Latinos and Social Media in 2010

L.A.T.I.S.M. (Latinos in Social Media) took the scene by storm in 2009...

 

What's in store for 2010 in terms of social media and the ever increasing digitally savvy Latinos?

 

Content | As the numbers increase and more people participate in the online conversations taking place there will be an increase in the amount and variety of content available. We are already seeing fresh voices and creative gente joining the social wave of the internet and the future is exciting as we consider the increases in participation overall.

 

Citizenship | Trust and reciprocity are still an important factor in building and maitaining a dynamic network of positive and influential connections. Being a good online citizen is built upon the foundation of authenticity. Being genuine will still continue to be an important element of growing the sphere of communication and engagement online.

 

Tribes | The populations are out there. Individuals with unique talents and abilities will emerge increasing the sheer mass of online participation by Latinos. Once you find a niche that resonates with your interests an effort will be made to converge and conversate within that setting leading to 'tribes'. The numbers will increase and the truth is that there is plenty of online space for everyone.

 

Overall, the social landscape is looking very promising as we embark on a new year of collaboration, engagement, and positive momentum.

 

Happy New Year everyone!

 

A Winning Formula

The Importance of People

 

Building relationships and trust is all about people. Focus on the product, technology, process, or gimmick,...and you've already lost half your battle.

 

Today's consumer is smart, web savvy, and connected. They understand the tools and technology and have the overwhelming challenge of trying to filter out all the junk. If you understand this and embrace it you will begin to realize that positive momentum, growth, and improvement rely heavily upon the value of people.

 

The marketing mix is comprised of four P's (Product, Place, Price, and Promotion). However, it's safe to say that we can add "People" to the equation.

 

Here is a winning formula for building trust...

 

Credibility x Reliability x Intimacy / Self Orientation = Trust

 

Clearly, when we stop talking about our self and focus on building relationships the rest is history.

Multicultural Agency of the Decade | GlobalHue

According to a recent news release, GlobalHue, the nation's largest minority-owned, full-service marketing communications agency, has been honored by AdWeek as "Multicultural Agency of the Decade."

 

Success in a year's time frame is commendable but sustained performance over a decade is outstanding.

 

"GlobalHue has consistently offered creative solutions that embrace a wide variety of cultures and ethnicities," says Olivier Francois, president, CEO and head of marketing at Chrysler. "Their work is a testament to a greater understanding of the changing needs of the audiences we're trying to reach." This sentiment reflects the agency's successful investment in demographic research following the 2000 U.S. Census, which helped fuel the shop's growth into the largest, smartest multicultural agency in the U.S. with revenue of $83 million in 2008.  (http://www.globalhue.com/)

 

The results are in. Creative solutions built around solid demographic research and an effort to both recognize and embrace multicultural markets is paramount to effectively reaching today's diverse consumer segments.

 

 

Latinos and Education

Key findings of a recent report by the Pew Hispanic Center on Latinos and Education:

Nearly nine-in-ten (89%) Latino young adults ages 16 to 25 say that a college education is important for success in life, yet only about half that number-48%-say that they themselves plan to get a college degree.

Data based on a national survey of 2,012 Latinos ages 16 and older by the Pew Hispanic Center conducted from Aug. 5 to Sept. 16, 2009.

Education is a bridge to advancement and professional growth opening up many doors of opportunities.

What can we do to improve these numbers?

Through active engagement with these youth to motivate them to pursue Higher Education.

What Can Creativity Do?

Here is a really cool video that I recently came across that sparks our imagination and serves as a great conversation starter surrounding the concept of creativity.



What do you think creativity can do? Feel free to reply and share your thoughts.

A Positive Impact

These days it seems as though many individuals have an interest in the happenings surrounding Latinos in the United States and for good reason. We know the data and the numbers speak for themselves. However, an important question is:

 

How are we impacting these populations in a positive manner?

 

This is indeed an important question as we strive to focus our efforts in a manner that positively affects the diversity and dynamic multicultural environment found in today's society.

 

Are we helping individuals overcome the digital divide?

 

Do we promote Higher Education?

 

Are you part of a Leadership Association?

 

A positive impact can have a profound effect on us all.

 

Just some thoughts...

 

 

 

 

Latinos and Social Media

We Latinos are trendsetters, motivated, inspired, and now web savvy. Many of us have a story to tell and mission to accomplish when it comes to living Latino in America. Some say that it's hard to keep up with technology but I say that it's hard for technology to keep up with us! The explosion of social media and online engagement has only begun.

 

From Myspace to Mocospace, we have become accustomed to uploading pics, connecting with friends, sharing our musical tastes, and letting the world know just how we feel. But beyond these social sites, we have journeyed into the realm of influence, impact, and change. Social media has opened up the windows of opportunity for collaboration, engagement, relationship building.

