Entrepreneur – Puente Cultural Integration

My life is full – I’m not “too busy”

June 26, 2023

I have decided to eliminate the word “busy” from my vocabulary. My life is full. I am never too busy to connect with people that bring value and meaning to my life.

One of the greatest benefits and goals of entrepreneurship – when it is planned correctly – is that you have more control over your time.

When you look to add or remove tasks from your calendar – ask yourself:

“What people and activities provide value and meaning to my life / my business?”

This is how I created a FULL life and not a busy one:

Be present wherever you are.* Make this a stated value of your company and your life.
Be intentional about how you manage your calendar and prioritize how you spend your time. (The word INTENTION was my annual theme in 2020.
Have a clear mission and vision, use those as your barometer. Our Puente and XPM missions are written, published and reviewed frequently. Understand your “WHY”. (I highly recommend the TedTalk and book, Start with Why by Simon Sinek.)
Accept that your to-do list will never be completed and that is okay. Your work day and work week must end and there will always be another day. Shut the computer, turn of the phone, if possible. Keep lists, but learn to put them away. Take time each day/week for yourself, for your family, friends, for non-work related activities. (See #1*)
Seek Harmony in your life. Reject the myth of work-life balance – it sets you up for a teeter-totter of failure. (Read my previous blog on Harmony here – it our 2023 Annual Theme.)
Sleep 7-8 hours at least six days a week! I protect my sleeping hours. If you are tired, you will always feel stressed and like you do not have enough time. If you are rested, you will be more productive! (I have been known to cancel or reschedule morning meetings in the middle of the night if I am struggling with insomnia or ended up going to bed way too late for whatever reason.)
Create a team. Surround yourself with good people – hire out your weaknesses, work in your strengths. If you can’t afford an employee yet, form partnerships or hire subcontractors and interns. (Hiring a good employee is the best investment you can make in your business!)

For those that follow me on social media, you know I always find time for the beach, my family, live music, happy hour, and networking events!

These activities bring me joy and they provide value and meaning to my life. For years, I rarely missed my boys’ soccer games, banquets, band concerts, or performances. My husband and I prioritized date nights and took vacations to visit friends and family. I live in both Michigan and Mexico – coming home for important family holidays and events: Thanksgiving, Christmas and NYE, Paco’s birthday, Diego’s farewell party, my mom’s birthday, and Mother’s Day. Spending time, especially holidays, with my family and friends is one of my core values.*

I hate it when people tell me I am “too busy”. I will always make time and prioritize people and opportunities to connect. It’s all about determining what you value.

If this resonated with you, you’ll also enjoy this video clip by Darria Long – I’m including both the clip and the full video down below.

Mi vida está llena – No estoy “demasiado ocupada”

He decidido eliminar la palabra “ocupada” de mi vocabulario. Mi vida está llena. Nunca estoy demasiado ocupada para conectarme con personas que aportan valor y significado a mi vida.

Uno de los mayores beneficios y objetivos del emprendimiento – cuando se planifica correctamente – es que tienes más control sobre tu tiempo.

Cuando busques agregar o eliminar tareas de tu calendario, pregúntate: “¿Qué personas y actividades aportan valor y significado a mi vida / mi negocio?” Así es como creé una vida LLENA y no una ocupada:

Sé presente dondequiera que estés.* Haz de esto un valor declarado de tu empresa y tu vida.
Sé intencional sobre cómo manejas tu calendario y prioriza cómo pasas tu tiempo. (La palabra INTENCIÓN fue mi tema anual en 2020. Leer más.
Tener una misión y visión claras, úsalas como tu barómetro. Nuestras misiones de Puente y XPM están escritas, publicadas y revisadas frecuentemente. Entiende tu “POR QUÉ”. (Recomiendo altamente el TedTalk y el libro, Comienza con el Por Qué de Simon Sinek.)
Acepta que tu lista de tareas nunca se completará y eso está bien. Tu día laboral y semana laboral deben terminar y siempre habrá otro día. Cierra la computadora, apaga el teléfono, si es posible. Mantén listas, pero aprende a guardarlas. Tómate un tiempo cada día/semana para ti, para tu familia, amigos, para actividades no relacionadas con el trabajo. (Ver #1*)
Busca la Armonía en tu vida. Rechaza el mito del equilibrio entre trabajo y vida personal – te prepara para un fracaso de sube y baja. (Lee mi blog anterior sobre Armonía aquí – es nuestro Tema Anual 2023.)
¡Duerme 7-8 horas al menos seis días a la semana! Protejo mis horas de sueño. Si estás cansada, siempre sentirás estrés y como si no tuvieras suficiente tiempo. Si estás descansada, ¡serás más productiva! (Se sabe que he cancelado o reprogramado reuniones matutinas en medio de la noche si estoy luchando con insomnio o terminé acostándome demasiado tarde por cualquier razón.)
Crea un equipo. Rodéate de buenas personas – externaliza tus debilidades, trabaja en tus fortalezas. Si aún no puedes permitirte una empleada, forma asociaciones o contrata subcontratistas y pasantes. (¡Contratar a una buena empleada es la mejor inversión que puedes hacer en tu negocio!)

Para aquellas que me siguen en redes sociales, saben que siempre encuentro tiempo para la playa, mi familia, música en vivo, happy hour y eventos de networking.

Estas actividades me brindan alegría y aportan valor y significado a mi vida. Durante años, rara vez me perdí los partidos de fútbol de mis hijos, banquetes, conciertos de banda o actuaciones. Mi esposo y yo priorizamos las noches de cita y tomamos vacaciones para visitar amigos y familiares. Vivo tanto en Michigan como en México – regresando a casa para importantes fiestas y eventos familiares: Acción de Gracias, Navidad y Año Nuevo, el cumpleaños de Paco, la fiesta de despedida de Diego, el cumpleaños de mi madre y el Día de la Madre. Pasar tiempo, especialmente las fiestas, con mi familia y amigos es uno de mis valores fundamentales.*

Odio cuando la gente me dice que estoy “demasiado ocupada”. Siempre haré tiempo y priorizaré a personas y oportunidades para conectar. Se trata de determinar lo que valoras.

Si esto te resonó, también disfrutarás de este videoclip de Darria Long. Estoy incluyendo el video completo a continuación.

2022: A Year to Remember!

January 16, 2023

Puente Annual Report 2022

puente-annual-report-2022 Download

Eventos 2022

Durante el año 2022 tuvimos un índice de participación en nuestros eventos que nos sorprendió. Nos gustaría agradecer a quienes nos invitaron a su(s) evento(s), nos acompañaron, a los dueños de negocios que nos permitieron ser anfitriones en sus locales, a los panelistas que participaron y, sobre todo, a nuestros patrocinadores. Esto no hubiera sido posible sin todos ustedes. A continuación se muestran imágenes y un pequeño resúmen de algunos de los eventos del año anterior.

¡Estamos emocionados por lo que vendrá en 2023!

During 2022 we had an outstanding participation rate in our events. We would like to thank those who invited us to their event(s), joined us, the business owners who allowed us to host at their establishments, the panelists who participated, and most of all our sponsors. This would not have been possible without all of you. Below are pictures and link recaps of a few of the events from this previous year.

We are excited for what is to come in 2023!

Chelas & Cheers con Contratistas

Empezó con la idea de reunir a los contratistas y celebrar a aquellos que reciben su certificación en reducción de plomo, junto con los empleados de la ciudad que pueden ayudarlos. Sin embargo, este evento lo organizamos para reunir a todo tipo de emprendedores para establecer contactos y forjar nuevas relaciones mientras disfrutan de una bebida y comparten ideas.

¡Felicitaciones a los participantes de la reducción de plomo que recibieron su certificado en 2022!

