Buzzfeed launched Pero Like

Just yesterday I presented on how to reach the Latino audience. So how do you? The answer is not that easy because it depends on a LOT of factors.

It's been no secret that Buzzfeed has invested a lot in hiring Latino employees and even Latino content. Just recently they launched a YouTube and Facebook content driven site called Pero Like. The platform will have “content that resonates with English-speaking Latinxs,” according to tweets announcing the project from staffers Alex Alvarez and Norberto Briceño. What did you notice there...Latinxs?

Myths and Realities of Engaging the U.S. Latino Audience

Tomorrow afternoon I get to speak at the Washington Nonprofit Conference. The session titled "Myths and Realities of Engaging the U.S. Latino Audience" is about just that: why it's important for nonprofits to engage with U.S. Latinos and horrible myths. Remember...a bad translation can really mess up your entire campaign.

We are #MoreThanALabel

Hispanic Heritage Month may be officially over, but that doesn't mean we can't keep celebrating accomplishments across the United States (or fighting the fight). Then again...why are we still fighting this fight?

Coca Cola creates web sites with emojis

A billboard on the highway has to capture your attention in an instant. The less words the better. Only an image? That could work as well. What if it was just a website? Better yet...an emoji?! Well that's exactly what Coca Cola has created.

International Star Kate Del Castillo signed my tweet

Just a few weeks ago I came across a promoted Tweet from @KateDelCastillo (internationally acclaimed film & television actor) who has some of us may know starred in Telemundo's hit novela, "La Reina del Sur." I thought to myself, well this is a nifty #SignMyTweet campaign brought to you by Xfinity Latino.

FuelersTV: Online video content for Honda

Videos. We love them. We share them. We click on them. And that's pretty much what I've been seeing in my Facebook feed for a good month now. Anything longer than 1 minute and I am not interested.

So how do you keep people engaged with video? Do they have to be 30 seconds like a TV ad? Less? Social video like Vine and Instagram have been paving the way for more video content. I'm sure there are plenty of amazing examples but I recently came across one (old but I like them)  that combined a car retailer and tourism. Makes sense.

Dave and Busters celebrates Taco Tuesday...seriously

This week I'll be in Nashville, TN for the Social Media Tourism Symposium. During the conference attendees learn best practices in the travel and tourism industry in regards to...well social media. Case studies, content management, selling hotel rooms, e-newsletters, and brand marketing are just some of the topics we'll be discussing.

This leads me to the following: Tweets gone wrong.

Sharing your moment with Coca-Cola

Maybe it's just me but have you noticed all the Hispanic Heritage (Month) posts have ended? Actually...now I'm seeing a lot more Dia de los Muertos posts from corporations still taking advantage of a culture they do not understand.

Anyways. I recently came across the following tweet:

Out and Proud: The Gran Varones Project

Labels. These are meant to categorize anything from foods to people. As humans, we like to label ourselves Latino, Black, African American, Transgender, Gay, Straight, Blond, etc. Some come with baggage but others would argue they don't come with baggage but with opportunities.

But what is it like to live and work in a community that isn't what we thought it would be? Launched in April 2014, Louis "Louie" Ortiz created "The Gran Varònes" project which "shines a light on what being “out” and “proud” means to us, our families, and our communities." The photos have been highlighted using social media platforms like Facebook, Instgram and videos. You can watch the video interviews on Vimeo.

Some quotes from the participants include the following:

• "I would love to be more in touch with the Latino gay community as much as I am with the black community because I feel that's where the strongest connection is."
• "People need to believe in themselves. A lot of gay Latinos hold themselves back from pursuing a dream or becoming something because they don't want to be judged. And I am not about that."
• "To some degree, i feel a disconnect as gay latino amongst other gay latinos. i don't always feel I have a place amongst them."

After reading most of the comments made by the participants, it really does make me angry but happy. Identity is something we all struggle. Just because we're Latino (or anything else) doesn't necessarily mean we have to have all Latino friends. It also doesn't mean we have to eat rice and beans...although I do love rice and beans. We let society attempt to stick us in a box on one path but when we go off track, somethings wrong with us. That's why I'm glad to see The Gran Varònes project highlight these Philly leaders. And no a leader doesn't mean they have to be a CEO of a company; just being highlighted and telling their own story makes them a leader in their own right. 

News You Can Use: #RespectTheÑ, Social Innovators, and more!

As Latinos, we come in all shapes and sizes. But if it's one thing we have in common, it's social media. Read more about social media innovators and the unfortunate misspelling of someone who has passed away.

