How To Be A Digital Activist

An Interview With The Globe's Top Digital Activist

There is something so special about this girl. Mary Joyce helped elect the first black US president. She swears she did not do it alone but her tireless efforts and perserverance in using social media tools as the New Media Operations Manager of the then Barack Obama Presidential Campaign really helped the Obama team in fund-raising and more importantly, in reaching out to the voters. She has also visited the Philippines recently as a speaker on digital activism.

How has social media changed the political landscape in the US? Around the globe?

It's allowing people to connect to each other at low cost and at massive scale, to share information and to create relationships. This significantly challenges traditional hierarchical power structures where only the rich and powerful could afford to coordinate and disseminate information on a large scale.

Tell us more what a digital activist does.

A digital activist uses digital technology as part of a campaign for social or political change.

Take us back to when YOU were starting DigiActive. What was YOUR original motivation in starting it?

I was really interested in digital activism but there was only limited information on the topic and few resources for activists. I wanted to change that.

We heard YOU turned down an offer to work for President Obama after helping him win last year, why did YOU turn it down?

At the end of the campaign when staffers were invited to submit their names to a hiring database I simply chose not to participate. I've always been interested in the grassroots and in having an international focus.

Who's the most active politician in the digital world today?

Probably still Barack Obama, though his online supporters have been much quieter since he was elected. It will be interesting to see what his campaign does in 2012.

How can social media tools empower today's citizens? Please give us an example if YOU can.

Build an outpost on the Internet - a blog, a Facebook group, a Twitter feed - then create content interesting to your target audience and help getting other media creators on the Internet to turn their audiences toward you. Then get your audience to invite their friends. That is the ideal path to growth. In this way anyone who can get online has the potential to start a movement.

Who's government today is maximizing social media tools to help their people?

Two examples that come to mind quickly are the US, which recently opened up a lot of its information through the site data.gov and the UK, which facilitates the creation of citizen petitions to the Prime Minister through Number10.gov.uk. I don't know if this directly helps people, but it does increase accountability.

If YOU were stuck with Chinese President Hu Jintao for one hour in an elevator, what would YOU say to him?

"You will forever be playing digital catch-up with your own citizens. Closing off information will only become harder as more circumvention are created and Internet users become more sophisticated. Create and implement a plan to gradually open to Internet on your own terms. Better to control the opening of your society than try to fight a losing battle to keep it closed."

If YOU could build YOUR own social networking site, what will make it different? What's unique about it?

I don't think the answer is to make something new. I think the answer is to use existing technology in a new way.

Who are YOUR personal heroes? Why?

I admire the blogger Ethan Zuckerman, because of the excellent work he has done promoting and explaining digital activism and the scholar Yochai Benkler, because he "runs up the down escalator" and does so brilliantly and with humanism. I also admire Amelia Earhart, who was a very savvy, strong, and talented woman.

What are YOU hungry for?

For people to understand that the future doesn't just happen, it is created, and that now more than ever that creation is participatory.

About Mary Joyce

Mary Joyce is DigiActive’s co-founder. She ran her first digital activism web site, Demologue.com, from 2005 to 2007 while living in Morocco and Chile. She later became a digital activism consultant, working for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University.

Her previous political experience includes the United States Congress, United Nations Association, and National Democratic Institute. She just finished her first year of a master’s program at the the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Mary recently took a leave of absence from DigiActive to act as New Media Operations Manager at Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.

E-mail: Mary AT DigiActive DOT org

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How To Build A Business Around YOUR Passion – Part II

An Interview With People Igniter JV Wong

This interview set us on fire! JV Wong is the woman behind People Ignite, an exciting and innovative training company that offers the best of both worlds – learning in an enjoyable and fun environment.

Tell us more about YOUR job? What does a Chief Executive Igniter do?

I see my work as my mission place.

I share with our people that we are modern evangelists whose purpose is to bring good news of joy, harmony, team spirit, and productivity in the workplace through corporate trainings, teambuilding, business planning and organizational development consulting. For the years I have worked as a consultant for both local and international organizations, I have this one realization: No matter how complex your issues are, the fundamental starting point in resolving them is through people, the most important asset of any company.

Genuine connection with one another is the key towards making any organizational objective work. We build bridges for people to be closer with one another. We believe we are organizational doctors who have been given the talent and responsibility to diagnose symptoms in companies, and prescribe the most appropriate interventions and medications which would make companies become healthier.

Take us back to when YOU were starting People Ignite. What are YOUR key learnings?

