Embracing Social Media

Posted on July 21, 2009 by Phil Velez

Best Buy Co., Inc. recently advertised for a new online marketing job and listed Twitter as recommended experience, specifically requiring at least 250 followers. More companies and organizations are using social media to market their messages and services. A recent report shows that companies with the highest social networking scores had 18 percent higher revenue over the last year, while those who interacted least through social media saw their revenue drop 6 percent.

Social media networks include Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and LinkedIn to just name a few. Wikipedia defines social media as online content created by people using highly accessible and scalable publishing technologies and a shift in how people discover, read and share news, information and content. Social media is about networking and developing relationships with people in chosen fields of interest.

Social media can be used to help others who in turn can help you in promoting personal or professional endeavors. Social media takes time and involves offering valuable content and participating in conversations. The interaction itself creates the buzz for the subject matter, which if performed often and successfully can enhance a brand socially and online. It’s best to grow your network slowly and consider whom you want to target and how to find these people and/or businesses/organizations.

Social media has become so popular that the U.S. government has recognized its power. President Barack Obama made headlines this weekend after achieving another of many firsts: for the first time, the White House announced an upcoming full news conference through social networking Web site Twitter. The White House also has a blog, a Facebook and MySpace page, and uses YouTube and Flickr.

Millions of people are now embracing social media, however there are still millions more that avoid it altogether. Those who decide not to venture into this social phenomenon may find themselves falling behind socially and professional and having a tough time catching up to the masses. Don’t be left behind.

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All The Way Gone, a novel by D. James Eldon

Posted on July 12, 2009 by Phil Velez

My friend DJ published a new twist on the crime novel entitled All the Way Gone. DJ has dreamt of being a writer for 25 years and has some short stories published. However he ran into obstacles in getting his novel published and decided to do so on his own. I admire DJ’s commitment to getting his creative art out to the masses in an innovative manner and not allowing the naysayers to dissuade him from his artistic path.

Why has DJ decided to go forward and publish his own novel? Here’s DJ in his own words:

“Have you ever had a dream, something you’ve thought of since you were a kid? Of course you have, everyone does. Maybe yours is to climb a mountain, ride a bicycle cross-country, run a marathon, skydive, write a novel, direct a film, have a child. Whatever it is, I believe each of us has it in them to live their dreams. This is my dream, to successfully publish a novel in America. And you can help me realize this dream.”

Please consider buying DJ’s book or passing along this information to someone who might enjoy reading a pull-no-punches tale of denial and deceit, but also one of friendship and trust. A human story wrapped up in a classic crime tale.

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Puerto Rico’s Economic Crisis

Posted on July 7, 2009 by Phil Velez

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has seen its economy steadily decline prior to the global economic crisis and will likely continue to suffer after others see signs of recovery.

Puerto Rico has a history of economic problems. The Puerto Rican government is much poorer than the poorest U.S. state and its economy has always relied heavily on U.S. federal aid.

In March, Puerto Rico’s unemployment rate jumped to 14.7 percent from 12 percent in January. It was listed as 14.3 percent last April. However the Government Development Bank (GDB) for Puerto Rico, an agency that protects the Commonwealth’s fiscal stability, registered Puerto Rico’s unemployment rate at 15.8 percent, the highest in 13 years.

There have been some glimmers of economic hope, however much more is needed to get Puerto Rico on its financial feet. A large number of people are hurting everywhere. Puerto Rico’s recession has reached historic proportions and some predict the situation will continue through the summer of 2011.

For more information about Puerto Rico’s current economy, read July’s “Our Politics” column at EL BORICUA.

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Fraternity Blog

Posted on July 5, 2009 by Phil Velez

I also run a fraternity blog. I am a strong supporter of the social fraternity and sorority movement in the U.S. If you come across an interesting fraternity or sorority related story that sheds a positive light on the Greek community, please feel free to pass it along. When I was in college I decided to join a fraternity. In all of my life’s decisions, joining a fraternity is one of the best I’ve made thus far.

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Boogie Rican Blvd. "The Musical"

Posted on June 29, 2009 by Phil Velez

Urban Latino Magazine & The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre presents Boogie Rican Blvd., a musical showcasing a family’s struggle between Latino tradition and the modern-day values taught on the streets of the Boogie Down Bronx.

The Pacheco family and their colorful collection of friends examine life, love and regret through dance and rhythms from the Caribbean and the Bronx. Boogie Rican Blvd. explores issues such as child abuse, drug addiction, gay bashing, teen pregnancy, and abandonment, in a way that leaves you moved, touched and inspired.

This is a limited four-week performance from June 30 – July 26, 2009. Come see how the playwright and performer, Caridad de la Luz (“La Bruja”), blows your socks off with her brute wit, potent intelligence and lyrical skills. Shows are scheduled for Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm on W. 47th Street in New York City. Prices per show do not exceed $45 for the best seats in the house. Get your tickets today!

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