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

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Thanks Liz Strauss for Being Inspiring

January 6, 2013 by Raul Colon

IMG_6350-1024x767 Thanks Liz Strauss for Being Inspiring
A Tribute to Liz

For quite some time I have been reading and following Liz Straus on twitter and other platforms. Although I have never met Liz in person I consider her an inspiring woman who always brings joy by sharing her experiences online via her many talents.

I first heard of Liz Strauss through Jacqueline Carly and what attracted my attention to Liz where the daily sunrise pictures she shared of the Chicago harbor.

Good morning from the harborhood !! #chicago #sunrise #lizharbor5

A post shared by Liz Strauss (@lizstrauss) on Dec 13, 2012 at 4:55am PST

Good morning from the harborhood !!#chicago #sunrise #lizharbor5 ~ Liz Straus

In my case I have been in and out of Chicago airport and driven through Chicago multiple times but never made the time to stop for a day in the windy city. Liz Strauss has been able to make Chicago harbor one of my favorite views of the morning and a place I want to visit.

Like my friend Diane Brogan mentioned in her blog post, Liz captivates us in a way where in every image and message she shares in the mornings get transported to that beautiful sunrise.

Vapor trails like tire tracks across the sky. #chicago #sunrise #lizharbor5

A post shared by Liz Strauss (@lizstrauss) on Dec 14, 2012 at 4:49am PST

Inspiration

I was inspired by Liz to start sharing my view of the Atlantic from the small island of Puerto Rico.

My direct interactions with Liz have been very minimal (since I always consume her content but rarely write back or interact on it).

Reading Diane’s post was a reminder that sometimes we forget to thank people for inspiring us and giving us more reasons to enjoy our lives. As I read Diane’s post and found the news on Liz battling Cancer I could not wait any longer to thank her for sharing and influencing something I enjoy doing on a daily basis.

Reading Diane’s post also made me visit a specific blog post that demonstrates the talent Liz has as a writer. Please take a few minutes and read over this unique piece The Genius that Is You.

To Liz I wish her the best and I can only think of how in the future we might be able to read that Liz is free of cancer and that I will be seeing those images of the Chicago Harbor for decades to come.

P.S. Diane asked if we could share a morning picture or an image of our morning view and tag Liz Strauss on Twitter, Instagram, or Google+.

Since I have been doing this for quite some time I decided to write this post thanking Liz for the inspiration.  Here I share the gallery of some pictures I have taken, edited, and published since the end of summer 2012.

Filed Under: Featured, Random Thoughts Tagged With: Diane Brogan, Gratitude, Images, Liz Strauss, Morning Pictures, Photos, Pictures

Thank You Note!

May 8, 2012 by Raul Colon

RIMG0067-1024x768 Thank You Note!

There are two key things that are embedded in my nature being thankful when someone does the smallest thing for me.  The second one is being very transparent with my thoughts and sharing my opinion with everyone in a healthy way.

Although some might think my transparency can hinder my business goals I try to believe the opposite. For this reason I try to focus on the part of being grateful for the opportunities and blessings I receive.

A few days ago I referred someone to a tool I love using for many of my small business tasks. I see it as a dashboard toward integrating:

  • My sales efforts (for CIMA IT Solutions Corp. & Human Business Wo
  • Invoicing – syncs with Freshbooks (← Affiliate Link)
  • Backup of Contacts (Syncs with Gmail Contacts)
  • Incoming Requests via our multiple online efforts.
  • Keeps track of my communications with clients, partners, and helps me track conversations online.

FreshBooks-R2C-ad-Invoicing-728x90 Thank You Note!

Makes Life Easier

In a simple phrase Batchbook allows me to have a bit of sanity and makes my life easier.

Although I am a small business owner I am trying to keep track of things that happen on Papaheroes.com, Veglatino.com, my company, HBW, this blog, and the many other efforts I am a part off.

Batchbook is small enough for me to use but robust enough that I can cover all my bases.

But overall I like dealing with companies that care about me and with this token of appreciation I know they care about me as a customer.

Are you grateful when other people open doors for you?

What action do you take to let them know you are thankful?

