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In the fast-paced world of technology, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement without ever truly diving into the nuts and bolts. The tech scene has its own brand of enthusiasts—those who love to be seen, who know the buzzwords, but perhaps aren’t as deep into the tech as they are into the social scene. We call them “tech socialites”. But is that you?
I AM TECH… that phrase is changing in meaning each time the hamster takes another lap around the wheel. In today’s digital age, being “in tech” is more than just knowing how to code or understanding the latest gadgets. It’s about navigating a dynamic landscape where networking, innovation, and social influence intertwine.
Is the only code you are interested in a QR Code with a discount to the next event? Is the only “stack” you’re familiar with a stack of business cards from your last networking event? Are you truly tech-savvy, or are you more of a tech socialite—someone who thrives in the scene but hasn’t quite mastered the substance?
GitHub is Just the Tech Version of Twitterto You You like GitHub because you can the “like” repos.
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Java? Isn’t That a Brand of Coffee? You’ve confused Java with your morning brew, unaware that it’s actually one of the most popular programming languages in the world. Also. Java is NOT an abbreviation for JavaScript.
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You Thought Discord Was a Character from My Little Pony While you aren’t wrong, Discord IS a character from the show. When it comes to the world of tech Discord it’s a major communication platform where millions of users collaborate daily.
Bonus:Every single tech event that comes up holds space on your calendar. It doesn’t matter the type, language, framework or techsphere, you’ve got an early bird registration to be in the mix!
So Are You a Tech Socialite??
Inquiring Minds Want to Know
Where do you stand? Are you genuinely immersed in the tech world, or are you more of a tech socialite—enjoying the buzz without getting too technical? There isn’t a wrong answer. Whether you’re mingling at every event or just dropping buzzwords, remember that tech isn’t just about being on the scene; it’s about understanding and developing solutions to problems.
If you found yourself on the socialite side of the spectrum, maybe it’s time to dig a little deeper and discover the fascinating world beyond the buzz.
Tap into the comments and let us know what how you stood up.
Discord has evolved from a gamer-centric communication tool into a versatile platform that has become indispensable for tech communities around the world. With its dynamic features, real-time collaboration tools, and broad user base, Discord is the go-to hub for developers, innovators, and tech enthusiasts along with community in general, across the semantic Web as we know it AND the future of the internet, Web3.
Lets dive into why 250M people access the Discord platform on a monthly basis.
Discord for Tech
Key Statistics and Features
User Base: Discord boasts over 600 million registered users, with more than 200 million monthly active users . Its diverse community includes everyone from young tech enthusiasts to senior developers, making it a truly cross-generational platform. (compare that to Slack coming in at 54M)
850 million messages every day
29 million daily active users (2023)
Discord generates $600 million in annual revenue.
Discord is currently valued at $15 billion.
19 million servers are active on Discord each week.
Packing an extra punch, these users might not be who you expect: As of February 2024, users between the ages of 25 to 34 years accounted for the biggest share of Discord.com users worldwide, making up over 53.4 percent of the platform’s audience. Younger users between 16 and 24 years made up 20.6 percent of the Discord user base. In the first quarter of 2022, over 66 percent of users on Discord were men.
Server and Community Structure: With over 19 million active servers, Discord supports communities of all sizes, from small coding groups to massive tech organizations with thousands of members. These servers act as mini-ecosystems, where members can engage in discussions, share resources, and collaborate on projects. No two servers are the same (unless they want to be!) Midjourney currently ranks as the most popular Discord server with 20.44 million members.
Communication Tools:
Text Channels: These allow users to organize discussions by topic or project, ensuring that conversations stay focused and relevant.
Voice Channels: Real-time voice chat is a game-changer for spontaneous collaboration, allowing users to jump into conversations with ease.
Stages: Perfect for large-scale events, Stages offer a structured format for speakers and audiences, ideal for tech talks, webinars, and community Q&As.
Forums: Threaded discussions provide a space for in-depth conversations, making it easier to keep track of detailed discussions on complex topics.
Announcements: Servers can broadcast updates to members, ensuring everyone stays informed about important developments.
Video and Streaming: Discord supports video calls, screen sharing, and live streaming with up to 25 participants in a group call, making it perfect for everything from coding sessions to tech demos.
Customization and Bots: Discord’s extensive bot ecosystem allows for significant customization and automation. Integrations with generative art bots and AI tools provide tech enthusiasts with exclusive features that enhance creativity and productivity. Whether you’re looking to automate server management, create custom commands, or integrate third-party services, Discord’s bots have you covered.
Generational Engagement: One of Discord’s standout features is its ability to bring together people of all ages. It’s the place where an 11-year-old like Nyla Hayes can launch a community and make history, and where senior developers can mentor the next generation of tech talent. This cross-generational engagement makes Discord a unique and vibrant platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation.
Pricing: Discord is FREE. (repeat it for the ones in the back). Discord’s free tier offers most of its powerful features, making it accessible to everyone. For those looking for additional perks like higher-quality video, more customization, and larger upload limits, Discord Nitro is available for $9.99/month.
Noteworthy Challenges
While Discord’s versatility and feature set make it a powerful tool for tech communities, there are some potential downsides:
Overwhelm: With so many features and options, it can become overwhelming. A good experience potentially requires training beyond the setup wizard. For those who crave constant standardization, the platform’s flexibility may be a drawback. And for those who are directionally challenged, it might be easy to get lost in the instantiation of channels and bots.
Moderation Challenges: Managing large communities on Discord can be challenging without proper moderation. The platform’s openness can sometimes result in spam, off-topic discussions, or disruptive behavior if not adequately managed. Community Management is a great way to get into tech and stretch your gaming life into an actual career.
Despite these challenges, Discord remains a top choice for tech communities seeking a platform that supports both structured and spontaneous collaboration. Its ability to bring together a diverse user base, coupled with its robust set of features, makes it an invaluable tool for the tech world.
Discord is for Tech
10 Types of Communities Found on Discord
Gaming Communities
Description: These are groups dedicated to specific games or genres. They often include game developers, fans, and players who share tips, organize game sessions, and discuss game-related news.
Tech and Developer Communities
Description: Focused on technology, programming, and development, these communities offer support, share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and discuss trends in tech and coding.
NFT and Crypto Communities
Description: These groups are centered around non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrency. Members discuss market trends, share NFT drops, and collaborate on blockchain projects.
Creative and Art Communities
Description: Artists, designers, and creators gather here to share their work, provide feedback, and collaborate on creative projects. These communities often feature art showcases and creative challenges.
Music and Audio Communities
Description: Musicians, producers, and enthusiasts come together to discuss music, share their creations, and collaborate on projects. Some also organize virtual jam sessions and music production workshops.
Education and Study Groups
Description: These communities are focused on learning and academic support. They might include study groups for various subjects, educational resources, and discussions on academic topics.
Book Clubs and Literature Communities
Description: Book lovers and writers discuss literature, share book recommendations, and organize reading groups or writing workshops.
Fitness and Wellness Communities
Description: Focused on health, fitness, and well-being, these communities share workout routines, health tips, and provide motivation and support.
Fan and Fandom Communities
Description: These groups revolve around specific interests or fandoms, such as movies, TV shows, or celebrities. Members discuss their favorite media, share fan creations, and organize fan events.
Business and Entrepreneurship Communities
Description: Entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals discuss business strategies, share advice, and network. These communities often focus on startups, marketing, and business development.
Discord and NFT Communities
Discord has become a critical platform for accessing and engaging with “real” NFT communities. Its features, such as text and voice channels, stages, and forums, have made it the de facto hub for NFT enthusiasts and creators. Here’s why:
Real-Time Interaction: Discord’s real-time messaging and voice channels enable immediate and dynamic conversations about NFT drops, project updates, and market trends.
Community Building: Discord’s server structure allows for organized and engaging community spaces where NFT creators and collectors can connect, discuss, and collaborate.
Exclusive Access: Many NFT projects and communities use Discord as the primary platform for offering exclusive access, early information, and interactions with creators. Joining these Discord servers often provides entry to limited releases, special events, and direct communication with NFT artists and developers.
Integration with NFT Tools: Discord integrates with various NFT and crypto tools, allowing users to manage their digital assets, track market activity, and engage with the NFT ecosystem more effectively.
As a result, Discord remains a key player in the NFT space, serving as the central point for community engagement, project updates, and exclusive opportunities within the NFT world.
Community Monetization
Discord offers several features that enable communities to generate revenue and monetize their presence on the platform. These functionalities cater to creators, community managers, and businesses looking to leverage Discord for financial gain while maintaining an engaged user base.
1. Server Boosts
What It Is: Server Boosts allow users to enhance their server’s capabilities by paying for upgrades. Boosting a server improves its performance and unlocks additional features, such as better audio quality for voice channels, more emoji slots, and increased upload limits.
Monetization Aspect: Server Boosts provide a direct revenue stream for server owners who can incentivize members to boost the server. Boosting can be encouraged through exclusive perks or recognition, and the revenue generated helps support the server’s operational costs and community features.
2. Discord Partner Program
What It Is: The Discord Partner Program is designed for influential and high-quality communities. Partners receive special benefits, such as server boosts, a Partner badge, and access to Discord’s partnership support team.
Monetization Aspect: Partners can monetize their communities by leveraging the added visibility and support to attract sponsorships, partnerships, or donations. The program helps enhance the community’s reach and engagement, potentially leading to new revenue opportunities.
3. Discord Nitro and Nitro Basic
What It Is: Discord Nitro and Nitro Basic are subscription services that offer enhanced features for individual users, such as increased upload limits, higher quality video, and server boosts.
Monetization Aspect: While primarily for users, these subscriptions can indirectly benefit community managers and server owners by improving the overall experience on their servers. Increased engagement and satisfaction among members can lead to more successful monetization strategies for communities.
4. Custom Emotes and Emoji Commissions
What It Is: Communities can create and sell custom emotes and emojis. Creators often offer exclusive or personalized emojis as part of premium membership tiers or through special commissions.
Monetization Aspect: Selling custom emojis or emotes can be a revenue stream for server owners. Exclusive or high-quality designs can attract members who are willing to pay for unique digital expressions.
5. Community Membership Tiers and Exclusive Content
What It Is: Server owners can set up membership tiers using platforms like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee, integrating these with their Discord server to offer exclusive content, perks, or access.
Monetization Aspect: By linking membership tiers with Discord access, creators can monetize their content through subscriptions or donations. This approach helps maintain a steady income while providing value to paying members.
6. Merchandise Integration
What It Is: Discord allows integration with merchandise platforms, enabling server owners to sell branded merchandise directly within their communities.
Monetization Aspect: Selling branded merchandise such as apparel, accessories, or digital goods within Discord servers can provide an additional revenue stream. The integration helps streamline the purchasing process for community members.
7. Events and Paid Access
What It Is: Communities can host paid events or offer premium access to exclusive content or experiences.
Monetization Aspect: Organizing events, workshops, or special content that requires payment can generate revenue for community managers. Discord’s event management tools and integration capabilities make it easier to manage and monetize these activities.
Summary
Discord provides various monetization functionalities for community managers and creators, ranging from server boosts and partner programs to custom emotes and merchandise integration. These features help communities generate revenue while enhancing user engagement and satisfaction. By leveraging these tools, server owners can effectively support their communities and explore new financial opportunities.
Key Technical Aspects
1. Discord API and Bots
Discord API: The Discord API allows developers to interact programmatically with Discord, enabling the creation of custom bots, applications, and integrations. This API supports a wide range of functions, including sending messages, managing servers, and controlling users’ roles.
Bots: Discord has a rich ecosystem of bots that enhance server functionality. From moderation bots that automate rule enforcement to generative AI bots that create custom content, these tools can be tailored to suit the needs of any community. Some popular bots include:
Built-in Auto-Bot Moderation capabilities
MEE6: For advanced moderation and leveling systems. (21 million servers)
Dyno: For server management and custom commands. (9.5 million servers)
Carl-bot: For automating roles, logs, and more. (10 million servers)
Access to the Discord App Store: thousands of apps and integrations make Discord extendable one of the most extendable apps on the planet.
2. Voice and Video Technology
Opus Codec: Discord uses the Opus codec for voice communication, providing clear, low-latency voice chat that’s optimized for different network conditions. This makes it ideal for real-time collaboration, even in less-than-ideal internet environments. [This means, we can hear you!]
Video and Screen Sharing: Discord supports video calls and screen sharing, with the ability to stream video in resolutions up to 1080p at 30fps. This feature is widely used for collaborative coding, live debugging sessions, and technical demos.
3. Server Infrastructure
Distributed Servers: Discord uses distributed servers across the globe, ensuring low latency and high availability for users in different regions. This infrastructure is crucial for maintaining the platform’s real-time communication capabilities, making it reliable even during peak usage times.
Server Sharding: For large servers with thousands of members, Discord uses a technique called server sharding. This splits the server into smaller segments to manage performance and ensure smooth operation, even with high levels of activity. (For example, some Metaverse platforms do the same to retain consistent user experience and scalability)
4. Customization and Community Management
Roles and Permissions: Discord allows server admins to create custom roles with specific permissions. This granular control helps in managing large communities, ensuring that users have the right level of access based on their roles.
