Sunday, October 31, 2010

The BDPA Insider – October 31, 2010




The BDPA Insider – October 31, 2010

What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!


In this issue:
BDPAtoday  [USA Edition]
Do You Know the Most Important Part of a Résumé?

Click here for the latest issue of "The BDPA Insider":

Click here for "The BDPA Insider" Archives:

October 26, 2010
 
Hotep! 

This e-newsletter is produced by the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation on any day that an event is occurring around the country. BETF exists to conduct, promote and support educational programs for students of African descent and others in the information technology industry.

Click here for the full article:

BlackWeb2.0










The Internet has spawned companies like Google and Facebook. Companies that have not only changed how we find and share information, but have impacted the economy with job creation and monetization opportunities for companies of all sizes on their platforms. The Internet has been a life-changing bed of opportunity for thousands of small companies and individuals. However within all this opportunity, there is a problem that doesn’t seem to be improving and isn’t being discussed — the lack of diversity in the startup technology space. 

Click here for the full article:

Vera Holman’s Blog
 
Last week I attended the Wireless Education Technology Conference hosted by Dr. Paul Jacobs, CEO, Qualcomm.  Being an educator and relentless advocate for the adoption of more agile learning techniques particularly E-learning technology in our K-12 educational system, I was anxious to hear from all sides of the “spectrum”.  In attendance were educators, administrators, policy makers and technology experts engaged in a forum designed to share best practices in the area of Mobile Learning For the 21st Century.

Click here for the full article:


We sincerely want to thank everyone who made it out to our Pink Slip Party last Thursday night.  It was seriously great to see so many people get through what we heard (quite a few times) was just a ridiculous level of traffic from apparently anywhere and everywhere in the metro Detroit area to get there.  We got a lot of great feedback about the event from newcomers, and enjoyed seeing a ton of new connections get made.
Click here for the full article:

By an eHow Contributor
Today's laptops are much more powerful than even the hottest desktop computers of yesterday. They're also lighter and much more stylish. Many people are opting out of desktop computers altogether and use a laptop for all their computer needs. If you're thinking of going this route, check out these shopping tips.

Click here for the full article:

It’s All about the Summary
 
A tough job market means piles of applications for open positions, so it is no surprise that hiring managers are looking for ways to screen candidates quickly. 
Click here for the full article:

 
Melodie Mayberry-Stewart is the chief information officer for the state of New York. She was recently named one of the Top 50 African Americans in Technology. I'm looking forward to meeting her on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 in Brooklyn NY. I will be the master of ceremonies at the BDPA New York Chapter Scholarship & Awards Dinner. Ms. Mayberry-Stewart will be the keynote speaker
Click here for the full article:

by Wayne Hicks
One of my favorite moments at the 2010 BDPA Technology Conference in Philadelphia was the introduction of the Founder's Club. BDPA created the Founder's Club to honor 'lifetime members'.

The Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) and Deloitte sponsored a private reception to congratulate the lifetime members. All members of the Founder’s Club were presented a certificate of participation and a unique memento designed by founder Earl Pace. Admiral Gary Roughhead, Chief of Naval Operations, was also there to congratulate each member
Click here for the full article:

by Deborah Chambers Chima
“The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet. ”
Hesburgh
        You are an insightful and collaborative leader.  How can I help? Wouldn’t it be great to hear these words  immediately after you communicate your vision on an important topic?  Have you ever wondered how great leaders become so effective with the way they communicate? Let’s face it.   A leader’s communication style is a large part of your ability to get others to take action.
     Without action, a vision or strategy is nothing more than a beautiful set of words. It may sound good, but do your words create such an effect that people are compelled to want to know how they can be a part of it? If not, you need to determine the steps needed to powerfully communicate your vision.
Click here for the full article:

Please accept our invitation to join us in the City of the Big Shoulders by registering for the 33rd Annual National BDPA Conference, August 3-6, 2011 at the Hilton Chicago.
Early bird registration for $350 now open!
Click here to register for the 2011 National BDPA Conference today!

Subscribe to the BDPA Foundation Blog via email: http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=649683
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Follow us on Twitter:
Find the buzz on Twitter BDPA:
This message has been brought to you by the BDPA Social Networking Team. http://www.bdpa.org/socialnetworks.php
Contact the BDPA Social Networking Team: socialnetworking@bdpa.org
PS: Please share this information with your friends, co-workers, church members, etc so that they can help us pass the word. The key is that we must share what we know with others so we can all grow and prosper.



Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://blacksgonegeek.org/JoinTheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

IT Job Seeker Survey - Closes Today!



Can you spare a few moments to take our survey? Your feedback is important!


We've been providing job seeker services since 2001 and in light of the current economic climate, we think our services are even more important to help job seekers advance their careers.


We continue to look for new and innovative ways to help IT Job Seekers pursue exciting and challenging careers in technology. For example, we just created the IT Job Seeker Idea Exchange (http://blacksgonegeek.org/JobSeekers.aspx) to give job seekers an online forum to share best practices and get discovered.



Your opinion that matters. Please take this short 3-minute survey to let us know how we can help you.




http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ITJobSeekerSurvey




Act now! Survey closes today! Survey results will be published on Blacks Gone Geek Blog (http://blacksgonegeek.blogspot.com) on 11/6/2010.




Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://blacksgonegeek.org/JoinTheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

Sunday, October 24, 2010

The BDPA Insider – October 24, 2010




The BDPA Insider – October 24, 2010

What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!


In this issue:

BDPA Oracle Scholarship Announcement

Click here for the latest issue of "The BDPA Insider":

Click here for "The BDPA Insider" Archives:

BDPA Logo
BDPA Oracle Scholarship Announcement
National BDPA is now accepting applications for 2010 Oracle scholarships.

 
BDPA student members may submit applications to win one of ten $5,000 Oracle scholarships. College and high school seniors seeking an undergraduate degree in Engineering, Computer and Information Science, Computer Engineering or Mathematics are encouraged to apply.

 
The application deadline is November 25, 2010. Students will be notified by December 20 regarding the status of their applications. Oracle representatives will select the winners.

 
The scholarship announcement is listed on the National BDPA home page with a link to the scholarship details page. The application process and eligibility rules are located here:  http://www.bdpa.org/DOCS/Oracle_BDPA_Scholarships_2010.pdf

 
We encourage all eligible BDPA student members to apply.

 
Thank you,

Monique F. Berry
Vice President Business Management
National BDPA
vpbm@bdpa.org
 

 
BDPA Stresses Access at National Conference.  National Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) returned to its Philadelphia roots in late July for its thirty-second annual national conference. The society was founded in Philadelphia, PA in 1975, and had its first national conference in 1979 in Washington, DC. This is the sixth conference since then held in Philadelphia, the "city of brotherly love and sisterly affection," which also offers convenient access to eastern U.S. IT venues.

Click here for the full article:

 
Here are 10 reasons to join BDPA:
  1. Acquire professional and leadership skills
  2. Connect to network of IT professionals and executives in the academic, commercial, government and non-profit sectors.
  3. Enhance and develop additional technical skill sets.
  4. Obtain exposure to technical and professional topics through program meetings, seminars and workshops
  5. Obtain free advertising through website and entrepreneur directory.
  6. Opportunity to participate in the regional and national high school computer competition, internships, lifelong mentors, scholarships and student empowerment activities.
  7. Participate actively in an organization that is setting trends in emerging technology.
  8. Participate in certification support groups.
  9. Serve as a role model within the African American community.
  10. Support and influence the goals and directions of this leading edge technical organization through the contribution of your own professional expertise.
 Click here for the full article:

The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF), in coordination with Eli Lilly and Company, is pleased to announce the winner of the fourth annual Eli Lilly and Company Scholarship for BDPA Students. The two winners this year are Leslie Vasquez, a graduating senior at Pike High School and Gerardo 'Jerry' Dominguez, a Chicago State University senior majoring in Management Information Systems.
 
Click here for the full article:

 
Kelly Cooke is a student member of the BDPA Los Angeles chapter. She participated in the chapter's youth technology training classes earlier this year. Although she wasn't a member of the chapter's 2010 national High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team ... she did take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the 2010 BDPA Youth Technology Camp (YTC) that was held in Philadelphia PA.

Kelly shared her thoughts on the experience with members of the BDPA Los Angeles chapter leadership team
Click here for the full article:

 
BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) strives to share testimonials from any of the students who participated in the 2010 national High School Computer Competition (HSCC) championship held in Philadelphia.

Today, our HSCC alumni testimonial is from Brandee Lyles, a young lady currently completing her senior year at Licking Heights High School. Brandee was a member of the national HSCC team trained by our BDPA Columbus chapter.
Click here for the full article:

 
Khadijah LoveJoy is a young mother entering her freshman year as a criminal justice major at West Virginia State University. She was a member of the high school computer competition (HSCC) team, trained by BDPA Hartford chapter, that took home the silver medal in the 2005 national HSCC championships held in Detroit.

