My work has given me the opportunity to be at the helm of rapid innovation in the world of gaming. And one of the fastest growing segment is interactive gaming where the user gets to play the game and also create content like videos, virtual goods and even produce story lines. This is largely influenced by video gaming.

Here are three scenarios to help you make sense of what I am saying:

1. Communities get involved in creating content: Guitar hero is a game which allow users to create their own songs and share it with their friends. Also, game content creation enables users to create their own virtual goods to share with their friends. This leads to a new digital economy when the users can share the profits from the sale of their virtual goods with the developers. Allowing both communities of users and developers to benefit from each other – a win-win situation.

Continue Reading the post on ActiveGarage: Online Gamers become Contributors

Yes, the fact that Valentine’s Day was a week ago is not lost on me! In retrospect, its actually a good thing I waited to write this post till now as I had the time to notice very interesting shifts in behavior, thanks to the Social Media & Valentine Tribes! Alright, lets get going…

Some of us probably remember the days when you had to write a letter while you were dating or wooing someone special. This was not a long ago, although it might seem so. At that time, if you were in a long-distance relationship, you had no choice other than to write a letter or spend a ton of money making a long distance phone. In both cases, you were not sure if the person concerned will receive your message. Your best intentions to connect might be futile.

It is almost hard to believe but I have personally gone through that era. When I got my Valentine Card in the mail from my then boyfriend, now my husband; I did not receive it till the next day in my college hostel room. And when I did, I was already upset with him for being late (for apparently no fault of his since it was the nature of the postal system that caused the delay in the delivery).

Well! if you are late in today’s time only Heavens can save you. Since with emails, instant messengers, cell phones, text message, twitter, FB and smart phones you better have a good excuse. There is no way you can be late even if you were in a different time zone in a different country!

Continue Reading my post on Active Garage under my column: Social Media and Tribes: Virtual Valentine

This week, I celebrated my Birthday (yesterday November 16th). Every year on this day, I celebrate it. But the past few years have been quite special. And the credit goes to Facebook.

If you have ever received Birthday wishes on FB, you are getting the drift.

Pre-FB Scenario

I was not in touch with a lot of friends. Some of them parted ways when we finished school and some parted ways when we graduated from college. And so people who you used to celebrate your Birthday with vanished. So, on your Birthday just a small sample of your family and friends who remembered or were in touch with you wished you.

Continue Reading the post at ActiveGarage: Social Media and Tribes# 21 : Bday becomes a BIG Day

A recent report from Nielsen Company demonstrated that more and more Americans are spending time on Social Networks. Share of US internet time spent on social networking is 22.7% which clearly dominates the time (as highlighted in the list above) of where users spend their time online. There is an increase of 43% from 2009, which clearly indicates that it is no more an activity embraced by early adapters but now is part of the main stream population.

Continue Reading my post on ActiveGarage and check out the list: Broadcasting to intimate social circles

I have been to many conferences and people often tell me that they are extremely scared of Facebook as it has the potential to tarnish your professional identity. But who would have thought that it will become a force for people who are searching for jobs. There has been a lot of talk about recession and unemployment. But the fact is that 90% people are still employed and social media has reduced the time needed to build really effective relationships.

Two myths about social media and career:

Myth #1: It is about sitting behind a computer:
This is NOT the case. It is a tool to build relationships and take it offline to build stronger relationships.

Myth #2: It can hurt your reputation
This is NOT always the case. You can actually be strategic and craft a reputation that fits your career goals.

How can you create a career by being social by intention?

Continue Reading my article at on Active Garage under the series: Social Media and Tribes : Social by Intention

Travel is one of my favorite activities – be it for Business, Pleasure or JUST like that. I enjoy traveling a LOT. I am NOT the person who when jetlagged gets uncomfortable or hates air travel.

If you are like me, you are smart in reading this post.

Here are 3 reasons to travel:

1. Discover: I love discovering new natural sights – like mountains, rivers and sky colors. I almost forget how beautiful nature is sitting in my office. So, this is a wonderful reminder of the beauty we are surrounded by.

2. Experience: I love experiencing new cultures and places. It is amazing how things start to shift as in how people eat, interact or even talk within traveling a small distance.

3. History: If you are someone who like to travel to ancient locations, you are left with amazement with the civilizations before you. It is wonderful to connect with artifacts and experience history.

This is an awesome video…Think like a CHAMP. I need not say more…you will GET the point.

