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

I support causes by supporting individuals.

Helping those with Reading Difficulty

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thumbnail-for-video-1024x576 Helping those with Reading Difficulty

For the past few months the Limonade team has been working with Donna and Kate from The Reading Network, a new startup which is focused on helping kids with reading difficulties.

This is the first official global client for Limonade thanks to the help of our Strategic Business Partner Chris Brogan ,who referred Donna so we could help her initially with Digital Marketing and the business processes that tie into new digital tools.

Donna has an awesome story and vast experience in education but most importantly she wants to find new ways to help kids with learning differences in the subject of Reading and Dyslexia.

Launch of the Website

Donna launched the new website a few weeks ago and as everyone who has a business website, we are looking to connect The Reading Network with those that need online tutoring for kids or even themselves to improve their reading .

Do you know Anyone that Might Benefit from these Services?

Having difficulties is nothing to be ashamed of and we need to embrace how we learn differently from others.

We would appreciate if you could share with your contacts, on Twitter or Facebook , how The Reading Network can be of help and work One-to-One with your child.

If you have anyone specifically you want to send this to,  send a private email about how their services will help.

What projects are you working on?

Igniting a Revolution – Mueblerias Berrios Listens

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website-mueblerias-berrios-3 Igniting a Revolution - Mueblerias Berrios Listens

This is the sixth post of my Igniting a Revolution Series.

On rare occasions I get to express my frustrations online. Now days I do it less as I work on subtracting occasions where I spend time on negatively charged events in my life.

When I am in a negative situation I first look into how I can make it a positive. Working backwards on how I use to work as an IT Security consultant. I was paid to look at what the client would say was a perfect environment and identify faults in hopes of safekeeping their ASSets.

Making the Difference Locally

I am always on the look out for awesome individuals that enhance the customer experience. From the sharp valet parking attendant to the bar owner who seemed obsessed of having each spot in his bar ready for patrons.

After my negative experience with Sears I went ahead and emailed two companies asking them if they could guarantee I would not have a similar experience.

website-mueblerias-berrios-2 Igniting a Revolution - Mueblerias Berrios Listens

Answering Faster is not Better

One of them responded within minutes and clearly did not read my request demonstrating that they rather answer quickly than respond a question.

Taking the time to Nurture a New Relationship

The second email was from Abner Muñiz from Mueblerias Berrios. Abner responded after a few hours with an invitation to their VIP Event. Not only would I have the opportunity to get what I needed but I even had the chance to win a few prizes, while there were drinks, cocktails, and food being served.

Since I am getting ready for my SXSW Interactive trip, my time is a bit limited but Abner took the time and went the extra mile to send me an invite after reading my blog post on my experience with Sears that I gladly made time for the event into my schedule.

Great Way to Build Community Amongst your Customers

I arrived at the event after having dinner at my new favorite Asian Bistro and I had someone park my car for me while I walked into the Mueblerias Berrios Showroom.

I walked with my family and we were greeted. Two raffle tickets were handed to me and Lucy which gave us a chance at the over 40 prizes they were giving out. I was then approached by one of their sales personnel and was shown a mattress that fit my needs and budget

It was a relief to hear they include delivery in the price and I could have it the next business day at my house.

website-mueblerias-berrios-1 Igniting a Revolution - Mueblerias Berrios Listens

Searching for Daniela’s Bed

After that Lucy and I walked around searching for a bed for Daniela. She tested a few beds while another Berrios team member was nice enough to give us the features of the beds and pricing. Once again delivery is free and assembly of the bed is around $20 dollars which I think is at an attractive price point for a hassle free purchase.

We walked around saw some more furniture. It reminded me of when as a kid I use to go to work with my dad Don Tito for the Luis Furniture when it was at its peak in the 80’s.

Searching for Abner

Since Abner had invited me I asked one of the Berrios team members if he was at the event. The team member pointed that Abner was the Master of Ceremonies of the event.

As soon as I approached Abner he smiled and recognized me. It was like greeting a friend. Although being extremely busy running the event, he stopped what he was doing to help me in making my decision with the mattress.

