Obama matatu

ooohh I miss home...

absolute and relative positioning

by Mauricio Samy Silva

Lost yet? It still sounds like gibberish to me too. I’ll pull up a common example to help drive it home.
Dynamic Positioning

For stopdesign.com, (at the time of this writing) I use absolute positioning for the right column (#subcol). When I designed the templates, I wanted the right column to appear immediately below the header (#header) with no overlap and no gaps between each block. The header contains the logo and main navigation. Because the navigation is text, it can be resized via browser controls. This directly affects the height of the entire header. I could have positioned the right column in context to page boundaries, choosing a starting top position based on a measured header height. But since the header varies in height from browser to browser based on default text sizes, this means the right column would sometimes overlap the header if the header grows in height. Or a gap may appear between the header and right column if the header gets smaller than my initial measurement.

Because the positioned containing #content element always starts below the header, the absolute-positioned right column adjusts position based on the height of the header.
Diagram 1

To adapt to this variable header height, I use a positioned container element (#content). This container appears in the markup immediately after the header, and is assigned position:relative;. This allows the container element to appear in (and affect) the normal flow of the document; the top of the container will always appear immediately below the bottom of the header, no matter how large or small the header becomes. Because #content is positioned, this also resets the positioning context for any elements it contains. The right column (#subcol) is contained within #content, so the right column gets positioned in the top-right corner of #content, rather than the top-right corner of the page. This allows the right column to adapt in vertical position according to the height of the header, as modeled in Diagram 1.
Bottom-hugging Navigation

Diagram 2-A shows the default navigation text size.
Diagram 2-A
Diagram 2-B shows a larger navigation text size and the same header height.
Diagram 2-B

Finally, I circle back to the Adaptive Path navigation, which represents a different use of this making-absolute-relative technique. I could have easily assigned a fixed margin-top to the navigation and been done with it. But in this case, I want the header to always remain the same height, no matter how large or small the navigation text becomes. In other words, I don’t want the dark green border below the navigation to change in vertical position, relative to the logo, as shown in Diagrams 2-A and 2-B.

Rather, the navigation text is free to be sized up or down, but its baseline position remains constant. It always touches the dark green border, and never overlaps this border. By positioning the #nav element using position:relative; and assigning a specific height to this container (72px), the container establishes a new positioning context for the “inner” div. The inner div can now be absolute-positioned to the bottom of the #nav container using bottom:0;.

Other uses for this technique certainly exist. It’s not an uncommon desire to want to reset positioning context for an absolute-positioned element to something other than the page’s boundaries. The reasoning behind why I do what I do is often obvious to me. But it took a reminder that reasoning isn’t always so obvious to everyone else. Perhaps this technique is now a little more understood by others (maybe even obvious to them) as well.

CSS float property

Another informative article from smashingmag

Years ago, when developers first started to make the transition to HTML layouts without tables, one CSS property that suddenly took on a very important role was the float property. The reason that the float property became so common was that, by default, block-level elements will not line up beside one another in a column-based format. Since columns are necessary in virtually every CSS layout, this property started to get used — and even overused — prolifically.

The CSS float property allows a developer to incorporate table-like columns in an HTML layout without the use of tables. If it were not for the CSS float property, CSS layouts would not be possible except using absolute and relative positioning — which would be messy and would make the layout unmaintainable.

In this article, we’ll discuss exactly what the float property is and how it affects elements in particular contexts. We’ll also take a look at some of the differences that can occur in connection with this property in the most commonly-used browsers. Finally, we’ll showcase a few practical uses for the CSS float property. This should provide a well-rounded and thorough discussion of this property and its impact on CSS development.

for further reading
http://reference.sitepoint.com/css/float
http://css-tricks.com/all-about-floats/
http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/2005/02/26/simple-clearing-of-floats/
http://www.w3.org/TR/CSS2/visuren.html#floats
http://reference.sitepoint.com/css/floatclear

30+ Ways to Create an Incredible Client Experience

Since I am web designer it's important to keep up with whats going on in the design world I found this tips which I would like to keep, from Freelance switch.

30+ Ways to Create an Incredible Client Experience

The first ten tips were submitted by prize-winners, followed by 30 excellent tips from other freelancers who participated in the competition. Enjoy, and thanks to everyone who participated!

#1. Don’t make your work invisible

One way to give your client a great experience is to make sure you communicate.

For example, update your client every step of the way. Sometimes you can get so involved in back-end and behind the scenes work that your client doesn’t know what’s going on or thinks nothing is happening. The bottom line is to let your client know what you’ve been up to so they know that they are getting the quality that they paid for. Trust me, they will thank you for taking the time to let them know.

Don’t be invisible, talk to your clients.

— Justin Shreve

#2. Give them a toolkit, make it memorable

When I finish a web-design job, I put together a document that explains the purpose of the website in layman’s terms, how all the pieces fit together, and an “access” page that lists any username/passwords associated with the account (ftp, blog, etc). I also include a CD that contains the complete website in one folder, and in another, all the images used on the site. This is packaged in a self-stick plastic envelope, and attached to the inside of a portfolio folder along with the document. I’ve resisted the idea of putting my logo on the outside of the folder, instead, using the client’s logo. This becomes an important document for the client and they’re often able to refer back to it for logos and “help” if they need something.

It also serves as a tangible reminder of the (intangible) service that they received.

— Andy Dahl

#3. Help clients understand what you do

Reduce the fear: remember that your clients are often out of their depth (that’s why they’re clients), and explain everything in language that they can understand.

I have had technophobic clients – not just ones who were unnerved by jargon, but people who were highly anxious that if they pressed the wrong button, or clicked the wrong thing, that everything would break. These people obviously need reassurance and support throughout the process. Others seem to understand but don’t – these too are fearful (of appearing ignorant, of being shown up in some way), and like to have things explained clearly. Some are happy to acknowledge that they don’t understand, but not all.

Keep it simple, keep it clear, and keep it calm, so everyone understands what is happening and feels safe.

— Lucy

#4. Brand the experience

There are a ton of talented freelancers out there who are as skilled as you, if not better. But you are unique and the experience of working with you is part of your brand. When you sit down to create your website, look, branding, etc. include (in writing) the unique ways that you communicate, resolve conflict, offer support, encourage clients, etc. as part of that brand.

One example is rewarding clients for meeting their OWN deadlines. You are expected to meet deadlines set ahead of time because you are getting paid the big bucks. But how often are you waiting on deliverables from your client like feedback and content? Set some deadlines for them and offer rewards for meeting them. Maybe something like a discount, free eNewsletter blast, book related to their industry, or a gift certificate would do the trick.

If you can do the special “extra” things, you will become the freelance version of George from “It’s a Wonderful Life” and your clients will never want to wonder what business might be like without you.

— Dave Yankowiak

#5. Pay attention to the details

I can’t believe the number of clients that I speak to who are frustrated because the people they are working with don’t take the small stuff seriously. That typo may be no big deal to you, but it erodes confidence in your work, and your customer (if your work is seen externally).

This doesn’t mean you need to act like everything is a crisis. But the details matter, and you should act accordingly.

— Avonelle Lovhaug

#6. Focus on the visible, outsource the rest

It may sound controversial but in my experience, the best way to keep a client happy is to outsource any part of a project that is not visible.

By visible I mean anything that the client can see, understand and evaluate. As a freelance web designer, the visible parts of a project are the design and the project management. Those are the things that, if done well, will lead to repeat business and referrals.

I know that the client needs top-notch code but in most cases the client doesn’t know or care whether the code is W3C compliant. To the client, the coding is invisible and no matter how awesome it is there’s not a lot I can do that will wow the client. So I outsource the creation of W3C compliant code to someone who can do it cheaper and faster (but still to the highest standard) and I spend the time I gain on making the visible elements of the project as awesome as possible.

So take a look at your processes and decide which parts are invisible and find someone who you trust to do those jobs for you. Then focus on the visible.

— Elliot

#7. Take initiative and learn about the client’s industry

Whether you’re able to use the knowledge you gather on the project or not, show your client you’re invested in their success by spending some of your own time understanding the market they face, best industry practices, and developments in their line of business. Leafing through the most recent trade journals associated with their industry can tell you a great deal, and demonstrates a willingness to partner with them, not just vend services to them.

— Jean Goodwyn

#8. Provide a pathway for further development

Something I always like to do with my clients is provide a document near the end of the project which explores the ‘where we go from here’ options. Essentially, it is a road map for the client to logically follow to their next creative need or development.

Anyone can finish a project, most people can finish a project on time, half of those people can do a decent job on the project, a few deliver big time, and a very select handful take the initiative to go above and beyond all of that! My clients are often shocked that I would take an interest in their company to the point of actually giving them a document which brainstorms some potential creative steps. Not only do you earn major points in the client trust department, but you also are more likely to receive repeat business or referrals. It’s always worked well for me, and I don’t know of many who do the same in my area. Hope this helps!

— Stephen

#9. Don’t wait for the client to ask

Anticipate a Client’s needs and wants and proactively deliver on those before the client even has the chance to ask.

For example: don’t wait for the Client to ask for a status update. Get into the habit of giving regular updates.

When doing presentations, leave little or no room for questions. Address every possible question (or potential issue) you can think of in the content of your presentation. Don’t give them the opportunity to poke holes in your solution or to ask “what about XYZ?”

To do this best, you have to start thinking like your client. Know their style; know their thought process and you can typically anticipate what they will ask for next.

— Alvin

#10. What would make *you* rave?

If you wanted this done, figure where your product would suffice, then think of what you would be impressed by. The kind of thing that would spark conversation with friends in a pub: ‘So I hired this *insert career*, not only did they get the work done on time, they *insert extra idea* which was awesome, you should hire them!’

Make people talk and your advertising has gone viral.

