In 2024, professional networking transcends geographical boundaries, connecting individuals and businesses across the globe. While some Caribbean countries boast bustling LinkedIn communities, others are still navigating the terrain of online networking. While LinkedIn doesn't publicly disclose user numbers by country, the data referenced in this article leverages insights gleaned from LinkedIn Campaign Manager, a tool designed to help businesses target specific audiences on the platform. Join us as we explore the top 10 Caribbean countries with the least LinkedIn users, shedding light on the evolving landscape of digital connectivity in paradise. 10. Antigua & Barbuda - 47,000 Users Kicking off our list is Antigua & Barbuda, a twin-island nation famed for its pristine beaches and rich maritime history. With 47,000 LinkedIn users, Antigua & Barbuda showcases a growing interest in professional networking and digital connectivity. As the island's economy evolves, professionals in Antigua & Barbuda are embracing LinkedIn as a tool to connect, collaborate, and thrive in the digital age. 9. Grenada - 44,000 Users Grenada, known as the "Spice Isle" for its abundant nutmeg and cinnamon plantations, registers 44,000 LinkedIn users. With a growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism, professionals in Grenada are leveraging LinkedIn to showcase their expertise, forge partnerships, and drive economic growth. 8. St. Vincent - 34,000 Users St. Vincent, an island nation famed for its volcanic landscapes and vibrant culture, boasts 34,000 LinkedIn users. As the island's economy diversifies, professionals in St. Vincent are harnessing the power of LinkedIn to expand their networks, access new opportunities, and drive innovation across various sectors. 7. Dominica - 25,000 Users Dominica, known as the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean" for its lush rainforests and natural beauty, registers 25,000 LinkedIn users. As the island embraces sustainable development and eco-tourism, professionals in Dominica are leveraging LinkedIn to connect with like-minded individuals, explore career opportunities, and drive positive change. 6. St. Kitts and Nevis - 22,000 Users St. Kitts and Nevis, a twin-island nation famed for its colonial architecture and lush landscapes, also boasts 22,000 LinkedIn users. With a growing emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation, professionals in St. Kitts and Nevis are tapping into LinkedIn's vast network to drive business success and professional development. 5. Turks & Caicos - 22,000 Users Turks & Caicos, renowned for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts, registers 22,000 LinkedIn users. As the island's business landscape diversifies, professionals in Turks & Caicos are leveraging LinkedIn to connect with industry peers, showcase their skills, and explore new avenues for growth. 4. Anguilla - 19,000 Users With 19,000 LinkedIn users, Anguilla showcases a burgeoning interest in professional networking and career development. As the island's economy evolves, professionals in Anguilla are increasingly turning to LinkedIn as a tool to expand their networks and access new opportunities. 3. Bonaire - 3,900 Users Bonaire, a Dutch Caribbean island renowned for its pristine coral reefs, boasts 3,900 LinkedIn users. As the island embraces the digital age, professionals in Bonaire are leveraging LinkedIn to forge connections, explore career opportunities, and stay updated on industry trends. 2. Montserrat - 3,500 Users Montserrat, a British Overseas Territory famed for its volcanic landscapes, registers 3,500 LinkedIn users. Despite its smaller population, Montserrat's presence on LinkedIn highlights the island's growing interest in professional networking and digital engagement. 1. St. Maarten - 3,500 Users Topping our list is St. Maarten, a picturesque island known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. With 3,500 LinkedIn users, St. Maarten is gradually carving its niche in the digital realm, providing professionals with a platform to connect and collaborate on a global scale. In conclusion, while some Caribbean countries boast bustling LinkedIn communities, others are still exploring the potential of professional networking in the digital realm. As the region continues to evolve, LinkedIn serves as a vital platform for connecting professionals, driving business growth, and unlocking new opportunities across paradise. Whether you're seeking to expand your network, explore career opportunities, or drive business success, LinkedIn offers a gateway to the vibrant and dynamic landscape of the Caribbean. Looking to tap into the emerging markets of the Caribbean? Click here to learn how you can leverage LinkedIn data to enhance your marketing strategies and unlock new possibilities in paradise. Why Choose AC Marketing Caribbean AC Marketing Caribbean offers a wide range of content marketing services to help you create content for your business in the Caribbean. Here are just a few reasons why AC Marketing Caribbean is the best choice for content marketing: - Our content marketing specialists can help create content for your business that is best suited to the Caribbean consumer. - Our sales funnel strategies are designed to lead your audience effortlessly along the buyer’s journey. - You need eye-catching and engaging content that converts clicks into cash. If you need to create content for your business, but don’t know where to start, AC Marketing Caribbean has the start and finish line fully mapped out. We’re committed to helping you achieve your company growth objectives in the Caribbean! Attract a bigger audience, increase your conversion rates, and make content marketing your biggest business superpower today.

