Some Bogota Media Exposure

Did I tell you that we were interviewed for a documentary for Verizon Tuesday afternoon at the restaurant? From my understanding, Verizon is re-branding themselves as a broadband company and they were looking for stories of people who have benefitted as a result of the internet. I threw out a proposal on profiling us, our restaurant, our journey and our weblog and they liked the idea.

People are shocked that we would have gotten this kind of opportunity even though we're not open yet. They are as surprised that our website is featured in Restaurant Business magazine right next to Bobby Flay's website. I think what surprises a number of people is to see our accomplishments. "How did you manage to get featured," someone asked me. I tell them, "Hey, it's all part of the groundwork we've been laying for the past almost 3 years." A lot of people spend their time working and consumming. Isn't that what America is about: consumption and making money? I come home and spend time thinking about the business, thinking about my future, thinking about creating and thinking about making a difference on many levels.

From what I was told, parts of the documentary may end up as part of their media campaign which would include internet banner ads and even being featured on the Reuters screen in Times Square. Imagine that! I hold no expectations that Bogota Bistro will be featured up there but, hey, it's nice to think about the possibility.

Just imagine our startup process being featured in a Verizon ad. Even if we don't get featured, it was good practice being interviewed for future interviews. I do want to close by saying that the two guys who conducted the interview with us, Todd and Mark, were very cool guys. I wish I had taken their pictures holding their recording equipment for the blog! Drats!

Follow-up: I received the following email today:

"Hi Farid – I heard your interview went well! Can you forward this to your partner as well for him to fill out?

Thank you very much for taking the time to tell us your broadband story.

Your story was great and we’re busy editing the footage into a short digital video documentary that may be featured on our website, which will launch in early June.

As part of our website, everyone who we interview will have their own online profile. If you could take a few minutes to fill out the profile information online, it will help us make your personal story as interesting and unique as possible.

We’re really excited about how your video will positively affect the launch of our site and look forward to getting more compelling information about your story.
If you have any questions about the profile information attached or the Broadband Stories campaign, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

The various assets we collect for Broadband Stories may appear in a Verizon advertising campaign in video, photo or written form.

Thanks!

Cristina"