I have been blessed with a lot of friends. This is in part that I did my schooling, engineering, MBA, jobs in different states and countries and finally business associates. Every opportunity led to new friends. They enrich my life, never let me quit and share my joys and sorrows BUT most importantly they make life’s every moment FUN.

Here is why I believe they are my best asset.

1. Companionship - I have them around me – all the time. If I have worked too hard, they are open to come for a movie, picnic or vacation. If I am busy, without saying a word, they leave me. Funny! I feel they are still having a silent conversation. Most precious are their emails which are short notes reminding me of them and expressing their thoughts on what I can do better or stop doing altogether. This is valuable – afterall no one else gives a better feedback that you would listen to.

2. Humor – I think laughing is important. Not only does it have good health benefits, it has drastic impact on your mood. You always remember the times you laughed till you got tears in your eyes. They make you laugh at your failures and make them look insignificant and let you pick up life as if nothing happened. And when you succeed, they are there to celebrate with you.

3. Fun - Think of going through life without having any fun – No way. They add the element of fun when they show up unannounced, call you impulsively, send an unexpected gift, plan a surprise birthday and most importantly never mind you.

Enjoy with your friends!

This is that time of the year when we get a chance to reflect back on the year and be grateful for things in our lives.

When I started my Diversity and Advancement Of Women journey in 2007, I was clueless of how things will shape out. I knew I loved this work and this was my “calling”. My desire to dabble in this work tested me out as I faced many challenges. And then, I found many people along the way who believed in me and enriched my life with their guidance.

So, today I am taking the opportunity to Thank these people who accompanied me and guided me.

1.
Seth Godin Live in Silicon Valley: I was in my MBA program when I first came across Seth’s name. I read his book “Purple Cow” and became a huge fan. In 2007, he visited Bay Area sponsored by “Invincibelle” and “Edithyeung.com“. It meant a lot to me. Thanks to Rajesh Setty, Edith Yeung and SETH himself.

2. Steve Piazzale invited me to his “You’re Hired” TV show: I was invited to speak about what vision I had to empower women in the workforce. Thanks to Steve Piazzale for sharing my vision with his viewers.

3.
Trust Workshop for Working Mother Media: I was invited to speak about “Trust” by Working Mother Media in Houston and Washington. I was inspired by Dr. Flores thoughts to develop this talk. Thanks to Carol Evans for the opportunity to share it with participants of Working Mother Media events.

4. PWC Diversity Leadership Forum: At this event, I was representing the “New voice of Diversity” and later heard Malcolm Gladwell and Condeleeza Rice on topics relevant to Diversity. Thanks to Laura Swapp, Jennifer Allyn, Carol Evans, Ilene Lang, Ted Childs, Malcolm Gladwell and Condoleezza Rice.

5. Global Advancement of Conference in India: I had the opportunity to talk to many professional women in India about the issues they face in the workforce. I believe India will lead the way for Work Life integration for women in the workforce in the coming years. I was excited to work on this project in identifying the burning issues for women in India…it was like home coming. Thanks to Carol Evans, Jackie Glen, Rohini Anand and Tracy Ann Curtis for their leadership in shaping this event.

6. DiversityTweet: Embracing growing Diversity in our world - my first book. This was possible because of relentless efforts of Rajesh Setty, Bill Sherman, Mitchell Levy. Thanks to Carol, Evans, Aida Sabo, Rosalyn O’Neale Taylor, Dr. Rita Boags, Tracy Ann Curtis, Capt. Ken Barett and Rohini Anand for endorsing the book.

7. eBay Work Life Integration talk: I was invited to speak to speak to women in technology about work life issues. Thanks to eBay WIT organization.

8. Women of Personality Project: Rohit Bhargava invited me to be part of this fascinating project. In this I shared a story that is very close to my heart. Thanks Rohit.

9. Friends and Family: Thanks for your constant support. You make life FUN and JOYOUS.

10. Building Trust across Race, culture and Ethnicity: I was invited my to Women’s Inter-Cultural Exchange to keynote the Talk on “Building Trust across cultures, business and relationships”. The day before the event, Dr. Carter opened the Smith house to host a reception. He warmed everyone’s hearts with his hospitality. I was thrilled to be part of the Reception. Next day, we had the Basketball court, turned into a packed hall where people gathered to hear my talk. Thanks to to to Women’s Inter-Cultural Exchange founders and organizers.