Forget the hammock – the new must-have Caribbean accessory is a LinkedIn profile! The islands aren't just known for pristine beaches anymore. They're becoming hubs for professional networking, and LinkedIn is the digital passport to connect with the region's top talent. Curious to see where the most connections are being made? While LinkedIn doesn't publicly disclose user numbers by country, the data referenced in this article leverages insights gleaned from LinkedIn Campaign Manager, a tool designed to help businesses target specific audiences on the platform. Buckle up and join us as we explore the top 10 Caribbean countries with the most LinkedIn users, revealing the hidden professional powerhouses of paradise. 10. Martinique - 120,000 Users Beginning our countdown is Martinique, a French territory known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Despite its relatively smaller population, Martinique boasts a significant presence on LinkedIn, with 120,000 users leveraging the platform for professional networking and career advancement. 9. Guadeloupe - 140,000 Users Next up is Guadeloupe, another French territory renowned for its picturesque beaches and rich history. With 140,000 LinkedIn users, Guadeloupe demonstrates a keen interest in professional networking, reflecting the diverse career aspirations and entrepreneurial endeavours within the region. 8. Barbados - 150,000 Users Barbados, often referred to as the gem of the Caribbean, shines bright on LinkedIn with 150,000 users actively engaging on the platform. This reflects the island's robust business environment and its inhabitants' commitment to professional growth and networking. 7. Guyana - 150,000 Users Guyana, nestled on the northern coast of South America, showcases its presence on LinkedIn with 150,000 users. As the country undergoes rapid economic development, professionals in Guyana are leveraging LinkedIn to connect with industry peers, explore career opportunities, and foster business relationships. 6. The Bahamas - 190,000 Users With its stunning beaches and thriving tourism industry, The Bahamas also makes its mark in the digital realm. Boasting 190,000 LinkedIn users, The Bahamas demonstrates a strong commitment to professional development and networking, reflecting its diverse economy and entrepreneurial spirit. 5. Haiti - 330,000 Users Despite facing various socio-economic challenges, Haiti emerges as a prominent player on LinkedIn, with 330,000 users actively participating in the professional networking platform. This reflects the resilience and determination of the Haitian workforce to leverage digital tools for career advancement and business growth. 4. Trinidad & Tobago - 580,000 Users Trinidad & Tobago, known for its vibrant carnival celebrations and energy-rich economy, commands a significant presence on LinkedIn. With 580,000 users, professionals in Trinidad & Tobago are actively engaging on the platform to explore job opportunities, expand their professional networks, and showcase their skills and expertise. 3. Jamaica - 800,000 Users Jamaica, a Caribbean powerhouse renowned for its music, culture, and scenic beauty, stands out with 800,000 LinkedIn users. As one of the top destinations for professional networking in the Caribbean, Jamaica's LinkedIn community reflects the island's dynamic business landscape and the ambition of its workforce. 2. Puerto Rico - 1,000,000 Users Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory known for its rich history and stunning landscapes, boasts a robust presence on LinkedIn, with 1,000,000 users. This reflects Puerto Rico's status as a key hub for business and commerce in the Caribbean, with professionals leveraging LinkedIn to connect, collaborate, and seize opportunities for growth. 1. Dominican Republic - 1,800,000 Users Topping our list is the Dominican Republic, with a staggering 1,800,000 LinkedIn users. As one of the largest economies in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic's thriving business environment and entrepreneurial ecosystem drive extensive engagement on LinkedIn, reflecting the aspirations and ambitions of its diverse workforce. In conclusion, LinkedIn serves as a vital platform for professional networking, career advancement, and business development across the Caribbean region. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Caribbean professionals are embracing LinkedIn as a tool to connect, collaborate, and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Looking for customers in the Caribbean? Click here to learn how you can apply this data to your marketing strategies. Why Choose AC Marketing Caribbean AC Marketing Caribbean offers a wide range of content marketing services to help you create content for your business in the Caribbean. Here are just a few reasons why AC Marketing Caribbean is the best choice for content marketing: - Our content marketing specialists can help create content for your business that is best suited to the Caribbean consumer. - Our sales funnel strategies are designed to lead your audience effortlessly along the buyer’s journey. - You need eye-catching and engaging content that converts clicks into cash. If you need to create content for your business, but don’t know where to start, AC Marketing Caribbean has the start and finish line fully mapped out. We’re committed to helping you achieve your company growth objectives in the Caribbean! Attract a bigger audience, increase your conversion rates, and make content marketing your biggest business superpower today.

