2011 A Unique Year & My A List of Those Who Made It Special

 

If I have mix feelings about 2011 but when I look back it was a year filled with lessons, obstacles, and blessings.

I have been reading all morning how many people had a rough 2011. For me this is difficult to say since I became a Dad and enjoyed most of it thanks to my daughter who turned a year old a few days ago. On the business side I had many opportunities that I gave my best some where with toxic people which I later found to easier to stay away from, but the good ones where with great individuals who have supported me for years and made 2011 special in its own way.

I focused a bit more on creating the online presence of more businesses, blogs, and entrepreneurs. I had a fair mix of projects everywhere from setting up a online security parenting blog, vegetarian blog from a the Latino perspective, to creating a website for a local insurance agent, a blog and guide on the food truck scene in Chicago, and a website for a traditional Mexican beverage gone main stream.

I also had the opportunity to go international with my business CIMA IT Solutions. Translating my corporate site into Spanish opened the doors into a Spanish speaking audience looking for online tools we can configure.

Thanks to @lucymfel hitting a home run by writing a post on how effective an online reservations system can be for a restaurant and how it can bring more business we had the opportunity to configure and set up restaurant online reservations systems in Mexico for over 20 restaurants making that blog post the one with the highest ROI so far.

As I look back I see that almost everything I did will serve me better to start 2012 with lots of knowledge to share, identifying the purpose of everything I commit myself too, and getting things done in an organic way.

This will also make me perform better during the current re-launch of my business partners Human Business Works which I have been working along for a few months already where along Chris Brogan we are helping business “Amplify the Human Digital Channel” by doing a better job engaging online.

These Special Individuals made my 2011 a unique a positive one.

My daughter Daniela (@danielalcolon) – She brought me happiness and lots of great moments during a very challenging year. I think my perspective would be a lot different if I would of not had her in my life.

Lucy @lucymfel – For being the best life, parenting, and business partner someone can have. I thank her for taking the lead in many initiatives and keeping them going when I get a bit fatigued.

Tio Tito (Irving) – He has been one of my biggest supporters since I came to this world. A spiritual father always helping me sees the other side of things from his perspective. He is full of great wisdom and knowledge that I use every day to make critical decisions. He is also a cool Grandpa to Daniela although he has the spirit and energy of the awesome uncle he has been to me.

Grandma Lydia – At her age of 80+ she still inspires creativity and a sense of work ethic towards accomplishing projects.

My Brother Javier (@javierrcolon) – I am proud of everything he has accomplished especially in these past 12 months I am sure he had a better 2011 than I did and this is only the beginning of great things. .

Dad (The Great Don Tito) & Mom who brought me into this world and also help me see things from a different perspective.

Grandma America – May she rest in peace her last words to me where inspiring and also letting me know how much she believes in me. I am sure she is in a better place now.

My brother Luis (Titito) – He is a “workaholic” much like me and my other brother Javier but even more importantly he is an example of being able to of overcoming large hurdles.

Rick Lipsett (@ricklipsett) – Without him Papaheroes.com would not be half as fun as what it is. Rick’s dedication towards this small project that continues to grow has been critical and I appreciate every minute and second he has dedicated to it.

Gabriel Pagan (@therealgabo) – One of my key business and parenting mentors. His advice has helped Lucy and me with doing a better job at parenting.

Rob Hatch (@robhatch) – Meeting him in person was a great opportunity to understand his background and getting lots of key parenting tips what I have been using since we met.

Chris Brogan (@chrisbrogan) – I don’t know what this year would have been if it was not for his support. He asked me to join him as a business partner at Human Business Works and he has trusted me with some of his potential clients. I appreciate the opportunity he has given me.

Don Ramon Morales (@guarionex88)  – Daniela’s Uncle in Silicon Valley not only is he one of my mentors when it comes to online presence and technology but his fatherly nature has helped me understand things from a different perspective as a new father. I am very glad I have Ramon in my life.

Milta Feliciano – For allowing us to work with her on a project she sacrificed many of her days and weeks to make it happen. I truly appreciate that she believed in us helping her move a very complicated organization forward.

