I have a tendency to reflect and plan with the start of each season. January is rarely my time for goal setting or resolutions, rather the spring and fall tend to bring out my dreams and aspirations for improvement or a shift in my focus or energy. Did anyone else have a really long winter? I am working hard at “thinking spring”, but these dark and cloudy days make it difficult.
Spring is a logical time for renewal and for strength. While a Michigan Spring can sometimes (often) be rainy and dreary, it still brings hope. We know that sunshine and warm weather are coming soon, the days get longer, the mornings brighter. It allows us to breathe a little deeper, as we hear the birds chirping and feel the afternoons warming up.
During this long holiday weekend, when many find solace in their Holy Week and Easter traditions, take a moment to reflect on what new beginnings are presenting themselves to you.
Where will your path take you during this next season of rebirth (either figuratively or literally)?
Might you take the “road less traveled” or will you sail the route of springs past?
I’m excited to share my latest project – the BRIDGE Bilingual Business Expo & Networking Event scheduled for May 29th with our BRIDGE Partners, the newly renovated Crowne Plaza Farmington Hills and the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce.
BRIDGE Bilingual Business Expo & Networking Event May 29th 5:30-7:30pm
Crowne Plaza Hotel 37529 Grand River Ave, Farmington Hills, MI 48335
Network with local leaders, business owners, and entrepreneurs
Connect with the Greater Area Farmington Chamber of Commerce
Let’s be honest – networking is an integral part of all industries – corporate connections, entrepreneurship and the nonprofit ecosystem all rely on building relationships. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to effective networking. I love a room full of (mostly) strangers, I also love to take a client or an intern with me and act as their wingman. However, I sometimes struggle with a quick follow-up unless I have a real reason to. (I’m working on this!)
So my two biggest networking tips for my clients are:
Know what you want out of the event and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. Pick one type of connection or one thing you want to accomplish. Be specific and be bold in your quest for that one thing. Determine your goal before you walk in the door and ask someone to help you make that connection. (If you are nervous to make your own ask – bring someone with you and be each other’s wingman.) Example: I have a client who has an invention. He has created a full business plan, he has his patent, and he has a rustic metal prototype of the product. He needs a plastic prototype made. I invited him to attend the last Tercer Jueves for the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce that took place at Armando’s Mexican Restaurant in Mexicantown because I knew that the ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) from most of the automotive companies were invited = lots of engineers with potential access to 3D Printers. I asked the hosts to help me make this connection and walked the room introducing him to engineers. We found two that said they had access to a 3D Printer and would try to help. (Cards were exchanged, fingers crossed!)
Ask one or two open-ended questions. Pay close attention to what other people are saying and see how you can help them with whatever they need. I am frequently so bold as to ask: “What do you hope to get from today’s networking event? or Who do you want to meet tonight?” If you are able to do a quick introduction at the event itself – try to do so even if they didn’t ask. Examples of industry specific introductions: introduce a nonprofit leader to a potential funder, introduce a realtor to a mortgage broker or someone who mentions moving/relocating, introduce someone who is job hunting to a staffing agent or a manager in their field.
So there are my secrets for being a professional “connector”. It’s not rocket science, it’s really about knowing what you want and listening to see if you can help others get what they want. Win-Win!
I am really proud to be part of a bilingual collaborative that helps provide resources to the business owners in Southwest Detroit. We decided to join forces last year and have had wonderful results.
Estoy muy orgullosa de ser parte de una colaboración bilingüe que ayuda proporcionar recursos para los dueños de negocio en Southwest Detroit. Decidimos juntarnos hace un año y hemos tenido excelentes resultados.
In November, it was my honor to be the interpreter for Don Rodrigo Padilla, from Taquería el Nacimiento, as he received not only a grant award from the DEGC’s MotorCity Re-Store program, but was also asked to tell his story at the event. (He is also featured on billboards around the city!)
En Noviembre, tuve el honor de ser intérprete para el estimado Don Rodrigo Padilla, de la Taquería el Nacimiento cuando no solo recibió un premio por parte de Motor City Re-Store, sino también le pidieron que contara su historia en el evento.
Rodrigo Padilla with interpreter Bridget Espinosa, Motor City Re-Store Round 2 Awards November 28, 2017 – as featured in Latino Press 12/7/2017 (Also a MMR Winner!)
Southwest Detroit received more awards than any other neighborhood, in part due to the hard work of our collaboration. Four businesses from the BID – West Vernor – Springwells Business Improvement District, for which I provide outreach, received grants and eight TechTown SWOT City clients in in my Southwest Detroit portfolio received awards, including:
Follow these businesses on Facebook so you can see the progress as they help to beautify Southwest Detroit with new murals and other exterior improvements.
Southwest Detroit recibió más premios que cualquier otro vecindario, nuevo de cuarenta y uno, debido al trabajo colaborativo de nuestras agencias. Cuatro negocios en el BID – el Distrito Comercial de Mejoramiento de West Vernor – Springwells, por la cual apoyo en las comunicaciones, y ocho de mis clientes de TechTown SWOT City recibieron premios.
Sigue los negocios en Facebook para que puedas ver el progreso mientras ayuden embellecer a Southwest Detroit con murales nuevos y otras mejoras exteriores.