Gone are the days when the Caribbean was solely synonymous with idyllic beaches and leisurely vacations. Today, it's emerging as a hotspot for professional networking, business development, and career advancement. The rise of LinkedIn in the region has transformed the way entrepreneurs and marketing managers approach their strategies, offering unprecedented access to the vibrant talent pool and business landscape of paradise. Let's dive into how you can harness the power of LinkedIn data from the top 10 Caribbean countries with the most users to elevate your marketing game in the region. 1. Understanding Regional Trends LinkedIn provides invaluable insights into the professional demographics and interests of each Caribbean country. By analyzing the data from countries like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico, you can gain a deeper understanding of regional trends, preferences, and business dynamics. This knowledge forms the foundation for crafting tailored marketing campaigns that resonate with the target audience in each country. 2. Targeted Advertising With over 1.8 million LinkedIn users in the Dominican Republic alone, the platform offers a fertile ground for targeted advertising campaigns. Whether you're promoting products, services, or job opportunities, LinkedIn's robust advertising tools enable precise targeting based on industry, job title, skills, and more. By leveraging this data, you can ensure that your ads reach the right audience at the right time, maximizing their impact and ROI. 3. Building Strategic Partnerships LinkedIn isn't just a platform for individual professionals; it's also a gateway to forging strategic partnerships and collaborations. By identifying key influencers, industry leaders, and potential collaborators within the LinkedIn communities of countries like Trinidad & Tobago and Haiti, you can initiate meaningful conversations and explore mutually beneficial opportunities. Whether it's joint ventures, co-marketing initiatives, or knowledge-sharing partnerships, LinkedIn provides a fertile ground for expanding your network and driving business growth. 4. Showcasing Expertise and Thought Leadership With a significant presence on LinkedIn, professionals in the Caribbean are actively seeking valuable insights, industry trends, and thought leadership content. As an entrepreneur or marketing manager, you can position your brand as a trusted authority by sharing high-quality content, engaging in meaningful discussions, and showcasing your expertise on the platform. By leveraging LinkedIn's publishing tools and multimedia capabilities, you can create compelling content that resonates with your target audience and reinforces your brand's credibility and authority in the market. 5. Recruiting Top Talent The Caribbean's burgeoning LinkedIn community isn't just a goldmine for business opportunities; it's also a treasure trove of talent. Whether you're expanding your team, recruiting specialized skills, or tapping into the local talent pool for growth opportunities, LinkedIn provides a powerful platform for talent acquisition. By leveraging the data on LinkedIn users from countries like Barbados, Guyana, and Martinique, you can identify and connect with top-tier professionals who align with your company's values, culture, and strategic objectives. As the Caribbean evolves into a hub for professional networking and business innovation, entrepreneurs and marketing managers have a unique opportunity to leverage the power of LinkedIn data to drive their marketing strategies. By understanding regional trends, targeting advertising, building strategic partnerships, showcasing expertise, and recruiting top talent, you can unlock the full potential of LinkedIn to elevate your brand's presence and drive sustainable growth in this dynamic region. Want to know which Caribbean countries have the most LinkedIn users? Click here. Why Choose AC Marketing Caribbean AC Marketing Caribbean offers a wide range of content marketing services to help you create content for your business in the Caribbean. Here are just a few reasons why AC Marketing Caribbean is the best choice for content marketing: - Our content marketing specialists can help create content for your business that is best suited to the Caribbean consumer. - Our sales funnel strategies are designed to lead your audience effortlessly along the buyer’s journey. - You need eye-catching and engaging content that converts clicks into cash. If you need to create content for your business, but don’t know where to start, AC Marketing Caribbean has the start and finish line fully mapped out. We’re committed to helping you achieve your company growth objectives in the Caribbean! Attract a bigger audience, increase your conversion rates, and make content marketing your biggest business superpower today.

Forgive the pun, but we’ve got some bard news for you! Remember the days of struggling to describe your dream logo, the perfect product image, or that captivating social media post in mere words? Well, those days are fading faster than a watercolour wash thanks to Google AI's latest innovation: Bard, the AI writing assistant, is now wielding the digital paintbrush! That's right, creators and businesses of all stripes, rejoice! Bard is now testing image generation, allowing you to transform your wildest visual ideas into stunning reality. But this isn't just about adding some glitz to your online presence. Here's how Bard's image generation can empower you: Creators: Say goodbye to creative roadblocks: Stuck visualizing your next masterpiece? Simply describe your concept to Bard, and watch it blossom into a unique image, sparking your imagination and igniting your creative flow. Experiment fearlessly: Want to explore different styles, color palettes, or compositions? Bard lets you iterate effortlessly, generating countless variations of your idea until you find the perfect one. Stand out from the crowd: Whether you're a graphic designer, illustrator, or simply an individual with a flair for the visual, Bard's AI-powered creations can add a distinctive touch to your work, setting you apart from the competition. Businesses: Boost your marketing game: Capture attention with captivating product images, eye-catching social media posts, and engaging website visuals, all generated by Bard based on your brand identity and target audience. Save time and resources: Skip the expensive photoshoots and lengthy design processes. Bard lets you generate multiple image options quickly and efficiently, freeing up your resources for other strategic endeavours. Test and personalize: Generate variations of your marketing materials to see what resonates best with your audience, allowing you to personalize your message and maximize impact. But Bard's image generation isn't just about convenience and efficiency. It's also about accessibility. Imagine a world where anyone, regardless of artistic skill or budget, can bring their visual ideas to life. With Bard, that world is closer than ever. The future is full of pixels and possibilities. Join the beta testing and be among the first to experience the magic of Bard's image generation! Who knows what masterpiece awaits? Why Choose AC Marketing Caribbean? AC Marketing Caribbean offers a wide range of content marketing services to help you create content for your business in the Caribbean. Here are just a few reasons why AC Marketing Caribbean is the best choice for content marketing: - Our content marketing specialists can help create content for your business that is best suited to the Caribbean consumer. - Our sales funnel strategies are designed to lead your audience effortlessly along the buyer’s journey. - You need eye-catching and engaging content that converts clicks into cash. If you need to create content for your business, but don’t know where to start, AC Marketing Caribbean has the start and finish line fully mapped out. We’re committed to helping you achieve your company growth objectives in the Caribbean! Attract a bigger audience, increase your conversion rates, and make content marketing your biggest business superpower today.