I started People Ignite with nothing much in my hand but big passion in my heart. After having worked for Microsoft Philippines for almost 4 years in total, I saw the light and resigned at the peak of my career. The calling to “teach” was too strong for me to resist. I was in a crossroad: Will I teach in the academe, or will I teach as a trainer in the corporate world? I tried both, and ended up loving being in the latter, doing the adult learning method. My capital? I remember pulling about 30K of my money to put up a vision I myself could only clearly see (oh, of course with my husband Wowie too, who gave me my first equipment: a Compaq laptop which made me cry. On it was a note that says: “May this gift help you get closer to your dream.”) My first office was at Wowie’s home in Vista Verde, Cainta. He had modern “office” set up for me so I will be inspired to work. There, I would create my training modules, bind them, sharpen my attendee’s pencils, print their badges and lose hours of sleep because I was a one-woman team. With a handful of clients who took a chance on People Ignite, I made sure I would take care of them and connect with them.

Through the years, one key learning I would always keep to heart is this: We are not here without these customers who have trusted us. They give the lifeblood to our company, and we should work with and serve them to the best of our abilities. Genuine Connection is our guiding light as we engage with our customers.

Is there really a little hero in each of us?

Always! It takes another person, a friend or even a very difficult problem to make us realize that there is a hidden HERO in each one of us. One of the reasons why I stay with People Ignite, through the thickest and the thinnest is because I know I can still be of help to those who have yet to see their heroic potential. I am here to help them realize their shining moments, their milestones and what they can do to make the world a better place to live in. Through People Ignite, I try to fulfill my personal mission, that is, to become a catalyst for others in discovering their truest potential.

How can we be 'heroic' in our daily lives?

We need to appreciate the SMALL: Small acts of kindness. SMALL note of gratitude to those who have helped you. SMALL time to text someone you are thinking of them and you are wishing them safety and health. Small quality time with those you love. SMALL service that stretches through eternity. SMALL steps towards greatness. SMALL, positive wall post in Facebook that could uplift someone from stress or problems. I have always believed that big waves begin from SMALL ripples. The word HERO can be overwhelming you know.. as if you need to save mankind to become one. Of course not. Every person has every opportunity to become a HERO, in our own little, SMALL way, everyday. Every big thing had to start from the small thing.

What do YOU hope to ignite in our country?

I wish to ignite the Global Pinoy Spirit in all of us. I wish to ignite the flame of pride as Filipinos, we could do so many things for the country and for the world by leveraging on our innate ability towards “bayanihan” (or helping one another). We should be proud of our flag badge because amidst the grim news of our country, there are so many Pinoys who selflessly help our fellow brothers and sisters stand up.

What can People Ignite offer communities?

I have always believed that our work in People Ignite is to catalyze excellence of people. Through the gift of speech and facilitation, we could use our talents to provide “emotional relief goods” to people affected by calamities (may this be physical calamity, emotional, or spiritual). As trainers and facilitators, we could help people identify how they can get through crossroads, help employees discover their skills, and guide companies achieve their goals towards performance. As long as there are organizations who see our value in helping them become better and happier employees, we are there with them in their SMALL baby steps.

Think of these four characteristics of entrepreneurs: hearts, smarts, guts, luck. Which one are you?

Both Heart and Smart. I believe in balance. Heart is great, but without being knowledge, experience, and skill – it would be tough to reach your destination and your dream. On one hand, if you are just SMART, without HEART, people would eventually see through your intention. Balance is key.

Who are YOUR personal heroes? Why?

My first hero is my GRANDMA, Nanay Goreng. Much of who I am today is because she selflessly, unconditionally love and has accepted me for who I am – with all of my idiosnycracy. She never dictated who I should be. She allowed me to bloom, gently guided me through the years, and embraced my talents and gifts. I guess, you need that kind of love for you to realize that you are valuable, and that you can significantly contribute to the world. Nanay Goreng, now 85 years old, is the greatest hero in my life.

Second would be my mother, Julie. Her entrepreneurial spirit and creativity opened the doorway for me to discover that I can run People Ignite, founded on passion and a dream. Mommy Julie has always believed in my talents. When I was around 7 years old, she would already teach me how to sell plastic accessories to my grade school classmates. She taught me math and the gift of communication… which I am using as I run the company.

What are YOU hungry for?

I would always crave for a good, plain and classic Vanilla Ice Cream. Hahaha! I have strong preference on the simple things in life, simple pleasures. I was telling Wowie my husband that he should be very happy I am his wife. I am very low maintenance. On another note, I am hungry to help people discover their talents and potential, and I try my best to do this through People Ignite.

How can the HungryPeople blog build a community? How is community different from a tribe?

I can help your community through providing motivational, and enlightening sessions on people development, engagement and customer connection. It would be my honor to be of help grow your community as I share your site, and your mission. I read through your site, and one thing I felt: This is being operated based on passion! (HungryPeople's Note: Thank YOU, JV!)

About JV Wong

JV started her career as a marketing and alliance specialist when she worked for iPHIL Communications, then a pioneer in providing corporate internet solutions. Her role exposed her to the rich dynamics of the IT (Information Technology) Industry. It was her springboard to appreciate the IT realm, which led her to join Microsoft Philippines as a Strategic Alliance Manager, ISV Manager (independent software vendor), and CTEC Manager (Certified Technical and Education Centres). Her work experiences in Microsoft gave her an extensive view of people learning development, business networks, and account relationship management. Through testimonials and achievements, she became a CPE (Customer Partner Experience) Hero Awardee for Q4, Fiscal Year 2003, one of the most renowned awards in Microsoft.

