Madame Noire | Black Women's Lifestyle Guide | Black Hair | Black Love

In a few short years, there have been some major adjustments to the dating game. I can see the difference in the attitude of women in younger generations compared to mine. They have much more of a,  “I want him and I am going to get him” type of attitude. Back in the day, when you liked someone, you kind of played it off until he let on that he was he feeling the same way. But nowadays, women are much more aggressive, and it is clearly the era of the “go-getter.” My mother’s generation viewed women with this “go- getter” mentality with less than pleasant eyes, but today, the women who go for what they want are growing in numbers, and they’re getting respect and the guy for being so bold. Yep,  the times have changed and so has the dating game. Here are a few examples:

Making your Facebook page private and blocking certain parts of your account may no longer do the trick if you’re worried about how your social media persona will affect employment. The House has voted against legislation Democratic lawmakers inserted as an amendment to a Federal Communications Commission bill that would prevent employers from demanding passwords from employees.

Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.) explained why the amendment was so important.

“It only makes sense because those that are using these kinds of social media have an expectation of privacy,” he said on the House floor. “They have an expectation that their right of free speech or their right to free religion will be respected when they use these social media outlets.”

The republicans didn’t see the solution to the issue quite the same way though, which is why they voted against the FCC bill in a vote of 184 to 236. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) said Facebook users do deserve protection but not the way it was outlined in the bill.

“I think it’s awful that employers think they can demand our passwords and can go snooping around. There is no disagreement with that,” he said. “Here is the flaw: Your amendment doesn’t protect them. It doesn’t do that. Actually, what this amendment does is say that all of the reforms that we are trying to put in place at the Federal Communications Commission, in order to have them have an open and transparent process where they are required to publish their rules in advance so that you can see what they’re proposing, would basically be shoved aside. They could do whatever they wanted on privacy if they wanted to, and you wouldn’t know it until they published their text afterward. There is no protection here.”

While Rep. Walden’s promise of working with democrats to draft a better bill sounds promising we know how slow Congress moves and the concern is what will happen in the interim. Facebook issued a statement last week to educate users’ about privacy and warned that employers requesting  passwords may not have the proper education to deal with the private information they obtain. As far as Facebook users go, when it comes down to needing a roof over your head and food on the table, can you really turn down an employer who asks for that information?

What do you think about employers requesting social media passwords? Would you give yours up?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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Current Occupation: Vice President / General Manager of Field Sales & Operations – Michigan/Indiana Region, T-Mobile USA

Favorite website: Pulse, C-Net, Wall Street Journal

Favorite read: #1: Good to Great; #2: What Customers Really Want

Recent read: The Help

2012′s ultimate goal: Get oldest Son off to college in the fall & celebrate 19happy years of marriage!

Quote Governing Your Mission or a Quote that Inspires You: Essential Piece: Isn’t it a wonderful thing that we’re all different? Each of us has strengths and skills to share. And when we link our individual strengths together, we’re invincible. Can’t imagine us without you.

Twitter handle: @tmobile

Brigette Jackson, an executive at T-Mobile, is the subject of this next installment of Behind The Click.  More specifically, she’s the Vice President and General Manager for the Michigan and Indiana Region of T-Mobile. I had an opportunity to connect with  this fellow digital power player to learn more about her position.  What follows will both inspire and encourage you, no matter what industry you currently work.  Fasten your seatbelts!

LdC:  So it seems that a lot of  your foundation is due in large part to your education. What was it like attending Michigan State?

BJ: My college career was an enjoyable experience. I grew up, learned a lot and met many people with diverse backgrounds.  A lot of the people I met are still my friends today.

LdC:  Are you an active alum?

BJ: Yes, I stay informed and attend homecoming.  I also participate in activities through the MSU chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, which I was a member of at MSU.

LdC:  Did you express an early interest in the convergence of tech and customer growth or did you “fall into” it?

BJ: I graduated with a Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Management. I have always been in sales jobs throughout my career.  Working in sales management, I was introduced to technology and saw the rapid growth and innovation first hand.  That’s what led me to my current position at T-Mobile.

LdC: What is a typical day like for you?

BJ: I conduct sales meetings with my team, attend strategy meetings where we plan business strategies and tactics to retain customers and grow the business, review sales reports, visit stores and our business sales clients and meet customers.