Remember the plunging neckline, the emerald shimmer, and the jaws dropping across the globe? Jennifer Lopez's iconic Versace dress at the 2000 Grammy Awards wasn't just a fashion moment – it was a technological tipping point. Believe it or not, this dress played a crucial role in the birth of Google Images, the visual search giant we rely on today. From Text to Threads: A Search Revolution Back in 2000, Google was still a young search engine, primarily focused on text-based results. But the internet was evolving, and users craved more than just words. When J.Lo stepped onto the red carpet, the search term "Jennifer Lopez dress" exploded, becoming the most popular query Google had ever seen. Yet, the search engine offered only text links, leaving users frustrated and pictureless. Enter Google Images, Stage Left This fashion frenzy highlighted a critical gap in search functionality. Google's engineers, recognizing the growing demand for visual information, saw an opportunity. Inspired by the J.Lo dress phenomenon, they began developing a platform dedicated to image search. Thus, Google Images was born in 2001, forever changing how we explore and interact with information online. Beyond the Dress: A Legacy of Innovation While J.Lo's dress may have been the catalyst, Google Images' success is attributed to the dedication of its creators. The platform revolutionized online research, enabling users to find information visually, compare products, identify objects, and even explore art and culture in new ways. More than a Red Carpet Moment J.Lo's dress wasn't just a piece of fashion; it was a cultural touchstone that sparked technological innovation. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most impactful moments can come from unexpected places, proving that even the seemingly frivolous can have lasting consequences. So next time you use Google Images to search for anything, from a new recipe to a historical landmark, remember the green Versace dress that started it all. Want to learn more? Explore the history of Google Images: http://research.google/ Relive J.Lo's iconic red carpet moment: Share your thoughts! Do you remember the J.Lo dress? How has Google Images changed the way you search for information? Let us know in the comments below! Why Choose AC Marketing Caribbean? AC Marketing Caribbean offers a wide range of content marketing services to help you create content for your business in the Caribbean. Here are just a few reasons why AC Marketing Caribbean is the best choice for content marketing: - Our content marketing specialists can help create content for your business that is best suited to the Caribbean consumer. - Our sales funnel strategies are designed to lead your audience effortlessly along the buyer’s journey. - You need eye-catching and engaging content that converts clicks into cash. If you need to create content for your business, but don’t know where to start, AC Marketing Caribbean has the start and finish line fully mapped out. We’re committed to helping you achieve your company growth objectives in the Caribbean! Attract a bigger audience, increase your conversion rates, and make content marketing your biggest business superpower today.

Where do you want to go for breakfast? We landed at our final destination, Mexico - a country with the largest Spanish-speaking population in the world. I was housed with seven other roommates, and it was our first morning sitting in the courtyard of our Remote Year (RY) version of college. Our ages range from late 20s to late 30s, and we all decided to travel to Latin America with strangers four months ago. The idea of saying goodbye felt bittersweet, but we were more interested in our next meal on this day. The question seemed innocent enough until the long-winded discussion regarding culinary choices began. It also doesn't help to live in an era where technology has allowed access to endless information that has paralysed us. Regardless, someone decided on an Instagram-ready café, and we all went along without question. It's a behaviour I noticed throughout our journey that triggered a desire to question the world around me and, more specifically, how consumers decide to spend money. The fact that we all paid 'an overpriced travel agency,' RY, to plan our travels was a sneak peek into the economics of human spending in the digital world. Paralysis by analysis is a term used in 1965. H. Igor Ansoff wrote the book Corporate Strategy: An Analytic Approach to Business Policy for Growth and Expansion. He used the phrase "paralysis by analysis" in reference to those who used the approach to excess. In a world seemingly filled with infinite options for food, movies and dating, we are potentially adding to mental health difficulties with the paradox of choice. I have had to overcome it while standing in the WALMART aisle, trying to decide which of 20+ brands of peanut butter to put in my basket. In the past, I have complained about the lack of options in the Caribbean, but lately, I am learning to appreciate limitations. On the contrary, consumers want to feel like they played a significant role in parting with their money, and technology companies have done an excellent job creating a smokescreen of choice. In the book by Nir Eyal, he outlines the Hooked Model used by companies that develop habits for customers – more specifically, why our phone has become our third hand. As entrepreneurs, we, too, can make judgments or implement changes in our business based on the existing consumer. Social media continues to be a way of life for Latin America and the Caribbean. It's visible on the billboards with a WhatsApp logo or the immediate need to follow someone you just met on Instagram. How can your business learn from the paralysis of too many choices while creating a safe space for potential consumers to build trust in your brand? The number one shift you can make is creating content specific to the social media user who becomes your customer. Stop thinking in groups, but make visuals that talk directly to one person, like the individual who made the decision on behalf of seven others. She is a power user of Instagram, and none of us had the energy to research her choice or question the quality of the location. In future blogs, I will share how to identify this type of customer and ways to reach them. All that being said, I am delighted you chose to finish this article. If you can make one more choice and join our community, I would also make the choice to be happy about your decision. References: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiGwsGk4f2BAxXSpIkEHTvgDtYQFnoECAgQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAnalysis_paralysis&usg=AOvVaw11APZhINJ5JiOP6HN-VLM3&opi=89978449 https://dansilvestre.medium.com/hooked-by-nir-eyal-summary-and-notes-b00e2903cd49 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/analysis-paralysis/