— Tom Davenport

#11. Do work that is one-of-a-kind

Work towards being completely original and creating a style that’s all your own. This tip is more directed towards designers but it can also be applied elsewhere. Think about the thousands and thousands of freelancers that are out there that are doing the same job as you. Make it a point in your own mind to really work towards being unique and adding a personal subtle touch to everything you produce. Sure, you can pull from the numerous techniques you’ve been taught or pulled from others but the great designers are the ones who’s work you can spot immediately within a group because they give a piece of themselves every time they create. Not only is that the reason you can justify high rates but its also what makes your client feel as though no matter how far and wide they searched for a designer, the product they got was a one of a kind and won’t be duplicated.

— Mykal Cave

#12. Treat your client’s work as your own

We all know the amount of time we spend on our own personal projects; the finishing touches, CSS nitpicking and the 1 pixel changes. If you share the passion you have for your own projects and apply that to your client’s project brief, you will not only improve the quality of their work, but also your service as a designer.

— Mat

#13. Give more than you promise

I do this with every client and every client walks out the door feeling like they got that little bit extra. Also, sending a thank you note goes han-in-hand with this. That little extra touch goes a long way to say that you care about them and their company for more than just their money.

— Davis

#14. Keep them well-fed

Tell them what you are doing, when you are doing it by and WHY you are doing it. And whenever I turn up for meetings… I bring home-baked chocolate chip cookies. Works like a charm.

— dunK

#15. Make yourself replaceable

I know, we all want to create long-term work with our clients. We want to make sure we’re the ones who get the job a year from now to update that website or document, or marketing campaign, or whatever it is you create. Not only should you resist the urge to do things in a way that only works for you, but you should actively work to make sure someone else can come in later. That may mean leaving source code, or documentation, or source images with the client but in the long run your clients will appreciate, and remember this.

— Tanner Burson

#16. Listen, then communicate

Listening is truly underrated. Try to HEAR what your client is saying. Ask them for details, thoughts on design, copy, layout, and then ask for more. Listen to what they say. Sometimes, listening between the lines is necessary too.

Then, after listening, communicate to the client. Keep them updated through the process. Return emails as quickly as possible. Send progress updates. Then, after you launch their site/write their piece, contact them a week or so later to touch base and see if they need anything else.

Clients love this.

— Melek

#17. When it doesn’t work, propose something else

I think the most important thing is to build a good relation through communication. Most of the time I find that a client will understand that what he wants the way he wants it is just not doable if I explain to him why, and if I find a solution by proposing something else. Of course, this only works if he trusts you, and you need to be 100% honest, and to do what you said you would do in time. I think freelancers needs to be extra creative, not just in their field of writing, designing, or programming, but also in finding the best solution for their clients needs in order to meet their expectations, and to give them a little extra they didn’t expected.

— Melanie

#18. Be like a Mom & Pop store to your clients

Set yourself apart by providing professional services the way a local Mom & Pop shop would: uniquely and without being afraid to develop relationships with your clients.

I worked at an independent bookstore in high school and I can tell you that the only reason it stayed in business when pitted up against Amazon (and the other dotcom’s of the world) and Borders/Barnes and Noble was the friendly smile that customers knew would greet them, along with a ‘Hello Mr. So-and-So! How’s the new baby? We just got a new book by (insert author here) that I picked up and immediately thought of you.’

The combination of open and honest communication along with tenacity and a little bit of audacity (in being willing to give a client the straight dope on any project) is a surefire way to communicate that, though you’ve got a backlog of a dozen other clients you need to talk to right after them, they are what’s on the front of your mind right at this moment and at times when they are not around, and that you have got their backs.

Don’t be afraid to show personality, because that is a distinguishing characteristic.

Don’t be afraid to get up-close and personal – invite your clients to a party along with personal friends and family – because that will establish a stronger bond.

Don’t be afraid to break the rules and go against the grain in working out special deals and accommodating the individual needs of each and every client, because this is something the bigger studios usually cannot do.

Don’t be afraid. If you aren’t confident, despite (or because of) the fact that you are the little guy, your client won’t be either.

Remember that everyone loves an independent bookstore. Bring that same characteristic charm and functionality to your clients.

— Colin Wright

#19. Add more value than you receive

Your clients should always know, feel and hopefully recognize they are getting more than what was laid out in the requirements. Adding value to the relationship strengthens the link you have and enhances the client’s experience. This can lead to more work, referrals and other opportunities.

— Graeme Mac

#20. Follow-up!

Two very simple rules:

#1 Call people back
#2 Respond to emails

It may sound stupid but many people never respond to emails or call potential clients back.

— Scott Lukaitis

#21. Help clients discover what is really important to them

Help your clients determine what is really important to them, and focus on the areas that will provide a measurable return.

Many clients don’t really know what they want when going into a project. They have vague ideas like ‘establish a web presence’ or ‘drive search engine traffic’ that are not quantifiable and hard to measure. A little extra time drilling down and establishing clear goals will ensure that everybody is happy with the product delivered.

In my experience the rush to get something done often means that important questions like ‘why?’ are not asked frequently enough and end up being assumed. Without knowing ‘why’ you want to establish a web presence it is impossible to know when you have met that goal. By repeatedly asking ‘why’ you force the true goals out.

With the vague ‘establish a web presence’ requirement, that could mean many things. You need to ask ‘why?’ in order to determine what to build in that case. Does the client want to sell products, share their thoughts and philosophy of the world, or just gain some brand recognition?

— Lar Van Der Jagt

#22. Trust is key

The single greatest asset to my business as a freelancer is my willingness to build trust. It is not enough to simply relay to a client what I can do for their business as a web developer. They must also know who I am, from head to toe, with regard to my personality, my culture, and my history. They must know what makes me tick and what makes me smile, and in return I promise to do the same with them.

My happiest clients have been those who I have chatted with about my travels and experiences abroad (I am currently living in Sai Gon, Viet Nam), my strong affinity for Thai food, and my even more crippling aversion to paper and mayonnaise. On the surface, none of these elements of my personality push my projects to completion, but they do create an atmosphere of trust and honesty. I want to know that my clients trust that I will listen to them in an open and honest manner and in turn want to give them a bit of my trust to facilitate the relationship.

This all sounds rosy and Utopian in the fast paced, low paying, starving artist portrait of the freelancing world that we all make this out to be sometimes, but I can swear that taking an open, honest, and friendly approach with my clients is the sole reason that they have come back to me with project after project.

You know how you can tell when you’ve developed a strong relationship with your clients? It is when they talk first about the happenings in their life with you, second about the specifics of their project, and third about the project cost. Hang on to these clients, because either by their own realization or by your doing, they have developed an understanding that freelancers are not worker bees, machines, or semi-conscious computers.

Trust is where it’s at. Develop a skill to grow trust between yourself and your client, and they will love you for it. Project deadline problems, revision boot camps, scope creep, and late invoices will become less painful. Become a real human being in your client’s eyes and he will want to treat you with the same amount of respect that he gives to his friends. And, in turn, you will want to shine for him and make his project your own.

Again, I know this sounds far too idealistic for any red blooded freelancer who has gone through her fair share of heart breaking projects and nasty clients. But I promise that just by opening yourself up a little and showing a little bit of who you are underneath the freelancer mask, your projects and client relationships will be all the better for it. Who’s with me?

— Philip Arthur Moore

#23. It’s all about people

Learn how to work with ALL types of personalities and communication styles. Buy a book or take a workshop about communication styles if you need to. Your clients will better understand you and, more importantly, you will better understand your clients. Quality, two-way discussions allow both sides to clarify the vision, goal, purpose, method, approach, etc. and properly manage expectations for a successful project.

…it’s all about the people.

— Krista

#24. End it with a smile!

After all the hard work is done, don’t be in a hurry for the end. Help your client out with the finishing touches, because all the hard work and plus points will be forgotten if things end badly. Make sure the client understands how to use/edit/upload/update before you leave, even if you won’t be paid for this final favor. Doing this will touch the client’s heart, and in return you will surely get something good for yourself.

— aLITIMATE

#25. Throw in some freebies

The best tip I know is to go out of your way and go above and beyond the client’s past experiences. The easiest way I know to do that is to let them know. When I’m asked to make a few changes on the design, such as text changes or something, let them know what you’ve done and do it for free. Even though it wouldn’t have taken any real digital time, they will be pleased about you “helping” them out and not only will they come back but they will be talking about you.

— Drew

#26. Involve your client at every step of the way

Get your client involved as much as possible. Asking your client for feedback during different stages of your product will make them feel as if they have ownership of it. Also, by getting feedback incrementally during the evolution of the product, it will help you determine if you are on the right track to providing a deliverable that the client will love.

Getting a gig, then working on it for a few weeks/months and then showing the finished product to the client usually does not lead to the client’s vision of the final product. Involving your client will give them time to process what you are delivering to them and allow the product to grow on them. I think this especially works for clients who do not know what they exactly want. In the end, you will have done less work and your client will love it. Win-win situation for everyone.

An example of where this works pretty well is in web site development. Break up the work into demonstrable parts. Once you finish an end-to-end feature, show it to the client and get feedback. The client will see the progress being made and can provide quick feedback.

— Pulkit Sethi

#27. Be available face-to-face

My favourite tip is doing those extra little things that the client doesn’t expect. I understand that suggestions like adding extra functionality into a clients website or adding an extra 1000 business cards printed for free have been said. However, as a freelancer, I understand that I need to be different to compete in this huge dog-eat-dog industry. What I’ve found that works best for both the client and myself is to meet with the client at a time when the client is best available, no matter of location. If the client wants to do lunch in between their business dealings, that’s fine. If the client would rather meet with me 6am before work or 9pm at their own house after a long days work, that’s even better.

