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

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The #LoTieneChiquito Campaign

December 27, 2013 by Raul Colon

angie-lo-tiene-chiquito The #LoTieneChiquito Campaign

Getting ready for the New Year in Puerto Rico means lots of celebrations in backyards or  outdoor venues; we are in the tropics and don’t need to stay in to celebrate. But many of us decide to be cautious about open air parties for one important reason.

On our densely populated island, everyone lives close to each other and at times this creates a not so favorable place for festivities. During New Year’s Eve,  criminals and other individuals decide to welcome in the new year by shooting live bullets up in the air.

Everything that goes up must come down and the practice is not very well seen by most of the population. The individuals who still think its a good idea to shoot up in the air, don’t think about where they will land.

The Victims

Every year we end up with innocent victims from children to adults. Two years ago while we were enjoying our first official Christmas season as parents, Puerto Rico added an innocent 15 year old named Karla Michelle to the list of deceased because of this senseless act; and the list keeps getting longer. No one was ever caught for this crime.

Lazy Efforts by the Government

A few days ago I saw a lame scripted message by the spouse of Puerto Rico’s Governor. There was clearly no connection with the audience she needs to convince to not shoot in the air.

A New Approach

On the other hand, our friend Angiemille Latorre, launched her campaign which clearly addressed those that think they are macho by shooting up in the air.

The campaign was inspired by this Australian Campaign that brought awareness to people who sped on the road.

“Lo Tiene Chiquito”

The “Lo Tiene Chiquito” campaign attacks the ego and manhood of those who decide to shoot in the air.

Even Though a few conservative individuals see it as a bad manners, the reality is that those who decide to shoot in the air are not the most well mannered individuals.

Mitigating Loss of Life During New Year’s

Once again Angiemille Latorre is asking for our help to spread the word and  do everything possible to avoid these senseless deaths by getting into the minds of those who decide to shoot up in the air.

How can You Help?

  1. Being part of the Effort
  2. Sharing and asking others to be part of the effort. If you’re outside of the U.S. you can still help by spreading the word.
  3. Using your power to connect the effort with different media channels.
  4. Finding other influential individuals that can push the message further.

 

Filed Under: Featured, Holidays Tagged With: Happy New Year, Holidays, Seriously Creative

My 3 words for 2013

January 1, 2013 by Raul Colon

3-words-for-2013-raul-colon-1024x768 My 3 words for 2013

Many people go crazy by creating resolutions and of goals that they probably don’t believe they are going to reach during the first few weeks or days of the new year.

While I was doing my last workout of 2012 yesterday with our neighbor’s husband who is German and lives in Romania part of the year explained how many wanted a new experiences but welcomed the new year with old bad habits. At the moment that particular moment there where people eating and drinking uncontrollably, most of them drunk already, and it was only 4 pm.

He explained that their behavior identified the new years resolutions of having a bigger gut and degrading their health.

Welcoming the New Year with a 6 mile run!

His thoughts made me think of how as a person that is constantly looking to evolve into healthier habits maybe I had to start the year in a new way. I quickly shifted my mind into just waiting for the New Year to make noise and hug people that are near me to lying down next to my daughter (who was sleeping) getting rest to make sure I could get up and run at least 6 miles in the morning.

The 3 Words Concept

For me the past 3 years I start the New Year by choosing 3 words that will guide me throughout the year.

My friend and colleague Chris Brogan introduced me to this exercise. For the past few years Chris publishes a blog post sharing what his three words of the year will be. If you want more detail on how he uses and explains the concept (feel free to stop over his 3 words for 2013 and read through the post).

How I use the Three Word Concept

I use the three-word concept as a guide to focus on certain areas I need to improve on. In previous years I put some post in notes in front of my desk with the 3 words as a reminder. This year I am planning to take the first pictures I take this year add my 3 words and print them out to place in strategic places as reminders. I will create a follow up post on things I plan to do to remind myself of the 3 words that will guide me throughout 2013.

My 3 Words Over the Years

2011 – Renew, Focus, and Complete

2012 – Sharing, Purpose, and Organic

My 3 words for 2013

 

Fluid

I have a tendency to start resisting once something discomforts me. I have been very lucky to have people around me like Melvin, Chris B., Resat, Robbie Vorhaus, and Lucy helping me focus and not resist things that drain energy from me.

I believe that by being more fluid in many personal decisions I can also cover many of the gaps I see need to be filled in my business by using my resources to strengthen them.

I want to have the ability to flow around obstacles and take the form needed to solve most of my personal and business challenges.

Control

Taking control of my emotions ties well with being fluid. Even though I have gotten better at it I tend to allow others to take control of my emotions more often than I should. As C.C. Chapman explains in his book Amazing Things Will Happen you have to be like a duck and continue to move under adversity.

I will also work on controlling when to stop to enjoy moments that will not return. As I was completing the draft of this post on New Year’s Day my daughter approached me with a few requests. I dropped everything and took care of her made her giggle and smile. I knew that you could wait longer to read this post but my daughter needed my love and attention at that moment (and that just could not wait, I hope you understand).

