Skipped Sessions @ IMS11 But Caught Up with Online Friends

October 18, 2011 by Raul Colon

The last few weeks have been full of personal obstacles so I apologize that I wrote this post just after I got back from Boston at the Inbound Marketing Summit but for some reason I had not been able to publish it. Here it goes!

What I enjoy most of conference is being able to meet people and spend time with them. I enjoy the spending time with people part so much I opt in to people and opt out of some of the sessions.

Thankfully one of the conferences where I opt out very easily out of some of the sessions is Inbound Marketing Summit since @thepulse does an awesome job of recording and uploading the sessions for us to see later.

Yesterday I wrote about my key takeaways from #IMS11 and in this post I want to highlight a few of the awesome people I spent time with during the conference and many of them who I met for the first time.

First Timers

Rob Hatch, COO of Human Business Works

I have spent most of my time using Skype, Google Plus Hangouts, and Go To meeting videoconferences with Rob. For the last few months he has become a business mentor and facilitator. But these last few days meeting him in person allowed me to get to know Rob more on the personal side and the many conversations allowed me to see that Rob is an encyclopedia of information for many things. Even on the parenting side Rob shared multiple stories and parenting tips, which will make my life easier as a new dad. I can see why my good friend @chrisbrogan has chosen him as the person in charge to help him run HBW. My interactions with Rob confirmed that being able to work with him, as a Partner of Human Business Works will bring great things into my life. I want to thank Rob for taking care of me during my stay.

Joseph Ruiz, Strategic Marketing Solutions

I had met Joseph online and our good friend @margieclayman connected us even more. Joe is an awesome guy from Texas who I had the opportunity to share many ideas and experiences. Joseph was also kind enough to give me a few tips, which I will be implementing over at my corporate blog in the near future. Having the opportunity to meet Joseph was a privilege since I did get to experience in person what a great guy he is.

Carissa O’Brien, Strategic Partner Human Business Works

Carissa is full of energy and demonstrated to be even more disciplined than many people I admire. I go to conferences and I try to stay away from work and writing so I can spend time with those around me. Carissa was able to do both and not miss a beat. I had met Carissa via Rob Hatch. I really enjoyed talking about many subjects including parenting and non-work related stuff where I learned a lot from Carissa. I can’t wait till I have the opportunity to work with her on a project since I can tell there are lots to learn from her based on the many conversations.

Joe Valley, Empowered Papa

Thanks to my good friend Deanne who introduced me to @empoweredpapa I was able to learn of another father who is setting up a parenting blog from a Dad’s perspective. I can’t wait till to read more of his project when he launches his blog. Joe seem full of energy and by listening to him during the conference in the interactions we had I am sure he will be sharing some great content on the soon to be launched EmpoweredPapa.com.

Tyler , The Pulse Network

Last year I had seen Tyler in but he was busy with interviews and the many things that where happening with the Launch of @thepulse. This year I was able to spend some time having multiple conversations with him during some of his breaks. It was a different experience from talking to him on twitter or via the phone when I usually make my phone calls into #KTCO. It was great to meet Tyler in person and I look forward to continue interacting with him on @thepulse.

Lois Ardito, @lardito

I met Lois thanks to @chrisbrogan and she reminded me so much of the very caring strong female family members I have. A very elegant lady which reminded me of my grandmother when she was younger. She seems to be one of the few Real Estate Agents which are full of good insight in how to buy real estate. Based on some conversations I had with her I can clearly see why she is successful in her business.

Lois is also an Art fan and was able to connect with me quickly. Lois had met Rafael Tuffiño a very well known artist from Puerto Rico. I am looking forward to keeping in touch with Lois because in just the few interactions we had I saw we had many common interests.

Old Friends

It was also great to connect with people I hardly get a chance to see. I had the privilege to go to dinner with my friends @jacqcarly & @chrisbrogan on multiple occasions. Make sure to follow @jacqcarly if you have not done so already and catch her on Fitarella TV every Monday at 1pm on @thepulse, and take a look at her new revamped blog.

The great @joselinemane it is always a pleasure to see one a latino who stand out because of the innovative thinking he does one of the founders of Latism. I met Joseline last year at #IMS10 and was able to catch up with him this last #SXSWi. Seeing how Joseline shines because he is a very creative and energized guy make me proud that we have such a great guy representing us as Latino online. If you want to find out more about Joseline feel free to go to BostonTweetup.com or just follow him on twitter.

I met Deanne (@decli) last year at IMS10 and during the last year we have kept communicating with each other. Deanne is a great connector and naturally connects people that might have not been able to meet under regular circumstances. I wish I could see Deanne more often and have her at other conferences. It was great seeing Deanne again and I am looking forward to my next conference having Deanne helping me with meeting more great people like Tyler Golden and Joe Valley.