 

Latinos and social media is a powerful combination. Individuals with a cause are now armed with the potential to impact a larger audience and overcome traditional boundaries of time and space. Want to know about trends and the issues that affect Latinos? Just do a simple search for #cultura, #latism, #impacto, #Latino, #Hispanic, or similar queries and you will find an immense conversation taking place.

 

As with any tool, the use of social media has the potential for both positive and negative usage. Some individuals will use social media as a means for devastation and others will grasp its positive potential and create relationships, build bridges, and impact our communities.

 

How are you using social media?

 

 

The Power of Mass

Leverage is the ability to put your good talents to work. The ability to harness your experience, education, and skill inventory allows an individual the opportunity to accomplish some great feats. Individuals are unique and bring to the table their own social, cultural, physical, and emotional attributes.

George Lopez, for instance, has risen to popularity through his ability to make people laugh and connect with more than just Latinos. He adds a new face to late night comedy but brings with him the elements of humor and cultural savvy.

However, even George can’t do it alone. He needs the strengths, talents, and insights of many people to help him rise to the top of late night television. Using a service such as twitter to get the word out and build up buzz should definitely pay dividends.

Synergy | Mass

Connecting with other talented individuals or building a strong network can help lead to synergy. The voice of many and influence of a thousand can have a noteworthy impact on accomplishing a task, reaching new heights, or promoting a cause.

Mass is about networking, collaborating, and engaging with others in a genuine and mutually rewarding way that increases one’s impact.

Consider the following scenarios:
• Fred before he exploded onto the YouTube scene.
• Chris Brogan prior to being one of the biggest bloggers on the Internet today.
• George Lopez before his t.v. sitcom and latest endeavor, Lopez Tonight.

How did these people build mass?

By being authentic and offering their audience something of value (humor, entertainment, tips, information, etc.)

Today’s most influential Latinos are those who leverage their talents, build mass, and offer value.

Authenticity | Undisputed credibility

The Internet is a unique playing field where many players step up to the plate in an effort to hit a home run. The possibilities for reward and positive advancement are numerous and many there be who have hit a grand slam in terms of influence and social capital.

The technological and social environment of the Internet is unique offering individuals significant challenges in achieving solid levels of success. If you're using twitter, you already understand just how many voices are out there all vying for our time, interest, and even our wallets.

In order to stand out from the crowd, several elements exist that transcend the meaning of true online success. Authenticity is a key component that can help individuals and organizations achieve some very positive results.

Just what is the true meaning of 'authenticity'?

A simple web search led me to an outstanding definition of this term that fits our discussion well.

According to Google, the top result when conducting a simple search for the definition of 'authenticity':

"undisputed credibility"

Truly a great definition that has significant application to the importance of building trust and fostering rewarding relationships. A big part of Latino culture is the importance of building relationships that are built on trust, respect, and a genuine interest in others. Authenticity certainly comes into play.

First Bilingual Educational Toy Brand, Ingenio(TM), Hits the U.S. Market

First Bilingual Educational Toy Brand, Ingenio(TM), Hits the U.S. Market

The benefits of mastering a second language pay off tremendously. This new endeavor will prove to be a great step in helping children learn both English and Spanish at a young age.

Where can we buy some of these toys you ask?

Amazon.com and soon they'll be available at Toys R' Us.

Three Elements of a Successful Online Latino Presence

The internet is a huge playing field where standing out from the crowd plays an important role in attaining any measure of online success. Whether your goal is to monetize, inform or simply connect with others, maintaining a successful online presence is a unique undertaking that takes a multifaceted approach.

If you're like me, perusing the web is like flipping through tons of magazine pages until you find an interesting article that resonates with your interests, hobbies, and areas of expertise.

Here are trés elements that seem to be pretty common in terms of a successful online destination:

Resonance -- Does your site relate with the interests and motivations of your audience? Take twitteros for example, a popular network that aims at connecting Latinos who use twitter.

Fresh -- This is by far one of the most difficult tasks but keeping your site, blog, or social media tool up to date with fresh content is key. Juan Tornoe, over at Hispanic Trending does a good job of this and he's one of twitters' most active users.

Usability -- First impressions are important. Navigation is an element that can make or break your digital journey. Navigation, use of white space, and working links are just a few of the important elements of usability.

Think about some of your favorite websites...

What stands out the most?

How did the site grab your attention?

Feel free to comment and share.

The Possibilities for Positive Latino Influence

With over 43 million Latinos in the United States and a large segment participating in social media, some key questions to consider in today's connected and engaging society include the following:

What does it mean to influence?

How can one influence the Latino population?

Where can Latinos make a significant impact?

As social media pioneers, how do we make an impact and influence the Latino community as a whole?

What kinds of opportunities exist that allow individuals and organizations to make a positive impact on Latino culture?


