

It’s funny when you have to worry about growing pains in business. I compare this phenomenon to a ten year old kid, where it has learned to walk and talk. Yet, it is still vulnerable to its surroundings = the economy, friends = partnerships, and neighbors = other businesses or competition.

The other day I was told by a large neighbor how would MetroStar manage and survive in this downturn of an economy. Does MetroStar have the relationships? And can it continue capturing new business in this ultra competitive market? Well the quick answer is “YES, WE CAN SIR!”.

I did not spend 20 years of my life in the government building relationships. In fact for the past 10 years, since I graduated from George Mason University I have been an entrepreneur not worried about the bottom line, but working hard building our organization brick by brick with knowledge, courage, and determination. In my ten years of being in business we experienced the following: in our second year the DOT COM bubble busted, our third year we coped with 9/11, a tragedy that shook our nation, but at the same time it taught us to unite and be strong. Finally, the last two years have been compared to the Great Depression of the 30’s and 40’s. With that said, MetroStar has grown at an average of 250% in the past three years. We have been profitable for the past 12 quarters. Every cent of profit has gone back into our organization; to create INNOVATION and JOBS.

Our assets are our people not cash in the bank, our growth is due to our culture not relationships, and our courage is due to the characters of our leadership not our board members. So, the next time a large firm corner’s you and try’s to overpower you with their large sums of cash and tries to intimidate you with their relationships with government officials; stand strong, be confident, and remember that you are a small business owner not in it for the moment, but for the journey.

You are creating jobs and giving back during this crisis, you are not held accountable by members of the board, Wall Street, or Shareholders. Stay resilient, give back, and do not let this market and its bullies overwhelm you and your goals, it will turn to your advantage. Work smart, hard, and efficiently!

Technology That Bridges The Gap

Jorge "El Che" Vasquez — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:30:18 +0000

As the new administration unveils its strategy toward resolving our current economic downturn, energy dependency and healthcare problems; I am excited about the approach that President Obama has put forth.
Moreover, the use of Technology in the upcoming years, to resolve our issues with Energy, Health, and Economy; will play a huge role on how the new Administration plans to manage these issues.

As a technologist, I can certainly see the advantages that technology can bring; when properly used. At the same time, I have seen plenty of projects go south, due to poor management. Will Microsoft or Non-Microsoft Technolgies win the battle? (“with great power comes great responsibility”)

What is certain, is that technology will play a huge role in the outcome. For example: Earlier today, I created my FaceBook account and within 2 hours, I was chatting on FaceBook with a friend that I had not heard for almost 3 years.
Technology and its uses are certainly bridging the gap. Have you experienced it?

Immigrants’ Entrepreneurial Spirit Helps U.S. Economy

Ali Manouchehri — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:17:43 +0000

I recently got interviewed by America.gov on the impact of immigrants and the entrepreneurship spirit within our economy today…Burt you did a great job with the article. My .02 cents on the impact of immigrants and entrepreneurship, is simple…” this is how America was founded and what makes our country great today! Here is to the legacy generation of immigrants that built it, and the digital generation that will rebuild America better, faster, and stronger!”

http://www.america.gov/st/econ-english/2009/January/20090121162300berehellek0.5543177.html?CP.rss=true