My Virtual Plaza #KTT (Kitchen Table Companies)

I was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and at the age of two years old my family decided to relocate to Connecticut (first time was when I was 7 months old for a few months). I lived in Connecticut until I was 12 when my parents finally decided to return to the Island of Enchantment. During my childhood, I use to come and visit every summer and stay with my Uncle and Grandmother. One of the things I enjoyed the most about every summer night when I was a child was my uncle taking me to Plaza las Delicias. Puerto Rico was first colonized by the Spaniards. They brought the concept of the plaza or meeting place to every municipality. Since I was always interested in history, I found out how the plaza was the major center of interaction, business, fun, and many other things. Before they had a major mall in Ponce, Plaza de Las Delicias was a key place where many would meet for many reasons.

Purpose of a Plaza

• The plaza initially had many purposes such as:
  • Holding Three Closely Related Institutions
  • Cathedral
  • Cabildo or Administrative Center
    • Governor’s house or City Hall
  • Audience or Law Court
• At times of Crisis large enough crowds to hold a military parade ground
• Time for a “Fiesta” large enough for a crowd to gather.

Overall the plaza was a Center of Cultural Life

The years have gone by  and people have moved away from visiting the plaza which has lost its essence and magic. As @garyvee expressed in the Thank You Economy, human nature seems to stay unchanged for basic needs.
I have to say that I am always seeking for an environment similar to the plaza.

Part of exchanging business ideas has been covered in the virtual space.

My Virtual Plaza

Many months ago I learned about a program @chrisbrogan was creating called Kitchen Table Talks (#KTT) on The Pulse Network. This was also the start of @chrisbrogan setting up an online forum called Kitchen Table Companies (Affiliate Link). @Chrisbrogan has been very supportive in many of my efforts and has been helping me with my small business way before he started Kitchen Table Companies.

What makes up KTC (Kitchen Table Companies)?

• Seminars
• Interviews
• Online TV
• Q & A Podcasts
• Roundtable
• KTC Community
• Book Club

How do I related the Plaza to Kitchen Table Companies?

The plaza was very useful for many purposes. By someone being present at the Plaza, people where able to speak with others. At KTC you are able to “speak” to others and not necessarily be present physically to participate in the on-line conversation.

Keep the Conversation Going
The forum allows you to leave a question or idea and have people interact. The on-line conversation can keep going for days, weeks, or who knows how long. Being at the Plaza and living close by, boosted ones social status.

Roundtable
Local business individuals used to have a roundtable about certain topics near the plaza or at the plaza; now you can have a roundtable at any time regarding small business related subjects.

Events
At the Plaza there were events that gathered people from town; there are also events at KTC. The weekly Kitchen Table Talks Show on the Pulse Network and now Office Hours where questions are answered by the great team at Human Business Works. For those that are more passive, there is even a book club to share your thoughts and recommend other books.

Military Parade Ground
Just as the plaza held military parades and the soldiers were able to show off their precision in marching, I have seen how many of my business issues have been attacked with precision by the members of the forum. KTC is a parade ground for an army of advisors ready to reach out and attack your small business problems.

The Great People I have met thanks to KTC

* @raffel
* @MargieClayman
* @SuzanneVara
* @shelmke
* @Runnerbliss
* @BobBurg
* @wicked_neat
* @lushbeads

And the chance to get to talk to two individuals who I admire like @joesorge and @chrisbrogan. Here is last weeks video on #KTT