One way that we can begin to answer these questions is through a clear understanding of what it means to 'influence'...

According to Dictionary.com, influence can be defined as:

"the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others"

Something to think about as we continue on our journey to stay connected, make a positive impact, and engage with today's dynamic society.

Latino Pioneers in Social Media

Hey, that's you!

You found this blog through an effort to be 'in the know' when it comes to the shifting online arena. The quest for knowledge, insights, and gems of internet savvy caught your attention and ignited a insatiable desire to participate in a unique social media journey.

Latinos as a collective group spend more time engaging and participating in the internet landscape than most. Is it the quest for information or the desire to be entertained that leads us Latinos to participate in social media?

Web tools and apps abound offering individuals the opportunity to communicate, collaborate, and explore beyond MySpace or MocoSpace. The possibilities are truly massive in terms of where and how Latinos engage. Social networks such as MiAltos.com and the increasingly popular Latinos in Social Media (LATISM) community prove that the Hispanic online market has a voice and strong desire to be heard.

What characteristics or social elements combine to create a successful web presence amongst Latinos?

What motivations lead this online segment to participate in social media?

True pioneers understand that it's a combination of factors...(content, engagement, value, usability, simplicity, multicultural awareness)

Your fellow Latino social media pioneer,

José Huitron

Bilingual and looking for work...

The benefits of speaking two languages in today's highly diverse marketplace cannot be overstated. Being bilingual can help individuals make significant strides both personally and professionally.

Here's a great video from Saber Hacer that touches on this very topic...

Boy Scouts launch campaign to attract Hispanics

With over 40 million Hispanics in the United States, organizations and businesses alike are recognizing the dynamic shifts in the cultural landscape of our nation.

The Boy Scouts of America recently launched an effort to attract more Latinos...

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness.

For nearly a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through nearly a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.

The Hispanic Mix

What are some of the first thoughts that come to mind when we hear the terms Hispanic or Latino?

Today's savvy marketers and business professionals understand that there's a whole lot more to the term 'Hispanic' then most people take the time to appreciate.

The Pew Hispanic Center provides us with some great insight into the current make up of Hispanics.

Making an effort to investigate the various cultures and individual differences among Latinos is an integral part of having a broad and balanced perspective into this very important segment.

Don't get me wrong...Hispanics are much more than a 'segment' of the U.S. but rather a powerful, successful, and rapidly growing population.

Ad Age Special Report: Hispanic Creative Ad Awards

You know them when you see em'...and it's easy to point out a highly effective well designed marketing piece that captures an audience. Great advertising sticks like duct tape securing the message with the receiver.

A special report from Advertising Age gives us a nice glimpse into some of the most effective and high quality advertising in the world of Hispanic Marketing...

Top 10 Inc.500|5000 Latino and Hispanic-run Companies

The growth rates of some of the companies on Inc.'s list are staggering. Take for instance, the #1 listed company P3S, a government services firm that grew from $225, 763 revenue in 2005 to $13.5 million in 2008, an increase of 5,898.4%. Amazing indeed and it is clear why the company topped the list.

For a full glimpse into Inc.'s top 10 Latino and Hispanic-run companies, click here...

Batanga Launches New Online Ad Network

The U.S. Hispanic online audience is an area that must not be ignored by today's marketers and business savvy leaders. Batanga, Inc. a leader in targeting the U.S. Hispanic online market, launches their new online ad network, the Batanga Network.

With more and more quality campaigns hitting the airwaves and online marketplace, a direct and results driven approach can help businesses reach this unique and dynamic segment of online marketplace.

Hispanic Media has a Choice

A recent article by Javier Castaño provides some insight and very interesting opinion on the current state of Hispanic media:

"Spanish media in this country should retreat to a corner, think for a while, find its own path, reinvent itself and come out stronger. In my opinion, Hispanic media properties often are trapped in a net of opportunistic marketers, wrong promotion strategies, selfish editors and no access to capital in order to invest in their properties.

Accepting the challenge, rejecting the token, getting some money and preparing for a fight should be the motto of Hispanic print media and Hispanic media in this country."

A look into the U.S. online Hispanic marketplace...

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were about 43.7 million U.S. Hispanics aged 2+ as of 2008. In May 2009 comScore reported that about 21 million of them were online, representing about 10.7% of all US persons online. And the U.S. online Hispanic population is growing about three times as fast as the overall online population.

For the full article, click here.

Soccer Attracts Scores of Hispanic Television Viewers

Hispanic Market Weekly

There was a lot of soccer on Spanish-language television last week.

For marketers, the opportunities to reach a fervent group of sports fans and translate their passion for a team to brand passion included broadcasts on TeleFutura, Univision and ESPN Deportes.

Based on the Nielsen ratings results, advertisers should be very pleased with the big audiences seen practically across the board for soccer.

Cick here for the full article...