I was so impressed with Abner I had to do a bit of research on the internet on his work and I understood that Abner’s body of work as a performer and musician is useful to work a crowd in a live event.

website-mueblerias-berrios-4 Igniting a Revolution - Mueblerias Berrios Listens

We need more Abner’s Working for Our Local Companies

Abner seems to be a creative at heart. He understands communication and showing people that he cares. I am sure Mueblerias Berrios knows that they have a great resource, but I wanted to point out on my end that they are leading many other local and international companies established in Puerto Rico by listening and responding to their clients in a human way.

I am writing this post based on the limited interactions I had with Abner where he exceeded expectations by far.

Locally it is normal to fill a contact form on a website and receive no response. Or you get a generic response from an auto reply giving you more things to do.

website-mueblerias-berrios-6 Igniting a Revolution - Mueblerias Berrios Listens

The Opportunities

It is my opinion that Mueblerias Berrios is on the right track so far.

I see many opportunities in having an edge over their competitors by listening and using the website and online eco-systems to:

  • Bring New clients like myself to visit their location
  • Finding a way to incentivize their customers like Mark Hayward (who referred me to them) to refer more customers.
  • Being able to match pricing or make the buying furniture experience more pleasant by receiving feedback. Similar to Amazon’s price match.
  • Making the purchase process even leaner and online. So if someone visited their location did not make a decision at the moment they can even buy from the comfort of their home.

I am glad I listened to Mark Hayward and decided to email Berrios. I got to meet a very talented individual who seems to be a local Marketing and Human relations rock star. His effective use of online tools benefit the company he works for and made my life a lot easier.

If you are planning to buy furniture feel free to tweet or contact Berrios. I am sure Abner and his team will be listening and will be as helpful as they were with me.

What other companies stand out that I should include in the Igniting a Revolution Series?

website-mueblerias-berrios-5 Igniting a Revolution - Mueblerias Berrios Listens

Medalla Beer, From Missed Opportunity to Promoting Vandalism

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Screen-Shot-2014-01-22-at-1.39.39-PM Medalla Beer, From Missed Opportunity to Promoting Vandalism

For me Old San Juan has always been an escape to walk on the streets that our ancestors built while living in the present. When you visit Old San Juan, the images of cobblestone streets gets imprinted in the minds of those that and it could be a great memory to take back home to those who have never visited the island.

That said I wish I could say I was shocked by the poor decision Medalla Light beer made by choosing a sad situation where Old San Juan’s streets were vandalized to grab some attention to their brand.

A Quick Recap

This past weekend as the San Sebastian Festival took place in Old San Juan, hundreds of thousands drank and partied; some used the excuse that the event has cultural value.

Initially the theme of the festival was aligned towards promoting culture but over the years greed took over. Companies and individuals who benefit from this event are tied to liquor and beer sales. The festival in my opinion is about being loud, getting crazy, and according to Medalla leaving your footprint behind by vandalizing.

No Longer a Fan of the Festival

The past year and half I have gotten closer to some of the merchants of Old San Juan. Some are neighbors and close friends and I know the struggles they have in the maintenance of architectural history under strict standards while trying to run a business in one of the least small business friendly places in the world, the island of Puerto Rico. In short, Old San Juan merchants perform a juggling act with little or no support from the local government.

Preparing for a Disaster

You would think a festival would give these merchants a breath of fresh air by bringing new business and some extra cash. The opposite happens and  preparing for the festival is more like preparing for a natural disaster.

Every merchant I know closes down for safety and security reasons. They try to cut their losses short by not opening for those days and not having any major loss caused by the crowds.

I was even amazed that, my favorite beer garden, La Taberna Lúpulo decided to close down because the crowd that arrives at San Sebastian is not interested in enjoying high quality beer.

Is Medalla Talking to their Audience?

Based on how much profit Medalla probably made, you really can’t blame them if they are just thinking of their bottom line and trying to reach the audience that makes them profitable. Those who buy their beer in large quantities, get inebriated and also find themselves vandalizing the streets of Old San Juan.