Channel Customization: Server owners can create multiple text and voice channels, each with its own purpose, permissions, and even custom emojis. Channels can be organized into categories, making it easier to manage and navigate large servers.
5. Integration with External Services
Webhook Integrations: Discord supports webhooks, which allow external applications to send real-time updates to a Discord channel. This is commonly used for integrations with GitHub, Trello, and other productivity tools, providing instant notifications on project updates or code commits.
OAuth2: Discord’s OAuth2 authentication allows third-party apps to connect securely to Discord, enabling seamless integrations with various services. Developers can create apps that interact with Discord’s API while ensuring secure and authorized access.
6. Advanced Search and Documentation
Search: Discord has advanced search functionality that allows users to find messages, links, files, and more across servers. This is particularly useful for tech communities where information needs to be quickly accessible.
Documentation and Forums: Discord has introduced forums and other structured spaces to keep discussions organized, making it easier to reference past conversations and maintain community knowledge.
Added Bonus: Your messages don’t disappear and they don’t require you to pay a premium access them. The whole point is to foster community not take away from it.
7. Security Features
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Discord supports 2FA, adding an extra layer of security to user accounts. This is crucial for protecting sensitive information, especially in tech communities where confidential data may be shared.
Privacy Controls: Users can control who can send them messages, join their voice channels, and see their online status, ensuring a secure and private experience on the platform.
These technical features make Discord a powerful tool not just for casual communication, but for serious tech collaboration and community building. Whether you’re managing a large developer community, hosting live coding sessions, or integrating with other tools, Discord provides the flexibility and power needed to support a wide range of tech activities.
Node Replication and Message Storage
Partitioning Messages:
Channels and Buckets: Discord’s infrastructure is designed to handle an immense volume of messages. To manage this, messages are partitioned based on the channel they are sent in and a time-based window known as a “bucket.” This means that all messages sent in a specific channel within a given time frame are grouped together.
Replication Across Nodes:
Nodes: In a distributed system, a node typically refers to a single server or instance in a network that stores and processes data. In Discord’s case, once messages are partitioned into these buckets, they are stored across multiple nodes to ensure redundancy and reliability.
Replication: Discord replicates each bucket of messages across three different nodes. This replication means that if one node fails or experiences issues, the data (in this case, the messages) is still accessible from the other nodes. This approach is crucial for maintaining data availability and minimizing the risk of data loss.
The dev team at Discord is the epitome of first class. They’ve provided us with fun interesting release notes since launch. They over communicate and generally care about their product and the impact of their decisions on its participants.
Fault Tolerance:
Fault Tolerance: By replicating data across multiple nodes, Discord ensures that its service remains available even if one or more nodes fail. This is a common practice in distributed systems to provide high availability and reliability.
Scalability:
Scalability: Replication across nodes also helps with scalability. As Discord grows and more users join, the system can add more nodes to handle the increased load, ensuring that the platform continues to perform efficiently.
Why This Matters
Data Durability: Replicating data across multiple nodes ensures that even if there’s a hardware failure or other issues on one node, the data is not lost and can be retrieved from another node. This is crucial for a platform like Discord, where losing user messages or data could be catastrophic.
Performance Optimization: By distributing the data across nodes and ensuring that these nodes are strategically placed (geographically and within the network), Discord can optimize the speed and performance of data retrieval, ensuring low latency for users around the world.
High Availability: This node replication strategy is part of what makes Discord highly available and reliable, even under heavy loads or during peak usage times.
Discord’s use of node replication for message storage is a key part of its distributed architecture. By partitioning messages into buckets and replicating these across multiple nodes, Discord ensures that data is always available, even in the face of hardware failures. This approach supports the platform’s scalability, reliability, and performance, making it a robust solution for its vast and growing user base.
Distributed Systems and Scalability
Distributed Systems: Discord does use distributed systems to manage its infrastructure. This approach ensures scalability and fault tolerance, allowing the platform to handle a massive amount of users and data. Distributed systems enable Discord to store messages, manage user data, and process real-time interactions across a global network of servers.
Cassandra Database: Discord utilizes Apache Cassandra, a distributed NoSQL database, as part of its data storage strategy. Cassandra is known for its high availability and scalability, which suits Discord’s need to manage large volumes of messages and user data efficiently.
Distributed Caching and Load Balancing: Discord uses distributed caching systems to reduce latency and improve performance, along with load balancing to distribute incoming traffic across its infrastructure. This ensures that users experience minimal delays and that the platform remains stable under heavy load.
Programming Languages and Tech Stack
Elixir and Erlang: Discord’s chat infrastructure is built using Elixir, a functional programming language that runs on the Erlang VM (BEAM). The use of Elixir allows Discord to efficiently manage large-scale real-time communications. The Erlang VM is known for its ability to handle concurrent processes, which is crucial for a platform like Discord that needs to manage millions of simultaneous users and messages.
Cluster of Elixir Machines: Discord runs a cluster of around 400–500 Elixir machines to handle its chat infrastructure. These machines can process millions of users and tens of millions of messages per second, making Elixir a core part of Discord’s ability to scale.
Erlang VM: The Erlang VM provides Discord with robust concurrency, fault tolerance, and distributed computing capabilities, which are essential for maintaining the reliability and performance of its chat services.
Message Storage and Data Partitioning
Partitioning and Bucketing: Discord’s message storage system involves partitioning messages by the channel and a static time window, referred to as a bucket. This means that messages sent in a specific channel within a given time frame are grouped together and stored in a way that optimizes both retrieval and replication.
Replication Across Nodes: To ensure data durability and fault tolerance, Discord replicates these partitions across multiple nodes. Typically, messages are stored and replicated across three nodes, which helps prevent data loss in case of hardware failures.
Centralized vs. Distributed Data Storage
Data Storage: While Discord uses distributed systems, it does have central components to manage and coordinate the distributed data. However, it doesn’t rely on a single central server; instead, it uses a network of distributed servers that work together to manage and store data. Not exactly “decentralized” but a good start.
Drawing it All Together
200M+ users monthly have found a community of people to connect with in Discord. They are using it for everything from gaming (its origins), to art/NFTs, and of course technology and education.
Is Discord for you? You’ll never know until you try but if you want to connect to a large and growing number of techpreneurs worldwide…Discord is worth a shot.
Technikole Consulting is not sponsored nor have we been paid to provide this information byDiscordor any other source to provide this information. Our insights are based on our experiences. NiKole “Technikole” Maxwell, has been a Discord user since its early beta days, having managed a 300+ person guild and built her first bot on Discord in 2017 when she learned the power of nodeJS. In 2021, NiKole onboarded over 5,000 users to the platform, utilizing audio-only sessions to help individuals connect with Web3 projects and Blockchain/Metaverse experiences. From 2015 to 2023, NiKole administered implementation of several Discord instances across various communities, focusing on security first training experiences leading zero server breaches in her servers (ie no server raids in over 8 years). In fact, she used to own the domain “learndiscord.com” however we’ve shifted gears to focus on the mission of being technically savvy.
I AM TECH, no seriously, I am “Technikole”. Its a name I’m proud of because it fits me and who I am. In world that is pivoting its ways to showcase “everyone” as tech, its important that we KNOW tech not just how to look at it. Its finally clear to everyone else that techies are some of the coolest people on the planet. We are no longer the nerds that are shoved into lockers or geeks who reflect Steve Urkel and wishing we were (with) Ste-fine-Urk-kel…No no those days are gone.
If you’ve ever wondered where you fall on the spectrum, this list of 121 ways will help you figure out if you’re genuinely in tech or just mingling with those who are.
Let’s find out!
121 Ways to Know you are in Tech
121 Ways to Know You Are In Tech
You Have a GitHub Account with Repositories You’re Proud Of Your code is out there, making the world a better place.
You’ve Argued Over the Best Text Editor Whether it’s VS Code, Vim, or Sublime, you’ve got a strong opinion.
Android vs. Apple Is a Never-Ending Debate for You You have strong opinions and you’re not shy about defending your preferred platform. Whether it’s the open-source freedom of Android or the ecosystem of Apple, you’re always ready to jump into the debate and have for years.
When asked if you know another language you say absolutely! Your fluency isn’t in French or Spanish, its Python, JavaScript, or C++
You Consider Coffee as an Essential Part of your Daily Code Your day doesn’t really start until that first cup of coffee is brewed.
You’ve Integrated Bots into Your Discord Server for Automation Whether it’s for notifications, memes, or task management, you’ve got bots handling it.
You Understand the Power of Open Source Collaboration and community-driven development are everything.
You Have More Tech Gadgets Than Kitchen Appliances You have a blender because it talks to your watch and has onscreen analytics of the berry blend rate.
You’ve Set Up Automated Reminders for Everything If it’s not automated, it’s not worth doing.
You Regularly Attend Virtual Conferences You’ve become a pro at navigating the Metaverse or Zoom, since day 1.
You Follow Product Releases Like They’re Sporting Events New Android or iPhone releasing? You’ve already got the specs memorized.
You’ve Got Multiple Monitors for Maximum Productivity One screen is never enough.
You Have Strong Opinions on Light vs. Dark Mode And you’ll defend your choice fiercely.
You Analyze the Technology in Sci-Fi Shows You don’t just watch Black Mirror, The Peripheral, Person of Interest, Mr. Robot — you’re scrutinizing the tech and debating how feasible it really is and while making a shopping list.
You Know More Keyboard Shortcuts Than Anyone You Know Copy, paste, open new tab—all done without touching the mouse.
Your Social Media Feeds are Filled with Tech News Algorithms know what you love: tech updates, memes, and the occasional cat video.
You Prefer Digital Over Paper Any Day From note-taking to contracts, everything’s better when it’s digital.
You Get Your News from Marques Brownlee When it comes to staying updated, you don’t rely on traditional news outlets—you turn to MKBHD for the latest in tech reviews, gadget launches, and industry trends. If it’s not on Marques’ channel, it’s not on your radar
You Get Excited About New APIs Connecting different systems together feels like magic.
Your Idea of a Relationship Has Everything to Do with Relational Databases When you hear the word “relationship,” your mind immediately goes to tables, keys, and SQL queries rather than dating or romance. For you, relationships are all about data integrity and efficient connections.
You Own a T-Shirt with a Code Joke on It And only other techies get it – ID, 10, T error anyone?!
You Can Troubleshoot Almost Anything Friends and family rely on you as their personal tech support.
You’re Constantly Learning New Programming Languages Python, JavaScript, Rust—there’s always something new to master.
You Get Frustrated with Poor UX/UI Bad design is your pet peeve…you inspected it so you know what you know.
You Read Documentation Like a Pro And you’ve even contributed to some open-source projects.
121 Ways to Know you are in Tech
You Have Backup Plans for Your Backup Plans Disaster recovery is something you think about often.
Your Idea of Fun is a Hackathon Weekend Pizza, caffeine, and coding—what could be better?
You Know All the Best Online Tools for Productivity You’re always the one suggesting new apps to your team.
You Track Your Daily Steps with Wearable Tech Health meets tech in every part of your life.
Your Internet Connection Speed is a Top Priority When shopping for your last apartment, your questions are “Who is the provider, how fast is it and can I increase it?” Shared connections are an instant, “pass”.
You Get Excited About Blockchain And you’re always explaining it to others.
You Follow the Careers of Tech Titans Like Celebrities Timnit Gebru, Sundar Pichai, Siraj Rival, Marques Brownlee, Satya Nadella and Neil deGrasse Tyson are like family to you.
Your Bookmarks Bar is a Mess of Dev Tools and Tutorials Organized chaos is your digital life motto.
You’re Always in Beta for the Latest Apps Being an early adopter is a badge of honor and you’ve got the crashes to prove it. (Screenshots or it didn’t happen!)
You’ve Tried to Calculate How a Lightsaber Might Actually Work You’ve spent time thinking about the physics and engineering required to make a real lightsaber, and you have theories on how it could be possible.
You Think of Your Phone’s Voice Assistant as Your Personal C-3PO You imagine Siri or Google Assistant is like having your own protocol droid, ready to help you with techy tasks.
You’ve Tried to Explain AI to Your Grandparents And realized it’s easier said than done and also…they get it!
You’ve Used “It Works on My Machine” as an Excuse Because sometimes, it just does, period.
Your Inbox is a Constant Stream of Notifications Because Slack just doesn’t cut it for you.
You’re Obsessed with Cybersecurity Password managers, two-factor authentication—you’re all over it.
You Get a Rush from Seeing Green Tests in Your CI Pipeline Success feels good, doesn’t it?
You’ve Spent Hours Customizing Your IDE Because the default settings just don’t cut it.
You Solve Problems with Code, Coupled with Common Sense When faced with an issue, your first instinct is to write a script or troubleshoot the system rather than just finding a practical solution. For you, coding is the key to unlocking solutions, and you approach problems with a technical mindset.
