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A New Beginning
Why Siembra 🌱 Connect is the Space I Believe We All Need.
George Torres
September 22, 2024
Before you read any further…
I F*cked Up…
Last week, I launched the Siembra Connect newsletter. But if I’m being honest, I did not feel as if I did it right. I didn’t take the time to share with you why this newsletter exists and why Siembra Connect is more than just another project to me—it’s a mission.
The why is the most interesting piece… I am not 100% sure why I held back but it is definitely something that I have been thinking about all week. Could it be that I relapsed and had a small case of imposter syndrome? Did I feel like it would be too much to reintroduce myself? Could be… but I now realize that because this is a new concept, I have to assume that I am building it from scratch and that a majority of the people subscribing may have never heard of me.
So today, I’d like to ask for a do-over. I want to take a moment to explain what Siembra Connect truly stands for and why this space is so necessary for creators like you and me.
Let me properly introduce myself, I am George and I teach visionaries, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs how to leverage their stories to unlock their true potential by focusing on the most impactful aspects of their business.
Since 1997, I have built and launched major branded projects as a early adopter in the digital space. These includes one of the longest-running Latino-focused websites on the internet and the first live Latino talk show on the web. As the founder of Sofrito Media Group, I have built this agency to become a leading online brand management platform. Over the years, I have consulted a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, on leveraging their brands for greater sales and visibility in the marketplace using blogging, podcasts, social media platforms, and live events. My bilingual and award-winning digital storytelling and strategy skills have been pivotal in the success of cultural community standard-bearers like the Hispanicize Conference, El Centro at Hunter College, and the National Puerto Rican Day Parade to name just a few.
Beyond all these accolades, I have faced obstacles due to a lack of access to the right resources, mentors, sponsors, education, and funding. This scarcity led to a consistent state of hustle where some projects, though pioneering, never reached their full potential.
At its core, Siembra Connect was born during the pandemic, out of frustration with gatekeeping, with the walls that keep so many of us from sharing our voices and building the platforms we deserve. It’s about addressing the real conversations that often go unspoken—particularly around mental health. In a world driven by hustle culture, where success is often equated with burnout, I believe there’s a better way.
Siembra Connect is here to create that better way. We’re not just about business tips or strategies to scale your brand (although there will be plenty of that). This is a space where we confront the pressures that come with being an entrepreneur in the digital age. We’ll have honest conversations about mental health, well-being, and the importance of slowing down when the world demands you speed up. We’ll talk about dismantling hustle culture and recognizing that success shouldn’t come at the cost of our peace of mind.
So, thank you for giving me another chance to introduce what this newsletter is all about. I’m committed to making Siembra Connect a place where creators, like you, feel supported, heard, and empowered to thrive—not just survive. I hope you’ll stick around and join the conversation. We have so much to build together.
With gratitude,
As I am,
George Torres
Founder, Siembra Connect
PS… if you want to know a little more about my creator journey and what inspires me, check out this piece I wrote for Public Broadcasting System 11 years ago for Latino Heritage Month by clicking here
PSS… I was interviewed just a few days before my launch by Antonio Míllan (@DeffNotAnt) on his Learn Something New Today podcast where we talked a little about my perspectives on aspects of the social media landscape and more specifically about the demure, (and very mindful) Jools Lebron (@joolieannie) fight to protect her intellectual property from content vultures.
You can listen to the podcast here, do not forget to subscribe and comment.
About Learn Something New Today
This is a podcast about fact finding and digging deeper into the subject matter that you care about, because I care about it too. From historical facts to the people behind them, and how they effect us today. All the way down to how your religion effects what federal job you are most likely to get. This is a podcast about History, facts, and just down right human behavior. Subscribe Now
Okay…. now let’s get to this week’s newsletter
Believe it or not, this newsletter was born during a very challenging time… I was personally burned out. My legacy website, Sofrito For Your Soul was hacked, I have been involved in a 8 month legal battle fighting for money rightfully owed to me and I was creatively depleted.
As a creator, I've seen firsthand how the pressures of this industry can impact mental health. From the constant demand for content to navigating online harassment, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and burned out. That's why I’m sharing an article I found insightful on this very topic: the mental health challenges creators face today. It sheds light on the growing concern of mental well-being in the creator economy, offering valuable insights on how to protect yourself while thriving in this fast-paced digital world. I encourage you to check it out and reflect on how you can prioritize your mental health while pursuing your creative passions.
You can check out the full article here.
A QUICK GUIDE TO INFLUENCER LEVELS
Is 10k really the magic number for monetization?
In my latest guide, I break down the different levels of influencers, from nano to mega, and explore how creators from diverse backgrounds are making their mark. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale up, I cover the strategies and revenue streams that work best at each stage. This guide is designed to help you understand how to grow your influence and monetize your content, no matter your follower count.
Let's dive in and explore how you can turn your passion into profit!
Wondering how big the creator Economy is?
Source: Mighty Networks
Are you tired of the outdated advice that promises quick online riches if you just get 10,000 followers?
The truth is, the old way of making money online is changing, and the rise of the creator economy is giving more power back to creators like you! In this post, Mighty Networks dives into what the creator economy really is, why it’s here to stay, and how you can take advantage of it to build a sustainable income doing what you love. Say goodbye to outdated methods and hello to new opportunities.
Ready to learn more?
Check out the full post and start building your path to success!
Instagram's Continued Focus on Reels: Instagram is still heavily promoting its Reels feature, aiming to compete with TikTok.
AI-Generated Content: AI is increasingly being used to generate content, sparking debates about authenticity and originality.
Privacy Concerns: Ongoing concerns about data privacy and the misuse of personal information continue to be relevant.
Creator Economy News
AI Tools for Creators: AI tools are becoming more sophisticated, offering creators new ways to create and edit content.
Brand Partnerships: Brands are increasingly partnering with creators to reach new audiences and promote their products.
Creator Rights: Discussions about creator rights and fair compensation continue to be important topics.
Platform Changes: Social media platforms are constantly evolving, introducing new features and changing algorithms.
Mental Health: The mental health of creators is a growing concern, with many facing challenges related to online harassment and burnout.
Monetization: Creators are exploring new ways to monetize their content, including subscriptions, merchandise, and brand sponsorships.
Community Building: Building a strong community around your content is essential for long-term success in the creator economy.
Looking Back - Community In Action
Today, before we close this issue… we pause to remember the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria and honor the 4,645 lives tragically lost on September 4th, 2017.
Although It has been years since the storm ravaged Puerto Rico, but the pain and resilience of the people remain a powerful reminder of the strength within our communities. As we reflect on the challenges faced during and after the storm, let us also recognize the ongoing efforts to rebuild, heal, and create a better future for those affected. We pay tribute to those who were taken too soon and extend our hearts to the families and communities who continue to carry their memories forward.
The following video is a mini documentary on the creation of a moving tribute we created to raise awareness at the National Puerto Rican Parade about collective efforts between Sofrito Media Group, Capicu Culture, Nuestro Ideal, NYDIS, WHY NOT CARE? and so many others addressing the needs of the people directly affected by this tragedy. The impact can still be felt today…
Shout out to ART CULTURE NYC but especially our dear friend Kimberly Andino (RIP) & Ralph Serrano for coordinating the creation of this beautiful art installation.
Thank you…
Consider sharing this with the creators you ❤️!
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