LdC:  What is the biggest challenge of your day?

BJ: Continuing to grow sales and market share within the Region.

LdC:  What advice can you give to women looking to get into telecommunications at an executive level?

B: Be ready for this fast-paced, innovative business.  You need to make sure you are knowledgeable about all of the ever-changing technologies, stay ahead of the competitors and be able to make quick decisions.

LdC: What advice can you give to women with projects who are looking to create strategic alliances with T-Mobile?

BJ: Pull customer demographics, make sure the demographics mirror the area of the product you are targeting and do a business case to ensure the return on investment is healthy.  Take as many business partners that relate to or support the project as you can throughout the process.

LdC:  How do you balance work and family life?

BJ: Careful long & short-term planning to make sure I don’t miss any important engagements.  I absolutely live by my Outlook Calendar to stay organized and I plan far ahead.

LdC: What’s your biggest dream for your position/department at T-Mobile this year?

BJ: At the end of the year, I would like to have a profitable business that has achieved all targets and have grown our customer base and increased our market share.

Thanks for reading!  Keep up with tech events and more at my site www.ldcoleman.com while we prepare the next profile.  Get the latest in digital news and more by following me on Twitter @mediaempress

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For some, Valentine’s Day is just another day. But for true romantics, February marks the season of love, and you can’t imagine spending Cupid’s holiday alone. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, you’re running out of time to find a date, so get on it! If you’re dreading spending Valentine’s Day solo, fret no more…we can give you a few ideas for finding a last minute boo!

Read the rest of this entry »

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In our latest installment of Behind The Click, we are profiling Danii Oliver, who is the co-founder of DAMN Digital Studio, LLC – a company that specializes in emerging technology platforms in the digital space.  She has some interesting insight as well as suggestions for women interested in getting into the digital game.  So sit back and take notes.

LDC:  So I understand you went to Baruch College. What was it like attending that school?

DO: Before Baruch, I attended Temple University. I designed my own degree “Business and Graphic Communication” (a concentration on Marketing, Management, Entrepreneurship, Fine Art, Commercial Art and Digital Media Development), which at the time did not exist. I left Temple, and previously Arcadia University, because I completed all the courses that those schools could offer me to meet my unique degree requirements.

I also studied abroad with Semester at Sea through Pittsburgh University. Semester at Sea is a unique study aboard program that sails nearly 700 students around the world in 104 days. Each regular semester, they make stops in 10 countries for one week. Students explore the countries’ city and culture while learning first-hand what life is like outside the U.S. Ambassadors from each port of call joined us in the country before we visited their country in order to prep and inform us on cultural nuances. This was the greatest of all my experiences. It broadened my horizons well beyond anything as person who had never left the U.S. could imagine. I suggest that all students take advantage of studying abroad to learn about other cultures and broaden their knowledge of the world outside of where they live.

LDC: What encouraged you to pursue your interest in all things tech/programming?

DO: My passions encouraged me to pursue all things tech/programming. I am an artist by nature and I enjoy creating aesthetics, sensory or sensory-emotional experiences. My work had gotten to the point that my still images weren’t enough; they needed to be brought to life to tell a bigger and broader story. I needed a plot and scenario; actions and reactions to occur in my work and it was important to me that the audience always be deeply engaged. This coupled with too many trips to Disney (can’t count anymore) and my love for the supernatural, paranormal and science fiction led me to work with technology.

I only see myself creating something from nothing. Programming lets me do just that while engaging people. Technology has us all in awe and it is the way of our future. I just want to be the first to create something we’ve only read in books and make it real.

Madame Noire is back with the first profile of the year in my Women in Technology series.  I’m  kicking this one off with a individual who wears a couple of hats, each very special.  Welcome to the world of Monique Woodard; an entrepreneur of a mobile company for lifestyle apps called Rebelle as well as the co-founder of a networking organization called Black Founders  for Black tech professionals.  I had the opportunity to catch up with the Florida-raised entrepreneur and  wanted to share the thoughts of my colleague in the tech space, so here we go!

LDC:  You started your career dealing with brand strategy.  What led you to your interest in brands and consumer behavior?

