The Latino/Hispanic market is growing, as well as its purchase power, and if you live in a region where the presence of this group represent new business opportunities, you may find this interesting. (Please note that this is not intended to be a political message, and that I use the terms Latino and Hispanic, knowing that they both mean different things, which can be discussed in other message).As a Hispanic, I have always watched in different states I have visited, that we, Latinos,  are perceived based on local models. What I mean by that is that depending on what part of the county you are, your “typical” Latino can be different. In Miami, you will found Cubans and Colombians, in California, your Latino neighbor or client is very often from Mexican origins, in New York he or she is mostly from Puerto Rican origin. These are just some examples. We come from different countries and even though we share the same language and religion for the most part, did you know that we use different words for the same things depending on what country you are coming from? Don’t stress out though. Any customer/client will always appreciate a respectful treatment, and they don’t expect you to speak Spanish, but knowing a bit about the origins of your client will help you developing more rapport and a good relation. Now just some figures so you understand better where Latinos are and how they are changing the market:From 1900 and 2000 the Hispanic population grew 57.9%, but different groups within that population grew differently:Mexicans grew a 52.9% Puerto Ricans 24.9%, Cubans 20%, and from other countries: 96.9%.These number have changed in the last years. Socio-economic and political issues in particular countries triggered a higher number of inmigrants from specific countries. By 2000 the Latino population was:
Mexicans 58.5%Puerto Ricans 9.6% Cubans 3.5%.