You Use Command Line for Everything Graphical interfaces are for amateurs.
You Get Notifications from GitHub More Than Social Media Pushes, pulls, and merges are your bread and butter.
You Feel a Way About Stack Overflow Love it or hate it, you know what it is and have been there billions of times to get support for the error that just won’t go away.
You Keep Up with the Latest in Quantum Computing Because the future is quantum, and you want to be ready.
You’ve Experimented with IoT Projects at Home Your home is smarter than most people’s offices.
You’ve Taken a Course on Blockchain and/or AI Just for Fun Because learning is a never-ending journey in tech.
You Can Spot a Phishing Email from a Mile Away Your cybersecurity instincts are razor-sharp.
You Have an Opinion on the Best Programming Font And you won’t settle for anything less than perfection.
You’ve Built Your Own PC Off-the-shelf just isn’t your style.
You’ve Given a Talk at a Tech Conference Sharing your knowledge with the community is important to you.
You’ve Participated in a Code Review And you take it seriously.
You’ve Tried Every Task Management App Out There And still haven’t found the perfect one.
You Get Excited About Machine Learning Models Predictive analytics is where it’s at.
You Containerize Everything In Your Digital World Keeping environments consistent is key.
You’ve Argued About the Best Programming Language Whether it’s JavaScript vs Go, you’ve got a favorite.
You’ve Attended a Virtual Reality Meetup Exploring the future of immersive tech is exciting.
You Own a 3D Printer (or an Electric Skateboard) And you’ve used it to create something cool.
You’ve Tried Your Hand at Ethical Hacking Penetration testing is just part of keeping systems secure.
You’ve Set Up a Home Lab to Test New Tech Because learning doesn’t stop at the office.
You’re Always Looking for Ways to Automate Mundane Tasks If it can be automated, you’ve done it.
You’ve Tried Out Every New Browser That Comes Out And you have strong opinions about each one.
You’ve Used AI to generate data for your project site. You leverage AI tools to automate data generation and enhance your project site. For you, AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s an essential tool for optimizing and scaling your work.
You Have Multiple Cloud Storage Accounts Redundancy is key, even in your personal life.
You Use a Password Manager for Everything Security first, always (or don’t for the same reason, strategically).
You’ve Created Your Own Personal Website And it’s not just a blog—it’s a full-fledged web app.
You’re the Go-To Person for Tech Recommendations Friends and family know you’re the one to ask.
You’ve Built Your Own Smart Home Setup Lights, locks, and more—controlled from your phone.
You’ve Tried Building Your Own AI Chatbot And it’s more useful than you expected.
You’ve Delved into Cryptography Just for Fun Securing data is more than just a job—it’s a passion.
You’ve Contributed to an Open Source Project Giving back to the community is important to you.
You’ve Gone to a Tech Meetup in a Different City Just to Network Expanding your tech circle is always a good idea.
You See Star Trek as a Vision of the Future and Star Wars as a Cautionary Tale You believe that the utopian tech of Star Trek is something to strive for, while the dystopian elements of Star Wars are warnings about tech gone wrong.
121 Ways to Know you are in Tech
You Know the Differences Between Various Linux Distros And you have a favorite, of course.
You Get Excited About New Processor Releases The power of computing is always advancing, and you’re here for it.
You’ve Experimented with Edge Computing Decentralized processing at the edge—why not?
You’ve Built Your Own VPN Because privacy matters.
You Have a Favorite Podcast That’s All About Tech Whether it’s news, interviews, or deep dives, you’re always listening.
You’ve Attended a Hackathon And maybe even won something.
You Get Excited About Data Visualization Tools There’s nothing like seeing data come to life.
You’ve Experimented with Serverless Architecture Scaling without managing servers? Sign you up.
You’ve Set Up a CI/CD Pipeline for Your Projects Continuous integration and delivery are essential for smooth deployments.
You’ve Dabbled in Robotics Building something that moves is just cool.
You’ve Tried Out the Latest No-Code Platforms Even if you love coding, no-code can be intriguing.
Your Desktop is Full of Terminal Windows You feel at home when you see a black screen with green text.
You Use Discord More Than Email for Team Communication Instant feedback and community vibes make it the go-to platform.
You’ve Debugged Code at 3 AM Sleep can wait when you’re chasing down that bug.
You Keep Up with Tech Startups and Their Funding Rounds Watching the next big thing unfold is thrilling.
You’ve Tested Out the Latest AR/VR Headsets Immersive experiences are the future, and you’re ahead of the curve.
You’ve Configured Your Router for Optimal Wi-Fi Dead zones in your house? Not on your watch.
You’ve Installed Beta Software Just to Get a Sneak Peek Living on the edge of new tech is where you thrive.
You’ve Tinkered with Raspberry Pi Projects Small, versatile, and endlessly fun to experiment with.
You’ve Used a Blockchain to Build a DApp Decentralized applications are fascinating, and you’ve created one.
You’ve Thought About Going Off the Grid—Digitally And then immediately knew you could never do it because you love tech too much.
You’ve Set Up a Home Server Just Because Whether for media, development, or cloud storage, it’s a must-have
You know what gwei, gas, Etherscan and blockchain congestion are and what they mean to the your project Terms like gwei, gas fees, Etherscan, and blockchain congestion aren’t just jargon to you—they’re crucial elements that directly impact the efficiency and cost of your blockchain-based projects. You understand how each factor influences transaction costs and project performance, and you use this knowledge to navigate and optimize your work in the crypto space.
You’ve Tried to Explain the Cloud to Non-Tech Friends When talking about “the cloud,” you’ve had to clarify that it’s not some magical place in the sky but a network of servers—and you probably ended up showing them how it works with your favorite cloud storage app.
You’ve Followed a Livestream of a Product Launch And experienced the hype in real time.
121 Ways to Know you are in Tech
You’ve Mastered the Art of Remote Collaboration Video calls, shared docs, and virtual whiteboards are second nature; your custom office is WAY better than anything onsite.
You’re Obsessed with Clean Code If it’s not readable, it’s not done.
You’ve Set Up a Dual Boot System on Your Laptop Why settle for one OS when you can have two?
You’ve Tried Out Quantum Programming Languages Q# or Qiskit—curiosity always leads you to cutting-edge stuff.
You’ve Written a Technical Blog Post Sharing your knowledge with the world is part of your routine.
You’ve Got Multiple Backup Solutions for Your Data Cloud, local, and even an external hard drive—just to be safe.
You’ve Experimented with Neural Networks and AI Models Training models and seeing them improve is addictive.
You’ve Written Scripts to Automate Repetitive Tasks If it’s mundane, it’s getting scripted.
You’ve Set Up Your Own Discord Server for Tech Discussions Managing channels, roles, and bots to keep the conversation flowing.
You Use Git Terms in Everyday Life You catch yourself saying things like “I need to revert that decision” or “I’m branching off on a new project” in non-tech contexts.
You Schedule Your Life with Project Management Tools Tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello aren’t just for work; you use them to manage personal projects and even day-to-day tasks.
You Know What a Stack Overflow Error Is—and It’s Not Just a Website While Stack Overflow is your go-to for troubleshooting, you also know the original meaning of a stack overflow error in programming.
Your Dev Stack is Not a Pile of Papers. When you hear “stack,” you don’t think of paperwork—you think of the collection of tools, frameworks, and languages you use to build and deploy applications. To you, a “stack” is all about tech, not office supplies.
You’ve Named Your Wi-Fi Network Something Techy Your home Wi-Fi network isn’t just named after a generic term; it’s something like “LAN Solo” or “Drop It Like It’s Hotspot.
You See Code in Everything From traffic patterns to how your coffee machine works, you’re constantly thinking about how systems are coded and automated.
You Get Excited About Software Updates While others might ignore or delay software updates, you’re eager to see what’s new and how it might improve your workflow or devices.
You Keep Track of Tech Conferences Like They’re Holidays Events like WWDC, Google I/O, or CES are marked on your calendar, and you follow the announcements as closely as others follow sports or entertainment events.
You Talk About ‘Scalability’ in Everyday Life When planning anything, whether it’s a project or an event, you’re always thinking about how it will scale and handle increased demand.
You Know Tech Magic Tricks Like “Turn it off and back on again” You’ve played tech support more times than you can count, and your go-to advice is always the classic “turn it off and on again.”
‘Ping’ Is Not Just a Game You Play at the Office For you, “ping” isn’t about a friendly game of table tennis—it’s a vital network command used to test connectivity between devices. Whether you’re checking server status or troubleshooting a connection, “ping” is a tool, not just a way to pass time at work.
You’re Up to Snuff on Your Star Trek and Star Wars References Whether you’re talking about AI or space exploration, you can’t resist slipping in a “Beam me up, Scotty” or “May the Force be with you” reference.
Are You a Techie?
If you found yourself laughing out loud with an audible “yep” to these 121 signs, it’s clear—you’re deeply entrenched in the tech world. From the coding quirks to the community culture, being in tech is about more than just the job; it’s a way of life. So whether you’re a developer, an engineer, hacker, coder, or a part of the team, embrace the nerdy, quirky, and often hilarious aspects of the industry that only one of us can understand.
If you’re in tech, you know there’s nothing else quite like it.
: From Classic Controls to Cutting-Edge Techniques
Navigating immersive virtual environments offers a variety of methods to enhance user experience. From simple point-and-click and joystick controls to advanced gesture-based and voice navigation, each technique provides different ways to explore and interact within virtual spaces. See how much you know below. Here’s a rundown of the main ways to navigate immersive environments. You’re going to need this if you plan to jump into the Metaverse rabbit hole.
Discover something new; explore the different types of immersive navigation experiences you can have in the metaverse. How do you move in the Metaverse? Tap into the comments to let us know.
Point-and-Click Navigation:
Floor Tabs/Hotspots: Users click on predefined spots (tabs) on the floor or other surfaces to move their viewpoint or avatar to that location.
Teleportation: Similar to floor tabs, users click on a specific location and are instantly transported there.
Joystick Navigation:
On-Screen Joystick: A virtual joystick appears on the screen, which users can control with their mouse or touch inputs to move their avatar in the virtual space.
Keyboard Movement:
WASD Keys: Users can move their avatar using the keyboard keys W (forward), A (left), S (backward), and D (right) for directional movement.
Arrow Keys: Similar to WASD, users can use the arrow keys for movement (up, down, left, right).
Pathfinding:
Automated Paths: Users select a destination, and the avatar follows a pre-defined path to get there, avoiding obstacles automatically.
Free Roaming:
Free Movement: Users can move the avatar freely in any direction without predefined paths, often using a combination of keyboard and mouse controls.
Touchscreen Controls:
Swipe and Tap: On touch devices, users can swipe to move the camera or avatar and tap to select objects or move to specific locations.
Pinch-to-Zoom: Users can zoom in and out of the virtual space by pinching the screen.
Contextual Menus:
Contextual Hotspots: Users click on specific objects or areas to bring up contextual menus for interaction or movement.
Interactive Maps:
Mini-Map Navigation: Users can click on a mini-map to move to different locations within the virtual space.
Linear Movement:
Track-based Movement: Users follow a set path, like a guided tour, where they can control the speed or pause but not deviate from the path.
Scene Transitions:
Scene-based Navigation: Clicking on certain objects or areas transitions the user to a different scene or part of the virtual environment.
Gesture-Based Controls:
Gesture Recognition: Using devices like Leap Motion, users can navigate the space through hand gestures.
Voice Commands:
Voice Navigation: Users can move around or interact with the environment using voice commands.
Grid-Based Movement:
Grid Navigation: Users move their avatars along a grid pattern, with each click moving to the next grid point.
Auto-Pilot Mode:
Automated Tours: The system automatically moves the user through the environment, often used for guided tours or demonstrations.
These methods can be combined or customized depending on the specific virtual environment and the user experience design goals.
Exploring the diverse navigation methods in immersive virtual environments can significantly enhance your virtual experiences. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned user diving into the Metaverse, understanding these techniques will help you move seamlessly through different spaces and interact more effectively. We’d love to hear your thoughts—did you find any methods that were new or surprising? Drop your insights and questions in the comments below and share your discoveries with fellow explorers!
As we celebrate Black Business Month it’s important to look towards the future and take tangible actions that uplift and empower the Black community. One powerful way to do this is by actively supporting Black businesses, culture, and growth.
Here are 29 practical ways you can make a difference:
1. Shop at Black-owned businesses:
Seek out Black-owned businesses in your community and make a conscious effort to support them. Whether it’s a local bookstore, restaurant, or clothing boutique, your patronage can make a significant impact.
2. Spread the word:
Use your voice and social media platforms to share information about Black-owned businesses. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, and your recommendations can help these businesses reach a wider audience.
3. Attend Black cultural events:
Support and participate in Black cultural events, such as art exhibitions, music festivals, and theater performances. These events not only celebrate Black culture but also provide economic opportunities for artists and performers.
4. Invest in Black-owned businesses:
If you have the means, consider investing in Black-owned businesses. This can be done through crowdfunding platforms, venture capital firms, or even direct investments. Your financial support can help these businesses thrive and expand.