MW: I started my career at a brand naming agency, leading projects for companies like Starbucks, Avon, and Bayer. So that’s probably where my interest in brands started. Since then, I’ve worked in e-commerce product marketing and became deeply involved in what makes consumers act — specifically online.  Now, when brands are entering our personal lives more than ever and touching our lives at so many different points — web, social, mobile — I think it’s interesting to see how brand loyalty is influenced by consumer interaction with a brand outside of strictly commercial channels.

LDC: What inspired you to start this new venture of yours, Rebelle?

MW: Rebelle is a mobile app company for lifestyle apps that touch the ways you shop, engage with fashion, and entertain yourself. I’ve always been interested in fashion and lifestyle. I once ran a fashion blog. My goal with Rebelle is to continue to create web and mobile experiences that people love. Our first app, Speak Chic, is a mobile app that helps you correctly pronounce fashion brands. If you’ve ever stumbled over ‘Christian Louboutin’ or heard someone mispronounce ‘Versace’ (‘pass that Versazy’), then you know how potentially embarrassing that can be. This app helps you avoid that. Speak Chic will be available in the Apple App Store on January 24 and will be followed up later in 2012 with a fashion gaming app.

LDC:  What did you think of the Black in America CNN special that recently ran about the African-American challenge in Silicon Valley?

MW: Black in America put a much-needed spotlight on many of the issues around diversity in Silicon Valley, but more importantly, it highlighted a group of entrepreneurs who were stretching toward something really positive. Some of that was lost in people getting caught up in one or two controversial sound bites. Angela Benton and Wayne Sutton did an excellent job with the first class of NewMe Accelerator and you can already see companies like BeCouply and Central.ly using it as a launchpad to create sustainable businesses.

However, Silicon Valley has always had a small but well-connected group of black executives and entrepreneurs who have been in Silicon Valley for quite a while and could have given a perspective that was missing from the piece. If you want a true picture of black people in Silicon Valley, then those voices should be part of the conversation.

LDC:  What are plans for “Black Founders” for 2012?

MW: Last year (2011) was a year of Black Founders testing and refining our programming to determine what black entrepreneurs need most and 2012 is going to be the year of expanding those programs so that more people can take advantage of them. Sponsors are working with us on a college tour to expose students to Silicon Valley startups and internship programs and we are working on a major program that will give entrepreneurs outside of the Bay Area a chance to benefit from the programs that we’ve built.

Black Founders will be speaking at South by Southwest leading the panel “Pay-it-Forward: Building Successful Startups” and we’ve also been invited to attend TED — a conference for “the world’s leading thinkers and doers”. We’re incredibly inspired to see how many people and organizations have embraced our message and want to work with us on this movement to connect and create more successful black tech entrepreneurs.

They call ‘em an “ex” for a reason. And while we’d love to breakup with all of our boyfriends and find ourselves on good, positive terms with them soon after, sometimes feelings get in the way, drama ensues, and you find yourself on an irritating emotional rollercoaster you thought you had left behind when the relationship ended. Some ex-boyfriends can wind up being great friends, especially the ones you weren’t with for a long time, or the ones you were homie-omies with before partaking in a relationship. However, others can be a pain, and end up being the guy you’re so NOT subtly talking about on your social media statuses and with friends about all the time. Per all the Rihanna and Christopher Brown rumors and drama, know that if your breakup isn’t that old and you’re both already trying to find some type of door back into each other’s lives, you need to be mindful of the things that can happen when you let the wrong “one” back in.

You might trick yourself others into thinking you’re “just friends,” but if you still are feeling him in some deep way beside the mutual friendly love, you could be using this friendship as a stepping stone to a relationship again. You’re supposedly done, but in both parties’ minds, you’re just on break. You’re thinking that he might come to his senses while you keep friendly, and who knows, maybe you’ll end up together again someday soon. However, while you harp on the past because it’s dead in your face (or texting you as you read this), you could be blocking yourself from the chance to meet a better man who could do a better job at keeping you happy. If you want to be friends, that’s all good and dandy, but leave it at that, and leave your feelings at the door. But that’s a difficult task, right? Especially when a friendship allows you to know the ins and outs of his life–what he’s up to, and of course, who he’s dating now. You put on that uber-fake smile and try and be polite, but inside you’re talking ish aren’t you?