Too many times I see myself and others attacking secondary priorities (ex. Work) and not taking care of their key priorities (ex. Family). Time moves on and people get caught up in mortgages, bills, and other things that take away and drain a family’s resources. Make sure you control how you use your resources so you can be lean and always make those loved ones in your life a priority. We are only here on this earth for a short period of time.

I will also look into controlling some aspects when it comes to business decisions finding a balance in between logic and my gut feeling.

Brevity

In 2012 I wrote less than previous years. I also worked harder to make sure I was listening to others. I like to share stories and experiences but sometimes I take away from being able to absorb the experiences from those around me.

If someone reminded me in 2012 that brevity is highly important was Mr. Chris Brogan. In 2013 I am deeply committing towards being more concise and precise in everything I do.

Which in once sentences means talking less and listening more.

What are your Three Words?

I followed Chris Brogan’s lead for the past 3 years and I have gotten lots of value throughout the year by being able to use these 3 words I choose as a guide to making better overall decisions.

I would love to hear what your 3 words are?

Feel free to share your 3 words in the comments are or a link of where you described them.

Have an awesome 2013 I am sure I will make the best of mine!

3wordsrainbow-1024x769 My 3 words for 2013
Isla Verde New Year’s Day 2013 with my 3 words for the year.

This pic was taken at Isla Verde Beach here in Puerto Rico after my 6 mile run  New Year’s morning with my running partner Leonardo!

 

 

Filed Under: Featured, Holidays, Random Thoughts Tagged With: 3 Words, Happy New Year, New Year, Professional Development

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

Happy New Year #SXSW #Film

March 27, 2011 by Raul Colon

Screen-shot-2011-03-26-at-3.42.28-PM Happy New Year #SXSW #Film

While I was waiting for my flight from Austin to Orlando, I had the opportunity to meet a few people at the Gate while we waited for our flight. I met a gentleman by the name of Joseph Harrell  and identified him as a serviceman. Besides the way he appeared and the shirt he had on (Marines t-shirt he had on) it made it easy for me to identify him as a Marine. I asked him if he was still in the service. I quickly connected with Josephe since I am an ex-service member. In the Army had the opportunity to work along with the Marines.

While I was in El Salvador serving as a translator I was assigned to a Marine Combat Engineer unit that was creating a Medical Facility for a remote town in el Salvador. Working alongside the Marines I had the opportunity to understand and admire the discipline and pride they display of being proud Marines.

Joseph is an Ex-Drill Instructor for the Marines and is currently working on his acting career while serving as a consultant from a military perspective for some films.

Joseph was at SXSW for the Film part of the event working on the Movie, Happy New Year , directed and screenplay by K. Lorrel Manning with Michael Cuomo as lead actor and producer. Joseph not only served as a military consultant he is a also a producer and  plays “Joe Wallace”  a widower who seeks closure from his deceased wife’s platoon sergeant. Get a preview of Joe and his character:

 

JOSEPH HARRELL (USMC) discusses the importance of HAPPY NEW YEAR from Happy New Year Film on Vimeo.

In my conversation with Joseph while waiting on our flight I was able to see the value of how this film is creating awareness of PTSD.

Being an ex-service member with many close friends and family members that returned with hidden scars, compelled me to write about the Happy New Year movie even though I have not seen it.

My best friend from childhood is an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran who at one moment was too proud to admit he suffers from PTSD. His vehicle was hit by an RPG and along with other action he saw as a Combat Engineer and Sapper for the U.S. Army, still affects his daily life. He is still in the service and has many stories to share but I see how the military does not really take care of those soldiers that have battle wounds that are hard for us to see.

Given the large presence of Puerto Rican’s in the service, I was very happy to see Wilmer Calderon an actor from  Santurce, Puerto Rico as part of the movie, representing the face of the many Puerto Rican’s that have served in all US Military Branches. As a Colony of the United States, we have a good presence in the military, eventhough as residents we have no representation in congress or vote for president. I have always heard rumors on how Puerto Rico has larger amount of service  members per capita vs. other U.S. territories and states.

I did find stats from the Washington Post on Fallen Members during Operation Iraqui Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom . The states place Puerto Rico 36th out of 56 territories having 45 Fallen Service Members (as of March 25, 2011). This data provides information on  how Puerto Rico’s service members have given the ultimate sacrifice when they still don’t have the same rights as those that serve and live in the Continental U.S.

Screen-shot-2011-03-25-at-3.16.43-PM-300x136 Happy New Year #SXSW #Film

I think that given the high ratio of individuals serving our military in Puerto Rico and how everyone has a family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker serving in the military and/or combat veterans, I think this movie would be a big hit on the Island. It can have a very engaged group of people who have lived through some of the experiences depicted in the movie.

Until then, I will be waiting on getting a chance to watch it in the near future. Here is the trailer on Happy New Year and please let me know what you think:

 

Happy New Year Trailer from Happy New Year Film on Vimeo.

Do you know anyone who is suffering from PTSD?

Would they be interested in creating awareness of the subject and supporting a film like this one?

Happy New Year Reviews

  • The lonely road back from war
  • SXSW World Premiere and Vets Screening With Elvis
  • Happy New Year Austin Chronicle

Filed Under: Featured, Random Thoughts, SXSWi Tagged With: Army, Happy New Year, Joseph Harrell, Movies, Puerto Rico, SXSW

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