She shared her thoughts on the experience with our blog. 
Click here for the full article:

 
Krystal Cooper was a member of the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) team trained by BDPA Los Angeles chapter in 1991 and 1992. Krystal went on to major in computer science at UC Riverside. She currently works in the entertainment industry with a focus on visual effects and animation.

She took a moment to share her testimonial with us. 
Click here for the full article:


 from Clark Thought Leadership by Julius Clark
Processing Credit Card Payments Using Credit Card Terminals with VoIP / Digital Phone Lines Is Not PCI Complaint.
Click here for the full article:

Newman Networks brings customers to your business through referrals and edification!

In This Issue:

Marketing Tips
Newman Networks
Nicole Recommends
Upcoming Events
Nicole's Commentary
About the Urban League
Entrepreneurship Center

Click here for the newsletter:


from BDPA Detroit TAC by Cliff Samuels Jr

Smart Electrofluidic Displays Best LCDs
  • Organic materials were once touted as the next generation of displays—for instance, Apple is rumored to be introducing a new iPad sporting an OLED display later this year. Unfortunately, the billion-dollar cost of starting up new flat-panel manufacturing lines has display makers extending the lifetime of their existing LCD lines. Now researchers are touting a way to convert LCD manufacturing lines for next-generation electrofluidic displays that are brighter, faster and lower power than LCDs or OLEDs.Before the recession, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) were touted as a legacy technology that would slowly give way to organic light-emitting-diode displays (OLEDs). However, the consumer spending slowdown has instead led to LCD manufacturing overcapacity, prompting Sony and Toshiba to scrap plans for new OLED lines. To the rescue is a new electrofluidic display technology that offers displays that are brighter, faster and lower power than LCDs—and yet can be manufactured by retrofitting existing LCD manufacturing lines
 Click here for the full article:

 
You're sharp, you work hard, and you feel ready to assume more responsibility--to be the boss. But how do you get yourself into a management position? What really moves people from cube farms into corner offices?

From dressing the part to being smart about how you broach the topic with your supervisor, here is a list of must-dos and expert tips for aspiring managers.

Click here for the full article:
Click here for more career advice:

New rules for influencing hiring managers

  
Persuasion is a subtle art--brute force doesn't often work well. And this is especially true for a job seeker, who is using interviewing skills and a resume to try to persuade hiring managers and recruiters to hand over something that a lot of people are competing for (that great new job).
Here are some persuasion tricks and techniques you can use to sway opinions in your favor:
Click here for the full article:
Click here for more career advice:


Can you spare a few moments to take our survey? Your feedback is important!

We've been providing job seeker services since 2001 and in light of the current economic climate, we think our services are even more important to help job seekers advance their careers.

We continue to look for new and innovative ways to help IT Job Seekers pursue exciting and challenging careers in technology. For example, we just created the IT Job Seeker Idea Exchange (http://blacksgonegeek.org/JobSeekers.aspx) to give job seekers an online forum to share best practices and get discovered.

Your opinion that matters. Please take this short 3-minute survey to let us know how we can help you.


http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ITJobSeekerSurvey
Act now! Survey closes 10/26/2010. Survey results will be published on Blacks Gone Geek Blog (http://blacksgonegeek.blogspot.com) on 11/6/2010.

Please accept our invitation to join us in the City of the Big Shoulders by registering for the 33rd Annual National BDPA Conference, August 3-6, 2011 at the Hilton Chicago.
Early bird registration for $350 now open!
Click here to register for the 2011 National BDPA Conference today!

Subscribe to the BDPA Foundation Blog via email: http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=649683
Subscribe to Blacks Gone Geek Blog via email:
Follow us on Twitter:
Find the buzz on Twitter BDPA:
This message has been brought to you by the BDPA Social Networking Team. http://www.bdpa.org/socialnetworks.php
Contact the BDPA Social Networking Team: socialnetworking@bdpa.org
PS: Please share this information with your friends, co-workers, church members, etc so that they can help us pass the word. The key is that we must share what we know with others so we can all grow and prosper.



Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://blacksgonegeek.org/JoinTheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

BDPA Oracle Scholarship Announcement





BDPA Logo




BDPA Oracle Scholarship Announcement



National BDPA is now accepting applications for
2010 Oracle scholarships.



 

BDPA student members may
submit applications to win one of ten $5,000
Oracle scholarships. College and high school
seniors seeking an undergraduate degree in
Engineering, Computer and Information Science,
Computer Engineering or Mathematics are
encouraged to apply.