I’ve found that taking the time out and meeting the client at their house after work helps a lot. The client feels relaxed and is more welcoming to do business with you, because the client is in their own personal space and feels comfortable at any time to say, “your proposal is interesting, but it’s not what we’re looking for. Thank you.” At the same time, the client more often takes on your proposal or concept and you’re rewarded with their work.

— Oliver

#28. Go visit them

If you are going to do a job over the internet for far away clients, and if the budget allows for an air or train ticket, go meet them in person. And again at the end of the job, too.

I think there are several reasons to do this:

- you can understand their request better, then work less afterwards
- you show how much you care of your clients
- they seldom expect it, thus appreciate it a lot

They WILL rave about it expecially if you are kind and professional. You’ll then get a lot of word-of-mouth going on. To say more, you can get out of your cubicle, find new inspiration by breaking the routine, and can use the travelling time anyway, reading some book or manual or firing up your laptop.

— A. Argiolas

#29. Motivate and inspire your clients

I work with small start-ups and their needs in graphic design. I have found that when you become your Clients Cheerleader, encouraging them in their pursuit or dream, they are appreciative of your work as well as feeling as if they aren’t alone in beginning a new business.

Be available. Listen. Be creative.

— Tanya

#30. Be honest—always

“When in doubt, honesty is the best policy.”

Clients will come and go and some of the best may stay but being honest will keep your business on track. More problems can be solved quickly and upfront by being honest rather than being deceitful or defensive with clients. If something goes wrong with a project or you need extra money let them know upfront and work out a deal. Without honesty we resort to a win-lose situation where one person walks away unhappy or unsatisfied with their service or product. Being honest only serves to strengthen the trust between yourself and your clientele. A simple concept but underused.

— Patrick

#31. Don’t rush

Have patience. You might be anxious to rush into a project, or to get it done; but your client may not be so anxious. Rushing will only result in mistakes, more work, and a frustrated client. Have patience with yourself and your client, and your best work will come through in the process.

— Kari Rippetoe

#32. Adapt to the client’s personality

One of my best abilities is to adapt to my client’s personality. Everyone loves a personal reflection of themselves, even if it’s a little bit. Upon meeting up with a client, I study their behavior patterns and see a little bit of me in them. I won’t try to mock them, but to “accommodate” them. For example, if they are a funny type, I’ll have a lil’ joke to share. If they are upset at the time, I try to be a bit understanding. If they love their children so much that they can’t go by 10 minutes without saying their names, I make sure to emphasis how important this project is so they can take their kids someplace when the project is successful! Of course, when the client is serious and business-like, I match up with the client to make sure they take me seriously. I realize that some clients look at me as a team player and sometimes a friend. So, adapt to your client. They will be glad you are really listening and as upbeat (or as serious) as they are!

— Nu Digi

#33. Get specific

Help your client understand what they want. Clients look to us, the experts, to deliver what they want, even if they don’t know what that is themselves. When you’re getting mixed signals from a client, the best thing you can do is sit down with them (literally or figuratively) and refine the project scope. It never hurts to ask, “Are you looking for X or something more along the lines of Y?”

Get the conversation started early, return to it whenever you have questions, and save yourself a lot of trouble.

— Jen Kollmer

#34. Put your heart into it

Always go the extra mile to give them more than they wanted. Add a little more to their website and put your heart into the work as if it were your own. I have an accountant who goes out of her way to make the delivery of my tax return special. The tax return would come in a nice folder personalized with my name and tax year. Inside would be my papers, a handwritten “thank you”, and tabs to mark where my signatures were required. Included would also be an already addressed envelope to send to the IRS, and an invoice with an addressed envelope to send back to her. It makes things so much easier for me, and leaves a mark in my mind that this person is professional and cares about her clients. I know that she will be getting repeat business from me and possibly from many others. I be sure to remember to use the same professionalism with my own clients. Hopefully it will leave a mark on them, and so on…

— Erica

#35. Act like it’s your most important job yet

The moment you get laxidasical about a client is the moment your level of professionalism and work ethic go out the window. This usually applies for the up and coming freelancer who will do anything to keep finding work. But as I have moved through that stage myself i’ve found how rewarding my attitude and drive towards new projects and clients can be if I always view it like its the single most important job I’ve had and that nothing, not years of experience nor a high price tag, will ever get in the way of the client’s goals and my root beliefs of my business. Always keep smiling!

— Mark Tarman

#36. Always complete the job to your fullest capacity

Instead of completing 90% of the work and letting clients visualize the remaining 10%, put forth the effort and finish the work.

it’s all to simple when time slips away during a project and you’reup against a deadline to turn work over unfinished. “Just imagine it with this shading and that gradient” or “It will have the ability to expand!” are simple to understand as a designer, but customers rarely understand what you mean.

Be more disciplined with your time, communicate to clients the necessity of not handing over incomplete work, and most importantly, finish the task before you move on to the next one!

— Chris Wyatt

#37. Use the phone

Keep communication personal.

It’s easy to get in the habit of using email for all of your client contacts, but never underestimate the power of a phone call. Unless your client specifies that they prefer email for all communication, a simple phone call to touch base on an existing or future project shows you genuinely care, and can often mean the difference between getting future work or not.

— Daniel Clarke

#38. Give them an analysis

Actually, the best thing to do for the client is to do a simple (shareholder and much much more) analysis of where it/she/he really belongs to on this planet/ in their own market place. The artistic side of design is often subjective, but the act of including an analytical pagelet, if you will, of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities for the client, or their image, as far as design is concerned, will really give them something to think about.

The client’s main issue is to know A) Who they are as a brand/image B) Where they are as a brand/image/company as related to all things design. That is what I always give them, besides the design work and the project report. Depending on the client this can be from a brief intuitive note up to a full report.

— Robert Jakobson

selling my art notes

This inspired me to be aggressive about finding a market for my art...points to think about.
Who is your ideal audience?
How do you find them?
Which marketing strategies work, and which ones just drain your bank account?

Kenyan behind Oprah’s school IT network

By Wallace Kantai (email the author)
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Posted Friday, August 28 2009 at 00:00

A friend leading by example.

Remember Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy? The school for girls in Johannesburg that was designed to be the showpiece for the education of underprivileged girls?

The South African version of our very own Starehe Boys’ Centre, but built with the millions and attention from the world’s richest black woman.

If you had gone for the school’s opening in January 2007, you would have been dazzled by the stars on display that day. From old stalwarts like Sidney Poitier and Quincy Jones, to newer luminaries such as Chris Rock and Mariah Carey, the gallery of entertainment and civil rights heavyweights present that night —to ‘sindikiza’, if you will, their fellow superstar—was quite amazing.

You would have been forgiven, then, to look past the slight woman circulating in the room, accepting quiet words of congratulations from those in the know. That woman was central to the success of the School, and those congratulating her recognised that fact.

Yes, she is Kenyan, and her name is Hazel Gachoka.

Ms. Gachoka is an executive at Cisco (her present title is Services Marketing Manager), whose career in the company has taken her on an itinerant journey within the United States and all the way to South Africa.

She was responsible for all the IT aspects of Oprah’s school. The system she was in charge of designing and implementing for the school was an enterprise-wide network, which handles all communications aspects for the school, including wireless communication, VoIP, firewalls, content management systems, video conferencing and multimedia. State-of-the-art may be a good way to describe the sort of network that was put together for the students at the academy.

Ms. Gachoka has some firsts to her name that will give you pause, and the most impressive among these is that she was the first Kenyan woman to be certified as a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (the alphabet soup of Cisco certifications is confusing to the layman, but these are among the most sought-after in the IT world, leading as they do to a rather lucrative career — the CCIE is the highest certification among these).

Years ending in nine have been red-letter years for Ms. Gachoka. She left Kenya in 1989, got certified as a CCIE in 1999, and began her green energy venture in Nairobi in 2009. Let’s take each of these in order, shall we?

Hazel is a product of the Loreto Convent/ St. Mary’s network (yes, yet another one) —Loreto Convent Msongari, with her high school education (Fifth and Sixth Form) at St. Mary’s.

She left for the United States at the end of the 1980s to pursue her university education, and enrolled at Jersey City State University to pursue a degree in business, with rather unintended consequences.

Virtual systems
“I intended to complete an undergraduate degree in Business and return home to help my parents run their business. That did not happen. Instead I graduated in Computer Science and right after that completed a Master’s in Computer Science,” she says.

She decided that one Master’s degree was not enough, and promptly enrolled at the Stevens Institute of Technology, this time for a Master’s in Telecommunications.

Part of the motivation for the second Master’s is that SIT is at a level to be often mentioned in the same breath as its more famous peers such as MIT and Caltech).

From this followed a career in Liz Claiborne— the luxury goods retailer, helping to design their data mining and warehousing system, as well as a system to help manage their sales system across the United States; MCI Worldcom (which was the big player in telecommunications at the turn of the century).

The Cisco certification in 1999 enabled her to make the leap into Cisco proper, joining the company at its Massachusetts office and then at headquarters in Silicon Valley.

The role involved designing and implementing systems for institutions ranging from JP MorganChase, to the Bank of Tokyo, the NASDAQ exchange, to Rutgers University and Foxwoods Casinos.

Cisco is perhaps the global pioneer in creating and deploying virtual teams, which cut across the company and geographical boundaries —where teams are constructed as and when competencies are required, and whose reporting structures stretch across the world. Being part of such a team is what led Ms. Gachoka to Johannesburg in 2005.

The sojourn in Johannesburg was perhaps the most interesting for her in terms of the assignments she handled.

In addition to leading the team deploying the network at the Oprah academy, she also led teams that designed and deployed remote learning systems for the Nepad e-schools project (part of an ambitious Nepad effort to outfit schools all over the continent with the means to get maths and science content delivered wireless).