5. Mentorship and networking:
Offer mentorship and networking opportunities to aspiring Black entrepreneurs. Share your knowledge and expertise to help them navigate the business world and connect with valuable contacts.
6. Buy from Black artisans and craftsmen:
Support Black artisans and craftsmen by purchasing their handmade products. Whether it’s jewelry, pottery, or clothing, these unique pieces often reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Black community.
7. Support Black-owned media outlets:
Subscribe to and consume media from Black-owned outlets, such as newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. This helps amplify Black voices and perspectives, and provides economic support to these media organizations.
8. Advocate for diversity and inclusion:
Promote diversity and inclusion in your workplace or community by advocating for equal opportunities and representation. Encourage the hiring and promotion of Black individuals, and support initiatives that foster a more inclusive environment.
9. Educate yourself:
Take the time to educate yourself about Black history, culture, and experiences. Read books, watch documentaries, and listen to podcasts that provide insights into the Black community’s contributions and struggles.
10. Support Black-owned bookstores:
Instead of purchasing books from large chain stores, support Black-owned bookstores. These independent bookshops often offer a curated selection of literature that highlights diverse voices and perspectives.
11. Engage in conversations:
Engage in open and honest conversations about race and inequality. This can help raise awareness, challenge biases, and foster understanding and empathy.
12. Attend Black-owned restaurants:
Explore the vibrant flavors of Black cuisine by dining at Black-owned restaurants. From soul food to Afro-Caribbean delicacies, these establishments offer a unique culinary experience.
13. Volunteer your skills:
Donate your time and skills to Black-owned nonprofits and community organizations. Whether it’s offering pro bono services or volunteering at events, your contribution can make a difference.
14. Support Black-owned fashion brands:
When updating your wardrobe, consider supporting Black-owned fashion brands. These designers often bring fresh and innovative perspectives to the industry.
15. Amplify Black voices:
Use your platform to amplify Black voices and experiences. Share articles, videos, and artwork created by Black individuals to help their work reach a wider audience.
16. Support Black-owned beauty brands:
Discover and purchase products from Black-owned beauty brands. These companies offer a wide range of skincare, haircare, and makeup products tailored to diverse needs.
17. Support Black-owned tech startups:
Keep an eye out for Black-owned tech startups and support them by using their products or services. Innovation knows no boundaries, and these startups are pushing the boundaries of technology.
18. Advocate for equitable policies:
Advocate for policies that promote equity and address systemic racism. Support organizations and initiatives that work towards dismantling barriers and creating a more just society.
19. Support Black-owned farms and food producers:
Buy fresh produce, meat, and other food products from Black-owned farms and food producers. This supports local agriculture and helps create a more sustainable food system.
20. Support Black-owned financial institutions:
Consider banking with Black-owned financial institutions or credit unions. This helps to create economic opportunities and access to financial services within the Black community.
21. Attend Black-owned fitness studios:
Stay active and support Black-owned fitness studios and gyms. From yoga to dance classes, these businesses offer a variety of workout options.
22. Support Black-owned breweries and wineries:
Enjoy a refreshing drink while supporting Black-owned breweries and wineries. These businesses often bring unique flavors and perspectives to the beverage industry.
23. Support Black-owned music labels and artists:
Discover and listen to music from Black-owned labels and artists. From hip-hop to jazz, these musicians contribute to the rich tapestry of music.
24. Support Black-owned theater companies:
Attend performances by Black-owned theater companies. These productions showcase diverse stories and talent, and your support helps sustain the arts.
25. Support Black-owned wellness and self-care businesses:
Invest in your well-being by supporting Black-owned wellness and self-care businesses. From spas to wellness retreats, these businesses offer rejuvenating experiences.
26. Support Black-owned social impact organizations:
Donate to and volunteer with Black-owned social impact organizations. These organizations address a wide range of issues, from education to healthcare, and your support can help create lasting change.
27. Support Black-owned podcasts:
Listen to podcasts hosted by Black individuals and support their work. These podcasts cover a wide range of topics and provide unique perspectives.
28. Support Black-owned travel businesses:
When planning your next trip, consider booking with Black-owned travel businesses. From tour operators to accommodations, these businesses offer authentic and immersive experiences.
29. Be an ally:
Lastly, be an ally to the Black community. Stand up against racism, challenge stereotypes, and actively work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
By actively supporting Black business, culture, and growth, we can help create a more just and prosperous future for all. Let’s make a difference this Black History Month and beyond.
Remember Technikole Consulting is to proclaim we are a Black Owned Business in the Greater Washington DC area servicing clients worldwide. We can help you to be technically savvy.
We are excited to announce that Technikole Consulting is now officially an Authorized Partner of @monday.com!
With this new partnership, we are able to provide professional services, implementation, and consulting empowering digital transformation and workflow architecture on top of #monday.com.
“We are excited to officially partner with monday.com,” said NiKole “Technikole” Maxwell, CEO of Technikole Consulting. “This collaboration enhances our custom solutions and consulting services by leveraging monday.com’s capabilities such as workflow automation and library of powerful integrations. Together, we are poised to drive digital transformation and streamline processes for our small business clients.”
If you’re looking to get started with @monday.com, we are offering a free consulting meeting to help you get the most out of it.
When I told someone I was a digital transformation consultant, an implementation expert by trade, she casually replied, “Oh, you’re just a generalist.” I nearly choked on my coffee. A generalist? As if guiding businesses through the chaos of emerging technologies and complex systems was some casual hobby. It was a stark reminder of how people often underestimate the depth of our work in this field.
The Generalist Career Flow to Mastery outlines the unique career path of generalists, who adapt across disciplines and industries with versatility. But there’s a specific type of generalist that often gets misunderstood — the implementation consultant. While some may see them as generalists who dabble in everything, the reality is far more complex.
Implementation consultants are not just “jack-of-all-trades” professionals; they are orchestrators of change, applying deep, specialized knowledge in real-world settings to solve complex business problems.
Implementation Consultants: The Bridge Between Strategy and Execution
Many companies create lofty strategies or invest in cutting-edge technology, but the hardest part is turning those strategies into reality. That’s where implementation consultants come in. Unlike specialists, who may focus on a single area of expertise, implementation consultants integrate knowledge across various domains—business processes, software solutions, and operational strategy. They are the critical link between planning and doing.
A generalist might understand broad concepts, but implementation consultants take that understanding and apply it in a way that leads to tangible results. They aren’t just knowledgeable across sectors; they can make diverse systems work together in harmony, ensuring successful execution. Think of them as conductors in an orchestra, ensuring every part of the business symphony plays in sync.
Not Just Problem-Solvers, But Solution Integrators
One misconception is that implementation consultants are merely “problem solvers” moving between different types of challenges. While problem-solving is part of the job, the real value lies in their ability to integrate and synthesize solutions across complex, moving parts of an organization. They don’t just diagnose what’s wrong — they design, implement, and optimize long-term, scalable solutions.
For example, implementing a new software platform involves far more than just technical understanding. It requires managing change across the organization, training staff, modifying business processes, and ensuring alignment with overall strategy. The implementation consultant draws from their extensive toolkit, blending skills from project management, software development, and organizational change to deliver success.
Mastery Through Execution
The traditional view of mastery implies focusing intensely on one area, becoming an expert in a niche. Implementation consultants, however, achieve a different type of mastery — one built on breadth and execution. While generalists explore many areas, implementation consultants go a step further by specializing in making those diverse areas work together to achieve business goals. They are not surface-level generalists but strategic executors.
They manage to weave technical implementation, operational insights, and organizational change into a cohesive fabric that supports the company’s strategic goals. This is the kind of mastery that doesn’t come from studying one field in depth but from understanding how various domains intersect and applying that knowledge in the real world.
The Power of Cross-Industry Expertise
Implementation consultants often work across industries, giving them a unique ability to cross-pollinate ideas. Their role involves recognizing patterns across sectors—like how the financial industry manages risk, or how healthcare organizations optimize operations—and applying those insights to their current projects. This cross-industry expertise makes them invaluable to businesses undergoing digital transformation or large-scale operational changes.
An IT implementation consultant working with a nonprofit, for instance, might introduce lean management techniques learned from the manufacturing sector. Their ability to adapt and implement solutions from one industry into another makes them dynamic and incredibly valuable in an era where innovation often requires insights from multiple domains.
A New Kind of Mastery
While specialists may dive deep into a narrow field, implementation consultants achieve a different kind of mastery—a mastery rooted in execution, versatility, and the ability to make things happen. Their work isn’t about knowing one thing really well; it’s about knowing how to bring multiple things together to create something greater.
This is why implementation consultants are much more than just generalists. They are strategic operators who can translate vision into reality, ensuring companies don’t just think big but also do big.
Technikole Consulting Celebrates CEO NiKole Maxwell’s New Leadership Role as Vice President of Blacks In Technology Alexandria Chapter
Technikole Consulting is thrilled to announce the appointment of our CEO, NiKole Maxwell, as the incoming Vice President of the Blacks In Technology (BIT) Alexandria Chapter. This exciting milestone is just 8 days away, marking the launch of the Alexandria Chapter on Juneteenth—a day rich in historical significance.
NiKole expressed her excitement for the event, stating, “We are on the cusp of history in more ways than one. Juneteenth is a day that symbolizes delayed freedom—a cost that cannot be calculated. As innovation liberates our imaginations, it enables the transformation of our dreams into reality. Delaying the education of transformative technologies that spur the future cannot be condoned. This is an insanely exciting time to be in tech, and I’m honored to be part of such a momentous occasion.”
The BIT Alexandria Chapter is launching in the footsteps of those who’ve come before. Founded by Greg Greenlee and spearheaded by Dennis Schultz as the Executive Director, BIT’s mission is to “Stomp the Divide.” BIT Virginia is the only state-run Board of Directors led by Antoine Hines as the Chapter President. Virginia boasts five distinct chapters, with BIT Alexandria launching to serve Northern Virginia as the “Innovation” chapter, supporting Black tech professionals across NOVA and the DMV.
This historic moment is one for the record books, and we want you to share it with us! Seats are filling up fast, but there are still spots available. Participation requires a ticket, so don’t miss out. If you’re not in the area but still want to support our chapter, we invite you to donate using our official link.
Whether you’re a fan of BIT, a friend of BIT, or have a little bit of BIT in you, please consider supporting us with a donation. Alternatively, find your local chapter, join, and donate to them. Long-term Chapter sponsorships are also available.
Founding Members will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase Founders gear separately.
Alexandria, VA – June 1, 2024 – Technikole Consulting is proud to announce that CEO NiKole Maxwell is at the forefront of the new Blacks In Technology (BIT) Alexandria Chapter’s historic launch on Juneteenth, June 19th, 2024.
Currently Ms Maxwell serves as the Director of Emerging Tech & Innovative Initiatives on the Virginia State Board of Directors, for Blacks In Technology, she is happily Increasing her capability, as she adds the honor of being the first Vice President of BIT Alexandria, Maxwell has been instrumental in establishing this vital chapter along with her team, led by esteemed Chapter President, Monica Pemberton.
The BIT Alexandria Chapter will serve as the “Innovation” hub supporting Black tech professionals across Northern Virginia. Its launch represents a monumental team effort that Maxwell helped spearhead alongside esteemed Chapter President and other designated leaders.
Technikole Consulting Celebrates CEO NiKole Maxwell’s Role as Vice President and Supports the Launching of the Blacks In Technology Alexandria Chapter
The chapter builds upon the pioneering work of the BIT Foundation created by Greg Greenlee and led by Executive Director Dennis Schultz to “Stomp the Divide.” In Virginia, it joins as the 5th chapter of Virginia BIT led by State President Antione Hines.
Maxwell expressed, “How fitting that our launch coincides with Juneteenth – a day symbolizing delayed freedom at an immeasurable cost. Just as innovation liberates our imagination, we cannot delay educating the tech community about transformative technologies shaping our future.”
Through networking, professional development, and increasing access to emerging tech like AI and Web3, BIT Alexandria aims to open doors and drive innovation for the region’s Black technologists.
The launch event is open to the public with limited tickets available. Those unable to attend can support the chapter’s mission by donating or inquiring about sponsorships and exclusive Founding Member opportunities athttps://linktr.ee/bit.alexandria.
Technikole Consulting applauds Maxwell’s tireless leadership in this endeavor and encourages everyone to join BIT Alexandria in Stomping the Divide!
About Technikole Consulting
Technikole Consulting helps entrepreneurs and small businesses to be technically savvy by connecting to future technologies that make sense. We specialize in implementing solutions that link people, process, and systems for success, empowering our clients to become technically savvy in the Metaverse.
Tech Navigator GPT: Your Personal Guide to the Tech Journey! 🤓
Are you considering a transition into the tech world? Or perhaps you’re eager to start a new career in technology? If so, this is the perfect tool for you.
What is Tech Navigator GPT?