• Time to #RespectTheÑ Again: English-Language Media Can’t Handle Ñ in Peña’s Death -- How did I miss this? 
• 6 Brands That Succeed At Understanding Hispanic Marketing - I completely agree with this list. 
• Elianne Ramos named recipient of Social Media Innovator Award by Maryland governor - So honored to have met Elianne a few years ago. She is an asset to our community. 
• Hispanicize New York-Tri State Group Launches as Unique Platform to Unite Latino Influencers in Blogging, Marketing, Journalism, Tech and Entertainment - Guess I know where I'll be at real soon :)

Social Media Conferences for Latinos

Photo via the Hispanicize Facebook Page

Back when I worked in Philadelphia, I would attend local and national conferences that pretty much brought a lot of insight to many industries. I've recently taken a step back (for no reason), but as I search more and more conferences, I tell myself, "Sign me up!" Although I am attending the Social Media Tourism Symposium in Nashville next month, I need something that speaks to me at another level.

So naturally I did some more research and came up with this nifty list below.

Brands and their Hispanic Heritage Month promotions

Well it seems as though Hispanic Heritage Month is in full bloom and I'm seeing more and more promotions from major corporations and brands.

Just recently I received and email from iTunes which is owned by Apple. The email stated:

For a limited time, chart-topping albums from great Latin artists like Romeo Santos, Selena, Marc Anthony, Enrique Iglesias, and Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizarraga are available for just $5.99.

And I must say I was really tempted to purchase the Enrique Iglesias album; especially after attending his concert with Pitbull at Boardwalk Hall. Alas, I did not purchase. I recently started listening to iTunes' variety of playlists. I even put on a Charlie Zaa playlist for my mom (during a road trip) and she asked, "How the hell do you have this music?!"

I did some quick Hispanic Heritage Month Twitter research and found a good number of brands/corporations capitalizing on Twitter. Are there any brands you'd like to recognize for their HHM outreach?

See the tweets after the jump.

NCLR ALMA Awards want you to #ShowOffYourALMA

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@mayorgadc is ready for #ALMA14! #ShowOffYourALMA

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Since 1995, the NCLR ALMA Awards (American Latino Media Arts) has honored outstanding Latino artistic achievements in television, film, and music. The show is an integral part of NCLR’s mission to create greater opportunities for Hispanic families in the United States. As a national prime-time television special with a cause, the NCLR ALMA Awards demonstrates how inclusion strengthens the entertainment industry and diversity strengthens our country by promoting fair, accurate, and representative portrayals of Latinos. Past ALMA awardees have included Robert Rodriguez, Rosario Dawson, Antonio Banderas, George Lopez, and other astounding Latinos in media.

This is taking Latinos in media in a strong direction but at the same time why should we create our own awards ceremony? The United People for Latinos in Film & Theater Facebook page always produces thought provoking post on this very topic. But I digress.

Miss America debuts "Celebrating Diversity Through Cultural Competency"

In case you didn't know, I absolutely love Miss America 2014, Nina Davuluri. Crowned in Atlantic City on September 15, 2014, Nina has taken a huge stance on with a platform of diversity and cultural competency. And just recently launched a social media program for her personal platform, "Celebrating Diversity Through Cultural Competency." Nina has been working on these issues for several years and will now use her national platform to raise awareness. When Nina was crowned Miss America, the backlash began. And although she knew it would come since it happened when Nina was crowned Miss New York, she didn't let it faze her.

Nina is asking fans to forward representative thoughts and stories about their experiences on how we as a nation can advance cultural awareness.  People can send information using the hashtag #CirclesOfUnity on Twitter to @MissAmerica, Instagram to @missamericaorg and to Facebook.com/MissAmericaOrganization. 

Nina is also the first Miss America of Indian descent. Ironically there were various articles floating around stating Nina would be too dark to win Miss India.  "She isn't the Miss America of ten years ago and she's not going to be the same ten years down the road," said Nina Davuluri. "I'm so thankful that children watching at home can relate to a new Miss America. They can look at me and see that they can break barriers, be who they are and be successful despite their race or socio-economic status. I want to use this opportunity to encourage positive dialogue among all Americans about the ways in which we are all unique and how that makes us stronger as a country."

T-Mobile offers something better

My friend that used to work at T-Mobile recently told me they were axing plans but I didn't hear anything since. Ironic enough I received an e-mail from someone working with the phone carrier about their new program "Something Better." I actually do carry T-Mobile for my cellular device but also AT&T for my (work) iPad. If it's one thing I always hate, it's the 2-5 year contract they force you to sign.

The video below is the first hint of their new program and, " [is the] perfect metaphor that symbolizes what T-Mobile now has to offer, liberating customers from dreaded two-year contracts, sluggish networks and restrictive plans at high costs." I'm sure we've all read too that Latinos over-index when it comes to social networking on mobile devices. I wonder if this "something better" will work in their advantage.

Buying a brick helps Shakira build a new school

Sometimes giving to a charity really is difficult unless we are really committed. Our money probably ends up in some giant pool of money and then what? However, I was always a fan of Shakira's Barefoot Foundation. I've never donated but it definitely intrigued me. You can help the Barefoot Foundation build a new school for vulnerable children in Cartagena, Colombia by giving just a few dollars to ‘buy a brick.’