May 3rd, 2022 at Los Altos Restaurant

October 4th, 2022 at La Palapa del Parian

December 21st, 2022 at La Posada Mexican Restaurant

Initiated in an attempt to bring contractors together and to celebrate those who receive their certification in Lead Abatement as well as city employees who can assist them. We hosts these to bring together every kind of entrepreneur to network and forge new relationships while enjoying a drink and sharing ideas.

Congratulations to the Lead Abatement partcipants who received their certificate in 2022!

Cheers! with Business Alianzas

El propósito es reunir a los miembros de Business Alianzas, así como a otros empresarios, para conocer dónde se encuentra su negocio y cómo podemos ayudarlos. Este es un buen momento para tomar un descanso y pasar el rato con otros. A veces tenemos invitados especiales quienes comparten información valiosa para los emprendedores.

January 18, 2022
at La Posada

August 24, 2022
Cheers to 50 Years!

Is meant to bring together Business Alianzas members as well as other entrepreneurs to learn about where their business stands and how we can help. This is a great time to take a break and hangout with others. Some times we have guest speakers who share predominant information with the entrepreneurs.

Cafecito with Business Alianzas

Cafecito con Business Alianzas es un evento trimestral de networking en la mañana para dueños de pequeñas empresas y líderes comunitarios en el suroeste de Detroit. Los eventos de Cafecito han sido patrocinados por Alliance Catholic Credit Union desde 2021. Estamos agradecidos por su continua coperación. Los Cafecitos trimestrales ya están programados para 2023: el primero se realizará el 24 de enero.

February • May • November

2022

Cafecito with Business Alianzas is a quarterly AM networking event for small business owners and community leaders in Southwest Detroit. Cafecito events have been sponsored by Alliance Catholic Credit Union since 2021. We are grateful for their continued partnership. Quarterly Cafecitos are scheduled for 2023 – the first one is coming up on January 24th.

Mercadito

A finales de 2021 iniciamos un evento en colaboración con El Artesano llamado Mercadito para promover las pequeñas empresas y ayudarlas a hacer crecer su negocio. En 2022 organizamos 2 Mercaditos y asistieron más de 30 vendedores. Planeamos continuar con estas ventanas para ayudar a otros proveedores.

Toward the end of 2021 we initiated a pop-up event in collaboration with El Artesano called Mercadito to promote small businesses and help them grow their business. In 2022 we hosted 2 Mercaditos & had more than 30 vendors who attended. We plan to continue these pop-ups to help other vendors.

Develop with Business Alianzas /
Bilingual Bootcamp Credito Commercial

El propósito de este evento bilingüe es ayudar a los dueños de negocios a conocer las diferentes formas en que pueden aumentar su crédito comercial. Los panelistas, banqueros y prestamistas se unen a nosotros durante estos eventos para brindar más información sobre cómo pueden ayudar o cómo y por qué es importante el crédito comercial.

The purpose of the Bilingual Bootcamp & Develop with Business Alianzas is to help business owners learn about the different ways that they can grow their business credit. Panelists, bankers, and lenders join us during these events to provide more information about how they can help or how/why business credit is important.

Charlas

Estamos ofreciendo Charlas virtuales breves en español o bilingües de temas para emprendimiento durante todo el año. Se puede conectar por zoom a cualquier de las Charlas con este enlace de Zoom: bit.ly/micharla

We also offer short (bilingual or Spanish only) virtual presentations about entrepreneurial topics throughout the year. You can connect by zoom to any of the Charlas with this link: bit.ly/micharla

Learn More

Lead Abatement classes have been a success!

Durante el año tuvimos 70 participantes y ayudamos a certificar a 59 de ellos; esperamos ayudar a certificar más en 2023. Las clases fueron de forma gratuita para los residentes de Detroit y contratistas que trabajan o planean trabajar con la ciudad de Detroit. Aparte de completar todo el papeleo, nuestro equipo se comunicó con la ciudad y el estado para programar las fechas de clases y exámenes. Nos gustaría agradecer a todos los contratistas que participaron en estas clases, los inspectores estatales y los empleados estatales que nos ayudaron a hacer esto posible.