Don Rodrigo – Taquería el Nacimiento 7400 W. Vernor Detroit, MI 48209
One would think that news outlets would occasionally use Google or even Wikipedia to confirm their history, yet, sadly, no. Sunday night, as I was watching the WXYZ-Detroit news coverage of the Mexicantown Cinco de Mayo Parade it was reported that the parade commemorated Mexico’s Independence Day. NO! NO! NO! Apparently, they could’ve just read one of their own publications (featuring some of my favorite Mexicantown eateries) that makes it very clear!
Here in the US – Cinco de Mayo has become of symbol of Mexican Heritage; a day that Hispanic communities throughout the United States celebrate with parades, folkloric dance, and cultural festivals. I was thrilled to see my amiga, who grew up in SW Detroit, is continuing her family’s passion for dance with her children (featured in the photos). Mexican restaurants have really capitalized on this holiday, much like St. Patrick’s Day, marketing to Anglo-Americans with tequila specials & fiestas.
In Mexico – Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday to commemorate the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Kids are off of school and government offices are closed. (Think President’s Day or Labor Day in comparison.) The only place where this day is celebrated with any pomp or circumstance is in the city of Puebla. This battle took place between the ill-prepared Mexican army who were victorious against Napoleon’s army.
So spread the word, especially to your drunken friends and media outlets who didn’t take time to hit wikipedia before they go on the air!
P.S. Mexico’s Independence Day is actually on September 16th, although it is celebrated the night of September 15th with a reenactment of the “Grito de Independencia” where you will hear the country join their elected officials in a resounding “¡Viva México!” & enjoy street parties with fireworks.
Did you know that Hispanics now make up 18% of the total U.S. population? Yet, Hispanic and Latino labels are sociolinguistic and geographical – not racial. It is difficult to generalize the Latino population; it is far more diverse than one might think.
There are over 57 million people who identified as Hispanic in the U.S.(Statistics according to Pew Research, 2015) Recent studies estimate that there are over 470 million native Spanish speakers throughout the world, with over 52 million people in the U.S. who are either native speakers or are bilingual. (According to the Instituto Cervantes, 2015) Understanding cultural norms is no longer optional, it needs to be an integral part of all professional development and market strategy.
Some speak Spanish. Some don’t. Some are white, some are brown, some are black.
Some are European, not all. Some are from Mexico, not all. Some are from caribbean islands. Some were born in the U.S., some were born in Latin America.
Always greet with a sincere Good morning! Good afternoon! Hello, How are you? – whether it is via email, text message, phone or in person!
Allow time to get to know your colleague, employee or client – you will be far more effective. Keep current with their lives & your business will flourish.
With Latinos, you will catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
We all love compliments, but Latinos are motivated to please and love to make people happy. Provide strong, positive feedback for performance without a “but” and you will find an immediate correlation to their work or response times.
In general terms, blame is passive in the Spanish language. Criticism should be collective or passive (ex: “This project isn’t moving along as effectively as we’d like.” vs. “YOU haven’t met this deadline.” Or “WE need to firm up our target dates so we can deliver to the client on time.”)
#3 is tricky and I will be writing a blog just on this dynamic principle of constructive criticism from a cultural perspective. It will change the way you relate and improve your bottom line.*
We all know that the United States is a diverse society. In every metropolitan area you will find people from almost every corner of the world. Our demographics are shifting, the ethnic population of the U.S. is up 10% over the last 20 years. It is estimated that the combined minority population will surpass 50% within the next generation. Now is the time to embrace cultural understanding and integration. Our social, political, and economic future depends on it.
If your company is in the Metro Detroit or Chicago areas and would like Puente Cultural Integration to provide consulting, cross-cultural or diversity training for your staff or you are in need of Spanish language services, please contact Bridget@puenteci.com for a quote.*
The challenge in doing cross-cultural and diversity training is that there are no absolutes. We can make generalizations and observations about cultures – stereotypes exist for a reason – but, they are not valid for every individual of that culture. Inevitably, if you make a statement about a specific group of people, it can offend or contradict someone else’s truth. So while we will attempt to bridge a gap through cultural understanding in general terms, you must remember each person is an individual.
So the number one rule in understanding diversity: RELATIONSHIPS!
Forge relationships. Learn how to ask culturally-sensitive questions and respect how each person self-identifies. Learning general cultural norms is hugely beneficial, but without personal connections you will never truly understand how to apply what you know.
To be successful in this diverse world, you must read each person and adapt your own perceptions based on conscious observation. Cultural training will allow you to filter that which comes from the larger culture and it will allow you to decide which characteristics are found in that individual while building a relationship.
Personal identity is powerful and getting to know the person with whom you are working – whether it be a client/strategic partner or an employee/team-member – will improve your corporate culture and will, in turn, boost effective communication and profitability.
If you’re looking to understand how to better build cross-cultural relationships for your business or brand, contact us for a consultation.
Spring is a logical time for renewal and for strength. While a Michigan Spring can sometimes (often) be rainy and dreary, it still brings hope. We know that sunshine and warm weather are coming soon, the days get longer, the mornings brighter. It allows us to breathe a little deeper, as we hear the birds chirping and feel the afternoons warming up.