How we tend to make insular decisions and why data is important. Cooking will become as widespread as penmanship – a dying art. I covered this in my last blog about food and delivery apps across Latin America and the Caribbean. I didn’t mention the conversations I’ve had with my friends from Trinidad and my family from Barbados, who don’t use the apps and who believe we will all go back to cooking at home. It’s an outlook that’s as old as time, ‘I don’t do X, so the rest of the world will eventually catch up with me.’ This approach will not work for the longevity of any business and does not include the reality of living in a digital world. Looking back at our habits as a species will uncover spending trends that have evolved with our desire to remain connected online. Our children are paying for Roblox, while being single during the pandemic meant finding love on Tinder and Bumble. Imagine talking to your parents – who’ve been married for 20 years – about swiping right on the one you love. Similarly, it was a whirlwind of data points to pull from while living with nineteen (19) strangers for four months in four countries. In the Caribbean, we tend to build businesses with a local audience in mind, while segments of consumers are willing to pay for services that may seem frivolous to most. Let’s break it down by category; An overpriced travel agency That’s what my friend called it when I told her about my decision to join Remote Year (RY). I’m not sure why it felt offensive at first, but the more I contemplated, the more it felt like an accurate description. Although I’ve travelled to 15+ countries, I’ve never used a travel agency. With companies such as Expedia and Kayak, I feel I’m securing the best deal when I can see the pricing across a calendar. Yet, I willingly paid RY an exorbitant markup for the company to arrange my flights and accommodation. What was my driving factor? Community. Their service was a built-in sorority, with everyone being forced to bond by proximity. In addition, being able to send a WhatsApp message to a group and instantly have someone to go out to dinner with – without feeling pressured – worth it! A local experience with a Gringo in Mind Apple has evolved with a similar concept: pay for the overpriced mobile devices and stay for the monthly subscriptions that you forget to cancel. That’s how I view the ‘Marketplace’ of RY. It’s a subsite of their main website that gives you access to ‘local experiences.’ This is where I stopped drinking the Kool-Aid and opted out of paying upwards of five times more than the market value. Nevertheless, I was in the minority. Every time we landed in a country, each person’s itinerary was packed with activities beyond the weekend. We learned how to play the cajones in Peru and a majority of the group went up in a balloon over the pyramids in Mexico. Although all these experiences were available without RY, many of the nomads opted to stay within the bubble created by the temporary family. It's easy to jump on your high horse – preferably in Colombia – and make assumptions about why anyone will pay a higher value than what’s on the market. As a business owner, it’s best to observe and note what people are willing to pay for. Paying for a service with a clear ROI It was two months since the waterworks ended and our group parted ways. I decided to meet up with one of the strangers turn family on the East Coast of the USA for lunch to catch up on everything we missed. While waiting for the waiter to bring my favourite appetizer, chicken wings, we delved into events that I wasn’t privy to. As the gossip grew hot with dramatic revelations, like a scene from Sex in the City, I couldn’t help but wonder, what in the actual fluff did we pay Remote Year to do. We pondered for a few minutes before my friend responded, “…I finished the program, and I still don’t know what they do!” We both chuckled as I eagerly eyed my fresh wings on the table. The power of a brand can never be understated, and RY's strategy has been to spend as much time on your newsfeed as possible – with advertising - until the recognition blinds you into trusting them with your credit card. A report from MBO Partners found nearly 17 million Americans identified as digital nomads in 2022, up 131% from 2019. With the rise of Digital Nomads, the opportunities for new businesses like RY need to be explored in the Caribbean. References; https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryenglish/2023/01/31/digital-nomads-increased-131-from-2019-will-the-trend-prevail-in-a-tough-economy/?sh=37d54b1b2e3b

Being stood up for a date led me to nineteen strangers around Latin America. Two years ago, I was deciding which shoe would go with the orange dress that accentuated the melanin when my mobile cried for attention. It was the notification I specifically assigned the dating app that would deliver the devasting news; the guy I spent the last few days chatting with online was no longer available. I felt jilted by someone I barely knew. In the pursuit of making lemonade, I opened my laptop and searched for information about moving to Mexico. I can’t explain why but being neglected made chasing my lifelong dream of learning to speak Spanish more plausible. Although my ancestors would scold my current position, I felt comfortable on my bed with outside clothes scrolling through the plethora of YouTube videos about ‘How to rent a house in Mexico.’ The social media gods lead me down the abyss of Americans schooling me on the ways of life as an English speaker in the third largest country in Latin America. Somewhere between the second glass of wine and clicking ‘skip ad’ for the fourth time, my search redirected to a company that helps nomads travel safely worldwide, Remote Year (RY). As a millennial who spent the last decade honing skillsets on the internet, any decision to spend money online must include scrolling through the review section. To my surprise, no one had anything bad to say; it felt like a red flag. Regardless, I filled out an application and booked a call the next day with someone called a ‘Customer Success Lead.’ Feeling like my night wasn’t entirely wasted, I went to the bathroom to peel the makeup off my face and eventually fell asleep with a feeling of accomplishment. With coffee in hand the following day, the sound of Zoom hit my ears, and I took a brisk walk from the kitchen to the living room to answer the call from the RY representative. I was pleasantly surprised to meet the smile from a black woman who I eventually learnt was a second-generation Jamaican living in Bulgaria. What transpired for the next two hours was a masterclass for selling because I put a down payment the next day without fully understanding what I was paying for. If you’re a business owner, there is much to learn from how RY approaches sales. Their business model relies on people with the help of technology to facilitate connections and payments. Their customer must be willing to pay upwards of three times the market value while committing to always have a community around. Many companies refuse to separate Sales and Marketing, leading to missed opportunities in how your customer behaves online. However, companies like RY are a great example of where to assign your talent to maximize your return on human investment. As much as we’re connected to devices like life support, we are more likely to be influenced by human connection regardless of the tools we use to engage. I could not have predicted what would transpire for the next four months, but stick around for the next blog. I’ll give you some insight into a demographic of people that seem to only exist in movies.

