SavySwap Is A Go!

So if you don't know I created a startup called SavySwap, which as it names says is based around swapping. I couldn't be more happier with my decision to take a leap of faith by leaving the world renowned, Howard University and go at this full time. The things I have experienced since starting this adventure have been amazing and invaluable. From connecting with some great people to getting wonderful feedback from friends, family, and even strangers, it's been a blessing.

So Where Are We Now

Since the summer, SavySwap has come from being just an idea to becoming a reality. This journey has not always been easy but if Frodo could travel to Middle Earth to return the ring, why can't I! Over the past few weeks SavySwap has been moving at full speed. First and foremost, we have officially become incorporated! Second, we have completely redesigned a new landing page which will roll out later this week, here's a sneak-peek at the new page.

Third, we are in the process of creating a beta mobile app for the iPhone. You can see some of the screenshots below:

What's Next?

So what's next? Well we will need your help bringing a complete app to you, the people! We are running a crowdfunding campaign in the next few weeks and your help would be greatly appreciated. You can expect some pretty dope perks and rewards for your contributions. 

Now, we understand that not everyone will be able to contribute money and that is okay, but that doesn't mean you can't help us out and receive rewards too. Starting on December 1st you can head on over to the newly redesigned SavySwap page, and sign up for our email listing and enter for a chance to win a brand new iPhone 5, for FREE! 

The rules are simple. Using the exclusive link you will receive upon signing up, get as many friends as possible to signup using your link. The person who brings in the most unique email users will win. 

Stay Savy

Yes, I know savvy is normally spelled with two v's but we aren't looking to be normal. I would like to thank everyone who has given their support and warm wishes so far. This include my grandparents whose help, wisdom, and teachings throughout my childhood have helped make all this possible. To my parents who probably lost endless hours of sleep during my whirlwind college career until now, I thank you! And to all my friends and family who have shown support during this journey, I thank you too. Without you all SavySwap could not have gotten this far. 

Make sure to check out SavySwap on Facebook and Twitter and remember the adventure is just beginning. Stay Savy my friends!

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What Are You Thankful For

Thanksgiving is here! A time to be with your families, watch football, eat dry turkey and for everyone to put aside their differences and have a good time. Though I'm not with my family and friends this year, I am still very much thankful for everything they have done for me.

Take a moment to think about what your thankful for. Enjoy!

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Two Types of People in This World: Coders and Non-Coders

For the past 12 hours I have been sitting hunched over my computer teaching myself the programming language, Ruby. I was so involved in this that I literally forgot to eat! Now for non-tech people, you probably think that this is crazy, and yes we are a tad bit crazy; but coding is probably one of the best rushes in the world! Having the ability to create something innovative, beautiful, and functionable makes the long hours worth it.

Take a look at the sites you visit daily, may it be Google, Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, etc. We don't take time to think about the complexity that goes behind building these sites, why? BECAUSE THEY FUNCTION SO WELL IT SEEMS NATURAL. But imagine the hundreds of thousands of lines of code that make up just your Twitter feed. Is your mind blown yet?

I'm no expert hacker or ninja coder, yet! But with only one day of learning Ruby, I was able to create a functional site with user login capabilities.

My point being is this, don't wait around and read about the next Facebook or Twitter being built. Take the same time you would spend trolling through your timeline and learn how to build these sites. I guarantee that within 10-20 years if you can't code you won't be able to get a good paying job. Just take a look around you and think about it.

PS- I have to give a shoutout to Mattan Griffel for an amazing intro to Ruby tutorial. I recommend everyone checks out his online class.

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Working Together Today, For A Brighter Tomorrow

This is a random post but I feel this needs to be said. I've been seeing a lot of press lately of rappers, singers, athletes, etc., beefing online via Twitter over the littlest and most childish things with some cases ending in real world altercations. Speaking from the prospective of a young black male who is looking to create something that will make a difference in the world this upsets me.

It saddens me to see that we as a society are missing the purpose of working together and collaborating to create something bigger then us. Yes attaining money, fame, and status is always good but what is your impact on society.  Why must we publicly put each other down for the sake of what? To show you have more album sales, or you make more money, or you have more jewelry or fancier cars then the next person. Yes attaining money, fame, and status is great but what will your legacy be once you are gone. What ideals and values are you getting across to the people who aspire to be you.

The reason I see this as a problem is because in today's world, we the people are heavily influenced by what these stars do, say and endorse. If you do not believe this to be true, simply take a look at the drink Ciroc. Ciroc has been around since 2003, in 2007 Sean "Diddy" Combs begin to endorse the Vodka drink. Within eight months, sales increased over 100%. Since Diddy's endorsement until now overall sales have increased 500%. Anyone else see the connection. Look at any video that Diddy is in, that Rick Ross and his label Maybach Music Group produce, among other rappers. Is Ciroc necessarily better then any other Vodka? Maybe, maybe not, but the drink is primally brought because of who endorses it.

Imagine high profile artists, athletes, and performers collaborating instead of tearing each other down. And I don't mean to donate money when a disaster happens or to boost their public image, but to truly work on something innovative and unique. We all can't be rappers or actors or athletes but that does not mean we cannot be successful. The same tech tools these stars use to attack and defame each other are the same tools they could be touching the leaders of tomorrow how to build, create and master them.

To close, you may or may not agree with this post, but look at the world around us, influence is a major part of our society. If you want role models inspire to be like Tristan Walker, Michael Seibel, Garrett Gee, Kimberly Bryant, Ashton Kutcher, Daniel Brusilovksy. These are people who are making a difference, changing lives, and creating new opportunities for leaders of tomorrow. With technology it does not matter what race, gender, age, or creed you are, you can create anything you desire and achieve any goal you set for yourself.

Let me know your thoughts on this topic by either commenting below, sending me an email or tweeting me.

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