We had 70 participants and helped certify 59 of them and look forward to helping certify more in 2023. Classes were provided free of charge to Detroit residents and to other contractors who are working or planning to work with the city of Detroit. Our team helped fill out all of the paperwork and had communication with the city and state to schedule the class and exam dates. We would like to thank all the contractors who participated in these classes, state inspectors, and the state employees who helped us make this possible.

Keep Reading

Small Business Gala

“The Small Business Ethnic and Minority Media Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday, September 7th, 2022 brought together micro-business owners, Black and Brown community leaders and our Metro Detroit ethnic press together to network and celebrate at one of the most prestigious locations in the midwest, the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Our incredible team spent weeks inviting and confirming the guest list for this free event. Puente is so thrilled to have partnered with the Latino Press Foundation to host this celebration of our small businesses in Southeastern Michigan. I am so proud and grateful for my staff!”… Keep Reading

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU IN OUR 2023 EVENTS

TE ESPERAMOS EN NUESTROS EVENTOS DEL 2023

Grand Re-Opening: Danto Furniture

November 8, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 8, 2022

Southwest Detroit Retail Icon, Danto Furniture, Moves Location;

Celebrating Four Generations of Service to Greater Detroit with Ribbon-Cutting

Saturday, November 12, 2022 Special Community Event is Scheduled for 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

7741 Dix Street, Detroit, MI, 48209;
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, City Officials, other Dignitaries
Invited to Participate in 4:00 p.m. Ceremonies

DETROIT, Mich. – Where were you in 1940? Watching the Detroit Tigers win the American League Pennant? Keeping a close eye on Europe and Japan? Or, perhaps, going to the neighborhood theatre to plunk down $.15 to see Walt Disney’s animated masterpiece, “Fantasia”?

However, most likely, if you were young family man Julius Danto, you were at the kitchen table putting together plans to build a business that would – eventually – go far beyond your expectations. The Lithuanian-Jewish immigrant was determined to make it in America and help others along the way while doing so. Julius opened Danto Furniture in 1940 in Southwest Detroit and the Danto family has never looked back – only forward.

Danto Furniture employs a multi-lingual staff who are fluent in English, Arabic and Spanish and has satisfied customers throughout metro Detroit, including Allen Park, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Ecorse, Hamtramck, Inkster, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, Redford, River Rouge, Riverview, Romulus, Southgate, Trenton, Wayne, Wixom, Woodhaven, Wyandotte and Ypsilanti.

Current General Manager and 3^rd generation Danto, Irwin Danto, said: “I think one of the most important reasons that Danto Furniture has thrived for more than 80 years is because of our dedication to serving others and doing the right thing. My grandfather Julius understood that he was not the only immigrant who had come to this country; nor he realized, was he the only immigrant who needed a hand-up. In many cases, Danto Furniture has been among the first stops for newly arriving immigrants; and we are proud of that.”

The celebration promises to be nothing less than a party. Danto Furniture will offer up to 40% discounts on furniture and appliances; children’s face painting, balloons, popcorn, piñatas, Delia’s Food Truck, cuisine from restaurant El Nacimiento, grocery store E & L Supermercado; and Postres y Delicias by Dianys Salinas.

Diagram

Description automatically generated

Danto Furniture Re-Grand Opening

Ribbon Cutting

Ashley Danto, Irwin’s daughter, who works in Sales and Marketing, said: “I have been working in the business on and off for the past 8 years and I’m in awe of my grandfather Charles Danto, current owner and family patriarch. His work ethic and energy – even at 92 years old – is amazing. He has been in the store 6 days a week , pretty much every week, since he was 19 years old. He is the best salesperson we have; everyone is always looking to talk to “Charlie” and when he is not in the building you can feel the difference.”

Event sponsors and co-hosts include Business Alianzas, The Southwest Detroit Business Association, and the West Vernor & Springwells Business Improvement District.