She was also supposed to lead a team to help deploy an IT network that would monitor the pioneering elections in the DRC in 2006, but a dire security assessment led to the scrapping of that assignment.

Pricing models
Her digital photo albums from the time also feature photos of her at the pyramids in Giza and in Addis Ababa, as she helped Egypt Telecom and Ethiopia Telecom deploy new networks that would help them leapfrog from the antiquated systems that were then in use to new, world class systems.

Ms. Gachoka was redeployed back to San Jose at the end of 2007, to be leader of a team that’s responsible for, in her words, “service strategy, definition, development, implementation, management and metrics for services across the network lifecycle.”

The team, which needless to say is a virtual one, launches multi-million dollar systems for customers all over the world, and also develops global service pricing models for use throughout the company.



Ms. Gachoka hasn’t forgotten that she was supposed to come back soon after completing her degree, so as part of the effort in keeping in touch with home, she’s begun a company in Nairobi whose focus is to “deliver clean renewable energy.” Simply put, she hopes to get Kenyans hooked on solar, wind and geothermal energy as the solution to our perennial power crises.

The company has started out small, in the sense that it’s catering to the home and small business market, but her ambitions are much bigger —”renewable energy is where the world’s attention, and its future, lies, and PRCK Energy will be right at the centre of this for the African continent,” she says.

So, look at this page in 2019, when we may be celebrating Hazel Gachoka in the same breath as Oprah Winfrey.

Clinton tells Kenya to implement delayed reforms

Clinton tells Kenya to implement delayed reforms
Wed Aug 5, 2009 4:36pm GMT
http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE5740PH20090805

By Sue Pleming

NAIROBI (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Kenya's government on Wednesday it must quickly implement long-delayed reforms and that corruption, impunity and human rights abuses were holding the country back.

Carrying a personal message from U.S. President Barack Obama, whose father was Kenyan, Clinton said she told President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga they must work harder to fully implement a power-sharing deal that ended bloodletting after a disputed December 2007 election.

Clinton is in Nairobi for a U.S. trade conference with sub-Saharan African countries, where she warned that investors would shun states on the continent that had weak leaders and economies riddled with corruption and crime.

At a press conference with Kenyan Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula, she used unusually harsh language about the situation in Kenya.

"The absence of strong, effective democratic institutions has permitted ongoing corruption, impunity, politically motivated violence, human rights abuses and a lack of respect for the rule of law," Clinton said.

"These conditions helped fuel the post-election violence and they are continuing to hold Kenya back."

Wetangula said his government was doing everything it could and it was important for nations to talk to each other candidly.

"President Kibaki and his team assured the Secretary of State that reforms are on course and that the war against impunity in the country is on, that a war against corruption is on," he said at the joint news conference.

"All sanctuaries of corruption will be destroyed to make Kenya a cleaner and safer place to do business," he promised.

Last month, Kenya was ranked by Transparency International as east Africa's most graft-prone nation, with a bribe expected or solicited in nearly half of all transactions.

INVESTORS SPOOKED

At the trade meeting, Clinton repeated a message given last month by U.S. President Barack Obama during a speech in Ghana.

"True economic progress in Africa ... also depends on responsible governments that reject corruption, enforce the rule of law and deliver results for their people. This is not just about good governance, this is about good business," she said.

"Investors will be attracted to states that do this. And they will not be attracted to states with failed or weak leadership, or crime and civil unrest, or corruption that taints every transaction and decision."

In a video message after Clinton spoke, Obama said that only Africans could unlock the continent's potential.

"Open markets alone are not enough. Development requires the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and an atmosphere that welcomes investment," he said.

Washington is looking at ways to boost trade with the 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for little more than one percent of U.S. exports and only three percent of imports.

Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga told the meeting African goods could not compete against subsidised U.S. products.

"We need partnership and not patronage," Odinga said.

The U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is due to expire in 2015. Some African countries would like that extended as the deadline causes uncertainty among potential investors.

Clinton said Africa had an opportunity to create its own "Green Revolution" thanks to new technology and innovation that would let countries bypass the "dirty" stages of development.

"Right now, Africa suffers from a severe shortage of electric power and too many countries rely on oil as virtually their only source of revenue. But the capacity for producing renewable and clean energy is far and wide," she said.

Clinton said empowering women in Africa would be a valuable step to boosting development, and respecting their rights was a moral and economic imperative.

"The social, political and economic marginalisation of women across Africa has left a void in this continent that undermines progress and prosperity every day," she said.

Flamingoes in lake nakuru

from krbloomer's photostream
Rhino at a private game sanctuary in Kenya. See RealAdventures website for more information

foods for life

Cool blog on foods that are healthy and easy to make

Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai gets the image NAACP award for her commitment in protecting the enviroment. Nobel Peace Prize

She also won the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, December 2004.

So inspiring!

beautiful smoke art

Truly awesome and inspiring!
Alberich Mathews and kamalaika JayPH

stunning underwater photos

Anatoly Beloschin

How to Become a Wedding Planner

How to Become a Wedding Planner from ehow.com
Step1
Possess a passion for details. Wedding planners are very detail-oriented people and they thrive on the small things that most people never notice. Treating each party or wedding like it’s your own is an essential part of becoming a wedding planner.
Step2
Take some event planning courses. Since this is a flourishing career in the last several years, you can likely find event planning courses at your local community college or as an adult education class. Also, take some business classes to help you run your wedding planning business so you can make a profit with this career.
Step3
Register yourself as a wedding planner. Have a name for your company, such as “Sally’s Wedding Planning Services,” and register it with the local courthouse. Choose a name that is clever and explains what you do, but make sure it’s a name that potential clients will also take seriously.
Step4
Advertise your wedding planning services. Look through your local newspaper for newly engaged couples and send them brochures about your business. Hang up flyers and create a buzz that will make potential clients take notice.
Step5
Create an attractive website. In this world of online business, even the small businesses need a web presence to stay competitive with others. Hire a professional to design your website if you need to. Many times, this will be the first impression that potential customers get of your services.

Oh my Gosh

History unfolds Obama is president! We look forward to a bright future.

destination weddings in Africa

I am researching wedding venues in Africa...

Kenya
Depending on the couples wishes I have stumbled upon quite a few destinations

For the romantic idyllic tourist you have a choice between national parks, beach or
theme garden weddings in the city.

National parks include...Aberdare, Amboselli, mount Kenya, Maralal, Meru, lake Naivasha, Shimba Hills, Lake Nakuru, Tsavo, Lake turkana, Samburi, Masai Mara.

Mombasa wedding by the Indian ocean...choose from a a variety of beach hotel...
Severin, White sands, Diani, Masai Mara leopard beach resort...

Kenya: Competition Stiff As Wedding Industry Booms

Kenya: Competition Stiff As Wedding Industry Booms

Wanjiru Waithaka

12 March 2008

Meeting Hope Mwinzi, soon after she launched her bridal magazine - Raspberry Weddings - the question that instantly came to mind was: Do we really need yet another bridal magazine or Expo in Kenya? Can there be that many people getting married to justify all the people falling over themselves to serve this niche?

The answer is a resounding 'Yes!' Ten thousand marriages were registered two years ago and the figure has grown since. Although guest lists are getting smaller, with an average of 150 to 300 people compared to over 500 a few years ago, the amount spent per weddings is increasing as brides try to outdo friends by having the most exclusive and unique wedding.

"In 2002, I started a wedding planning business, but soon closed it down because people were using committees to organise their weddings.

"Nowadays I get clients who say they want what they saw on a TV show or international magazine and they are willing to pay for it," says Ms Mwinzi.

Ms Esther Njuguna, a wedding planner, says she's booked solid till December - with an average of four weddings a week. In less than a decade, the wedding industry has grown from nothing to mainstream and couples have a wide variety of suppliers to choose from, be it wedding planners, florists, caterers, providers of tents, limousine services, venues, even hotels which now have special wedding packages.

Supermarkets have joined the bandwagon with wedding lists where couples can choose which gifts they want to receive from guests.

But like many older industries, which experienced rapid growth in a short period of time, the wedding industry in Kenya is experiencing growing pains as competition stiffens.

Lack of regulation has resulted in some fraudsters riding on the good name of established brands to fleece clients. "The biggest issue is standards because many people are entering the industry jua kali style, with no training and money is their first priority, not good service," says Sue Muriuki of Divine Weddings.

This has become the biggest headache for established brands because most suppliers get new clients from referrals and a company's reputation is its best asset. "People are taking advantage of brides by passing off as well known suppliers and taking money then failing to supply services on the material day," says Ms Catherine Masitsa, founder of Samantha Bridal magazine.

Greedy managers of wedding venues are known to overbook their premises so that couples promised an exclusive venue get a shock when they arrive for their reception only to find two or three other weddings also taking place, constraining parking space for their guests not to mention the nuisance of noise spilling over from the other celebrations.

To tackle these challenges, 100 players in the industry have come together and formed the Wedding Service Providers Association to strategise on how to regulate the industry.

A bride

Among the actions being considered is registering members who meet a certain minimum level of standards and providing them with a logo to distinguish them from other industry players. It would also be a central place where clients can forward complains to if they get bad service, with the association playing the role of arbitrator.

"Members will be bound by a code of conduct and will know someone is watching them. But more than that, it will help to protect brides from unscrupulous companies because if you're messed up on your wedding day you can never get that day back," says Ms Masitsa, the chairperson of the association.

Ms Muriuki, on the other hand, is on a mission to certify wedding planners in East and Central Africa after they undergo a six-month course. She is a member of Weddings and Beautiful, a 52-year-old American wedding training company.

As the industry grows, segmentation is also becoming more visible in the prices charged by industry players. At the low end are wedding planners who charge Sh25,000 to Sh30,000 while at the top end are planners who charge Sh100,000 and over.