She specializes in culture reformation, cross-collaboration, strategy mapping, business value chain, salesmanship, and customer experience programs. She has served as resource speaker, trainer and facilitator in the following industries: Government, Academe, IT, Retail and Distribution, FMCG, and Services among other industries. Her core competence is customer engagement through customer connection. She is a strong advocate of helping people discover their potential and talents through workshops and seminars. She specializes in instilling positive culture change, bridging communication, career path formation, and individual excellence. Her role as the Managing Director transcends beyond the designation. It’s a way of life for her to be with people and to connect with them through interactive, life-changing sessions.

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The HungryPeople Dozen

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The HungryPeople Dozen.pdf (863 KB)

As an early Christmas gift list, HungryPeople is releasing our "baker's" dozen.  

In Tom Peters tradition, we are listing the 12 Must Have Books On Business Strategy:

The HungryPeople Dozen.

This list will open YOUR mind to opportunities and possibilities.

Happy Reading!

And advance Merry Christmas to all!

From the HungryPeople Team

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How Life Seems At Times

Is this a great photo or what?

What images come to mind when you see pictures like these?  Send them in.

Posted via email from jokinggorilla

How To Build YOUR Personal Brand

An Interview With Personal Branding Expert Dan Schawbel

Dan has changed the game of personal branding forever. He has transformed the way we look at our careers and managed to convince us that we really need to be conscious and keep our focus on our personal brands – something that brand managers have long done. In this interview, he shares with us his thoughts on how YOU can build YOUR own personal brand without shelling a lot of money.

What is it exactly that YOU do?

I help people and companies build brands using the latest and greatest technologies in order to become more successful. I provide resources, such as the Personal Branding Blog, Personal Branding Magazine and my book, Me 2.0, as well as speak and consult.

Define for us what a Brazen Careerist does. What's the key difference compared to others?

My affiliation with Brazen Careerist is that of a paid evangelist, but I've been promoting the brand since inception because I believe that young professionals should unite to bring more value to the world at large. Brazen Careerist is the social network for Gen-Y and the number one recruiting center for companies looking to hire that generation. Other social networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook cater more to the population at large, where as Brazen focuses on Gen-Y.

Tell us more about the Personal Branding blog. Where did YOU get the inspiration to build a resource site like this?

I've been marketing myself since before I became self-aware of my personal branding passion. In College I had 8 internships, 7 leadership positions in organizations, my own company and straight A's, so I became highly marketable. After reading The Brand Called You in Fast Company on March 14, 2007, I realized that I could become the leading Gen-Y voice on the topic and then immediately started the Personal Branding Blog.

Were YOU ever scared?

I was always confident in this area because I knew I could win. Previously, I was always scared of public speaking and was quite an introverted character, but my passion awoken me and now I feel empowered to make a difference.

If there's one person in the world that YOU'D like to meet, who would it be? Why?

I wouldn't consider myself a fan of anyone, which actually allows me to interview celebrities without worshiping them. I would like to meet Steve Rubel though because he's been a great supporter of my work and believes in the concept of personal branding because he's a success story.

Tell us who's the most interesting person YOU'VE met/interviewed. Why?

Hands down Marcus Buckingham, even though I've spoken to Timbaland, Jerry Springer, MC Hammer and Kathy Ireland. Marcus said something that I'll carry with me the rest of my life: "people don't change, they become more of who they already are." After my five year high school reunion, I realized that he's 100% correct. You can't change people!

How can we maximize social media tools to build our personal brand?

You create a system for yourself, so that you start using one tool and that assists you with the other tools. For instance, my world starts in Google reader, where I take a shower in information, which I then tag and organize and share on social networks and use for blog posts.

What metrics are YOU looking at to say that someone has a strong personal brand?

I think the latest and greatest metric is how many Twitter lists you're on that categorize you as the brand you want to showcase to the world. I'm not that into web traffic and subscribers as it relates to influence, but I'm into how it builds your perception and gives you a pathway to making money.

Who has the best personal brand today in YOUR criteria?

There is a difference between the biggest and the best. I would say that Obama has the biggest influence and reach, yet his approval rating is poor. I think Oprah or Trump has the best personal brand overall because their brands have stayed consistent even before they were celebrities (authenticity).

Who are YOUR personal heroes? Why?

I would say my grandfather is my hero because he worked 24/7 to build a support system for my family and he established a lot of our values. I also dedicated my book to him.

What are YOU hungry for?

I'm hungry to grow my web properties and write another book!

About Dan Schawbel

Dan Schawbel is the leading personal branding expert for Gen-Y. He is the bestselling author of Me 2.0, as well as the publisher of both the award winning Personal Branding Blog and Personal Branding Magazine.

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