Catching up with Josepf (@josepf) was a nice treat. I met him in the chaos of a conference which SXSWi where you really have so much going you don’t have the chance to really get to spend time with a lot of people. I was very happy to seeing Josepf again, he does a great job connecting people and genuinely engages with them.

What are your priorities when going to a conference? Educational Value? Networking?

A Bath Robe, Rubber Duckies & Unique Customer Experience at The Colonnade

October 10, 2011 by Raul Colon

A few weeks ago I went to Boston to attend the Inbound Marketing Summit for the second year in a row. Last year I met some awesome people who have taught me a lot and during the year I was able to even get closer to a few individuals who became my friends and I even landed a partnership with Chris Brogan.

My new relationship with Human Business Works as a Strategic Partner gave me a few privileges I did not have last year. One of them was HBW taking care of my conference pass and even better yet the Hotel.

Weeks before I arrived Chris and Rob from Human Business Works communicated that they would take care of the Hotel for me. When I got my confirmation from the very helpful and lovely @wicked_neat I realized I was getting the opportunity to stay at the Colonnade. I had read various tweets and even posts on the Colonnade from the great folks at Human Business Works but I really had no idea what I was going to run into until I arrived.

I arrived a bit later than expected since my flight was delayed. Was able to check in while being very impressed with the beautiful modern decor. I noticed that I did not have to wait for my elevator since one was waiting for me. (During my whole stay I never had to wait for an elevator they are synchronized to a point that one is always available on the bottom floor).

I open the door to my room and I found what has been the most beautifully decorated room I have seen in a hotel. Not even when I was a Road Warrior did I experience such a neat room with such distributed space. I quickly set my bags to go to dinner with my friends @jacqcarly and @chrisbrogan that had been waiting for quite some time since my flight came in very late. We had dinner at the French Brasserie in the hotel Brasserie Jo. I had the opportunity to try a Gin & tonic with fresh cucumbers and ask for the Cauliflower steak (yes that is right a delicious vegetarian plate don’t let the word steak confuse you).

Once I got back from an awesome diner at a great place with awesome company I arrived to a gift from The Colonnade of fresh fruit, cheese and some seltzer water. A note also accompanied it from the Managing Director David J. Colella that I have attached below.

When I went to my bed I realized there was a bathrobe waiting for me that had part of my last name COLONnade. When I decided to hit the shower I found the cutest little gift a Rubber Duckie that I gifted to Daniela and she has enjoyed it greatly.

During my stay I had a few glitches like I always have when I am travelling and I was amazed on how the Colonnade staff where they’re to help me. From opening the door to my room to replacing my room key because I left in the room they exceeded my expectations by making me feel like I was at Home.

If you are going to the Boston area don’t miss the opportunity to stay a few nights at the Colonnade. It is strategically located which is a great convenience but the part where they really stand out is when they make you feel at home and offer excellent customer service.

On Behalf of Daniela she thanks the Colonnade for her Rubber Ducky

Thanks for a great 2010 Even better 2011

December 31, 2010 by Raul Colon

I remember last year when I was headed to my In-Laws to kick off 2010. The previous two years 2008 and 2009 had really been terrible years on many aspects but taught me a lot. Eventhough 2009 took me for a spin and the financial hardship I had made me lose many materials things (including my home) it brought many lessons which I was able to apply in 2010.

In 2010, I was able to travel and meet many great people. It was also a year for experimenting at my company CIMA IT Solutions which is up for a re-branding and a new website with content to help small business owners and mid level management by sharing information that I use with many of my clients.

I had the opportunity to go to various conferences such as @chirp, @cmsummit (which I was able to assist thanks to @vanriper giving me his pass to the event), and the Inbound Marketing Summit.

IMG00126-20100415-1001-1024x768 Thanks for a great 2010 Even better 2011 — Chirp 2010

At @chirp I had the opportunity to talk with awesome people by meeting the people I included in the following list I was able to refresh myself with all those great vibes from people I consider very successful.

@ev (Twitter Co-founder)
@dickc (Twitter CEO)
@rsarver (API Director)
@aartiles24 (Co-founder of e24Presenter.com) which I am currently collaborating on his Followfriday.com project.
@esteban – Passionate individual with a great heart.
@vanriper – Great guy who really knows the definition of paying it forward.

In June, I had the opportunity to go to the @cmsummit and I had the opportunity to listen to very prominent people but someone who really made the difference was listening to Tony Hsieh @zappos CEO and having the opportunity to get his book as a gift Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose. This book really paved the way for me to have a great summer focused on creating experiences instead of focusing on less important things.