Margie Clayman (@margieclayman) – Not only do I learn a lot from her from engaging with people online she leads by example and is always putting the spotlight on those around her. If you really want to learn about creating a solid community Margie can teach you many things about it. I thank her for support.

Michael Castro (@michaeldcc) – I am a big fan of the discipline, talent, knowledge, and many other great things Michael has. If Puerto Rico has more teachers like him the Island would be a better place. Michael is very loyal to his beliefs but respects other. If I have to say that if someone is committed to blogging from a pure sense of doing good for society it has to be Michael. I am very glad that I had the opportunity to meet him in person in 2011 and I am very thankful that he is part of my close friends.

Joe Sorge (@joesorge) – If I had to give the title to my Business Coach for the year I would have to give it to Mr. Sorge. Even when growing his business and being extremely busy with the businesses that where already running he took the time to find ways to help me with mine. I will always be grateful for all the help he has provided me in 2011.

Carlos Juan and Maria Del Carmen – They are always around when you need them. I appreciate everything they do for us.

Michael and Danny Luperella – I did miss them this summer and I can’t wait for the moment where they get to meet their cousin Daniela.

Moises Maldonado – Someone I respect as an IT Governance and Security peer but I appreciate his friendship even more. Moises is someone to look out since he is currently an entrepreneur trying to build his own business willing to share the great knowledge he has acquired working for many large and very well known organizations.

Melvin Rodriguez – He has gotten a lot closer to my family and me this past year. I thank Moises from introducing Melvin into our lives. Melvin shares many values and thoughts with me, but most importantly always willing to help. I thank him for opening the doors to a great friendship this past year.

Quique Gonzalez – His practical knowledge and wisdom help me solve most of my problems in a simplified way.

Miriam Gonzalez – Daniela’s Godmother and a spiritual mother for me. She was my High School Religion teacher that became a lot more than a friend. I also can’t wait till she meets Daniela.

Guillermo Trillo – At one point he was my boss but since then he has become one of my closest friends and one of the most knowledgeable guys when it comes to IT Security. He continues to surprise me and is always looking out for me.

Descoidy Sanchez – Although I did not get to see him as much as I would have in 2011 he is always supporting everything I do. One of the few people who have truly helped me succeed without expecting anything in return.

Bianca Estrada (@PayasaAgapita) – She is a Clown… No really she is a clown. Her humor is unique but overall I am grateful for her reading and supporting my blog. If someone knows how to give me fuel to continue writing she is one of those few people outside my family.

Jose Vargas – I love this guy like a brother he makes me laugh and I wish I could see more of him during 2012.

Kelvin Lomboy (@kelvinlomboy) – A young guy with a great heart and a lot of patience. Every opportunity I get to spend with him I learn a lot.

Luis (@Bengieruiz) Ruiz –There is not a month where this guy does not call me to see how everything is going on my side. Out of all my closest friends he is the one that does the best job at keeping in touch.

Ricardo Serrano (@ricsam) – A very genuine guy who is always looking for ways to support me and see how everythign is going.

Gil Schmidt (@gilthejenius) – One of the reasons I got into blogging and helping others with their online presence was because Gil in an indirect way vouched for us a few years ago. He is a strong supporter of what I do and I am an even bigger fan of what he does.

Robbie Vorhaus (@vorhaus) – By sharing his insight on how he views life I he helps me focus on how I need to be grateful and make the best of my days. If you need a quote to brighten your day make sure you include him.

Deborah Charnes (@deborahcharnes) – I met her a fellow vegetarian. She is one of the key collaborators at Veglatino.com always taking the time to write her experiences. I appreciate the time and effort she has put into helping me move one of my efforts forward.

Jacqueline Carly (@fitarella) – My personal presentation coach. Her presence in my life has brought me lots of awesome opportunities. Meeting her in person was one of the highlights of 2011. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for 2012. I

Armando Navarro – An awesome guy who truly cares about his customers. Although I am one of Armando’s clients I consider him a true friend.

Rafael Soto (@blue_syko) – A great guy that is always willing to help and lend a hand without expecting anything in return.

Tamar Morales – Another strong supporter that we have created a neat friendship with during 2011. I am glad I met Tamar and can’t wait to see her return to the Island of Enchantment.