According to Statista, Revenue in the Online Food Delivery market is projected to reach US$1tn in 2023. As nine of us walked through the streets of Lima, I can only imagine how out of place we looked to Peruvians – eight Americans and one person from Trinidad and Tobago. Our ages range from late 20s to late 30s with remarkably different backgrounds. It was straight out of a scene from Real World – when MTV used to play music. We were on our way to our last meal in Peru. We sat for brunch because we had a few hours until the bus came to collect us from our apartment building, which felt more like a long-term stay hotel. Just after we ordered, my roommate decided to start a conversation by requesting we all go around the table and discuss what we liked about living with each other and what has room for improvement. These types of invasive scenarios became frequent for us as he and I would end up talking for hours about our lives. Apparently, my desire to find joy meant laughing at his jokes, which he appreciated and shared that I made him feel funny. What surprised me was his revelation that he saw me cook all this ‘good food’ and he was never offered a plate – the caucasity! Although it was twenty of us who signed up to travel across Latin America, we got split into two groups with accommodation and I am bias in declaring that we got the better deal. With a decent sized fridge, a counter-top stove, our two-bedroom, two-bathroom setup was ideal for my roommate and I. The building was owned by Wynwood, and we were paying Remote Year three times the apartment cost to access their menu of activities and community. Meanwhile, the other half of the group stayed in a hippy-style hostel, Selina. The Remote Year (RY) sign-up process included filling out a form with preferences, which included the gender of one’s roommate and the importance of accommodation being ‘Good for Cooking.’ The idea of living with a male or female was less significant than ensuring I had somewhere to meal prep for the upcoming four weeks in each country. There was a person assigned to us from RY whose position was referred to as a Community Manager and they would review our preferences before assigning a roommate for each country. When I signed up for four months with strangers, I had no expectations, but my return on investment came from understanding behavior that did not exist within my circle. My first roommate’s name was Ben. A 5 ft 10 inches, Jewish green-eyed frat boy from Philly who I assumed doesn’t know his way around a stove. He would get up in the mornings to run a half marathon distance and stop by a café for breakfast before returning to our apartment to start his work online. The above-average cardio wasn’t as impressive to me as his lack of desire to cook. It’s something that turned out to be a typical approach to nutrition with most of the people on the trip. From Peru to Mexico, all my roommates went out for their meals or ordered from Food Delivery Apps. According to Statista, Revenue in the Online Food Delivery market is projected to reach US$1tn in 2023. While DoorDash dominates the US with over 60% of the market share, Rappi was the golden child from Latin America. Originating from Colombia, Rappi delivers twenty-five thousand (25,000) orders per day with four thousand (4,000) couriers across nine (9) cities in three (3) Countries. Their co-founder, Sebastian Meijia, stressed the importance of The Last Mile in his talk about the Human Side of Digital Delivery on YouTube. It’s referred to the last step of the supply chain for e-commerce to the customer. The LATAM region has historically been a slow adopter of delivery apps. Even during the pandemic, Latin American companies got relatively less funding than their competitors across the world. Nevertheless, small amounts of money were able to do big things. Within the Caribbean, businesses are newcomers to the world of e-commerce. After being forced to close shop during the pandemic, many CEOs are reluctantly exploring the world of online payments. From building a mobile responsive website to driving consumers to their online presence – it’s easy to see why the last mile could be omitted from their Digital Strategy. That’s why companies like FoodDrop in Trinidad, 7Krave in Barbados and Quickcart in Jamaica are all sitting on a goldmine of opportunity for the future of commerce in the Caribbean. The data shows that consumers from the islands are willing to wait weeks for their packages from Amazon through Skybox facilities in Miami. So, the last mile looks different from where we sit in our air-conditioned offices, eagerly awaiting the confirmation email to pay our taxes. While folks like me find it difficult to pay the additional cost of delivery for food - that I could have made better - a generation of consumers do not care to light a stove. Their reasons range from not having the time to never learning how to boil water. Regardless, any business decision requires data and our behavior is secondary to the evolution of the consumer who is constantly connected to their phones. During the four weeks I lived in Peru, I would hoard the fridge with my leftovers and indulge myself on Fridays with ‘outside food’. As for Ben, the fee was never a deterrent. His phone was always present and the ease of ordering food without even taking out his credit card was something I witnessed repeatedly. It’s been five months since my Remote Year trip, and I checked in with Ben. He has confirmed his cooking knowledge but still prefers to use the Food Apps. As for his take on my ‘not sharing food,’ close mouths don’t eat. https://restofworld.org/2023/newsletter-latin-america-last-mile-delivery-2023/ https://americasmi.com/insights/report-last-mile-logistics-latin-america/ https://americasmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ami_2022_last-mile-logistics-disruption-in-latam.pdf