There are also two social components integrated with the community giving. Once you "buy a brick" you'll then be able to see your face on the online mosaic as the school takes shape (pictured above). And in a world of sharing, everyone who gives and then Tweets their personal sharing link will be entered into a contest to win a video chat with Shakira and other prizes.

To donate and enter, visit Facebook.com/Shakira.

DigiBunch video site launches under the radar

A few months ago,  under the radar, a website was created by Lance Rios (BeingLatino founder). digibunch.com, although doesn't have much info, is a website designed to host videos and fotos by Latinos for Latinos. Not sure what the goal is or if there's a relationship to the BeingLatino site, but it may be a good site to learn and laugh.

Here's an example of the content digibunch.com hosts:

ALPFA's leadership summit talks social media

Earlier today I had the pleasure of speaking at ALPFA's 2012 Leadership Summit. Their theme was social media and as you all know I love me some social media. And not just for personal branding, but putting it to use in your professional life. Other panelists included Myrna Soto, SVP & CISO Comcast National Engineering & Technical Operations; Duncan Avis, KPMC Managing Director, Business Intelligence and Lee Raine, Director of the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project.

So is your company using social media? How about you? There's a huge difference when it comes to personal branding and organizations using it to leverage their marketing efforts. Most of the panelists agreed that social media is turning (and integrating) into traditional media. The terms can be used interchangeably. Other takeaways included security issues. When you have giant insurance companies or even something like Best Buy, you have to be 100% careful about what your colleagues are distributing via social media. Remember, once it's out there in the world, it can and will be used against (or for) you.

Richard Negrin, Deputy Mayor and Managing Director from the City of Philadelphia also gave a great introduction about the city's use of social media and where Philadelphia is in terms of use and strategy. Unfortunately, 55% of Philadelphians don't have access to broadband internet. That number is insane and needs to be dropped. Thanks to Negrin's efforts, the city of Philadelphia created the 311 mobile app which allows citizens to get involved with city government. I just downloaded the app myself.

EVENT: NALAC hits Philly in one week!

In one week (10/17-10/21) more than 500 artists, community leaders and officials will convene in Philadelphia for the National Association of Latino Arts & Cultures (NALAC) conference. The 8th National NALAC Conference, Seizing the Moment NOW, is the only national convening of Latino arts. The five-day conference will serve as a platform for the development and promotion of Latino arts via educational sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, and performances. Notably, the NALAC Conference provides opportunities for conference participants, established and aspiring artists, and speakers to interact, network, share their knowledge and resources, and create new ideas in intimate settings.

Special honorees have been selected to receive 2012 NALAC Lifetime Achievement Awards during the Conference. The honorees are Jesse Bermudez, Founder and Executive/Artistic director of Asociación de Músicos Latino Americanos (AMLA); René Buch, Artistic Director of Repertorio Español; Al and Carmen Castellano, Castellano Family Foundation and Tina Ramirez, Founder of Ballet Hispánico.

In addition to conference workshops and learning experiences, attendees will be able to explore Latino Philadelphia with mural tours, exhibitions, etc. If you are interested in volunteering at the event, please e-mail nalacphilly@gmail.com with your name and contact information. Be sure to follow NALAC on Twitter, Facebook and other notable Latino Philly Twitter accounts like @PhillyTeAma and @TelemundoWWSI.

Special thanks to the Philadelphia host committee:

• Veronica Castillo-Perez, Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas, Inc. 
• Carmen Febo San Miguel, Taller Puertorriqueño 
• Magda Martinez, Fleisher Art Memorial
• Emilio Buitrago, Casa de Venezuela 
• James Claiborne, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance 
• Andrea Townrow, Mexican Cultural Center 
• Alice Santana, Artistas y Musicos Latinoamericanas (AMLA) 
• Matilde Duenas, Mexican Cultural Center 
• Jasmin Dottin, Raices Culturales Latinoamericanos, Inc. 
• Michelle A. Ortiz, Stockton Rush Bartol Foundation 
• Tony Rocco, Photography Without Borders 
• Edgardo Gonzalez, Taller Puertorriqueno 
• Cecilia Bonilla, Mexican Cultural Center
• Eric Cortes, WWSI Telemundo Philadelphia 
• Graziella DiNuzzo-D'Amelio, 2012 Philadelphia NALAC Conference Coordinator

BeingLatino looks at our "Latino Trailblazers"

Remember how our friends at NBCLatino launched their "Latino Innovators" series? Well thanks to supporters like Besty Buy and Sirius XM, BeingLatino has launched their own series: Latino Trailblazers. According to their launch post, the series will highlight, "Twenty 'Trailblazers' who are in the trenches everyday working to lift up our Latino Community, not only in entertainment, and the arts, but production, social media, marketing, writing, politics, sciences, technologies, and so much more." Glad to see this engaging platform take a look at our culture and promote it through video. So do you know anyone that should be highlighted? Send them a message on Twitter @BeingLatino.

Take a look at one of the videos highlighting our favorite chef, Daisy Martinez.