Tech Navigator GPT is an innovative tool designed to provide personalized and inclusive guidance for anyone interested in technology. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your tech knowledge, Tech Navigator GPT helps you determine your ideal tech stack and connects you with valuable resources. This tool is now available to ChatGPT Plus subscribers, making it more accessible than ever. Created by NiKole Maxwell, “Technikole”, Powered by ChatGPT. Now available for free on the OpenAI GPT Store.
Its Now FREE to Use
Tech Navigator GPT was announced back when OpenAI launched the GPT Store in 2023. We saw the ability to response to both the need for accessible and personalized tech guidance and the launch of the OpenAI Store with a pretty cool tool. With the change of ChatGPT’s free access to the GPT Store on May 16, 2024, this tool is now more accessible than ever. This timing is perfect for anyone looking to explore the tech world with the support of advanced AI, ensuring that diverse and inclusive tech resources are available to all.
Why Tech Navigator GPT?
In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, having a reliable guide can make all the difference. Tech Navigator GPT offers:
Easy to Use: No need for prompt expertise—Tech Navigator GPT is designed for simplicity and accessibility.
Identify Your Tech Stack: Get customized recommendations for the best tech stack to suit your needs and goals.
Personalized Guidance: Tailored recommendations based on your interests and goals.
Powered by OpenAI ChatGPT:: Leverage the power of OpenAI’s ChatGPT for accurate and insightful guidance.
Empowering the Tech Community
At Technikole Consulting, we’re passionate about empowering and connecting the tech community. Tech Navigator GPT is a testament to this commitment, as it aims to foster a more diverse and inclusive tech future. By using this tool, you’re not only enhancing your own skills but also contributing to a broader movement towards tech inclusion.
Get Started Today!
Embark on your tech journey with Tech Navigator GPT. Experience the future of tech and start shaping a more inclusive and innovative tomorrow.
The “She Shamrocks | Endo Smiles Collection” celebrates the resilience and strength of women living with endometriosis through NiKole Maxwell’s vibrant digital portraits. Now in its 3rd annual iteration, the She Shamrocks series was created in 2022 to raise awareness for Endometriosis, while honoring Women’s History Month, and of course to provide PFP NFTs for “sistas” who love the color green during St Patrick’s Day holiday.
She Shamrocks 2024 | Endo Smiles Collection by Technikole
For the 3rd installment in 2024, the series introduces two distinct collections – the raw “Endo Pangs” portraits unveiling the vulnerability of and pain of “endo warriors”, and the uplifting “Endo Smiles” celebrating those who face the invisible illness with grace and determination. Despite constant battles against debilitating pain, these smiling portraits radiate warmth, joy and an indomitable spirit that refuses to be dimmed.
Beneath the bright smiles lies a harsh reality – the relentless agony of endometriosis impacting every aspect of life for millions worldwide. I hope that the artwork reminds us that hope and happiness many people deal with “unseen” invaders that disrupt their daily lives and they have no choice but to put on a happy face and smile through it. Ultimately compassion is needed along with understanding.
The journey of She Shamrocks has evolved over the last few years. Beginning in 2022, the collection was created during the International Women of Blockchain conference. While NiKole was serving exhaustively as the CoCreator, Executive Producer, and creator of Futuristic Fridays in the Metaverse, she was battling a strong fight with Endometriosis. She found herself smiling on screen in between inner screams of pain. The evolution of She Shamrocks is one that really every woman can understand or anyone who has had to put on a “brave” face or tough it out. The collection showcases solidarity.
2023 Inaugural She Shamrocks Collection2023 She Shamrocks Collection2024 She Shamrocks | “Endo Smiles” Collection
Personalized Endometriosis Warrior NFTs & Merch
Personalized Endometriosis Warrior NFTs & Merch In addition to the preminted Endo Smiles portraits, NFT holders can request a custom digital artwork featuring a name and details of their choice to honor a loved one’s endometriosis journey. What better way to support your family, friend or loved one than with a customized mug or keychain to show you care? For details contact – info@technikole.com. Available for NFT holders only.
Content Filtering: Human-Crafted, AI-Generated or Collaborative Efforts
“EVLOUTION OF SEO Series”
As AI language models like ChatGPT become increasingly sophisticated, the online world is being flooded with AI-generated content across websites, social media, and more. This raises important questions about transparency, authority, and the ability for users to make informed choices about the content they consume.
The Challenge
A user searching for information on a topic could encounter pages and posts created entirely by AI with no clear indication of the authorship.
Currently, search engines like what Google is known for, do not offer distinction between human-written and AI generated content in their results. A user searching for information on a topic could encounter pages and posts created entirely by AI with no clear indication of the authorship. As AI language models improve, it will become harder to distinguish the two sources.
The lack of transparency surrounding AI-generated content creates significant challenges. We’re already seeing issues arise, with AI now producing a vast array of content beyond just text. This includes videos, images, reports, datasets, and even seemingly factual figures that can be misleading. As AI language models become more sophisticated, their ability to mimic human communication styles grows. While this offers users a wider variety of content formats and voices to explore, it also makes it increasingly difficult to distinguish between human-created and AI-generated content.
Another issue is that despite creator intent, the platform of note may not currently provide the option to publish said digital object with specific criteria in relation to AI. I ran into this exact issue when publishing the first few entries of the, “Ultimate Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse of the Future“. My intent as spelled out in the series, was to create a gamified series co-authoring “with AI”. However, I could not select an entity of “AI” as a collaborator leading to rejected publications of several entries in the series. It ultimately became more time intensive than expected so it went on pause until we work some things out. Eventually I removed the collaborative approach and the Technical Twin did find its way to the Amazon Kindle shelves.
Let Us Have Options
There are already examples plenty of other examples where AI-authored content has spread misinformation due to hallucinations or made up “facts.” As engaging as recent language models are, we’re not yet at a point where they can be “trusted” as authoritative sources on many topics. That said, AI could certainly play productive roles in content creation workflows by assisting human writers which is where these options come into play again.
The future of search will need “strong” filtering options to let users choose the type of content they prefer. Some potential filtering approaches include:
Human-Crafted Content This option would only surface pages, articles and posts known to have been written by human beings with no AI involvement. Users could have higher confidence in the authenticity and accountability of the sources.
AI-Generated Content Conversely, for users wanting to explore the cutting-edge capabilities of language models, results could be limited to content generated entirely by AI with no human involvement.
Hybrid or Collaborative Human + AI Content This filter could favor content combining human authorship with AI assistance. For example, an article written by a person but with an AI handling tasks like research, ideation, outlines or drafting.
Ethical Considerations Abound Here Too
I could easily write a whole book on “Ethical Content Curation in the AI Era: The Case for Search Filters by Authorship Type.” The point is that by Providing transparency into whether content was human-authored, machine-generated, or a hybrid allows people to make informed decisions about what they consume online. It gets at issues of accountability, authority, and potential bias or hallucinations in AI outputs versus human judgement. Not going to lie there are some days when I don’t want to do this for example how much is the equivalent of “hybrid or collaborative”? What equates to help? Is it a single use? 5? What about forum posts? Our emails are already inclusive of AI Assistance possibilities do we need to declare there too?
We suspect the approach to implementing this new form SEO filtering will be an ongoing strategy and solution, much like it is today. As solutions to formal content labeling standards that specify the level of human and AI involvement in a piece come out we need to ensure the majority are not the only ones cared for. We need to ensure that voices are not stifled because they needed the assistance of AI for example: those with early onset memory issues that use AI to prompt for gaps in their historical memory (no one would know if they used search today so why should future articles indicate they used AI Assistance? Those recovering or impaired by trauma such as TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) or a stroke could use AI to help them “talk” on a YouTube video, should they be penalized by SEO for that? Reading and editing your work if you are dyslexic might see a big reduction in stress by using AI. Future search engine algorithms that work in tandem with the (possibly) newly created filters cannot under any circumstances prevent voices like these from being found and thereby heard.
Another approach may utilize advanced (NLP) Natural Language Processing to attempt to detect human versus AI text on the fly. The challenge with this would be again hallucinations, ethical considerations (AI is not perfect), and creative intent. Given the rapid evolution of language models, this could be an incredibly complex challenge requiring frequent retraining and updates.
Whatever path gets taken, empowering users with granular search filtering choices for AI and human-crafted content may become essential well before we are ready for it – like in the upcoming US Elections. Allowing people to make informed decisions about what they want to consume will be imperative but we might not have any way to do so other than the human eye (and honor system) which right now is widely untrained.
While recognizing that generative content AI models are and will be incredibly powerful aids in many scenarios, there will always be an important role for authentic human communication, authorship and creative expression online. We must always remember the future is an intelligent collaboration between people and systems , and should never represent as a full scale replacement of one for the other.
Today is International Women’s Day, a day in our month of Women’s History. I find it incredibly timely to bask in the joy of discovering a vibrant community within Black Women in Technology. It’s a celebration of sisterhood, resilience, and empowerment that fills me with gratitude and inspiration at every connection.
In the dynamic space that is Information Technology (IT), Black Women in Technology have found a friend, empowerment and solidarity, thanks to the tireless efforts of visionary leader Lori Mitchell. As the founder of our vibrant community, Lori has dedicated herself to championing diversity, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for future generations of Black Women in Technology.”
Being a Black woman in the world of Information Technology (IT)( and the Metaverse!) has its unique set of challenges. Every day, we confront biases, stereotypes, and obstacles that threaten to dim our brilliance. Yet, in the midst of adversity, we have found solace and strength within the supportive network of Black Women in Technology.
This community is a technical home —a place where we uplift each other, share experiences, amplify our voices and seek advice…as well as share in our curiosity and passion for technology. It’s a space where our achievements are celebrated, our talents are recognized, and our dreams are nurtured. Together, as women, we navigate the complexities of our industries with resilience and determination, knowing that we are stronger together.
This month we celebrate Women’s History Month and today we celebrate simply being a woman. We are not simply women, we share in 3 of the most challenging realms on this planet, we are Women, we are Black Women, we are Black Women in Technology. We both are challenging and creating a legacy that continues to support and shape the future of technology.
Always moving forward, we will continue to champion diversity, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for future generations of Black Women in Technology, together. I’m grateful to have found my place within this remarkable community, thank you @Lori Mitchell, Founder, Technologist, Woman. #BWIT #BlackWomenInTechnology #BlackWomenInTech #Empowerment #Sisterhood #WomensDay #WomensHistoryMonth #WHM
Every four years, we are gifted an extraordinary day, one that disrupts the ordinary flow of time: Leap Day. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most remarkable opportunities lie in the moments that deviate from the norm. Today, as we celebrate Leap Year, let’s harness this unique occasion to explore the realm of emerging technologies, a domain closer to mainstream use than many might realize.
In the vast landscape of technological innovation, there exists a plethora of groundbreaking advancements waiting to be discovered. From the immersive realms of virtual and augmented reality to the transformative capabilities of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, the possibilities are as boundless as they are revolutionary.
But why should you venture into the realm of emerging tech today, of all days? Because much like Leap Day itself, these technologies offer an unparalleled chance to leap forward, to transcend the confines of convention, and to embrace a future shaped by innovation and progress.
Virtual and Augmented Reality: Stepping Into Alternate Realities
Imagine a world where you can step into alternate realities, where the boundaries between physical and digital blur seamlessly. Virtual and augmented reality technologies are not merely the stuff of science fiction; they are tangible, accessible tools poised to redefine how we interact with the world around us.
Whether it’s exploring distant planets from the comfort of your living room or revolutionizing education through immersive learning experiences, VR and AR hold the potential to revolutionize countless industries and transform the way we perceive reality itself.
Artificial Intelligence: Augmenting Human Potential
Artificial intelligence, once relegated to the realm of speculation and conjecture, is now an integral part of our daily lives. From personalized recommendations on streaming platforms to predictive analytics driving business decisions, AI has permeated virtually every aspect of modern society.
But its potential extends far beyond mere convenience. AI has the power to augment human potential, enhancing our creativity, productivity, and problem-solving abilities in ways previously unimaginable. By harnessing the capabilities of AI, we can unlock new frontiers of innovation and usher in a future defined by collaboration between humans and machines.
At the heart of the digital revolution lies blockchain technology, a decentralized ledger system that promises to revolutionize the way we transact, communicate, and organize information. Beyond its association with cryptocurrency, blockchain holds the key to unlocking unprecedented levels of transparency, security, and efficiency across various industries.
By embracing blockchain technology, we can transcend the limitations of traditional centralized systems and empower individuals and communities to reclaim control over their data and assets. From supply chain management to digital identity verification, the applications of blockchain are as diverse as they are transformative.
Seize the Leap: Embrace the Future Today
As we commemorate Leap Day, let us seize the opportunity to venture into the realm of emerging technologies, where innovation knows no bounds and the possibilities are limited only by our imagination. Whether you’re a business owner seeking to stay ahead of the curve or an individual eager to explore the frontiers of human ingenuity, there has never been a better time to embrace the future.
So, take that leap of faith, dare to explore the unknown, and discover the transformative potential of emerging technologies. For in this ever-evolving landscape of innovation, every day is an opportunity to leap forward into a brighter, more promising future.