While some players base their fees on a percentage of the total costs of the wedding - anywhere from five to 20 per cent - others base their fees on the amount of work involved in planning an event. "If someone asks for black roses that are very hard to get we charge more for this. It also depends on the number of events we'll have to co-ordinate, for instance, some people have more than one cocktail," says Ms Mwinzi.

The huge disparity in the amount couples are spending on weddings also presents opportunities for new entrants as they can tailor their products and services to serve people with different pocket depths.

For instance, one couple can spend Sh300,000 for their entire wedding while another spends the same amount on flowers alone. High end weddings, with all the trimmings, have been known to cost upwards of Sh3 million.

In one such wedding the bride's dress cost Sh400,000, purchased from a top designer in the United Kingdom. This excluded the cost of travelling to the UK for three to four fittings. "Such spending seems irrational when you consider that we have bridal wear suppliers locally, but it's the perceived value that counts for such brides," says Ms Masitsa.

The need to have a unique wedding that rivals anything their friends have had is driving more brides to hire wedding planners and has put a premium on creativity, with brides ready to pay more for good ideas that will help their weddings stand out.

Competition is quite high and you need to be quite creative to succeed. This means keeping up with the latest wedding trends," says Ms Njuguna who recently started a bridal magazine, which is now in its fourth issue. Last month she also launched a bridal expo (Harusi Yetu) to join the three others already in the market.

Copyright © 2008 Business Daily. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).

African wedding south Africa

Planning a wedding in Africa here are some resources

South Africa
weddingchannel

Kenya
Leadex safarisNot really a wedding site but has quite a few leads to hotels and tourist activities in east Africa.

I am mommy!

I am a mommy and I love it's the most amazing feeling.

I am back

Took a short break but I am back, let the blogging begin!

nice bold

something about this image

The possibilities. Very inspiring...

splash of refreshing colors

I couldn't resist...

New York Talk Exchange

and another one from http://www.visualcomplexity.com/vc


Year:
2008
URL:
http://www.aaronkoblin.com/work/NYTE/index.html
Project Description:
New York Talk Exchange illustrates the global exchange of information in real time by visualizing volumes of long distance telephone and IP data flowing between New York and cities around the world.

In an information age, telecommunications such as the Internet and the telephone bind people across space by eviscerating the constraints of distance. To reveal the relationships that New Yorkers have with the rest of the world, New York Talk Exchange asks: How does the city of New York connect to other cities? With which cities does New York have the strongest ties and how do these relationships shift with time? How does the rest of the world reach into the neighborhoods of New York? The size of the glow on a particular city location corresponds to the amount of IP traffic flowing between that place and New York City. A greater glow implies a greater IP flow.

The NYTE project has been on display at MoMA The Museum of Modern Art, part of the Design and Elastic Mind exhibition, and the real time data is being provided by AT&T.

Visual Complexity

Then I found more amazing visualizations of data


URL:
http://www.timenetwork.org/
Project Description:
time=net.work was born in order to measure and evaluate transportation network complexity. As the author explains: "After having read the amazing A. L. Barabasi's Linked, I decided to develop some new approaches towards networks dynamics. How Ordered are they? How Small are they? How Robust are they?".

According to Fabio Lamanna, during the last years many physicians have been interested in transportation network analysis, laying the theoretical basis for extending complex network knowledge to real dynamical systems. Time=net.work tries to apply and verify physical theories on real systems, using timetable data of real moving entities under fixed constraints.

The main subject of study for the time=net.work project has been the Berlin urban network, consisting of U-Bahn, S-Bahn and Regional Bahn lines; strongly interconnected with Bus, Strabenbahn and Metrotram vehicles. The complex network approach requires a simple tool to analyse the dynamics of different transportation modes on real infrastructures. The image shown here represents the distribution of travel times and betweenness centrality of the entire Berlin transportation network.

mapping data

I have always been very interested in finding interesting ways to visualize data.
I stumbled upon this very fascinating project.

more from the artist

Description

Email became an integral part of my life in 1998. Like many people, I have archived all of my email with the hope of someday revisiting my past. I am interested in revealing the innumerable relationships between me, my schoolmates, work-mates, friends and family. This could not readily be accomplished by reading each of my 60,000 emails one-by-one. Instead, I created My Map, a relational map and alternative self portrait. My Map is a piece of custom designed software capable of rendering the relationships between myself and individuals in my address book by examining the TO:, FROM:, and CC: fields of every email in my email archive. The intensity of the relationship is determined by the intensity of the line. My Map allows me to explore different relational groupings and periods of time, revealing the temporal ebbs and flows in various relationships. In this way, My Map is a veritable self-portrait, a reflection of my associations and a way to locate myself.
Notes

My Map can be viewed as a large scale static print (40″x40″ archival inkjet) or as an up-to-date dynamic visualization (see Quicktime video above). The interactive program is written in Java and uses the Processsing libraries, MySQL and various other libraries. The software includes a custom IMAP email client and a VCF address book parser that parses contact information and their images. This particular visualization strategy was influenced by similar cicular relational structures such as CAIDA, SCHEMABALL, GNOM, etc. Much of my initial email visualization research was influenced and inspired by the work of Judith Donath’s Sociable Media Group at MIT — particularly the work of Fernanda Viegas.

Designer furniture

Africa--Flow and ingenuity

Every once in a while i ran into a great article about Africa.Copied from www.smashingmagazine.com its about getting inspiration from different places.

Kampala Uganda

History. The city grew as the capital of the Buganda kingdom, from which several buildings survive, including the Kasubi Tombs (built in 1881), the Buganda Parliament, the Buganda Court of Justice and the Naggalabi Buddo Coronation Site. If you saw the movie “The Last King of Scotland”, you know everything worst about Uganda. Well, the good news is, that was thirty years ago. Since then Uganda has rebounded to become one of the more stable and progressive regions of East Africa. The economy is healthy, the people are lovely and interesting and the equatorial climate is gorgeous! Careful getting around though, the highest cause of death here is automobile accidents!

Getting there. Getting to the capital of Uganda is tricky. First, there are no direct flights in the U.S. Instead, one must fly through a connecting in Europe, Dubai or another part of Africa and then continue to Entebbe International Airport in Entebbe, Uganda. From there the ride to Kampala is only about thirty minutes via hired taxi. Altogether the entire process can take anywhere from 20 to 48 hours.

Natural inspiration. Africa is the home to many wonders of the natural world and this is no different in the country of Uganda. Safaris, wildlife, camping with chimps, gorilla tracking, skiing (yes you can ski in Africa), whitewater rafting and the incredibly friendly people make it one of the most inviting destinations in the whole continent.

Why it will inspire? Flow and ingenuity. You have never found flow like you’ll find it in Africa. Local farmers get completely immersed in creating things out of limited resources, exemplifying two of the fundamental aspects of good design (focus and resourcefulness).

my favourite companies/website

I am going to compile a list of my favourite companies and what they do.
First and foremost.


http://www.care-international.org



CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. Non-political and non-sectarian, we operate each year in more than 65 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, reaching more than 50 million people in poor communities.

CARE helps tackle underlying causes of poverty so that people can become self-sufficient. CARE is often one of the first to deliver emergency aid to survivors of natural disasters and war and, once the immediate crisis is over, we help people rebuild their lives. While CARE is a large international organisation with more than 14,500 employees worldwide, we have a strong local presence: more than 90 % of our staff are nationals of the countries where our programmes are run.

Adobe adds flash to Acrobat

Hmmm flash in pdfs, interesting. see article from...http://www.pcworld.com
Monday, June 02, 2008 10:20 AM PDT

Adobe on Monday is set to unveil the next version of its Adobe Acrobat software, which adds support for the company's Flash multimedia technology. The company also plans to launch a new Web site offering users free hosted services for document creation, sharing and storage.

The move positions Adobe competitively against Microsoft, Google and other companies offering similar services online and signals Adobe's first major move into the hosted-services arena for business documents.

Combined, the two announcements support Adobe's broader strategy to offer rich-media capabilities through Flash and other technologies for both online and offline documents.

Wadawida

Currently looking for Taita boy names. Someone needs to post baby names, very hard to find those on the internet. For those interested in the taita culture from Kenya. This should be a fun project.
check out wadawida.com and http://wadawidatiki.blogspot.com.

thanks dor posting this destiny.
Taita boy names? Most of the names have a pre-fix "MWA" then the meaningful part of the name. Eg KIO=night.....so a Taita boy can be called Mwakio, Dime=day, hence Mwadime, Chia=path, hence Mwachia, or Mwachyia, others do not have prefixes like " Isuwirio"=Hope, Kitatu, Lewella, Maghanga=medicines, Kishau, Lago or Lagho, Mcharo=one born away from home eg during a safari to some place, or the same child Mwachia could be called Msafari, which means the same. Other boy's names include Ndau, Mbela (rhino), Mshimba, shimba=lion, Mwachovu, chovu=elephant, Mshila, Msagha, Righa, Kasera, Kalela, Nyange, Maseghe,

June 9, 2009 12:25 PM

I have no tribe---I am Kenyan

Yes we are tired of leaders using our tribes to separate us.
we declare ourselves tribeless.

Daima mimi mkenya.

I found this poem at

http://www.ihavenotribe.com


Though i have no tribe,
i do have roots
My roots are deep and wide
I have a Luhyia Father and a Kisii Mother
I speak Luo, kikuyu and Luhyia
I have a kalenjin sister
daughter of my father
I have a kikuyu brother
Son of my mother.
I practice Luo customs,
Indeed iam a true Kenyan
I find it hard that people want to categorise me,
For in their pleasure my parents gave me a rich heritage
its a heritage i am proud of,
though some my recoil at it.
I am a kenyan
Yes i am a true Kenyan
I know no tribe
and that is the truth not a cliche
for in our house there are all tribes.
I love my mother and father and siblings
for giving me such a true heritage.
I am a Kenyan
I have no tribe

objects of neccesity

Oumou Sy

Oumou Sy

Oumou Sy fashion

Africa on my mind

I found this very inspiring article on Mshale.com.