The sound of heavy raindrops pounding on our bus at 11 p.m. was a fitting introduction to Medellin, Colombia. We were all exhausted from our flight via Peru. Although we were in the air for merely three hours, from 6 pm to 9 pm, we were required to check out from our accommodations seven hours before the flight. Remote Year (RY) calls it ‘Transition Day,’ when we are herded across countries. Similar to being sent to after-school detention, we forcefully bonded through a dreadful experience. It was country number two with RY, and my new roommate was a six-foot-two, blue-eyed, former firefighter from Utah. We arrived at our apartment, starving and curious about what the next four weeks would bring to our Digital Nomad adventure. After much back and forth to decide what to eat, we ordered a Mediterranean option from Rappi before sharing insights into our personalities to foreshadow an ideal co-living experience. As part of the RY business model, they provide local experiences that usually fall on the weekends to drive additional revenue. It’s a local experience with a Gringo in Mind. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the luxury of time to join many of their events because I signed up for Spanish School every day for three hours. Dios Mio! There was also the fact that I make Trinidad and Tobago Dollars, which is seven times less than the US dollar that RY caters to. I was not alone in this thinking as I haphazardly had breakfast with my roommate and another RY member one morning. We got into a passionate conversation about RY markup and being able to find similar leisure activities at half the cost. Eventually, we decided to do a two-day trip on motorcycles out of town. Two guys from the USA and one woman from Trinidad & Tobago entrusted an unknown company through the highways of Colombia. It was a memorable experience that I will cover in a later blog. Still, the ease with which we made that decision could not have been facilitated without RY. It’s a reality that parallels social media and how we behave online. Users flock to every social media website with one thing in mind: community. It almost feels too simplistic to write. Like a deep, dark secret littered with clues in a movie, as you sit in the cinema trying to ponder, ‘who done it?’ When the reality is more of a scene from the Truman Show, you know something doesn’t feel right. Still, you continue participating in someone else’s system. Social media gets a bad rep when we solely focus on the adverse effects. Still, it has created opportunities that would otherwise be impossible. Regardless, it doesn’t stop us from watching the newest Netflix special on why we must get off the internet this very second. It also doesn’t help that Mark Zuckerberg has a negative brand identity – the world just doesn’t seem to like one of the most influential men in the world. Meta (formerly Facebook) recently posted their Q2 results, passing 3 billion monthly active users. That’s almost half the worldwide population. Users spend an average of 19.7 hours a month on Facebook, and Meta spent a lot of money on the Super Bowl to ensure most of that time is spent on their Group application. Meta announced a redesign for the groups’ tab three years ago to help engagement. One could argue that it’s partly the pressure from Congress regarding the elections. Still, the reality of human behaviour showed higher engagement with Groups than with Pages. Facebook Groups give us a more accurate feel of offline behaviour. Do you know there is a Facebook group called ALDI Aisle of Shame Community? Its only purpose is to showcase all things ALDI, a no-frills German grocery store. This is one of millions of groups that create a space for the things we care about. That’s the thing with social media AND Remote Year: they both provide a space for us to find each other and share common interests. Without Remote Year, I wouldn’t have been running through the mountains of Colombia with a white man and a half Mexican complaining about their prices. References; https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-posts-strong-q2-result-facebook-crosses-3-billion-monthly-active-users/689108/ https://blog.hootsuite.com/facebook-statistics/#Facebook_usage_stats https://youtu.be/Rpxqja0zD5Y?si=AEFWZjoaaiWO-JTB https://www.facebook.com/community/whats-new/facebook-app-is-focusing-more-on-groups/ https://youtu.be/v-CFTz9hZuM https://youtu.be/xNif9LASP7k

Witnessing the fervour of young individuals lining up for prison officer positions in the scorching Trinidad & Tobago sun, we felt compelled to shed light on a liberating alternative: Remote Work. In this article, we share invaluable insights on the stark contrast between traditional employment and the prospect of working remotely. 1. Flexibility and Freedom: Remote work grants an unparalleled flexibility, breaking free from the shackles of rigid office hours. Embracing your natural productivity peaks, remote work liberates you from a fixed workspace. Be it a quaint café, a cozy home office, or the bustling streets of a new city, your workplace becomes as versatile as your imagination. This newfound freedom enhances creativity, fostering a deep sense of job satisfaction. 2. Location Independence: Remote work knows no bounds. With a stable internet connection, you can transform any corner of the world into your workspace. From embracing diverse cultures to exploring different continents, remote work lets you harmonize your career with your adventurous spirit. It's not merely about travel; it's about creating a life where work seamlessly integrates with your ideal living environment. 3. Improved Work-Life Balance: Say goodbye to draining commutes and hello to quality time for yourself. Remote work liberates hours typically spent in transit, granting you precious moments for hobbies, loved ones, and self-care. Reclaiming these moments enhances your well-being, infusing both your personal and professional life with a newfound vitality. 