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, embracing digital transformation is no longer an option but a necessity for organizations striving to stay competitive. Whether you’re a seasoned enterprise or a budding startup, embarking on this journey requires careful planning, strategic implementation, and expert guidance. This is where a skilled digital transformation consultant comes into play, serving as your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of this transformative process.
Understanding the Landscape
Before diving headfirst into digital transformation, it’s crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the landscape. Recognize the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, from leveraging vast amounts of data to acquiring the necessary AI skills and establishing trust in new technologies. IBM highlights three key challenges: data, skills, and trust. Your consultant (that’s me!) will help you dissect these challenges and develop tailored strategies to address them effectively.
Setting Clear Objectives
Define your objectives and expectations for digital transformation. Whether it’s streamlining operations, enhancing customer experiences, or driving innovation, clarity in goals is paramount. As your consultant, I’ll work closely with you to align these objectives with your organization’s vision, mission, and long-term growth strategy. Together, we’ll establish measurable success criteria to track progress and ensure accountability throughout the transformation journey.
Assessing Readiness and Capability
Assessing your organization’s readiness and capability to undergo digital transformation is a crucial step. Evaluate your existing infrastructure, technological capabilities, and organizational culture. Identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement. With my expertise as a digital transformation consultant, I’ll conduct a thorough assessment to pinpoint potential roadblocks and devise customized solutions to overcome them seamlessly.
Crafting a Comprehensive Strategy
Crafting a comprehensive digital transformation strategy is akin to charting a roadmap to success. It involves integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, machine learning, and automation, into your business processes while fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability. As your trusted advisor, I’ll collaborate with your team to design a robust strategy that leverages emerging technologies to drive tangible business outcomes and gain a competitive edge in the market.
Implementation and Execution
Implementation and execution are where the rubber meets the road in digital transformation. It’s imperative to execute your strategy with precision and agility while mitigating risks and minimizing disruptions to your business operations. I’ll guide you through every step of the implementation process, providing hands-on support, training, and ongoing monitoring to ensure seamless execution and successful outcomes. I also make sure that any integrations undergo an ethics check for shipping them out the door for broad use, even in the Metaverse.
Continuous Improvement and Optimization
Digital transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of continuous improvement and optimization. Embrace a culture of agility, experimentation, and learning from both successes and failures. Your consultant (that’s me again!) will be by your side, offering valuable insights, best practices, and innovative solutions to adapt to evolving market dynamics and drive sustained growth and innovation.
Ready to Start?
Embarking on a digital transformation journey requires careful planning, strategic execution, and expert guidance. By partnering with a seasoned digital transformation consultant like myself, you can navigate the complexities of this transformative process with confidence and achieve sustainable success in today’s digital age. Let’s go on this journey together and unlock the full potential of your organization’s digital future.
The Meta Mind Shift. It means exactly what it says. A Meta Mind Shift is that moment when you discover what the potential of future tech and the Metaverse mean to you. This is what the Meta Mind Shift Consultation aims to do. I do this every day with my clients, but today as I read along in AfroTech, I stumbled upon this headline: “Tyler Perry Puts $800M Studio Plan On Hold Due To AI Advancements“, I instantly knew Tyler Perry had his own Meta Mind Shift.
In a groundbreaking revelation, Tyler Perry revealed his transformative perspective of the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in film production. The media mogul, known for his controversial but relevant contributions to the entertainment industry, recently shared his profound insights into the potential of using AI as a powerful step in revolutionizing filmmaking.
Tyler Perry’s $800 million studio expansion aimed to enhance traditional production capabilities. However, OpenAI’s text-to-video model Sora, led to a significant shift in his vision for that expansion. Sora’s transformative abilities, creating 1 minute cinematic videos based on your desires, prompted Perry to re-evaluate his expansion plans, offering a new alternative to the future of his studio: an opportunity to embrace AI’s revolutionary potential vs continuing the established path.
When faced with the significant advancements in motion and animated video production by AI, Tyler found himself caught directly in a Meta Mind Shift Moment. This is what it looked like for him:
“I have been watching AI very closely and watching the advancements very closely. I was in the middle of, and have been planning for the last four years, about an $800 million expansion at the studio, which would’ve increased the backlot a tremendous size, we were adding 12 more soundstages,” Perry told The Hollywood Reporter. “All of that is currently and indefinitely on hold because of Sora and what I’m seeing. I had gotten word over the last year or so that this was coming, but I had no idea until I saw recently the demonstrations of what it’s able to do. It’s shocking to me.”
Ever the businessman, Tyler had no choice but to recon with the opportunity to Hollywood’s landscape. His legacy has been about gaining a seat at the table and establishing change for Black industry entertainers. Although some rumor mills have run amuck over the last few months, Tylers contribution to Black films have been numerous, which says nothing about the alleged treatment of both Black men and women on and off screen…but that’s a different moment in our time.
One of the most striking revelations from Perry’s discourse is his recognition of AI’s potential to streamline production processes and transcend geographical constraints. By leveraging AI, Perry envisions a future where the boundaries of physical sets are transcended, offering filmmakers unprecedented creative freedom and logistical convenience. Ironically, that’s a lot like the Metaverse…js
An AI rendering of Tyler Perry could be the next digital actor!
Perry points out the advantages of integrating AI, highlighting its potential to alleviate the workload involved in building sets for his productions as well as eliminating the necessity for travel to find the right scenery.
“I no longer would have to travel to locations. If I wanted to be in the snow in Colorado, it’s text. If I wanted to write a scene on the moon, it’s text, and this AI can generate it like nothing. If I wanted to have two people in the living room in the mountains, I don’t have to build a set in the mountains, I don’t have to put a set on my lot. I can sit in an office and do this with a computer, which is shocking to me,” Perry told the outlet.
Perry highlights the profound implications of AI on cost-effectiveness and resource utilization in film production. By reducing the reliance on physical sets and travel expenses, AI not only accelerates the production process but also optimizes resource allocation, ultimately enhancing the industry’s sustainability.
Perry’s embrace of AI underscores a fundamental shift in the way filmmakers approach storytelling and production. Beyond its technical prowess, AI represents a catalyst for innovation and creativity, offering limitless possibilities for visual expression.
As Tyler Perry embarks on this transformative journey, his insights serve as a testament to the boundless potential of AI to reshape the landscape of filmmaking. By embracing AI-driven solutions, Perry epitomizes the spirit of adaptation and evolution, paving the way for a new era of cinematic excellence.
Decentralizing Everything
The potential of decentralized movies as a beacon of empowerment remains vastly underutilized. Thanks to the royalty system in NFTs, they offer a refreshing alternative narrative that celebrates the user over the empire, a sharp departure from traditional blockbuster productions epitomized by figures like Tyler Perry. It’s crucial to recognize that movies have been shaping our collective vision of the future for ages. However, amidst last year’s industry strikes, the unfortunate timing coincided with significant advancements in AI, particularly evident in AI-animated clips and motion-infused visuals, as well as in innovative applications like “AI SpokesPersonas by Technikole“. This relationship with technology extends far beyond mere entertainment; movies have become mirrors reflecting the future we are actively constructing.
In 2021, I had my first encounter with a blockchain-based NFT movie in a virtual theater, and within my Metaverse community, we dedicated every Friday of 2022 to films showcasing emerging technologies. Fast forward to 2024, where we’ve witnessed the introduction of Sora, featuring powerful one-minute AI-generated animations. The integration of blockchain storage solutions like IPFS and Storj with the Sora AI generation platform offers unparalleled versatility in style and content. Users can now assume the roles of producers, directors, cinematographers, actors, and actresses of their own movies using AI, and store them in decentralized distributed manners, representing a revolution in itself. Such advancements are poised to revolutionize not only marketing and advertising but also content creation across platforms like TikTok and YouTube, indicating a profound shift in the entertainment landscape. Just imagine the possibilities for Super Bowl commercials at a fraction of the traditional cost.
Tyler Perry’s Meta Mind Shift towards AI integration in film production marks a significant milestone in entertainment history. As the industry embraces technological innovation, the fusion of human creativity and artificial intelligence holds the promise of reshaping storytelling on an unprecedented scale.
Breaking News:Automated Marketing Funnels Don’t Complete Your Digital Transformation
In the fast-paced world of technology, businesses are continually evolving to stay relevant and competitive. The term “digital transformation” is hot on the lips of everyone in emerging technology in fact its almost a buzzword. Regardless of it overuse it still signifies the profound change an organization undergoes to leverage technology, enhance operations, and meet evolving customer expectations. However, amidst the push for digitalization, there’s a common misconception that automating your marketing funnel IS digital transformation and that’s all you need. The reality is that true digital transformation is a multifaceted journey that transcends marketing automation and encompasses various aspects of business strategy, technology adoption, and cultural change.
What is it – Understanding Digital Transformation
Digital transformation goes beyond mere digitization or automation of existing processes. It involves reimagining business models, embracing emerging technologies, and fostering a culture of innovation to drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage. At its core, digital transformation is about striking a synergy between technology and your service to create value for customers, optimize operations, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
The Role of Automated Marketing Funnels
Automated marketing funnels play a vital role in todays marketing strategies. By automating repetitive tasks, segmenting audiences, and delivering personalized content, businesses can streamline their marketing efforts and nurture leads more effectively. Automated marketing funnels enable businesses to attract, engage, and convert prospects at scale, ultimately driving revenue growth and improving ROI. This is absolutely the minimum that any organization should have in place in preparation for the changing curve of the digital age. But there are many other opportunities for Digital Transformation to make an impact in your pipeline.
Limitations of Automated Marketing Funnels
While automated marketing funnels offer undeniable benefits…to your marketing efforts…they should not be mistaken for the entirety of digital transformation. Relying solely on marketing automation overlooks other critical areas that are integral to digital success. In other words – the rest of your company still needs transformation too, at least an overview. For instance, a business may have a highly efficient marketing funnel in place, but if its operations, customer experience, or technology infrastructure lag behind, it will struggle to deliver a seamless and cohesive digital experience. Your team may be able to get the client in the door but then fall short of delivering to expectation or keeping up with the bar that was already set.
Comprehensive Approach to Digital Transformation
To truly realize the full potential of digital transformation, businesses should strategically adopt a holistic approach that encompasses all aspects of their operations. This means aligning marketing efforts with broader business objectives, integrating systems and processes across departments, and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. This isn’t to say that “everything” needs transformation but to say that a gap analysis should be done across functional units within the organization to determine the best ways to optimize process.
Integration and Alignment
The marketing team should not be a stand alone operation. By breaking down silos and promoting cross-functional collaboration, businesses can leverage data and insights more effectively to drive growth and innovation. Successful digital transformation requires alignment between marketing initiatives and overall business strategy. Marketing efforts should be closely integrated with other functions such as sales, customer service, and product development to ensure a unified and consistent customer experience.
Building a Culture of Innovation
Digital transformation is not just about technology—it’s also about people and culture. To foster innovation and agility, businesses should begin to create a culture that embraces experimentation, diversity, learning, and adaptation. Leadership plays a crucial role in championing change and empowering employees to embrace new ways of working. By encouraging creativity and risk-taking, businesses can unleash the full potential of their teams and drive meaningful transformation.
While automated marketing funnels are valuable tools for driving customer engagement and conversion, they are just one piece of the digital transformation puzzle. True digital transformation requires a comprehensive approach that spans all facets of business, from marketing and operations to technology and culture. By embracing digitalization holistically and investing in the right people, processes, and technologies, businesses can position themselves for long-term success in the digital age.
Are You Ready To Discover A Full Scale Digital Transformation for Your Business?
Are you ready to take your digital transformation journey to the next level?Assess your current digital initiatives and identify areas for improvement and expansion beyond marketing automation. Remember, digital transformation is an ongoing process, and staying ahead requires continuous innovation and adaptation. Reach out to our team for guidance and support on your digital transformation journey.
Yet Another Update in the World of Technology…Google Bard is Now Gemini…
Google Bard is now known as Gemini and is the latest AI tool revolutionizing the workday for literally everyone. While you may be puzzled by the connection between AI, a poet and a zodiac sign, fear not, for the Meta Mind Shift Mastermind is here to guide you through the technological landscape, but more on that later…
Rapid Evolution: From Bard to Gemini to Gemini 1.5
Google has been (to the angst of all of its sphere) unconscionably slow to roll out its emerging tech over the last couple of years, sitting on the sidelines to organizations like Meta, OpenAI and StabilityAI, but lately its begun making up for lack luster performance amongst emerging tech. In fact this year, specifically over the last week, we’ve experienced rapid evolution of its AI capabilities, reflected in a series of updates and rebrandings. First a little history, then the details.
Google first revealed its AI equivalent of ChatGPT, naming it “Bard” in 2022. Bard launched to humdrum reviews in 2022 as Google’s alternative to ChatGPT, enabling natural conversations across over 40 languages. Update #1, Google’s conversational AI is now, after months of improvements, Bard has not only been rebranded as Gemini but also came forward with more advanced capabilities.
