Vision. Some people have it. Others are getting it…I hope.

You can have a huge vision like Gandhi did for India and his people. Or maybe a vision to date the girl next door. Whatever. The point is to have one.

One person who has a vision is Andrea Baxter.

A great story. I hope you enjoy it!

Every once in a while I’ll come across something interesting. It can be a blog (Mike Wilner’s Miked Up), a company (ZipCar), web app (Twitter), or even a blast from the past (Thomas Dolby).

(By the way, did you know that Thomas Dolby is not just known as the guy who penned the famous song and video “Blinded Me With Science” BUT is also the genius behind Nokia’s ring tunes and various other tunes on video games? AMAZING!)

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to listen and watch a new “discovery” of mine. While I can’t be the one to claim sole discovery of this new “land”, I think that this gem should be unveiled.

ThatRadio.com and it’s brother station ThatChannel.com.

Minaz Asani-Kanji (my wife!) – Executive Director of TorontoGreen.ca was a guest on their Liquid Lunch show with ThatFounder (?) Hugh this past Monday afternoon. LL seems to be a variety type show which delves into interesting local news and social issues. They also like to promote the next upcoming new band!

ThatRadio and ThatChannel produce a variety of interesting shows exclusively for the “online” consumer. Making a difference and having as much fun as possible. This is their mantra. They claim to be Canada’s #1 Internet broadcaster since 2004.

Be sure to check it out. You’ll be impressed.

KK

Farhan Lalji has some interesting thoughts posted on his blog at, “Who is Farhan Lalji?” One of the reasons I enjoy reading his posts is that he is actually a contemporary of mine. His is not the most read blog in the world but his thoughts and ideas resonate with the common man – me.

One of Farhan’s last articles spoke about the role that technology can play in educating and thus alleviating the gap between the have’s and have-not’s. While I think we both agree on this we disagree on the method. Farhan says that the governments need to finance and invest in giving everyone free access to the internet.

I disagree. I believe corporations (in this case, “high-tech” companies) and non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) have a vital role in this development issue. Why? They have both the means (the actual technology!) and the reason (profit and development!)

The easiest case to point to would be the Grameen Bank model of development. While not perfect, Muhammad Yunus, the bank’s founder, predicts that there will not be poverty in Bangladesh by 2050.

Another example of successful development is the role of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. One of the Trust’s mandate is the economic revitalization of historic sites in the Muslim world. Within this context, hundreds of local people have developed new skills and created for themselves employment and business opportunities.

Although these two cases are not specific to the internet and technology, they do point to the success that NGO’s and businesses have in empowering people to positively impact their own world.

I think it is time that instead of individuals and companies/organizations giving handout’s that we/they start giving a handUP.

Can you imagine Twittering with a school kid from Darfur?

Karim

Together Everybody Achieves More.

Remember that corny “corporate” acronym? I’m sure you do. However, depending upon your age the meaning may be a little different.

For me, TEAM was used by big, faceless, corporate entities to make it’s workers feel appreciated. Why? Because it was much easier spouting the benefits of a simple catchphrase than it was to give someone a raise or even thank an excellent worker.

Today, times have changed. With technology easier to use and information and training a-plenty, today’s new companies have a different face. Companies like Google (massive) and Freshbooks (not so massive, yet) understand that it’s people who drive the bottom line. And its people who drive the brand and any future business for these and other companies.

So, hopefully you work for or own a business that treats its employees as prime assets that need to be developed and appreciated.

If not, what are you waiting for?

Karim Kanji

5 months have gone (ok, in a day!) and do you know where your 2008 went?

It seems that the 5 months have brought to Canada a little of the doom and gloom and initiated in the States. High gas pump prices, higher costs at the Chinesse restaurant and higher housing costs with lower home values. But hey, what goes up, must come down! So here we go…

Work for CIBC? Own CIBC stock? Have a CIBC t-shirt? So sorry.

Running away to England? Maybe you’ll get a DEAL on a house. Yeah, prices are coming down across the pond as well.

Lose a few bucks on the lottery? So did U.S. Banks….$37 BILLION! Ouch.

Here’s some good news….Prices up in early May. Shoot! Sales fall though. Oh well.

Chris Chelios knows a thing or two about winning Stanley Cups. He’s on the verge of winning another one with the Detroit Red Wings (sorry Pens). But Chelios also knows real estate. Kinda.

Karim Kanji
www.RealCashCanada.com