Arsenio Sanchez (@arseniosan)  – Always a call away to come and help. I wish that in 2012 I can see more of him and his family.

Evelyn Yvette – My cousin who during the past few months we have gotten closer. I admire her dedication and how hard she works as a mother of 4 to giver her kids the best opportunities.

Mark Hayward (@mark_hayward) – Always looking for the next big project we are going to do together. He is a constant source of leads and opportunities. I appreciate Mark has put so much trust in me and I am big fan of his.

Claudene Korba (@runnerbliss) – Her tips on running and improving my health mean a lot. I appreciate the support she has given me throughout the year.

Javier (@toxiclunch) – Keeps me motivated and supports what I do. Very talented writer and photographer not fearing to share his point of view online.

Zuleyka Robles (@dr_zu) – I am very grateful to have her as part of our lives. She is another awesome aunt to Daniela and I enjoy spending time with her and other half the awesome @joeprog

Damaris Gonzalez – Assisted me in many ways on the Business side. I appreciate all the help she has given us.

Gamal Mustafa – I have learned lots on how to handle relationships and understand many business aspects of using online systems. Very grateful for the help and support he has given me in such short period of time of me knowing him.

Berni Xiong (@bernixiong) – She has the best avatar of 2011 but is also always sharing great info and sending lots of positive vibes. I look forwards to working with her in the near future.

Sean (@LTLV613)  – Sending good vibes from as far away as the west coast. I want to make it and effort to connect more with Sean during 2012.

Letty Caban (@bellavidaletty) – Her posts on Papaheroes.com have been some of the most useful ones. I have to say that her skills as a writer sharing useful content are something I will use as an example to work on.

Ivan Cao Berg (@ivancaoberg) – Another fellow vegetarian who has contributed posts to veglatino. I also appreciat the time he took into creating those posts.

Gustavo Franceschini (@iTavoTweet) – Like I said last year he is someone to watch out. His discipline towards keeping us all informed of apple and IOS latest developments are something many need to pay attention to.

Olivier Blanchard (@thebrandbuilder) – I guess being that we where both in the military helps us connect in a different way. I really appreciate that Olivier mentioned me on his book Social Media ROI as someone that supported him. In reality he has supported me in many other ways when he shares his knowledge online.

Tony Vargas (@tonytorero) – Siempre lleno de alegría, oh wait this blog is suppose to be in English. My good Spanish friend Tony is someone who does understand connecting online and engaging with people.

Christopher Rosario (@bambambpt) – It was a privilege to meet him in person on my last visit to Bridgeport, CT where my parents live. He is always willing to lend a hand and a true connector.

Pablo Montero – My favorite flight attendant. If @jetblue had many more like him it would truly increase the capital value of the company. Not only does he do a great job he is always very attentive on the flights I have been able to share air time with him.

Teresa Garza (@checalamovie) – If you want to be up to date on what is going on in Hollywood Teresa is the person to follow. She has supported my efforts and I am thankful to have her as one of my contacts.

Melissa Delgado – She has been very supportive and is always there to link bloggers with the offline world at the San Juan Marriot more than a client she has become a friend.

Obed Roldan – Always sharing great stuff online. Thanks to Obed I was able to get on Google + very early and I appreciate everything else he has done for me.

Cristina Guerrero – An ex-coworker turned friend. Always supporting what I do and trying to identify opportunities for me. It means a lot to me that she always keeps me in her mind and is looking out for me.

Kaila Smith – My elementary school classmate which is continuously supporting my writing and other efforts. I am very happy to have Kaila back in my life and hopefully in 2012 I can meet the rest of her family and she can meet my family.

Joseph Harrell – My favorite Ex-Marine creating awareness through movies on some of the most critical issues our veterans are suffering. I salute this ex Drill Instructor with a great heart and bright future.

Alex Levine – I am thankful for her allowing me to work with her on a few projects and also sending business my way. I hope her the best in her future projects.

There are many others that like you by reading this post have supported my efforts. I want to thank you personally so feel free to speak up in the comments area and let me know you are here. Thank you again and Have an awesome 2012.