The Gemini update also introduced Gemini Advanced, powered by the larger Ultra 1.0 model. Gemini Advanced can handle more complex tasks like coding, reasoning, and creative collaboration. At the same time, Gemini jumped into an app and became widely available through new Android and iOS apps.
But wait theres more! Evolution continues as just a week later, the company unveiled Gemini 1.5 – representing a “dramatic improvement” in AI performance leaving tongues of techies wagging faster than a doggie on a hot day.
Gemini 1.5 Pro introduces a more efficient “Mixture of Experts” (MoE) model architecture, allowing for faster training and deployment. More notably, it supports an experimental 1 million token context window – a 10X increase over the original Gemini. This expanded context enables Gemini 1.5 to process vast amounts of text, audio, video and code in a single prompt.
To understand the revolutionary impact here:
Original ChatGPT: 2048 tokens (Nov ’22)
ChatGPT Plus: 4000 tokens (Feb ’23)
GPT-4 Turbo: 128,000 tokens (Dec ’23)
Gemini 1.5: Up to 1 million tokens (Feb ’24)
The token count demonstrates how rapidly context sizes are expanding. In just the span of a year, the “state-of-the-art” has gone from 4000 tokens to 1 million tokens – a 250X increase, yes that’s right two-hundred-and-fifty times improvement in processing capability.
Based on Googles release notes, Gemini 1.5 Pro performs on par with the larger Gemini 1.0 Ultra model, despite being more efficient. It also shows impressive skills in analyzing long texts, reasoning across modalities, and problem-solving complex code.
According to Google they are committed to responsible AI development, and say Gemini 1.5 underwent extensive ethics and safety testing before release. (how extensive or who was involved in assuring that extent are the areas of concern) For now, access to Gemini 1.5 is limited to select developers and enterprise customers. But these rapid advancements promise more helpful AI applications for everyone on the horizon.
The evolution from Bard to Gemini to Gemini 1.5 demonstrates Google’s relentless pace of progress in conversational AI…even though we’ve been woefully disappointed with most of their timing, this one seems to be driving the point home that they are still in the game. Each iteration brings significantly more advanced capabilities. If Google is determined to lead the AI race (they’ve got a lot of catching up to do in terms of cleaning the perception that they are behind) we can expect even more groundbreaking updates as they continue to innovate.
NOW THINK ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS
You may be avoiding AI but are your competitors? What would intuitive access to 57 fields of knowledge do for your business? Here you are, manually slogging through data, meetings and emails, while your rivals capitalize on AI’s potential. Did you see Gemini’s Massive Multitask Language Capabilities? Think about realistic use cases in your business where Gemini can handled massive inputs across text, audio, data files, etc. in different languages and formats – and produce actionable outputs for your teams. Perhaps its a key to unlocking new markets across cultures, borders, and countries.
Massive Multitask Language Understanding (MMLU) refers to the ability of an AI model to handle multiple language-related tasks simultaneously on a large scale. This means that the model can perform various language understanding tasks, such as translation, summarization, question-answering, and sentiment analysis, all at once. Essentially, MMLU enables the AI model to comprehend and process language in a wide range of contexts and scenarios, making it highly versatile and capable of tackling diverse challenges in natural language processing.
ChatGPT, Stability AI and now Gemini are already here, they are not going back in the box but they are guaranteed to be changing Google’s core products and the world around you. Digital transformations are already underway at nearly every major company, and small businesses (like yours) are also considering this revolution. Is your workforce ready to professionally embrace AI, or do they only understand the power of Instagram filters and TikTok’s AI?
With each groundbreaking update, organizations including Google are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Gemini puts advanced capabilities in reach for businesses seeking a competitive edge. The choice is yours – will you lead your company into the future, or allow your rivals to capitalize on AI’s potential? The time for digital transformation is neigh!
Note: Gemini 1.5 Pro comes with a standard 128,000 token context window. But starting today (February 15, 2024), a limited group of developers and enterprise customers can try it with a context window of up to 1 million tokens via AI Studio and Vertex AI in private preview.
If you are still conducting business from your @gmail.com account, they may not be!
It’s time to level up and give your business the professional edge it deserves with a custom domain because things are changing in 2024. That’s right as of this month your emails coming from your coveted @gmail.com address may be going straight into junk mail for your entire distro list. Imagine being blacklisted from sending email to your customers. That’s what you are risking. The time as come to get it right.
Email is an essential tool for communication in today’s business landscape. However, relying solely on a generic @gmail.com address may begin holding your business back. Googles recent announcement regarding new requirements for bulk email senders (over 5000) underscores the importance of having a professional email setup. They are setting more strict guidelines for commercial (business) email distribution and began enforcing this guidance in February 2024.
Listen Up
If you send over 5000 emails for your business its time to consider using a custom domain, you not only enhance the credibility and professionalism of your brand but also ensure better deliverability and security for your email communications. A custom domain is step 1 along your digital transformation if you do not already have a digital home.
Here’s are some reasons why it’s time to give your business an upgrade:
Professionalism: A custom domain lends credibility to your business and instills trust in your customers. It signals that you’re serious about your brand and committed to providing a professional experience.
Brand Identity: Your email address is often the first point of contact with potential customers. With a custom domain, you can reinforce your brand identity and make a memorable impression that sets you apart from the competition.
Email Deliverability: Using a custom domain improves email deliverability and reduces the likelihood of your messages being marked as spam. This ensures that your important communications reach their intended recipients without delay. Be sure to read the upcoming changes effective February 2024.
Security: Custom domains offer greater control and security over your email infrastructure. You can implement advanced security measures and authentication protocols to safeguard your sensitive information and protect against cyber threats.
Technikole Consulting supports your digital transformation with the acquisition of a digital home also known as a custom domain (or two or three). We specialize in helping you to be technically savvy and this is a vital part of that if you don’t already have one. We handle domain acquisition, email forwarding, website hosting and can even get you started with one of those easy to use email & marketing platforms. We’ll handle all the technical stuff so you can get back to creating great emails to communicate with your clients. This is the easy part of digital transformation that helps you to “be technically savvy.”
Upgrade your email experience today and take your business to the next level with a custom domain. Select an option below to get started or learn more about our services and how we can help you throughout your digital transformation.
We look forward to helping you unlock the full potential of your email communications with a custom domain.
29 Practical Ways to Support Black History Month Through Economic Empowerment
As we celebrate the proud, beautiful and diverse greatness that makes up the Black community during Black History Month, it’s important to not only reflect on the past but crucial to take tangible actions that uplift and empower the Black community economically. One amazing way to do this is by actively supporting Black businesses, culture, and growth.
Often times people ask the question, how can I help during Black History Month (why not all) and also far too often, I can’t find Black Businesses that do X, Y, or Z. Frankly, the last one is appalling but I choose to take it as both a plea for help and and as an opportunity for discovery to solve a problem by flipping the question – “are there Black businesses that do X, Y and Z?” and if not that’s your answer. Go Fund that, make it happen!
We stumbled across our own discovery in 2022, the phrase “How to grow a Black business?” had a 0% search rate. Zero. How uncommon is that? You know who I asked, AI of course:
It’s quite uncommon for a search phrase to have a 0% search frequency, especially considering the vast amount of information available online and the diversity of search queries people use. However, it’s not impossible, especially for very niche or obscure topics that have limited interest or relevance to most internet users. It could also happen if the search phrase contains a typo or is very specific to a particular context that is not widely known or discussed.
ChatGPT by OpenAI
The implications of this were just horrific across both ways of viewing it. No one was searching for it and didn’t that mean that no one was focused on building or supporting it? You can find a whole 10 entries as of today and a few of them are my own that I created to spread awareness. Looking at that differently, “how to grow a cat” has just under 1M. 🤦🏽♀️Anyway. Change takes time but it starts with awareness. With that being said here are:
29+ practical ways you can actively support Black business, culture, and growth
Notice: The rest of this article includes built in suggestions of initiatives that I personally know of and support. As a business owner and entrepreneur I am also standing in need of support and appreciate every ounce that I can possibly obtain. I do amazing work and hold my head up high in saying I am open to legitimate mutually beneficial partnerships, sponsorships and collaborative efforts and most importantly opportunities.
Support Black Owned Businesses – WE ARE HERE! Black owned businesses are literally run by Black entrepreneurs in various sectors. They are people in need of your dollars that do a dern good job at what they do but may do even better with you, your platform, resources and patronage. Just type in ‘search term + Black Owned Business’ and review your results, scrolling down the page a bit shows the Google listing (similar to searching for a restaurant!).
Donate to Black organizations: Contribute financially to non-profits and community initiatives focused on economic empowerment within the Black community. You can find them the exact same way as mentioned in item #1.
Collaborate with Black Owned Entities: Seek opportunities to collaborate with Black-owned businesses on projects, partnerships, or joint ventures and especially federal opportunities.
Support Black Artists: Purchase artwork, music, literature, and other creative works from Black artists and creators. This goes for NFTs and other digital art too, that’s not a new message from me, I’m just not saying it on Twitter this time. Try the hashtags #BlackArt #BlackArtists #BlackCreator #BlackPublisher on any given platform. [I’m also a Digital Artist, if you like my creations I can create for you or teach you how -> https://technikole.com]
Attend Black Owned/Operated events: Participate in events, markets, and festivals organized by Black-owned businesses to show your support and appreciation. Go for the paid version! You can find numerous events geared toward the culture in your area on Eventnoire
Mentorship: Mentor aspiring Black entrepreneurs or professionals in your field to provide guidance and support for their career or business endeavors, most importantly on this one, do not make accessibility to receiving this mentorship hard or out of ordinary, difficult. Why – because this type of exclusivity is not helpful to those who actually need it but cannot spare the bandwidth because of “life”.
Advocate for diversity: Advocate for increased representation of Black voices and perspectives in your workplace, industry, or community. This isn’t hard. We aren’t there yet where this is not an issue.
Educational support: Support programs and initiatives that provide educational opportunities, scholarships, or resources to Black students and aspiring professionals. This one hits home for me and I’ll tell that tale one day. Just do what it says.
Invest in Black-owned ventures: Consider investing in Black-owned businesses, startups, or initiatives through crowdfunding, angel investing, or venture capital. Research, then invest. Know that sometimes we look different on paper and your AI is still biased.
Collaborate with Black-owned media: Partner with Black-owned media outlets, podcasts, or publications to amplify diverse voices and stories. Unless the topic is gossip, sports or fashion…I’m not referring to those. I am referring to every other type of media, podcast or publication out there. #BlackPublisher, #BlackMedia #BlackNetwork #BlackPodcaster #BlackMagazine #BlackVoices etc.
Promote Black Excellence: Share success stories, achievements, and milestones of Black entrepreneurs and professionals on social media and in your networks. Amplify Black creators, again it takes 2.1 seconds to retweet, like or share. If you can do it for Katt Williams, you can do it for the local creator too.
Advocate for fair policies: Support policies and legislation that promote economic equity, diversity, and inclusion in all sectors of society. Nuff said.
Dine at Black-owned restaurants and cafes: Ya’ll know we have some of best food on the planet! support Black-owned eateries and coffee shops in your community to support local businesses and culinary entrepreneurs. But also, hire (qualified) Black Sous, Head and Master Chefs.
Support Black-owned tech initiatives: Contribute to programs, workshops, or organizations that promote tech education, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the Black community. This one isn’t hard either. There a whole bunch of them directed at closing educational gaps including STEM, STEAM, STEEM, AND STEEM programs from youth up through college and even adulthood we have them too.
Donate tech equipment: Provide gently used tech equipment or resources to organizations or schools serving Black youth and underserved communities. Better yet, buy new and get donation receipts to support your own business at the same time. There is still a world where a $150 VR headset is out of reach for interested creators.
Attend Black Tech Conferences: Participate in tech conferences, workshops, and events featuring Black speakers, innovators, and thought leaders. Your ticket purchase supports the event, the patrons and the speakers. If you don’t want to go, consider donating the ticket. Most of our major Black tech conferences have donations available. Also if you didn’t know we had these guess what! #WEAREHERE #BITCON #BlacksInTechnology #BlackIsTech
Sponsorship: There are two ways to sponsor. 1 – Formal sponsorship via resources or donation, you align your logo and your essence to a specific event or cause. 2 – Sponsor via purchasing of access for individuals or organizations to attend conferences, workshops, or training programs in your industry or field (refer to #16 and Donate), make the unavailable – available.
Advocate for diverse panels: We are literally “0” years removed from the “largest” conferences in XYZ industry boasting 70+ speakers and not a single BIPOC or Black guest speaker. This is problematic. Encourage event organizers to prioritize diversity and inclusion when selecting speakers and panelists for conferences and industry events, and not just on topics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Ask questions BEFORE buying tickets, look at the speaker roster, especially when speakers are paid to attend and lend their voices which leads me to…
Offer speaking opportunities: Extend speaking opportunities to Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders at events, webinars, and workshops you organize or participate in. Open the door, invite us to register to be speakers, use speaker bureaus to search for diverse candidates and most importantly topics.