Despite what is going on in Africa, we have to keep going. We need to focus on being
problem solvers, thats the only way we will overcome. We cannot dwell on the past.

Here is bits of the article...by Moraa Gitaa , Mshale Correspondent

Fundamental Principles of Wealth Creation

To create wealth is to use one’s own thoughts or imagination to work in order to bring something unique into this world.
The following is the recipe for wealth creation.

To Create Wealth, One Must:

i. Solve somebody’s problem.
ii. Provide solutions that people are ready to pay you for.
iii. Solve problems of as many people as possible.

His other statement was that there is an abundance of problems in this world and that we need to look for these problems and solve them, and that will be wealth creation.

We thus need to:

1) Identify our unique talent:
Talent is a recurring pattern of thought, feeling or behavior that can be productively applied.
Talent is not an action first and foremost, but a way of thinking.
Our uniqueness is our strength. Nobody can ignore you if you are unique.
It is that difference that makes you strong.
2) Acquire relevant Knowledge:
Relevant to your unique talents (Get all the facts and lessons that can be learnt)
3) Develop Skill:
Doctor Otabil defined skill as ‘Formalized steps of an activity. Consistency’
Skill helps you to predict and repeat success.

His conclusion on skill was that once you have it, you can maneuver success under any circumstance.

We declare peace in Kenya

some blogs on whats going on in in Kenya. Everyone has their own views.

http://www.kenyanpundit.com/ very detailed linked to numerous blogs

http://blog.thinkersroom.com/

kumekucha.blogspot.com

At the end of the day, we just want peace. PEACE IN KENYA!

PRAY FOR PEACE IN KENYA

ALL WE WANT IS PEACE IN KENYA. STOP FINGER POINTING, PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING.
http://josephkaroki.wordpress.com/

African influence in the west

Roberto Cavalli’s Spring/Summer 2008 collection called “La Ma Africa” in Milan.

Looks like designers are borrowing from African prints whereas before it was only about the Safari suit and animal prints looks like they are going deeper.

Jamhuri wear

Jeffrey Kimathi - Jamhuri Wear

Interview by Elias Mageto

Jamati: What inspired you to start Jamhuri Wear?
Kimathi: I felt there was a void in the way Africa was being represented in the Fashion industry, The continent was bringing the models, but not dressing them.
So we wanted to add on to the story.

Jamati: Are there any Designers you look to for inspiration?

Kimathi: Yes, cause once one is lifted others are inspired and these are the few that inspire me…Moshood, Oswald Boatang Fundi Frank, Ralph Lauren, Stone Cherry and of course Russell Simmons

Jamati: Now, the main reason I really wanted the world to hear about you is because of how well you’ve managed to place your products. I mean I’ve seen your T-shirts on everyone from Akon to Jay-Z. Who else wears Jamhuri themed shirts and who would you like to see wearing your T-Shirts?

Kimathi: Like you said , Jay– Z, Tom Morello, Akon, K’naan, and Damian Marley. Some one I would love to see wearing one of my pieces is none other than the future president of the free world himself Barack Obama.

Jamati: What’s in store for Jamhuri Wear? Do you have any intentions of
expanding the line?

Kimathi: Absolutely…we will get into the full range of outfits and divesity for our customers.. and just keep putting out that fresh dope stuff we have been known to bring.. It’s just a matter of time We’re also doing other things with the Jamhuri brand,though.

Jamati: Really, When and what can we expect to see next?
Kimathi: We believe that every story needs a soundtrack so we are doubling in Music and visuals as well, We are just as exicted to be able to do this.
Jamati: Besides fashion, what other things interest you?

Kimathi: A lot man; We are into infusing and attaching our heritage to repackaging that African IMAGE and promoting this Safari Lifestyle. We understand this will encompass a lot of facets of life…and we trying to get better at all this and still do it well, that’s the enjoyment of it cause we don’t have any boundaries…Its all about dignity to us.

Jamati: Bwana Kimathi, thanks for your time. Before I let you get back to
your busy schedule, do you have any advice for young entrepreneurial minds
like yourself that want to break into the game?

Kimathi: LIVE IT! LEARN IT! AND LOVE IT! That’s what I do everyday now.
I had a choice to work a safe career, but instead I took a chance. It’s not
easy but if you get joy out of it then go for it!


Jamhuri Wear LLC|New York, NY|Phone: 1 800 9 Jamhuri

Jamhuri@jamhuriwear.com
www.jamhuriwear.com
www.myspace.com/jamhuriwear

North Africa

North Africa's fashion is rich with details, colors and layer.

SAHARAN VIBE

Found this amazing blog by South Africa designer who I greatly admire here is the blog "Started up in 2001 by Vanya and Thando Mangaliso, Sun Goddess has now flourished into one of South Africa's most sought after labels. Vanya and Thando started the Sun Goddess fashion label selling skirts out of the boot of their car. Four years down the line Sungoddess had employed 30 people. The garments are designed and produced in Johannesburg."

South Africa fashion

The South African designers have a very rich environment to nurture such beautiful talent.

Maua mazuri

I like these

Tanzania

very pretty colors, incoporated print

Uzuri aaahhh nice

MIMI magazine

the t shirts are about loving who you are. very interesting see

http://www.mimimagazine.com/

African bride

It is my mission to create fresh looking designs inpired by Africa from the north, the south, east and west. Whats in the market right now is heavily influenced by beautiful west African fabrics, and maasai beads. We need a fresh unique look with a personality.

missing

this is nice, the jewelry gives it a lift.
www.tk-designs.com

beautiful!

Distance Nairobi to Sanjose

Distance from Nairobi to San Jose
Distance is 15,460 kilometers or 9606 miles or 8348 nautical miles
The distance is the theoretical air distance (great circle distance). Flying between the two locations's airports can be longer or shorter, depending on airport location and actual route chosen.

Interface Design Quotes

Interface Design Quotes

Bits of inspiration from interface designers, architects, authors...

“A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
—Antoine De Saint-Exupery

“Truly elegant design incorporates top-notch functionality into a simple, uncluttered form.”
—David Lewis, 2006

“When you take technology and mix it with art, you always come up with something innovative.”
—Robert Rodriguez, 2006

“An enterprise's most vital assets lie in its design and other creative capabilities.”
—Samsung chairman Kun-Hee Lee, 2006

“Business success is always defined by the quality of the overall customer experience.”
—Forrester Research, 2001

“Websites that are hard to use frustrate customers, forfeit revenue and erode brands.”
—Forrester Research, 1998

“It's all about one thing: creative problem-solving to get the story out.”
—Robert Greenberg, R/GA, 2006

“The challenge is about taking things that are infinitely complex and making them simpler and more understandable.”
—Robert Greenberg, R/GA, 2006

“The product is the brand. You build brand in our industry through the product and the experience.”
—Jim Wicks, Motorola, 2006


“It's really hard to design products by focus groups. A lot of times, people don't know what they want until you show it to them.”
—Steve Jobs, 1998

nzuri sana

colorful masai beads

Mzuri

Bag, Maasai, Kenya
Second half of the 20th century
Cow hide, glass beads, iron, plant fibre
53 cm (l) x 43 cm (w)
Patterns featuring half moons are found on many Maasai personal objects and ornaments.

White beads

Oh white beads Must be Maasai from Tanzania I noticed the color differences bettween Kenyan and Tanzania Maasai beads and clothing. Availability...I guess

African bride

african bride

African bride

Whenever I think of the African bride I think of rich colors and fabrics, warm hues, and the most beautiful jewelry. I am embarking on a journey to find just that all over Africa or... the web

Such rich colors from BBC Nigerian bride

OMG

Oh my Gosh, I finally found it.

The Hello Africa Trunk show, Bridal wear with an African twist also very sophisticated

http://www.adelewechsler.com/ my future competition its on girl!

African inspired bridal gown

message in the clouds

nature

my website

My website in working progress, I will put it up anyway...

Furahachao.com

Finally got the lightbox to work. Found some really cool sites for web design

witty sparks

Smashing magazine

very resourceful.

I AM AFRICAN

If you want to donate money for a good cause the keep a child alive org. works towards helping children affected by the AIDS pandemic in our motherland. click on the link below

http://keepachildalive.org/

Harriets alter ego

I was surfing and accidentally stumbled upon Harriets alter ego. way to go girl!

also featured on Runway Africa.

http://www.runwayafrica.com

Structural

just absolutely love em, very inspiring.
her statement "Helena Hörstedt is a Swedish design label. It was created after my graduation from Beckmans School of design, Stockholm, 2004.
The label provides handmade garments with emphasis on structures and techniques, advanced details and classic tailoring.

I think the genuine work and the handcrafted feeling gives an irreplaceable value to the garment. The trade of handcrafting is always one of the most important sources for both construction of and inspiration for my design.
I want my garment to be a fascinating visual experience as much as a usable. I want them to build a desire, continuously expand and to surprise the beholder."

Tree

O.k is this strange... it looks androgynous too.

Duro Olowu

LONDON, February 12, 2007 – Duro Olowu's show has finally brought the talent that's been cooking away in his Portobello Road store, OG2, into full sight. A Nigerian with a sophisticated eye for mixing splashily printed vintage couture fabrics with seventies-style tailoring and hoards of exceptional jewelry, he has steadily built a business—and many friends—around the first signature wide-sleeved, high-waisted patchwork dress he designed two years ago. Today's violet and bright-green African-print velvet coats instantly captured the essence of his appeal in their exuberantly luxurious swing.