During the month of september I had the privilege to book one of @jetblue’s All You Can Jet pass which really gave me a month full experiences. I ended my last All You Can Jet Trip by going to the Inbound Marketing Summit and meeting more great people. I was able to listen to great speakers on subjects related to New Marketing trends. The first day I met Dale (@echoquotes) who gave me great advice and even helped me connect with many other IMS10 attendees. Having the opportunity to meet @ducttape and getting a signed copy of his book really got me thinking on how I needed to make changes on many things I do. Listening to @vorhaus and getting his insight on Crisis Management with One Less One More. The best experience was meeting @chrisbrogan who I had admired for a while and was the inspiration into writing this post today after reading his post Ending 2010. Since he did not allow me to comment on that post I had to mention him here (and please go by his post so you can see what I am talking about).

Meeting @chrisbrogan was unique since he lives what he preaches and is very passionate. He made me feel very comfortable around people I had never met. @chrisbrogan has really gone out in helping me understand how I want to run my business and has done some great and amazing things to help me build my community.

DSCN4773-1024x768 Thanks for a great 2010 Even better 2011 — Raul & Chris Brogan IMS 10

My biggest surprise was getting news that I would be a father for us we had adopted Juanga (our Four Legged Dog) but on the 28th I had the greatest gift anyone can get from my biggest supporter @lucymfel. We had Daniela which I have enclosed a Picture of her while we took her out of the hospital yesterday. Starting the year as a New Dad give me a fresh start and motivates me to hit the ground running tomorrow.

IMG_0078-764x1024 Thanks for a great 2010 Even better 2011 — Daniela Colon 2 Days Old

Gratitude

I want to thank many people on this post and will do it naming them (if I did not do so already). These people made 2010 even better.

@lucymfel – For supporting me in everything I do and bringing @danielalcolon to this world.

@javierrcolon- My youngest brother who has never left my side

@CharlesMcCool – A very selfless and unique person who I met thanks to my #AYCJ 2010 experience.

Carlos Juan and Maria Del Carmen – They have helped me not only build my business but understanding many things in life. They are part of my close family.

Brenda Colon – My sister who has really gone out of her way to help me.

Michael and Danny Luperella – They always make my summers awesome I enjoy spending time with @lucymfel nephews.

Moises Maldonado – A good friend but even better human being.

Quique Gonzalez – Has been one of my mentor’s for many years helped me get my first job out of college and has always been there.

Ramon Morales @guarionex88 – A Genius. Always willing to help and offer me great insight on how to approach things.

Jose Vargas – My good Friend who also supported me greatly in 2009.

@kelvinlomboy – Great IT Security Resource but even better friend. I learn a lot from Kelvin.

Luis (@Bengieruiz) Ruiz – Although he lives far away is always very Close.

@ricsam – He always makes me see things from another perspective. Very detailed oriented and a great heart. I really appreciate all his support

@blue_syko – A good new friend that helped me at one of the most difficult moments I had during 2010. I will always be more than happy for what he did. Please thank him for me.

@michaeldcc – I appreciate the many comments he has left on my blog and admire his discipline in sharing his point of view.

@nelsonbermejo – His friendship and his advice is always very helpful.

@arseniosan – Helped me greatly this year and collaborated with me on a few projects this guy is just as awesome as his wife @damarisdj

@ricklipsett – Very grateful and creative person. I appreciate the help he has given me in the past months.

@therealgabo – a great example as a father I will be looking forward to follow his steps as a new father.

@dens – very busy individual also @foursquare co-founder who is always willing to help.

@suzannevara – She inspires me to work harder every day like @chrisbrogan has commented on multiple ocassions someone to look out in the near future.

@ergeekgoddess – Awesome latina blogger which I have been able to share many thoughts and great info.

@mark_hayward – very humble guy who I have been able to get to know even more during 2010. If you are going to Culebra on vacation feel free to tweet him.

@nomarwdo – Very grateful for all his help this year.

@tenisplayero – One of my biggest supporters and I support greatly his efforts.

@xaimara – Always willing to help. I look forward to meeting her in person in 2011.

@tropicalbloom – Jennifer and Osvaldo have really shown me how people need to execute to reach their dreams.

@LTLV613 – Always sharing great information.

@slayerkun – Old friend from High school who this year really went out trying to help me on many perspectives.

@karimacatherine – Does a great job connecting people with other people who share their same interests.

@raul_ramos – reading his book a few days ago really made me not lose focus on many efforts I have in mind.

@iTavoTweet – Had the opportunity to meet him in person and someone to watch out in the coming years.

@thebrandbuilder – His insight on approaching business is unique and I really appreciate what he does.

I probably missed many of the other great people who helped me throughout the year. If I did I will be continuously updating this list and working on creating 2011’s list.

How will you thank your supporters in 2011?

Also in appreciation of a great year I will donate and invite you to the same to my favorite Charity @sasfapr a No Kill Shelter here in Puerto Rico who is really struggling economically. Feel free to donate to your favorite charity also in gratitude of being able to celebrate a New Year.