Shop consciously: Make an effort to purchase products and services from Black-owned businesses, both locally and online. This doesn’t have to be just during Black History Month, this is a year round effort of consciousness.
Mentor Black tech professionals: Provide mentorship and support to Black individuals pursuing careers or ventures in the tech industry.
Promote Black tech influencers: Amplify the voices and perspectives of Black tech influencers and content creators on social media and in professional networks.
Collaborate on tech projects: Partner with Black-owned tech startups or entrepreneurs on projects, collaborations, or innovation initiatives.
Invest in Black tech talent: Invest in training, upskilling, or internship programs that provide opportunities for Black individuals to pursue careers in technology.
Advocate for inclusive hiring: Advocate for inclusive hiring practices and policies within your organization or industry to promote diversity and representation. I know I always say this but #25 is not about entry level positions, this hiring needs to be where it can make a difference internally and externally.I’m not talking about “giving” positions to anyone. That’s a different animal. I’m referring to really seeking diversity in your upper ranks and being diligent about it.
Attend diversity workshops: Participate in workshops, training sessions, or discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech sector. They are there, just search for them.
Donate to tech inclusion programs: Contribute financially to organizations or initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in technology.
Sponsor Black-owned tech events: Research and then provide sponsorship or support for events, hackathons, or meetups organized by Black tech communities and organizations. This can mean a world of difference. Even donating the use of a platform, meeting space or resource can create opportunities where there was none.
Amplify Black voices: Use your platform, influence, and networks to amplify Black voices, perspectives, and achievements in your industry and beyond. This links closely with #22 but also places like LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest. Make it easy for yourself, its where ever you are.
BONUSES
Bonus 1– Give Reviews: If you had a positive experience with a Black owned business, consider leaving a review. Why – because it helps and we don’t often ask for it (we should). Takes 3.5 seconds to click a 5-star to post and keep it moving.
Bonus 2 –Learn about Web3 and how we can change all of this so that we move to whatever is beyond DEI programs and “be”.
By taking these practical steps, you can actively contribute to the economic empowerment and advancement of the Black community during Black History Month and beyond. I’m not a certified DEI yadda yadda, I’m just someone who has a Black Owned Business and comes from a family of Black Entrepreneurs. I am living, breathing Black History, walking everyday (article coming soon). I’ve seen the needs my whole life so when you ask how to change it, I can certainly provide recommendations.
If you would like to donate,sponsor, support or register for anything that I am doing, please do so at https://technikole.com or $TECHNIKOLE (Cashapp). Better yet – I want to be in the same space and get to know you. Maybe you’d like to explore the possibilities of emerging technology with me? I invite you to register for the Meta Mind Shift Mastermind beginning on the February 13th. Change is on its way but we still have a lot of work to do. Together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future for all.
At Technikole Consulting we specialize in connecting people, process, and systems to drive technical advancement. Our goal is to understand your business, its objectives, and the challenges you face. By doing so, we can create tailored solutions that meet your unique needs.
Our phased approach implementation process begins with a comprehensive discovery phase which includes a Meta Mind Shift Consultation. We take the time to understand your business, its goals, and the specific challenges you’re facing. This allows us to develop a deep understanding of your organization and its requirements.
Once we have gathered all the necessary information and agreed to goals, our team will create a detailed proposal. This proposal will outline the solutions, services, timelines, and resource and investment requirements to achieve the goal. We believe in transparency and will ensure that you have a clear understanding of what to expect for your digital transformation experience.
Upon approval and agreement of the proposal, our team will begin implementing the strategy once resources are in place. We have a team of experts who will work tirelessly to ensure a smooth and successful implementation process. We understand that change can be challenging, so we offer a transition support period to help your organization adapt to the new systems and processes.
Furthermore, our commitment to your success doesn’t end with implementation. We offer long-term support to ensure that your systems and processes continue to evolve and meet your changing needs. Our team is always available to provide assistance and guidance whenever you need it.
At Technikole Consulting, we are passionate about driving technical advancement and helping you thrive with your small business endeavors.
As we step into the future, we carry with us the spirit of those who came before. The innovators and pioneers whose creativity lit the way.
Normatives
I used to think that I could not be an artist, that I was not creative in the way that creators create, artistically. I couldn’t shape a vase to save my life and the paintbrush was not my friend. There were never crepes or paper machetes in my toolkit. Nope, I definitely wasn’t an artist.
But in 2021, I changed my mindset. I was introduced to AI Generated Art (yes before DallE and before Midjourney), I began speaking my words into art. The technology shaped my words into beautiful and creative images. (Thank you to Kane and Low for slinging Gospel and Jewelry while providing valuable tips.)
Transformatives
I create a new path, mainly because I thought it was cool to see the interpretations of words through technology showing up as artistic renderings. I immediately took my vision one step further and minted them as NFTs on the blockchain, inspiring a whole new type of empowerment.
AiRT Work by Technikole, part of a Digital Transformation – the Journey to Empowerment (1/28/24)
Ridiculation
My thoughts were challenged, people said it wasn’t art. People said it wasn’t “me creating anything”, people side-eyed me but you know what? I kept going and today, its everywhere. Its the “thing” to do (or not). Its more accepted now than it was then but still there are those that ridicule. Tell me what form of art doesn’t have its “haters” – sideeye right back at cha.
My main NFT gallery is called “GalleryOThought”, because that is what it is, the story of my visions chronicling my journey as we head into the reality of the Metaverse…and beyond. We’ve progressed SO much in just a few years, its cool to see what I did then vs. what I made today:
AiRT Work by Technikole, part of a Digital Transformation – 03 (1/28/24)
Blaze a Trail
I think of trailblazers like Gladys West, the Black woman whose mathematical models were vital to the development of GPS in the 1980s. Decades before location tracking went mainstream, West had the vision to see its possibilities.
AiRT Work by Technikole, part of a Digital Transformation – 04 (1/28/24)
Or the possibilities that Marie Van Brittan Brown envisioned. She was the nurse who invented the home security system in 1966 to make her neighborhood safer. Her entrepreneurial solution was years ahead of its time…can you say cyber-security or physical-penetration testing?
AiRT Work by Technikole, part of a Digital Transformation – 05 (1/28/24)
Be Bold
These women embodied audacious imagination. By daring to think beyond the status quo of their eras, they paved inroads that lead us here today. Their brilliance guides us still. And there are hundreds more. They dared to be different, dared to be bold, dared to have their imaginations on trial.
AiRT Work by Technikole, part of a Digital Transformation – 06 (1/28/24)
At Technikole Consulting we dare too. During the Meta Mind Shift Mastermind, we seek to empower a new generation of diverse innovators, to provide them with the tools and community needed to dream big. Just as those who came before us did.
AiRT Work by Technikole, part of a Digital Transformation – 07 (1/28/24)
The pioneers of tomorrow are already among us. Eager minds of all ages, with fresh ideas to shape the future. I cannot wait to see where our participants creativity will take us. Will you be among us?
Dearest Seeker of Tomorrow, the unwritten future awaits your vision. Your resilience. Your hope. The opportunity to leave your bold mark is here. Seize it, register for the Meta Mind Shift Mastermind today!
Registration for Quarter 1 ends on February 14, the first session begins on February 13th.
Notice: The artwork depicted on this page was created in collaboration with Artificial Intelligence, it is available for sale or collection. Email inquiry@technikole.com for rates.
You’ve got fears. Your friends don’t understand. Your co-workers are oblivious. You are curious and you’ve got questions!
Welcome to the Meta Mind Shift Mastermind – where questions find answers and challenges meet innovation. Join a community of curious seekers, disruptors, and visionaries. Let’s bridge the gap together, creating a space that truly gets you. 🌐✨ #MetaMindShift#Innovators#Community
This year embark on a transformative journey with our mastermind community – a space crafted for individuals passionate about diving deep into the realms of AI, the Metaverse, and beyond. Discover cutting-edge insights, explore new dimensions, and gain hands-on experience as you pioneer the future of technology. Join us in this immersive experience where curiosity meets innovation, and together, we go DEEP into the exciting possibilities of the digital frontier.
Within this collaborative space, professionals from various industries converge to delve into the depths of AI, the metaverse, blockchain, and other groundbreaking technologies. Together, we’ll redefine how these tools catalyze positive change. Join us and be a part of the movement that is reshaping the future of innovation!
Come Together, Go D.E.E.P. Our mastermind sessions are designed for immersive collaboration. We’ll share insights, imagine possibilities and develop ethical, inclusive prototypes that demonstrate the potential of Augmenting Your Creativity, without altering your soul!
DISCOVER – Dive into the forefront of innovation, uncovering the latest trends and groundbreaking developments within future tech and the Metaverse.
EXPLORE – Envision and conceptualize new realities through collaborative sessions focused on possibility thinking and strategic foresight.
EXPERIENCE – Engage in hands-on workshops, lively discussions, and valuable networking with peers and industry experts.
PURSUE – Prepare to harness cutting-edge innovations to propel your business forward through collaborative ideation and project-based learning.
[ BEGINNERS WELCOME ] 24 Sessions in 2024! Tuesdays @7PM Sign Up at: https://lnkd.in/e25j7wGn REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 14, 2024
Questions? Contact Technikole Consulting [7033487366] or send to: “info@technikole.com“
Navigating Seamless Event Management: A Strategic Transition to Efficiency
Tools of Trade Event Management
Managing events across a large statewide organization with diverse regional branches became chaotic without proper tools. Seeking to streamline event management, our client required a solution providing visibility, flexibility, and ease-of-use. Through evaluation, we identified cost-effective software delivering needed Gantt chart features while remaining intuitive for daily use. Our phased implementation framework planned a smooth transition. The objective was an easily adoptable solution that achieved the client’s goals of streamlining cross-regional event management and reduced overlap. This case study demonstrates how finding the strategic solution can transform disjointed event management into an efficient process while meeting requirements.
Client Background
Our clients, a dynamic statewide organization with an advisory board, local leadership, and approximately 1000 members, aimed to streamline event management processes across its five diverse branches/divisions. They sought our advice just before heading into an implementation of tools that ultimately would date their process and not meet their requirements, adding on additional manual processes; ultimately it would prove cumbersome for maintenance.
The challenge lay in the limited capability of their existing system—reliance on Gmail and spreadsheets—which hindered their ability to effectively manage events and lacked the requirement of Gantt-chart-like functionalities. Stakeholders included upper management desiring the Gantt chart and day to day management along with ease of use, flexibility and visibility across regional teams in addition to adding visibility to streamline events, reduce overlap, and increase awareness of cross-regional activities both internally and publicly. Additional stakeholders included the Marketing and Events Management teams which would ultimately be responsible for practical application of any system rolled out.
Solution Overview
We carefully evaluated multiple options and selected a low-cost solution seamlessly that provided Gantt-chart-like features, task and event management system, meeting stakeholder requirements and improving accessibility. We chose Github Projects as a solution for this particular request because of its flexible customization. It was found to be one of the most functional and flexible tools available and beat out competitors like Asana, Trello and Google Calendar. For this very specific client request, Github Projects part of the Github platform, met the requirement.
A project is an adaptable spreadsheet, task-board, and road map that integrates with your issues and pull requests on GitHub to help you plan and track your work effectively. You can create and customize multiple views by filtering, sorting, grouping your issues and pull requests, visualize work with configurable charts, and add custom fields to track metadata specific to your team. Rather than enforcing a specific methodology, a project provides flexible features you can customize to your team’s needs and processes.
– Github Projects
To validate its potential effectiveness and alignment with the client’s requirements, we proceeded to construct a Proof of Concept (PoC). This PoC provided a tangible demonstration of the solution’s adaptability, leveraging the regions and existing events, while demonstrating sustainability of organization’s dynamic structure.
The PoC not only showcased the tool’s ability to meet upper management’s desire for Gantt charts but also addressed the day-to-day management requirements. Its intuitive interface, flexibility, and the enhanced visibility it offered across regional teams served as compelling evidence of its suitability.
Implementation
We utilized the Technikole Implementation framework, refined through feedback from our Proof of Concept review, as a guiding principle throughout the process. This approach ensured a seamless plan to transition to the new system, preserving essential functionalities. By adopting this dynamic solution, we planned to successfully improve event management without compromising the flexibility to revert to previous methods when needed.
Results
The transition is expected to be highly successful and adoption widely embraced. The planned implementation not only met the efficiency needs, it included Gantt-chart-like functionality, was flexible and also introduced a more robust and dynamic event tracking solution. As an added bonus it was low cost and a tool that fit within their industry. The selected tool for the job, ensured streamlined cross-regional event management while retaining the flexibility to adapt to evolving needs.
Conclusion and Call to Action
This case study demonstrates how finding the right tool for the job through seasoned advisory services and a strategic transition to a more dynamic event management system can significantly improve operations. For organizations seeking similar enhancements in event management, our advisory services stand ready to provide tailored solutions and guidance.
AiRT Work by Technikole, part of a Digital Transformation – the Journey to Empowerment (1/28/24)
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AiRT Work by Technikole, part of a Digital Transformation – 07 (1/28/24)