Most importantly, if the shoes are switched and he’s looking for something and you’re not, then you have a problem, if not a pest on your hands. Straight up, you’ve inadvertently lead him on. He thinks by you accepting him back into your space with his same ‘ol drama and problems that you would possibly be willing to give him a second try. Not the case? Better make sure “boyfriend” knows what’s up from the very beginning so you can save yourself the time and energy and for him, a lot of unnecessary pain and aggravation.

Lady O is all up and through the news this week. First there was the “angry black woman” statement in the Gayle King interview and now the first lady has signed up for a Twitter account (@MichelleObama).

Since her account launched this morning, the first lady is following five people and has over 152,303 followers…and counting. The account is not for the first lady to engage in Twitter beef with the wives of other nation leaders. No, this account is to help President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign.

Since it’s official campaign business, Michelle won’t be tweeting personally most of the time but you’ll know when it’s her because she’ll sign her personal tweets with an “-mo”.

Do you think this is a good move for the FLOTUS? Do you plan on following her?

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From the professionals looking to solidify entrepreneurial or consultant ventures to those who want to distinguish themselves in the job pool, online branding is the perfect venue for you. Fast Company reports that this year, smart social networking is essential to gaining control over your professional life. As you undertake a new online strategy, there are five key steps that you must fulfill effectively to reach your personal online branding success.

As important as it is to incorporate Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn into your personal brand, make sure you have your own personal website as your base. Your website doesn’t have to be extravagant, it can be a simple page created on Squarespace, webs.com or WordPress. Make sure to use a real professional headshot on your site to give make it stand out. Once you’ve established your website, don’t forget to use social media tools to drive traffic to your site to get people interested in what you are doing or hope to do.

The next step is to blog! While you don’t have to create a deeply introspective blog with posts every few hours or every day, a blog with a post a week that includes simple text and a bit of multimedia can make a difference. You can then use the blog to drive traffic back to your website.

Once you’ve got your website and blog established, never underestimate the power of 140 characters. One bad Twitter status can ruin your reputation or a potential job opportunity. Make sure you keep your most outrageous comments to yourself and double check your wording before sending your thoughts into the universe.

Although it’s not necessary to jump on every social media platform as soon as they come out, pick a few new platforms to boost your personal brand. For instance, Fast Company observes that Google+ is a great way to build your personal brand and so it the app Path, which allows you to network with people on a professional level. One quick thing to note about Path: you’re only allowed 150 friends, so choose wisely!

The last piece of advice is to network, network, network!!!! Networking is a never ending process so to continue to expand into the online realm, try to find new people to connect with or follow every day. Make sure you actively engage with your followers and friends by saying hello and responding to posts and messages.

by Cortney Cleveland

Some people spend their whole lives waiting for their big break. But, some driven people – like Issa Rae and Aisha Tyler – have the initiative to create their own opportunities. For those individuals, digital technology can be a godsend that allows them to take their careers into their own hands.

Aisha Tyler is receiving accolades for her podcast “Girl on Guy”. The series was designated a Best New Comedy in the iTunes Rewind 2011 year-end roundup. Tyler, an established standup comedian, is currently known as the voice of the character Lana on FX’s animated hit “Archer” and co-host of CBS’ daytime show “The Talk.” Her podcast allows her to step outside of comedy to showcase her interview skills through poignant conversations with guests ranging from well-known actors and comedians to indie rock musicians, world-class athletes and wounded warriors.

The podcast may have started out as a hobby, but it has become a stepping-stone for her career, introducing her to new audiences and invigorating her brand. “I set out to make a little podcast about things and people I’m passionate about,” said Tyler. “It’s grown into much more, and I’m thrilled my enthusiasm for unvarnished conversation with compelling people is shared by my audience.”

Issa Rae; star, writer and producer of the hit web series “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl”; used digital to launch her career. The comedy debuted to 60,000 viewers on YouTube after its launch in January of last year.

When Rae found herself jobless and tapped out financially at the end the series’ sixth episode, she again turned to a digital solution. Rae and Tracy Oliver, a producer and writer on the show, launched a campaign with Kickstarter, an online funding platform, to crowd source financing for the show. They were able to generate over $50,000, nearly doubling their original goal, to complete their first season and produce a season finale, set to air this Thursday.

Rae’s success brought Hollywood to her. She recently signed with United Talent Agency and 3 Arts Entertainment, the same representation behind Tina Fey. But, Rae is not anxious to turn her product over to a big network.