"I wanted it to have practical volume," he said, "a regal normality. I called it 'Bamako Pompadour.'" Bamako is the capital of Mali, which, he explained, "had an empire of huge wealth and intellect—and beautiful women."

If it was smart to lay a foundation for a couple of years before deciding to show, the move also raised the bar for Olowu, setting him the task of proving he can do more than just that one dress. He pulled that off by orchestrating a total look, from leather headband visors to necklaces made from recycled belt buckles and beads to shiny patent shoes and boots—all sourced from craftspeople he found around London. His new squared-off agbada dress, in fluid brown, black, and gray color-blocked jersey, had an easy, drapey elegance that looked fresh. And though a too long section of gamekeeper tailoring in the middle broke the spell a bit, that was only a minor beginner's demerit in a collection that brought a welcome shot of energy to London's shows.

– Sarah Mower

Respect yourself: The politics of black pride

While still thinking of African art...I came across this a article about black pride back in the 60's. The one thing that struck a code was the importance of identity,
or identifying with something be it, music, art, (culture) that you feel represents who you are. Sort of taking back what is rightfully yours.

Respect yourself: The politics of black pride

‘I suppose culture and style . . . [are] a symbolic aspect of our resistance,
our determination to be identified different from others, to have something
we can say is our own, that sets us apart from others.’ Linton Kwesi
Johnson, 1991

During the 1960s and 70s many young black people in Britain used
clothes to express the inequalities of racism and a sense of alienation.
It was a defining period in black British history, what Stuart Hall calls a
‘certain moment’ when an individual or group defines itself as ‘black’,
African or Caribbean following migration to a country that is
predominantly white.

Black people in Britain looked to the Civil Rights and Black Power
movements in the United States for guidance. They rejected Euro-
American notions of beauty and dress to express their black identity
and cultural heritage. Instead, they sought alternative dress styles
which included African textiles and embraced the ‘true’ beauty of
natural hairstyles such as the afro. The dashiki, the afro comb and
the leather ‘Shaft’ coat became key components of what Van Dyk
Lewis calls ‘the archive of black styles’, one which reaffirms black
resistance and black identity.

Simultaneously the music of Jamaican ska, jazz, soul and the
counter-cultural ructions of the ‘swinging sixties’ were other sources
of cultural inspiration. Black people mixed these references into their
dress styles to validate their cultural values and sense of personal pride.
(www.vam.ac.uk)

Fashion in Africa

More notable African designers.

Xuly Bet

Lamine Badian Kouyaté was born in Mali in 1962. Formerly trained as an architect in Paris, he turned to fashion and launched his first collection in 1989.

Working under his label Xuly Bet (“watch out” in Wolof), Lamine has created a young, urban and trendy style in which the body is moulded and idolised. He uses synthetic materials (sometimes hand-dyed in Senegal), lace, fake fur, T-shirts with provocative slogans, and the omnipresent red thread to keep track of an extravagant woman who has no inhibitions about flaunting herself.

Using the African tradition of recycling garments, he creates reknitted jumpers, dresses made of patchworked and painted T-shirts, and recycled army coats lined with fake fluorescent fur.

Lamine Youyaté was awarded with the prestigious Creator of the Year award in 1994 by the New York Times and received the ANDAM awards in 1996. His label is sold in Europe, America, Africa and Asia.
Joel Andrianmearisoa

Joel Andrianomearisoa was born in Antananarivo, Madagascar, in 1977. He entered the Fashion Academy of Antananarivo at the age of twelve. The first presentation of his fashion designs took place in 1995. He has been studying architecture at Paris University since 1998.

For his fashion collections, Joel experiments with materials like wood, metal, stone and plastics, ones usually associated with sculpture rather than fashion design. He applies the concept of 'archi-couture', using geometrical and radical forms and creating object-garments, mostly black. He also uses unusual and exclusive woven materials.

In 1996, he was distinguished as Young Talent '96. In 2000 he staged performances at the Centre Georges Pompidou and the Musée d'ArtModerne de la Ville de Paris. He lives and works in Madagascar and Paris, where he designs costumes and scenery for theatre, film and television.
Hassan Hajjaj

Hassan Hajjaj was born in Larache, Morocco, in 1961. Having arrived in Britain in his teens, he grew up amid the emerging club culture of London, absorbing the music and styles of reggae, hip hop and worldmusic. In 1984 he decided to forge a solid relationship with the New York scene and in the same year he launched his own clothing andaccessories label, RAP.

In his work, Hassan Hajjaj playfully applies new technologies to redefine the imagery that pervaded his childhood. From the fez to the camel, he takes on the European stereotypes of the North African world and turns them into a visual celebration of the 'souk with a twist'.

Hassan Hajjaj designed the stunning Salon Afrique interiors that graced the Royal Festival Hall during Africa Remix.

African art-precolonial nostalgia

I was looking at Art from Kenya, and...it seems as if most of the artists on the inside Africa art from Kenya have a very similar style. Sort of precolonial nostalgia or "tourist art" i dislike using that term but really comments please is it just me. I am caught up on the same thinking it seems look at my art. Its filled with a images from a not so distant past women with pots, how many times do you see this in Nairobi. As a matter of fact I have never seen a woman carrying a pot on the head. And then there is the maasai's love them. This culture is very alive and well I grew up in Ongata Rongai so this I have witnessed. I guess its pride, we are proud of our culture, so we are holding on to it and recreating it in our art. Shooo o.k that makes sense.

Fashion texture

Chronology of Africa independence

My art is finally here

To see the rest go to http://www.furahachao.com

The African Channel

Check out the African TV channel and spread the word.



http://www.theafricachannel.com/

John Olympio

John Olympio states that "When I paint I don't think - it's like a dream and you can't plan what you dream," he explains. To keep the connection with the spirits of his home land, he works only with pigment from his native country, Togo.

He comments, "The pigments communicate well with me and are from the earth."

The exhibit 'Something from Nothing', which he initially named 'Everything and Nothing', reflects on one of his life philosophies.

Source Mshale

Data Structure

I started designing this complex data structures,and I am hooked this is one of a series.

Investing in Africa

In the talk that opened TEDGlobal 2007 ("Africa: The Next Chapter"), South African investment banker Euvin Naidoo sets the scene, framing the conversation that would unfold over the four-day event. "What's the worst thing you've heard about Africa?" he asks. After fielding call-outs of "famine," "war," "corruption," he urges the audience to move past these preconceptions -- and offers a compelling picture of a continent on the cusp of enormous change.

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/154

Bono on Africa

Musician and activist Bono accepts the 2005 TED Prize with a riveting talk, arguing that aid to Africa isn't just another celebrity cause; it's a global emergency. He argues passionately that mere charity won't solve the serious problems facing the world's second-largest continent. The solution, he says, is equal human rights. And it isn't just our moral obligation; it's an economic and strategic necessity. He ends by unveiling his TED Prize wishes, calling for TED's help to build a new social movement for Africa.
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/59

Amazing rendering

Just amazing

Faith

POWER DRESSING

I want this Book.

POWER DRESSING: Men's Fashion & Prestige in Africa

Discover the artistic diversity and visual splendor of African men’s dress in this first exhibition of its kind in the United States. Power Dressing: Men’s Fashion and Prestige in Africa brings together fifty spectacular examples of male attire from across the continent, from Morocco to South Africa, representing over a century of fashion. Drawn from the Museum’s own important collection, as well as from private and public lenders, the works on view reveal how a man’s clothing can define, sustain and reinforce ideas about power and status. The exhibition is organized into four broad and intersecting themes-Style and Status, Fit for a King, Divine Dress, and Identity and Innovation -- that offer rich insights into the meanings of men^s fashions within Africa^s diverse and ever-changing cultural and political landscape.

Africa investing opportunities

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the former Finance Minister for Nigeria (and the first woman to hold that job), talks about the good in Africa as opposed to what the media potrays.



http://www.ted.com

Photosynth demo

ohh this is amazing, the possibilities and of course dude works for Microsoft.




"Using photos of oft-snapped subjects (like Notre Dame) scraped from around the Web, Photosynth (based on Seadragon technology) creates breathtaking multidimensional spaces with zoom and navigation features that outstrip all expectation. Its architect, Blaise Aguera y Arcas, shows it off in this standing-ovation demo. Curious about that speck in corner? Dive into a freefall and watch as the speck becomes a gargoyle. With an unpleasant grimace. And an ant-sized chip in its lower left molar. "Perhaps the most amazing demo I've seen this year," wrote Ethan Zuckerman, after TED2007. Indeed, Photosynth might utterly transform the way we manipulate and experience digital images."

http://www.ted.com

Digital sweetness

Wow the digital world. Microsoft has come up with some really cool touch screen
ways of manipulating data on a an interactive table. This is probably how people are going to be shopping in the future.
Check this out http://www.microsoft.com/surface/

conformity

Ever since web 2.0 all new websites seem to look the same, everyone is using Div tags instead of tables which increases loading spead but...its boring the CSS is getting to be more complex or lengthy but the pages all look the same. If you think I am kidding look at this designs, http://bestwebgallery.com even blogger, MSN does this.

