Raul Colon - photographer, digital marketer & writer living on the beach in Puerto Rico.

I support causes by supporting individuals.

“Gratitude 101″ Multiplied 101 times

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DSCN4773-1024x768 “Gratitude 101″ Multiplied 101 times

This week has been a great week until yesterday  that my 82 year old grandma was hospitalized so I ask for your well wishes and good vibes so she can get better quickly.

It was an awesome week because I was able to learn so much from @chrisbrogan even more than what I usually learn every week. A few weeks ago I requested a big favor from @chrisbrogan. Since the end of the year has not been as favorable as I wanted economically and my biggest project Danielacolon.com is about to take off (which involves me in spending some of my capital long term), I had to look for an innovative way in which I could be greatful to a few people who have really helped me and made 2010 a great year.

While I was trying to show gratitude with a small token of affection (where @chrisbrogan really did more than I did), I was able to see how @chrisbrogan multiples being grateful and takes it to another level.

Most of you who already know @chrisbrogan know how busy he is. If you look at his profile you can see on how many people engage with him on twitter, his blog, Linkedin, and other platforms. Chris keeps the conversation going and more importantly he does it both ways. I have seen the many things he has done for me personally but this week he went all out.

hubspot-chris-brogan4 “Gratitude 101″ Multiplied 101 times

While doing all of this, he did me a big favor by signing and personalzing each book for those people that mean a lot to me. His book Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trustir?t=cis02-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0470635495 “Gratitude 101″ Multiplied 101 times is a must read.

He made sure the books got in before christmas by sending them next day out of his own pocket.

He sent me a few extra book from other authors that I will gladly read & review.

He thanked me on his on his shoe “Kitchen Table Talks” on thepulsenetwork.com for sending him a very small token of appreciation that compared to what he did is nothing. (please see the video below and find how @chrisbrogan makes the new Cuba Libre):




I am very grateful to have read Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trustir?t=cis02-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0470635495 “Gratitude 101″ Multiplied 101 times where I started understanding @chrisbrogan’s work and started reading his blog periodically. I have learned so much from him. He is consistent in showing gratitude and helping out but never stops surprising me on how much of a great human being he really is.

So following @chrisbrogan’s example of gratitude I am making a request for you on Christmas Eve; Donate to your community in some way and be grateful about all the great things you have in life.

If you can’t make a big donation feel free to make a smaller one like skipping a bottle of wine while you celebrate and donating it to the great organization like @skip1 (http://www.skip1.org/) which now allows Puerto Rico residents like me to donate. If you go by a homeless person or person in need make sure to find a way to make at least their Christmas Eve a lot better.

How else can you improve someones situation by being grateful?

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Bringing the Guests into Culebra!

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Great & Effective Small Business Website!

I have met many interesting people via Twitter and have had great experiences collaborating and spending time with some of the people. I have also had the opportunity to recognize and find the great things that people are doing locally in Puerto Rico even on the small island of Culebra.
Once I got my #AYCJ pass from @jetblue (Happy Jetting!) found out by @Lucymfel (which found out via twitter) that our twitter friend @mark_hayward had also bought one.

I have written back and forth on various occasions with @mark_hayward via twitter and have not had the opportunity or privilege to meet him in person but I have always been very impressed on how he manages the online presence of the Palmetto Guesthouse which he owns.
Almost a year ago I was approached by a Small hotel owner to help them improve their brand using Social Media. I went ahead and did a free assessment on how her website compared to others and to start we (CIMA IT Solutions Corp.) really needed to change her website. She was not too happy to hear my recommendations since she had thrown away money for a very simple and horrible website.
In trying to convince her of what a bad job they had done on her website I used the best example I could find Locally on how a Blog or Website of a Guest house or Small hotel should be structured PalmettoCulebra.com.
She was so focused on how much it was going to cost her instead on how much Return on Investment it was going to bring once the changes where mad that I decided to go my way and the possible customer went theirs.
Why did I use the Palmetto Guesthouse Website as an Example? For the following reasons:
  • The main reason is because most people who want to stay in a hotel want that feeling of the owners really being part of the property. I think the simple design really projects the message.
  • Their main page has most of the information you need on hand. No waiting for a flash presentation to load. (Which if you are planning your vacation you probably don’t want to waste your time on anyway). It gives you an overview of the Guest House what they provide, why you should stay with them, and who your hosts are going to be.
  • They have a very simple line of text (:::U.S. Citizens NO Passports Required:::), which might help those who still think that you need a Passport to come to Puerto Rico if you come from the U.S.
  • There About page gives you a map on what part of Culebra you will be staying. And talks a bit more detail on who your guests will be.

1294344348_520f3bbf98 Bringing the Guests into Culebra!

  • If you have never traveled to Culebra their “Getting Here” page gives good insight on options, including costs by boat or plane.
  • They detail their amenities so you can have an idea of what they are offering you. It even includes a free extra day on Culebra-Secure Luggage Storage after checkout just in case you want to enjoy even the last moment at Culebra without having to drag your luggage everywhere.
  • Very Simple table with their Rates and other relevant reservation information.
  • The Guesthouse photos can give you an idea of where you are staying and what to expect.
  • If you still have not been able to get the answers their FAQ’s area where you can get answers to frequent and interesting questions regarding your stay in Culebra and the Palmetto Guesthouse. Including check-in and checkout times.
  • Their Trip Advisor badge has many reviews with great ratings and the moment it is #1 of 9 in Culebra’s B&B Popularity Index.

trip_palmetto Bringing the Guests into Culebra!

  • The only thing that was missing was the Blog. But if you have had the opportunity to Read @mark_hayward’s blog (http://mark-hayward.com/) it makes up for it.
I have not been to the Palmetto Guesthouse but based on their TripAdvisor reviews and their website I looks like as the best option if you are traveling to Culebra.
I invite you to visit the Palmetto Guesthouse Website and give me your opinion.
I really think this website serves its purpose do you?

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World Cup Twitter App

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For all those World Cup and Soccer Fans I highly recommend you to visit the TweetBeat World Cup Application created by the @kosmix team.tweetbeat-worldcup2 World Cup Twitter App

You can read more about it and how @twitterapi team and @themattharris is planning to feature more Twitter Apps in the future at Twitter’s Blog.

I also wrote a post in spanish regarding the application at @twitpuerto. I recommend you to visit the site it and share your feedback with us.

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