UPDATE: As of 7:11 PM of January 22, 2014 In a typical traditional public relations move they deleted the image without an apology or further explanation. 

A Missed Opportunity

With the high volume of sales Medalla does during that specific week tied to steep tax incentives the least they could do is give back.

If the image posted would have mentioned that it’s of their interest to protect our island’s assets, they could have donated and created a fund to fix part of the destruction. The brand would have looked like a HERO instead of a ZERO!

I still think they have time to flip this around especially after implying they were part of the destruction and being proud of of this with their picture and ad .

The Message Does Not Surprise Me

But then again the message does not surprise me because one, it’s normal for beer companies to communicate online without thinking about the consequences and two they might be drinking so much Medalla they were probably drunk when they posted the status.

What are your thoughts?

The Good Windmill

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gambella-windmill-working-1024x683 The Good Windmill
photo credit by AJ Leon

As I look into the many things that we can make happen, I look at the intentions of each individual vs the actions they take and at times it can be totally different.

I focus on contributing to my environment vs. going after accomplishments and awards. I was able to explain my approach on life a lot better after visiting Fargo, ND this past June and learning from a unique bunch, the Misfits.

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to be part of a GoToMeeting Video call  capturing a view at the end result of the efforts of 30+ Good Misfits and others who collaborated in the Good Misfit Project.  After finishing the call and talking with my other half Lucy, I clearly saw two variations on how one technology like a windmill can be used for good and bad.

The Good Windmill

This past june AJ Leon, Melissa Leon, and Jessie White 30+ Good misfits decided to run a project where we would raise funds to build a windmill in Africa.

First Look at the Gambella Windmill from Misfit, Inc. on Vimeo.

Different to the huge structures that where placed in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico, this windmill had the purpose of making a village self sustainable. It would allow year round irrigation for crops and bring countless opportunities for improving the lives of many families. The structure is one that will bring benefits without the side effects.

With raising $21,000 we impacted positively the lives of many families in Africa which struggle every day with getting some of the basic needs that many of us give take for granted.

First Impressions of the Gambella Windmill from Misfit, Inc. on Vimeo.

The Not so Good Windmills of Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico 44 windmills went up and a few individuals made themselves richer, while depleting the resources from the land and the communities they occupy. Not much different than when the conquistadores came and took the resources of the natives Tainos (now extinct). Sadly 500 years later, people are still amazed when something new arrives without analyzing the possible threat this may bring.

In Africa one small windmill is going to change the lives of many in a positive way. Many small communities came together to help strangers in a different part of the world by making donations of money and time to improve their lives.

Which windmill project would you be proud of being a part of?

Which windmill project contributes to the well being of making the world better?

Celebration Day in Gambella from Misfit, Inc. on Vimeo.

Special Thanks to the Following

  • Jessie M. White for motivating me and Bianca to reach out goal.
  • To AJ Leon and Melissa Leon for allowing us to be part of their awesome idea and project.
  • Bianca Estrada also known as Payasa Agapita for working with me to reach the goal.
  • To the Group of Individuals that donated and helped us achieve our goal (in no specific order):
gambella-windmill-from-afar The Good Windmill
photo credit by Misfit Inc.

Visualizing the Impact Equation

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IMG_4962-1024x753 Visualizing the Impact Equation

A book that covers online communications and starts with the phrase:

“Ceci n’est pas un social networking book”

Is a book I definitely want to read!

Before I continue writing about this great book that helps us understand how communicate and create relationships with current emerging technologies, I want to explain that I am a big fan and admirer of Chris Brogan and Julien Smith.

I also have had the privilege to work with Chris in the past on projects for Human Business Works (My company is a Strategic Partner). I also had the privilege to finally meet Julien Smith this year at SXSW and we also tend to like the same type of shoes.

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Me & Julien Smith

Both of these individuals have taught the online communities they belong too how to create healthy  relationships (business and personal).