Art

Jaques Leconte

Art

Ben Agbee from African encounters

Ahhh Art

Wiz Kudowor African Encounters

Oumou Sy

Oumou Sy has made a name for herself as a designer of Couture and Ready-to-Wear fashion, as well as jewelry and other fashion accessories. Sy has also made a name for herself as a costume designer for theatre and films, garnering awards for her work in film festivals in Milan, Johannesburg and Ouagadougou. She has even done set design in films. She has over a dozen films to her credit. She has strong ties to the international entertainment industry. Singers Baba Maal and Youssou N’Dour and filmmakers Ousmane Sembene and Flora Gomes are among her clientele. An artist and a businesswoman, Oumou SY works to build a sound infrastructure for the African fashion industry. To that end she has organized the annual Semaine de la Mode (fashion week), during which designers from all over Africa display their work. Further promoting the continued African presence in the world of fashion, Sy has taught at Ecole des Beaux Arts and ultimately founded Ateliers de Stylisme et de Formation aux Arts et de la Parure en Afrique et en Occident. Métissacana, a cybercafe Sy created, not only highlights her work, it is a project she uses to help build and promote a stronger Senegalese presence.

conceptual fashion2

Seidnaly Alphadi, Known as the “the child of the desert”, Alphadi combines traditional African techniques with contemporary style to create fashion for the modern African woman. He is aware of the fashion’s power to bridge cultural gaps. Alphadi is a founding member of the Federation of African Creators. From his base of operations in Niger, Alphadi organized the first Festival International de la Monde Africaine, FIMA. He would like to prove that African designers “can reach the summit of fashion like all other famous designers”

Uzuri

Personal Development for Smart People

For those of you who are motivated and ambitious you might this site very handy steve pavalina

My space

Whats up with my space, it must be because I am over thirty but I cant figure out the clutter. No privacy either anyone can look at you and all your friends and all the correspondence. And I cant stand the scroll with the translucent background GRRR! Cant even read it. The first time I was had my page up, I went back to find some really wierd people requesting to be my friends. Thats why I am sticking to my blog. Its clean and legible.

sandrabacklund blank page

Wow the possibilities. Just glue and paper?

The brain machine interface

Sheer genius, I would like to know how you can move objects without moving a finger, hmmm.

Hitachi, Ltd. Scientist Hideaki Koizumi holds a brain model while researcher Akiko Obata wearing a head gear during a demonstration of a new technology that reads brain activity and lets you control everyday objects without lifting a finger at Hitachi's research lab in Hatoyama, near Tokyo, Wednesday, June 20, 2007. The 'brain-machine interface,' developed by Hitachi, analyzes slight changes in the brain's blood flow to detect brain motion and translate it into electric signals.

African queen

The power of the media

I was reading this article, I could not help but notice how these words "if you read the newspapers" jumped on me. For decades Africa has been potrayed as a continent plagued with all kinds of evils from war to disease. I feel that its our responsibility as Africans to change that script.



EMERGING MARKETS REPORT
Investors in Africa seeking undervalued names, diversification
Funds head south of the Sahara as banking and telecom sectors expand
By Polya Lesova, MarketWatch
Last Update: 12:01 AM ET Jun 21, 2007

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Where most investors see a continent plagued by underdevelopment and conflict, others recognize Africa as the next frontier, whose accelerating economic growth and long-term potential are creating compelling investment opportunities."We're convinced that the perceived risk in Africa is greater than the actual risk for disciplined and focused investment," said Thomas Gibian, chief executive of Emerging Capital Partners, which manages more than $1 billion in five private-equity funds focused on African companies."We thrive on diversification -- across regions in Africa, across currencies, across sectors," he said.

After decades of colonialism, violence and poverty, some African countries, particularly those south of the Sahara Desert, are experiencing an economic renaissance, propelled by more than rich deposits of natural resources. The banking and telecom sectors are luring foreign investors, who are now hunting for deals in smaller countries including Ghana, Botswana and Zambia, not just South Africa. Certainly, significant challenges remain, including ongoing conflicts in some countries, corruption and HIV infection.

"Optimism is what separates people today," said Lawrence Speidell, co-manager of the Frontier Market Select Fund, L.P., a $4-million, long-only hedge fund that invests in frontier equity markets, most of them in Africa."If you read the newspaper, you're very worried because a lot of news is bad news," Speidell said. "If you take a step back and you take a look at the patterns that are in place in the world, you'll see that there's a long-term movement of the world toward democracy and peaceful settlement of disputes. "Optimism is one of the four pillars on which Speidell bases his investment philosophy; the others are history, risk, and globalization.
Sub-Saharan Africa posted economic growth of 6% in 2006 and is expected to grow by 6.7% this year, making it one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, according to the International Monetary Fund. In contrast, between 1980 and 1999, the region lagged far behind global growth -- its GDP grew by about 2% on average. China, with its insatiable appetite for commodities, is becoming a key destination for African exports.

"While key oil exporters like Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria are expected to enjoy some of the fastest growth rates in Africa in 2007, they are not the only countries enjoying rapid economic growth," said John Orford, South Africa-based strategist at UBS Investment Research, in a June research report.
Sub-Saharan Africa posted economic growth of 6% in 2006 and is expected to grow by 6.7% this year, making it one of the fastest-growing regions in the world.
"Indeed about 18 oil importers will enjoy growth rates of 5% or higher in 2007," Orford said. "A number of factors -- better macro management, lower inflation and rising savings and investment rates -- are supporting higher growth across the continent. "Some countries in Africa have made partial progress on implementing economic reforms, specifically when it comes to monetary, regulatory, trade, fiscal and financial policies, Orford said. Barriers remain, however, in areas like property rights, investment freedom and corruption.

Inflation in sub-Saharan Africa, with the exception of Zimbabwe, is forecast to fall to about 7.1% from 7.2% in 2006 and 8.1% in 2005, according to IMF figures quotes by UBS. Investment-to-GDP ratios are still very low, but rising.
External debt has declined and foreign private capital flows are increasing. Net foreign direct investment in sub-Saharan Africa excluding South Africa climbed to $18 billion in 2006.
Attractive sectors
"We have been able to identify many investment opportunities where there are near-monopolistic environments," said Gibian of Emerging Capital Partners, the pan-African private-equity firm.
The companies he invests in "operate with preferential access." For example, if it's a natural resource, the company has the rights to the mineral or energy source that they are developing.
Emerging Capital Partners has made more than 35 investments in 30 African countries. In some deals, the firm takes a controlling position, but as a rule it always acquires a seat on the boards of the companies in which it invests.
"We look at businesses where Africa has historically had a comparative advantage -- in energy businesses, because that's where the oil and gas is, in mining, in agriculture, even in tourism," Gibian said.
One such company is Anvil Mining Ltd. (CA:AVM: news, chart, profile) (AU:AVM: news, chart, profile) , a copper and silver producer that is listed on the Toronto and Australian stock exchanges. The company operates several mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Another example is Artumas Group Inc. (DE:A0J34E: news, chart, profile) (NO:AGI: news, chart, profile) , an energy producer that operates hydrocarbon reserves in Tanzania and Mozambique.
"We also look at businesses where Africa has lagged -- in terms of banking, telecommunications, distribution -- these are not areas where historically Africa has held itself up as an example of efficiency," he said. "Our track record is the most complete in the area of telecommunications and now in the area of financial services and financial institutions," he said.
Among the firm's investments are Celtel International, a mobile telecommunications company; Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria's largest reinsurance company, which was recently listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange; Intercontinental Bank Plc, the fifth largest banking group in Nigeria; and Ecobank Transnational Inc., one of the largest regional banking groups in sub-Saharan Africa and a company that is listed on stock exchanges in Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Ghana.
"There has been tremendous investment in Africa -- look at Air France, Exxon, Shell, De Beers etc. -- but investment in Africa typically did not create opportunities for emerging markets buyers to take a position," Gibian said. "We are very keen to build companies that deserve to be liquid."
Low liquidity continues to be one of the major problems for investors in Africa's equity markets, with the exception of South Africa, Egypt and partially, Nigeria. The ratio of market capitalization to GDP remains low, while sector composition is also mostly biased toward the financials.
"With the exception of South Africa and Egypt (relatively diverse sector composition) and Côte d'Ivoire (dominated by a single telecommunications stock) financials account for between 40% and 90% of African equity markets," according to UBS's Orford.
South African stocks stand out as the clearest beneficiaries of African growth, he said. UBS's favored picks from South Africa are communications company MTN; the country's largest retail bank ABSA; food retailer Shoprite; and construction firm Group 5.
One way for American investors to invest in South Africa is through the iShares MSCI South Africa Index Fund an exchange-traded fund that tracks the performance of the country's stock market.

Today's prices and tomorrow's liquidity
Speidell looks beyond South Africa in his search for attractive African stocks. As of March 31 this year, the Frontier Market Select Fund owned 18 stocks in 12 countries around the world. Country-weightings include Botswana (10%), Ghana (21%), Nigeria (9%), Malawi (2%), Senegal (8%), Tanzania (5%) and Zambia (5%).
Speidell points out four reasons why he invests in frontier markets.
First, the history of emerging markets is the future of frontier markets, Speidell said. Second, globalization and technology, particularly cell phones and the Internet, are making information available to millions of people in some of the poorest and most remote places in the world. Third is optimism, and the fourth reason is risk. "The reason I say that these countries offer a different kind of risk to a portfolio is because they are different in that they do not move with the other established world markets," Speidell said. "They don't move with New York, London or Tokyo or Russia or China."
Only about 6% of the movement in frontier markets could be considered related to the movement in the S&P 500, Speidell said: "Frontier markets certainly move, but in a way that's so largely independent that they provide wonderful diversification to a global portfolio."
Among Speidell's favorites are the smaller markets in Africa like Ghana, Botswana, and Zambia.

"We're hoping to benefit from the fact that these markets are not well-understood and that there will be undervalued names in almost every market," he said.
"There are local brokers, the companies do publish annual reports," Speidell said. "There are broker services that go out to companies and get the reports; when you have the report, you have market opportunities because the data are not so closely followed that the stocks will only move within a narrow band."
Speidell's fund invests in a variety of sectors, including consumer staples, finance, telecommunications, transportation and construction.
"Liquidity is a problem," Speidell said. "It's not to say that trading is impossible. One needs to be patient to figure that the opportunity here is to get today's prices and tomorrow's liquidity."