 

The application deadline is
November 25, 2010. Students will be notified by
December 20 regarding the status of their
applications. Oracle representatives will select
the winners.



 

The scholarship
announcement is listed on the National BDPA

home page
with a link to the scholarship
details page. The application process and
eligibility rules are located here: 

http://www.bdpa.org/DOCS/Oracle_BDPA_Scholarships_2010.pdf



 

We encourage all eligible
BDPA student members to apply.



 

Thank you,

 

Monique F. Berry

Vice President Business Management

National BDPA


vpbm@bdpa.org


 

 



Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://blacksgonegeek.org/JoinTheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx

Sunday, October 17, 2010

The BDPA Insider – October 17, 2010




The BDPA Insider – October 17, 2010
What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!


In this issue:


IT Job Seeker Survey

A Case Study-Need for Business 2 Engage


Click here for the latest issue of "The BDPA Insider":

Click here for "The BDPA Insider" Archives:


Can you spare a few moments to take our survey? Your feedback is important!

We've been providing job seeker services since 2001 and in light of the current economic climate, we think our services are even more important to help job seekers advance their careers.

We continue to look for new and innovative ways to help IT Job Seekers pursue exciting and challenging careers in technology. For example, we just created the IT Job Seeker Idea Exchange (http://blacksgonegeek.org/JobSeekers.aspx) to give job seekers an online forum to share best practices and get discovered.

Your opinion that matters. Please take this short 3-minute survey to let us know how we can help you.


http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ITJobSeekerSurvey

Act now! Survey closes 10/24/2010. Survey results will be published on Blacks Gone Geek Blog (http://blacksgonegeek.blogspot.com) on 11/6/2010.

by Daryl Plummer

I recently wrote a prediction stating that “Cloud Services Brokerage (CSB) is the single largest revenue growth opportunity in Cloud Computing”. Of course, not everyone agrees with that. So, I had to go out an try to provide more evidence. And to do that, I finished rewriting the definition of cloud services brokerage. Benoit Lheruex and I have been working steadily on this and are seeing notables such as Accenture, Deloitte, and IBM all begin to plan for a significant brokerage future alonside upstarts like Appirio, Boomi, and even stalwarts like GXS. See Ben’s blog post on CSB here.
 
Click here for the full article:

Newman Networks brings customers to your business through referrals and edification!

In This Issue:

Marketing Tips
Newman Networks
Nicole Recommends
Upcoming Events
Nicole's Commentary
About the Urban League
Entrepreneurship Center

Click here for the newsletter:

By Jon Brodkin
Created 2010-10-14 12:11PM

The number of available full-time tech jobs has increased 46 percent in the past year, and contractors' hourly rates are rising as companies seek ways to overcome the ongoing IT skills shortage, according to a monthly report from Dice.
Dice, one of the largest tech recruitment sites, said the number of full-time positions advertised by its service rose from 29,101 on Oct. 1, 2009 to 42,502 on Oct. 1, 2010, a 46 percent increase. 

Click here for the full article:

by Vera Holman
 
On October 8, 2010 The Gap unveiled a “new” logo.  The one thing the campaign forgot to do…User Acceptance Testing (UAT).  Why do I make such a blatant statement?  The brand launched the new logo on their official website. When the customers’ saw the revised image…“Hated It”!!!!  The criticism was so intense… the company enlisted its Facebook community for suggestions –reactive NOT GOOD!!

This brings to mind the conversation I have been having with corporate CIOs all over the country.  The landscape has changed with implemented a branding campaign; you must “engage” your customer.  If the answer is NO to any one of these three questions; you are certainly losing market share.
  1. Do you REALLY know who your customer is?
  2. Do you REALLY know where your customer is getting their information?
  3. Are you a part of the discussion your customer is having about you DAILY?

Click here for the full article:

A Case Study-Need for Business 2 Engage

 by Vera Holman
ABC company learned that customers were discussing their products on a social blog.  An employee informed management of a complaint that someone had posted to the micro blogging network. They began searching the blogosphere and created company accounts on social media sites, with the goal of providing customer support.
There are technologies that provide alerts to organizations such as Google Alerts and RightNow Technologies Cloud Monitor to track mentions of the company’s name or product names on social media sites. They also opened social communities for users of their government products and another for consumers who own or are interested in their products.
Click here for the full article:

 by Vera Holman
Being relatively new to social media, “engagement” was the first word I quickly became acquainted with and could not escape.  I am an IT career person; but found myself so excited over the set of social tools being embraced as a branding methodology in the marketing world; I decided to do a deep dive to understand the new set of tools used in social networking and ride the wave.  Although friends say I am an extreme extravert and information junkie; I never thought I would be so “addicted” to the art of public relations and the adrenaline rush.  I have implemented collaboration tools in organizations; however, this seems different.   I have become totally caught up!   So now I ask myself. “What Does Engagement Mean”?