Having read Trust Agents a few years ago, I appreciate how they continued some concepts into the current environment of online communications in 2012.

Their new book,  The Impact Equationir?t=cis02-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1591844908 Visualizing the Impact Equation (Affiliate Link), measures how we create relationships by creating an  impact in the way people see and perceive things.

Explanation of Impact

Chris and Julien explain the purpose of the book in the first pages mentioning that the Impact Equation is about considering the person at the other end of a relationship.

Considering what would make a difference to that individual who connected with an idea and how they would perceive it.

Impact Equation Formula

The formula they shared with us in the book is IMPACT = C * R * E * A * T * E.

The letters stand for Contrast, Reach, Exposure, Articulation, Trust, and Echo. I would go into explaining a bit more how each of these elements work from my perspective and how they complement each other to create Impact but it would be a much longer post.

I recommend for you to pre-order the The Impact Equation book which will give you a deeper understanding including neat exercises that will help you put what you learn into practice.

Unconventional Business Advice from Chris Brogan and Julien Smith

What resonated with me was how Julien and Chris explained their unorthodox approach at providing unconventional business advice. For those of you stuck into the Business as Usual way of doing things, feel free to skip this book.  If you want to take a look at new ways of doing things, understanding how the online eco-system of business works, then I recommend you order a copy and give one away to each of those key stakeholder of the business you work in or own.

You Don’t Need Permission

When you are searching to find yourself and follow your dreams, you don’t need anyone’s permission. There is emphasis on the idea that everyone has a chance to get heard with these new business models.

Community of Wealth = Cheerleader + Mentors

It also speaks of the wealth of having a community supporting you. This motivates me to continue working as hard as I can in my own small business while having cheerleaders such as Gabriel Pagan, Margie Clayman, Chris Brogan, Rob Hatch, Mark Hayward, Robbie Vorhaus, Nando Caban, Nomar Duran and Lucilla Feliciano.

It’s about how much you are willing to work.

Using emerging technologies levels the playing field by focusing on quality, commitment, and results in order for businesses to deliver.  Having money is critical but this alone will not drive your business.

On occasions I see individuals with capital to start a business but lacking drive and commitment. These new platforms of communication will help you with overcoming many obstacles if you put forth the effort and commit to them.

Staying Visible

Contrast is the Unique Selling Proposition as Chris and Julien explain it. When you become too similar you become invisible.  I have spent the past year working on new business models. I try to work differently from rest of the people offering what can seem to be similar services to ours. By being different we stand out from the crowd. By being visible we increase the probability of working with customers that have similar interests to ours.

What Ideas are better Creative or Business?

Part of a chapter is dedicated to the importance of driving your business via creative and business decisions that align to your overall goals. Finding a purpose in both type of ideas will help you understand the importance in analyzing both. It also explains at a high level that each one is driven depending by the objectives you want to reach.

Visualizing the Book

I was privileged enough to get an Advanced Uncorrected Proof copy.  When we look at text we might miss out on visualizing the problem that a business book is trying help you solve.

Chris and Julien had a unique way to help me visualize some ideas in the book. They created a competition, where readers took pictures of images and embedded a book quote with it.

By using textography on pictures taken with my iPhone and Camera, I was able to take a few pictures and align them to quotes in the book. I also tagged them on twitter with the Hashtag #ImpactEQ

IMG_5006-300x225 Visualizing the Impact Equation IMG_4965-300x221 Visualizing the Impact Equation

IMG_5015-300x225 Visualizing the Impact Equation IMG_5002-300x225 Visualizing the Impact Equation

IMG_5193-300x225 Visualizing the Impact Equation IMG_5063-300x223 Visualizing the Impact Equation

An Experience

As with Trust Agents, Chris and Julien created an experience for their readers. The book is out this week and I can already imagine the types of experiments Chris and Julien will attempt to make the book even more functional.

So far I am very thankful for the privilege of receiving an advanced copy and getting to see first hand the great knowledge Chris and Julien have to share.

When are you ordering your copy?

Order Impact Equation Now…

I know you want to find other ways to help!