Sometimes a simple handwritten note can go a long way!

By the way thank you for reading this post and thank you Batchblue for showing you care! 

Filed Under: Business, Featured Tagged With: Gratitude, Thank You

5 Things I wants lots of during 2012!

January 1, 2012 by Raul Colon

724222404_489f51c296_z 5 Things I wants lots of during 2012!

Last year for my first post I wrote about abundance and I clearly think that post set the tone for the rest of the year, although I did not meet any business financial goals on the personal side I did have lots of abundance when it came to many aspect and most importantly a small group of people reaching out to help me in many different forms.

I guess when we define abundance it means something different to all of us. I clearly wanted to make this one of my 2012 three words but after thinking it over I decided that we should always have abundance as a word to guide us.

In 2011 I had abundance of the following:

 

1. Topics to Write About

I kept a pretty steady pace of writing for multiple blogs including my own blogs papaheroes.com, Veglatino.com, and my corporate blog. From 2011, I still have many blog posts I have not published and many other topics I wish to write about. I use my daily experiences and the conversations I have with my contacts online and offline as inspiration in many of these posts I wrote. I also use my blog and morning pages exercise as a way to clear my head and get ideas for future opportunities. If you are in need of a topic for your business blog or blog feel free to reach out I might be able to collaborate with you in creating content.

2. Giggles, Laughs, & Smiles

My first year as a Dad has given me a fair share of laughs, smiles and giggles. My daughter loves to giggle especially when she sees something that she calls her attention. Since she is just one year old she mixes giggles with a squeal that makes me smile and lets me know she finds something amusing. On many occasions walking in public my daughter also has a unique way of staring at people and calling people’s attention. Thanks to her many people end up smiling at me given how my daughter hypnotized them with her look (she also has a very unique way of sitting in her stroller which looks like she is relaxing at a spa).

Many of the funny events I have had during the year that made me laugh where created by my family. Every time my daughter dances to a beat and does something silly it will make me smile. Each visit I have to Grandma’s house my Uncle Tito will surely do something silly making my daughter and everyone laugh. Even when she does things I know she is not suppose to do but I find silly and funny I might want to laugh although In some occasions I able stop myself from laughing.

3. Health

I have been blessed with a healthy daughter in one year she still has not gotten sick other than when they put her shots that I consider a reaction towards the virus she was injected with. Although my dad was diagnosed with Cancer (thankfully at early stages) different to other years 2011 was full of a healthy year for most of my family. The previous year was full of many financial gains but many health related set backs in the family (I rather lose money than having my family members ill). I can deal pretty easily with having financial issues but having family members that are ill really affects my performance and my being in the personal and business sense. The only major set back was losing Grandma America to Cancer in 2011 but she is in a better place now may she rest in peace and it motivates me to carry out what she expects of me with more motivation.

4. People Who Care

I have bumped into people who truly care about my family and me and are always extending a hand in however they can. Sharing advice, sending business my way, or just sending a gift at the right time where I can continue to build or keep my business afloat.

5. Put Your Thoughts On Identifying Resources

I see how many organizations, people, and businesses fail because they are focusing on cutting costs and not focusing on bringing revenue, which I will leave for a future post. Not thinking of the resources you have and trying to acquire better resources will always put you in a difficult position for you to succeed.

For 2012 I want to think there will be abundance and how I should never forget to appreciate it. If we put our minds towards thinking on how we can accomplish things and how they will be there we can clearly align ourselves better so we can accomplish our goals.

Think of the many things you have and don’t focus on those you don’t have. Appreciate everything you have and make the best with it.

How will you bring abundance into the lives of those around you and most importantly your own?

 

 

Filed Under: Professional Development Tagged With: Abundance, Goals, Gratitude

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

December 31, 2011 by Raul Colon

 

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.

 

Filed Under: Featured, Holidays Tagged With: Community, Gratitude, Happy New Year, New Year

“Gratitude 101″ Multiplied 101 times

December 24, 2010 by Raul Colon

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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Filed Under: Featured, Social Media Tagged With: Blog, Blogs, Chris Brogan, Gratitude, Social Media

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