Loans & Lead Abatement – Q3 Report 2022

October 17, 2022

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFONRQGOzQ/view

Recap: Cheers! with Business Alianzas, Chelas con Contratistas and 1 Year Anniversary

February 18, 2022

So far we’ve had two big events this year, Cheers with Business Alianzas and Chelas con Contratistas which took place on January 18th at La Posada restaurant. During both events, besides networking with everyone present, our priority was to register as many contractors as possible for Lead Abatement, a course that explains how to safely work with lead and asbestos. There’s still availability for those interested in this free program.

By the end of the event we registered approximately 10 contractors! Additionally, they were able to exchange contact information between each other. Huge thank you to La Posada Restaurant for allowing us to host this event at their business and to their employees for their attention with us.

Lastly, we want to thank each and every member of the 150 small businesses that form part of Business Alianzas. Our 1 year celebration would not have been possible without all of you! Thank you for allowing us to help you every step of the way. We look forward to continuing working with all of you this year. We enjoyed celebrating with all those who joined us at Los Altos Restaurant, via zoom, and in Puerto Morelos. Thank you to Los Altos for hosting this afternoon with many shared conversations and laughs. Here’s to many more years of assisting entrepreneurs.

Visit our Business Alianzas website to stay up to date with our upcoming events. We hope to see you at our next event!

Recap: Events 2021

January 29, 2022

Business Alianzas is an organization that was launched by the Puente Team on February 7, 2021. The purpose of this organization is to provide entrepreneurs with the help they may need to build a successful business. From assisting them in registering their LLC to filing their EIN to connecting them with other services and resources necessary such as accounting, banking, insurance, and more.

During 2021, Business Alianzas organized a series of virtual and in-person events to promote thriving conversations and the creation of successful business-related collaborations. It was a difficult year for networking; however, we managed to gather with entrepreneurs, always following CDC guidelines.

Entrepreneurial Education

Workshops & Webinars

Our Workshops, Webinars and Cohort events were all designed to contribute with the formation of knowledge around business related topics. For example, our Women Certification Cohort helped women get certified and register their business as women-owned. This will allow them to receive more benefits for their business. Our first session of the Women Certification Cohort took place via Zoom on July 14, 21, & 28. The second session was in-person at Latino Press on August 4, 11, & 18.

In the month of March 2022, we plan to relaunch Serie de Emprendimiento which is a course provided in Spanish made up of workshops that help new entrepreneurs start their business and walks them through the process. Nevertheless, this course is also for those who already have a business as it helps them stabilize or grow their business.

In-Person Networking Events

Some of our biggest networking events yet were Women Alianzas which took place on June 30th and Q3 Develop with Business Alianzas which took place on August 15th. Our Women Alianzas event focused mainly on bringing female entrepreneurs together to create new bonds. This event initiated the Women-Owned Certification Cohort. Our other event was more of a family event. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to bring family and friends to spend time together. We had live music and food for everyone to enjoy. We truly appreciate El Artesano Juice & Café Bar for allowing us to host this and other events at their establishment.

Monthly Events:

Cafecito & Cheers! with Business Alianzas

Our Cafecito and Cheers! with Business Alianzas events were crafted to remove the formality of business meetings, and get to know the humans behind the companies of our community. Furthermore, we updated entrepreneurs on exciting news and other information relevant to their interests. We encourage you to join us at our next Cheers! with Business Alianzas & Chelas con Contratistas which will both take place at La Posada market in Southwest Detroit on January 18th. Our next Cafecito will be on February 25th at Alliance Catholic Credit Union.

We want to thank Latino Press, Alliance Catholic Credit Union , and Chilango’s Bakery for partnering with us for these events.

Launch Events

Corktown Sounds gathered musicians and performers from all different backgrounds in a unique street festival that took place every Thursday afternoon from August 5th – September 23rd. This outdoor event allowed everyone in the city to come out and enjoy the different styles of music in a COVID friendly environment. Corktown Sounds is expected to come back in the summer of 2022 so stay tuned! We would like to thank the Corktown Business Association for partnering with us to make this event possible.

Mercadito opened the possibility to connect amazing vendors with new customers in a familiar environment. Additionally, they were able to create relationships with the other vendors and support each others’ businesses. Big thank you to El Artesano Juice & Café Bar for allowing us to host this event at their establishment.

