Terrance Gaines is the creator of BrothaTech.com, a personal blog where he discusses technology trends and topics and reviews gadgets of interest. BrothaTech has been recognized by the Black Weblog Awards and the Small Biz Influencer Awards in 2011 and 2012.
Read why Gaines is passionate about sharing the latest technology news, reviewing the hottest gadgets, helping readers get the most out of their gadgets and influencing them to adopt the digital lifestyle.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
The idea that I can improve someone’s life by just helping them use technology just a little better.
How did you determine your career path?
I’ve always been interested in technology. When blogging and social media became popular, I decided to use them to digitally build by brand and my influence as a technology subject-matter expert and thought-leader.
What other industries connect to your career choice?
Information technology, digital/new media, eCommerce, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)
Describe the skill sets that are essential to future business leader and innovators.
The ability to engage and serve potential global customers/clients digitally as well as in person. The ability to be a good leader by first being a good follower. The ability to stay hungry, but be smart and humble. The ability to adapt to and learn from different situations. The ability to put personal beliefs/feelings aside to accomplish a goal.
Define innovative methods you apply to your business and life.
Not really innovative, but the ability to build relationships and partnerships with others in my similar area of expertise has helped me tremendously. I would suggest people go this route versus viewing them as “competition”
Describe goal-setting methods you use and how you evaluate your success.
In order to accomplish anything, I have to break my goals down in smaller, more attainable triumphs in order to avoid attempting to accomplish all my goals at one time. So I try to take it one daily task list at a time until I can file the larger, more encompassing goal complete. I evaluate success by asking the question “Did I do my best?” at the end of an accomplished task or goal.
Who do you consider your peers in your field that offer support and best practices?
Mario Armstrong, Adria Richards, Wayne Sutton, Angela Benton, Lamar Tyler and Stacey Ferguson – All of the above are digital/new media entrepreneurs to whom I look up and have had the privilege of working with, working for, learning from, and being friends with that I know would take the time to assist me when I need support. So I make sure to reciprocate any time they may need me.
Which information and increased skill methods do you use?
Of course the world-wide-web is my main source for information and education. My increased skill method is being in the company of people who influence and encourage to work harder, do better, strive for more.
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries.
Will Smith and Steve Jobs because of their drive, determination and “I’m going to do it my way” method of doing business.
Names three books that changed how you saw life and you recommend to others.
Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield
Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months by Melinda Emerson
The 7 Habits of Highly-Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Describe why lifelong learning is important to you.
“The only thing that’s constant is change.” Not sure who said that, but it’s true. As a result, there will always be new technologies, innovations, or just a new way to do an old job. So making sure you’re “recharging your battery” will ensure you will remain relevant.
Describe the voice of success that you hear in your head.
That voice says “Keep it Moving” — don’t [focus] on your mistakes, learn from them and move on the next challenge. It says “Nobody can do you better than you” – Look to others for inspiration and not emulation. It says “Build a legacy” – Work hard so you can be proud of your life and the history you leave behind for those to remember you by.
Community success based on what you do in the community means what to you?
It means that I recognize the roles that my predecessors before me played to get me where I am in life, by helping those who will succeed me reach my level of success and higher.
Technology plays what role in your daily life?
I use technology as a tool to live a better life, as well as help others use technology as a tool to live better lives.
What software and tools of technology have made the biggest difference in you life?
Mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, and laptops) The ability to be instantly connected to the world by just digging in my pocket or bag has opened up a world of opportunity for me
What role do music and cultural events play in defining your self-identity?
Music plays a big role. My theme-song is “Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder – No matter what’s going on in the work , no matter what you’ve done in the past, you have to keep on striving to do better…be better. Their isn’t one cultural event that describes me. I think as the world keeps turning, we all have to continue to evolve. My favorite phrase to use is “Get right or get left”
Define your personal culture.
Adaptive. Personable. No-excuses. Responsible. Righteous. Master of my fate, captain of my soul.
Describe your favorite vacation spot.
Behind the wheel of powerful but nimble automobile with a bunch of twisty, curvy roads ahead…
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
That we could learn to respect each other’s differences. We don’t have to love each other, just figure out a better way coexist.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I would step out faith more, versus trying to evaluate, analyze, and strategize every potential opportunity before I even take the first step. Sometimes I “plan” myself into a corner instead of just “walking through the door.”