4. Diverse Opportunities: Remote work dissolves geographical boundaries, opening a gateway to a global job market. It propels you into a realm of diverse industries, cultures, and projects. Collaborating with international teams and contributing to groundbreaking ventures become tangible possibilities, expanding your professional horizons in ways you never imagined. 5. Increased Earning Potential: Beyond the conventional office setup, remote work offers unique financial advantages. Competitive salaries coupled with a more affordable lifestyle in chosen locations provide a substantial boost. Moreover, the flexibility of remote roles enables pursuit of side gigs and personal projects, diversifying your income streams and fostering financial growth and stability. In essence, these reasons paint a compelling picture of a fulfilling career in remote work. We hope these insights serve as a beacon of hope, guiding you toward a professional journey marked by freedom, diversity, and financial growth. Until next time, consider the boundless possibilities that remote work might unveil in your career. Are you dreaming of a remote job that lets you work from the Caribbean paradise? Hold onto that beach towel, because we're here to share the ultimate guide to landing that dream job! In this video, we're revealing the top five must-know tips before you hit "apply”: Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more insights and solutions from the heart of remote work. Why Choose AC Marketing Caribbean? AC Marketing Caribbean offers a wide range of content marketing services to help you create content for your business in the Caribbean. Here are just a few reasons why AC Marketing Caribbean is the best choice for content marketing: - Our content marketing specialists can help create content for your business that is best suited to the Caribbean consumer. - Our sales funnel strategies are designed to lead your audience effortlessly along the buyer’s journey. - You need eye-catching and engaging content that converts clicks into cash. If you need to create content for your business, but don’t know where to start, AC Marketing Caribbean has the start and finish line fully mapped out. We’re committed to helping you achieve your company growth objectives in the Caribbean! Attract a bigger audience, increase your conversion rates, and make content marketing your biggest business superpower today.

Today I’m thrilled to share with you my ultimate work-from-home companions. These five essentials have transformed my remote work experience, adding efficiency, clarity, and even a touch of joy to my daily routine. Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer, entrepreneur, or just diving into the world of remote work, these tools might just become your new best friends. 1. MacBook: Your Digital Command Center At the heart of my remote work setup lies my trusty MacBook. Sleek, powerful, and brilliantly intuitive, it keeps me seamlessly connected to all my tasks. From crafting important emails to diving into complex design projects, this device is my go-to for everything work-related. 2. Crystal-Clear Communication with a Quality Microphone Ever been on a virtual meeting where someone’s voice echoes like they're speaking from a tunnel? A high-quality microphone solves that problem. It ensures that my voice comes across crisp and clear during virtual meetings, podcasts, and video recordings, enhancing communication and professionalism. 3. Sharp Visuals: Invest in a High-Quality Camera Appearances matter, especially in the digital realm. A high-quality camera ensures that my professionalism shines through every video call. Clear visuals not only make a good impression but also enhance the overall virtual experience for both work and social interactions. 4. Dive into Focus with Noise-Cancelling Headphones My noise-cancelling headphones aren’t just for music; they're my sanctuary of concentration. They transport me into a world of focus, whether I’m in a virtual meeting or working on a project. Plus, they occasionally double up as my dance partners during those energizing breaks! 5. Coffee: Your Trusted Productivity Booster Last but certainly not least, my ever-reliable cup of coffee. It’s not just a beverage; it's a source of motivation and energy. This delightful brew has a unique way of boosting my spirits, especially during those demanding work hours. Think of it as my secret ingredient for productivity. Remember, a well-equipped workspace isn’t just about tools; it's about enhancing your work experience. These essentials have become more than just gadgets; they're my companions in the journey of remote work. So, invest wisely, find what works best for you, and let these essentials elevate your remote work game. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more tips, inspiration, and stories from the remote working space. Until next time, stay productive and keep thriving in your work-from-home adventures! Why Choose AC Marketing Caribbean? AC Marketing Caribbean offers a wide range of content marketing services to help you create content for your business in the Caribbean. Here are just a few reasons why AC Marketing Caribbean is the best choice for content marketing: - Our content marketing specialists can help create content for your business that is best suited to the Caribbean consumer. - Our sales funnel strategies are designed to lead your audience effortlessly along the buyer’s journey. - You need eye-catching and engaging content that converts clicks into cash. If you need to create content for your business, but don’t know where to start, AC Marketing Caribbean has the start and finish line fully mapped out. We’re committed to helping you achieve your company growth objectives in the Caribbean! Attract a bigger audience, increase your conversion rates, and make content marketing your biggest business superpower today.