Business Alianzas is all about forging meaningful connections among the bright spots in our community. Our goal is to help current and upcoming entrepreneurs develop their business by hosting even more valuable events in 2022.

Come and join us, we want to hear from you!

Networking: A Shaking-Hands-On Experience

March 28, 2019

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!

If you are looking for more tips and a “Shaking-Hands-On” Workshop attend this Ted-X style interactive workshop at the Farmington Chamber on May 29th at 4:30pm or join us for the BRIDGE Bilingual Networking Event and Business Expo.

The PCI BRIDGE Model – Bilingual Entrepreneurship Series

February 10, 2019

We’re excited to launch a the PCI BRIDGE Model program in collaboration with other immigrant and small business support groups.

The Bilingual Entrepreneurship Series will launch at the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce in both Spanish and English (Se lanza el programa de emprendimiento bilingüe en español e inglés.)

Business Model Canvas (Modelo de Negocio)

Resources (Recursos)

Interactive (Interactivo)

Discovery (Descubrimiento)

Growth (Crecimiento)

Entrepreneurship (Emprendimiento)

Find out more about the content of the small business series and register on the eventbrite links below:

REGISTER TODAY!
businessworkshopseries2.eventbrite.com

En español:

¡Reserva tu lugar HOY!
Haz Clic Aquí: emprendedores-serie1.eventbrite.com

El Modelo BRIDGE, impulsado por Puente Cultural Integration, fue diseñado para estabilizar o hacer crecer un negocio establecido o para lanzar una idea de negocio. Todo tipo de negocio es bienvenido: locales, tiendas con ventas al público, restaurantes, artesanos o contratistas, negocios de servicios o asesores. El emprendimiento no es para todo el mundo, pero los que desembarcan en esta aventura tienen que prepararse. Diferente a los cursos tradicionales de planificación de negocio, esta serie de talleres ayudará a que los propietarios identifiquen su “¿por qué?” y aún más importante, saldrán con un análisis financiero completo para saber cuál es el punto de salir al ras para que aseguren un negocio rentable. Cada semana tendrán un Plan de Acción para adelantar su negocio, paso a paso, mientras cruzamos el PUENTE hacia el Emprendimiento.

Los expertos presentarán temas:

mercadeo
análisis financiero
contabilidad
responsabilidades legales
impuestos
asesoría individual por parte de mentor / asesor(a) de negocio.

El resultado de esta primera etapa del programa BRIDGE será un Modelo de Negocio completo y un entendimiento de su estado financiero para que puedan tomar decisiones informadas en cuestión del futuro de su negocio. Más importante, les proveeremos las herramientas y recursos para que sus ideas se realicen – comenzando el primer día. ¡Empecemos!

Somos miembros orgullosos y agradecemos el apoyo de
la Red Global Mx – Capítulo Detroit y de la Cámara de Comercio de Farmington.

We are appreciative of the support and we’re proud members of
Red Global Mx and the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce.

Motor City Re-Store Round 2 Awards November 28, 2017

Equal Access to Resources in Southwest Detroit

January 9, 2018

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.

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.

MCR_Taqueria El Nacimiento_Don Rodrigo — Don Rodrigo – Taquería el Nacimiento 7400 W. Vernor Detroit, MI 48209

Photos courtesy of Latino Press www.latinodetroit.com and MotorCity Re-Store.

Global Commerce: It’s tricky business!

August 28, 2015

When conducting business or hosting social events with people from various cultures it is important to learn the “do’s & don’ts”. Each culture is unique; what is required in one setting may be offensive in another. This is a quick at-a-glance infographic reference to nine different countries created by a company named Zendesk that we found at Entrepreneur.com.

35 Tips How Not to Offend International Business Partners From entrepreneur.com

Looking for more information about going global? Contact us for a consultation today!

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, please contact bridget@puenteci.com for a quote.

“What people and activities provide value and meaning to my life / my business?”