Click here for the full article:

 
Generally I think that informal mentoring programs are better than formal ones.  However, I must admit that an exception to the rule is the ITSMF Executive Protege Program (EPP).  The mission of the EPP is to fill the next generation of African American executives.  EPP provides the mentoring and networking that mid-level IT managers need to advance their IT careers to the senior and C-level.  It is the only national mentoring program focused on cultivating executive talent among African American IT professionals.

I can vouch that one of the most important elements of personal and professional success is the influence of a sincere and caring mentor.  Mentoring not only helps build and support a foundation of success for the protege, it also provides a great opportunity for you to build your leadership skills and management. 
 
Click here for the full article:


from Clark Thought Leadership by Julius Clark
 
Dr. Dre who is one of the best music producers in Hip Hop history is making his mark these days as an Engineering and Technology innovator. Dr. Dre has the hottest selling brand of High-Tech headphones on the market, and everyone from the B-Boy to the corporate executive wants a pair.  
 
Click here for the full article:

 
Chicago First Black Inventors/Entrepreneurs Organization 2nd Annual Conference. Chicago First Black Inventors/Entrepreneurs Organization will hold its 2nd Annual Conference in Chicago on Saturday, October 23, 2010 ... This year's conference entitled "Innovation, Patents & Profits: Licensing Your Dreams" promises to be a day full of valuable and thought provoking information featuring Planet Eureka – A Market Analysis & Business Simulation Workshop ($2,000 value) and two panels of innovation experts discussing ‘Protecting and Developing Your Idea and Licensing Your Dream.' ... Sponsors for this event are Wrigley, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago Innovation Awards and BDPA.

Read the full BlackNews.com press release.


from BDPA Detroit TAC by Cliff Samuels Jr

New Technology Can Rewire a Damaged Brain

  • Researchers at two Midwestern universities are working to create an electronic device that is capable of rewiring the human brain. Such technology could dramatically improve the prognoses for people suffering from brain damage. 

Click here for the full article:



The big interview looms. Three days from now you're going to walk in and meet the woman who--if all goes well--could be your next boss.

While you know that you need to research the organization before an interview, also take time to learn all you can about her, the interviewer. That includes family, social activities, community and charity involvements, and--of course--professional credentials. If you're serious about this job, allow two or three hours to delve into the hiring manager's background, interests, and approach to leading. Here's how to do the research:

Click here for the full article:


from Microsoft JobsBlog: Blog by Microsoft JobsBlog
Dear JobsBlogDear JobsBlog:
 
I'm gearing up for an interview with Microsoft. I’m prepared for the technical questions, but want to know what non-technical "soft skills" I should focus on in my interview. Any suggestions?
-Covering All My Base
 
Click here for the full article:

 
from Microsoft JobsBlog: Blog by Microsoft JobsBlog

Are you interested in new Microsoft openings, but find it difficult to check our Microsoft career site on a daily basis? 
Consider joining Microsoft’s new Talent Network!  It’s an opportunity for job seekers to sign up and receive emails based on their position and location interest. The best part is that there's a feature that allows you to receive these updates in the frequency of your choosing. 

Check it out:  http://bit.ly/9Ppz2e

Please accept our invitation to join us in the City of the Big Shoulders by registering for the 33rd Annual National BDPA Conference, August 3-6, 2011 at the Hilton Chicago.
Early bird registration for $350 now open!
Click here to register for the 2011 National BDPA Conference today!

Subscribe to the BDPA Foundation Blog via email: http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=649683
Subscribe to Blacks Gone Geek Blog via email:
Follow us on Twitter:
Find the buzz on Twitter #BDPA:
This message has been brought to you by the BDPA Social Networking Team. http://www.bdpa.org/socialnetworks.php
Contact the BDPA Social Networking Team: socialnetworking@bdpa.org
PS: Please share this information with your friends, co-workers, church members, etc so that they can help us pass the word. The key is that we must share what we know with others so we can all grow and prosper.



Join The Blacks Gone Geek Community http://blacksgonegeek.org/JoinTheBlacksGoneGeekCommunity.aspx