Tag: Entrepreneur

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Business

Make Remote Working Work

Written by Samantha Proctor

The biggest question of this year is “how do I make this work.” With curveball after curveball thrown at us, all we’re able to do is dodge and adjust. Between work, digital learning, family, and attempting to maintain a social life, we have done a lot of dodging. But don’t let this get to you or overwhelm you! We have a solution to the question of the year.

Growing up, when I felt overwhelmed, my grandpa would ask me, “how do you eat an elephant?” I thought the question itself was silly, but then he would answer “one bite at a time.” An even sillier response! But as I’ve gotten older and responsibilities seem to pile on top of one another, his answer makes more sense.

Let me make his question relevant:
Question – How do you eat a global pandemic (and maintain life at the same time)?
Answer – One bite at a time.

Our best advice for taking it “one bite at a time” is to schedule everything–including your time out of the house. Part of what makes our coworking space great for remote workers and work-from-homers is our quiet, convenient workspace. Your scheduled time with us will be productive and valuable to your goals (and your sanity). Because we know schedules are flexible and change frequently, we have multiple areas for you to work from! Whether you need a devoted space or just a table for a few hours, we have you covered!

While some of us are new to working from home, some have been doing it for years. But even for the seasoned remote worker, this pandemic continues to twist our arms to its side effects–digital learning being a major one. As more schools offer digital learning, working your typical 9-5 isn’t possible. At our workspace, we provide 24/7 access to members who need to work early mornings, late nights, and/or weekends. Since your office and home weren’t meant to occupy the same square footage, it’s beneficial to your todo list and mind to separate the two when they unexpectedly merge.

Although this is one of many solutions you’ll find along your journey through 2020, we hope to be a space where you can try new ways of adjusting to spending time with your family, working from home, and everything in between.

Categories
Business

SMART Assessment: Reclaim Your Business Goals

June has come to a close and the year is still as interesting as it was a few months ago. Although Covid-19 may have thrown off some of your goals for the year, it is time to get back on the saddle, tighten the leash on your plans, and head off to the races. Whether it’s a business or personal goal, you can reevaluate where you are now to stay on track. Many of us have been able to adjust to this season but some goals have inevitably slipped through the cracks. The SMART assessment is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely, and it will help you examine where you are to help you get where you want to be! Read below to see how you navigate each SMART step:

Specific

This section provides space to ask the question, “what do you want to accomplish?” Then you follow the answer to this question with who, what, when, where, why, and how. Answering all of these questions creates the groundwork for the rest of the assessment.

Measurable

Here, you’ll categorize what you want to see, hear, feel, touch, and experience when you reach your goal. Think of this as the tangible manifestation of your goal’s outcome and who it impacts, whether it’s you or your customer.

Attainable

This step is simple but not always easy to accept. Your question here is “do I have the resources to make this possible?” If you are limited on time, money, or employees, then this goal may be one to save for a later date. But it also allows you to see the reality of what’s in front of you!

Relevant

Think of the end goal and whether it is relevant to you now, when it’s done, and later down the road. You may this is not the right direction to take your goals, or you can see ways to make it better for you and/or your customers!

Timely

Don’t forget the importance and value of your time! Consider the amount of money (and time) you’ll spend accomplishing the goal. Is it worth it? Here, you’ll want to create a realistic timeline and set deadlines for you and your team.

 

To see an example of this assessment, click here!

You can also change a few of the questions, while keeping the concept, to make this your own.

 

Categories
Business

Balancing Life & Working Remote

Articles on work-life balance may seem like white noise to most at this point, but it’s important not to lose focus! As I was sitting at home yesterday, I noticed a couple of trends: 1) I was putting fewer tasks on my to-do list and 2) it was taking longer to accomplish each one. My time in the office was easily becoming the most productive time of my week. If you’re finding this to be your case and habits while at home, then check out the article below. It reiterates many of the tips we’ve heard before with a refreshing perspective.

“3 Tips on Resiliency to Help You Avoid Remote-Work Burnout” | Alain Hunkins, May 21, 2020

 

 

Categories
Leadership

Maintaining Work Culture in Uncertain Times

No matter what role we play in our respective business or workplace, we are all shaping our work environment and culture. Because we are living in a primarily virtual world, it is now more important than ever to have intentionality in maintaining, growing, developing, and shaping our environment. Burke Allen, CEO of Cornerstone Coworking and Novologic, often says, “regardless of titles, everyone is a leader, you are either a good one or a bad one.”

Luckily, as leaders, we all have a role we can play in taking care of our work culture. It begins with a fairly simple task: caring. We need to make sure the people we work with know we care about them professionally and personally. The only way to make this happen is through caring for the health of our culture. Because it’s not a tangible object, we have to be mindful and intentional in how it’s created. We believe focusing on four concepts: compassion, trust, stability, and hope will help create the environment our teams need to thrive. 

Compassion—

Compassion is recognizing and sympathizing with the needs and experiences of another person. During Covid-19, we are all making adjustments. Whether you’ve recently become a remote employee, full-time teacher, and/or caretaker we are all covering new territory. In this season, and to create a positive and understanding work culture, we have to show compassion. When an employee doesn’t immediately answer a phone call or has to help their child with an assignment or lesson, show you understand their time. As long as we’re able to work together, you’ll help create a stronger team. 

Trust—

Building trust takes time, but as we are all working from a distance it is important our coworkers and employees know they have a place to turn to. As we are in an uncertain time, we need to remain open and honest with our teams and ourselves. Sharing what we do and do not know will help communication and understanding. It also allows the opportunity to create and stick to expectations. When we understand why, how, and when a task is to be done, it is more likely our teams will accomplish it. Over communicating helps to clarify and remove any possible barriers of a task or goal.

 Stability—

As we deal with Covid-19 and all of its side effects, stability is key to creating a safe environment. Through being present for our teams, standing up for them whenever you can, and helping to identify where they can step in are all ways you can lead this word out. 

Hope—

In the midst of Covid-19 and not knowing what our future will hold, we need to come together as a team to offer a sense of hope. It’s what many of us cling to in difficult seasons, and we can do a lot when we come together. Whether you are creating short devotionals or words of encouragement, saying thank you, sharing good news, and celebrating one another, there are reasons to find joy with and in your team.

 

 

Categories
COVID-19

Navigating Business in an Uncertain Time

As business leaders, we have the opportunity to influence not only people inside of our organizations, but also those around us every day. To do this, we have to understand how the role of leadership plays in this current climate as well as in our personal lives and habits.

Lead Our Companies & Community

We need calmness, not craziness. Don’t lean into the panic of the media; instead, work as a reliable and peaceful source for your team. 

  • – Good leaders act like leaders.
    • > Know your strengths and weaknesses
    • > Focus on making others successful
    • > Seek help from others
    • > Tell it like it is: as leaders, especially during this time, we need to be honest with ourselves and our teams.

Keep Clients in Mind

Clients need reassurance that you’re keeping them as a priority. To make sure you’re doing everything you can, here are a few questions to ask:

  • – What can I offer my clients that would help them generate revenue fast?
  • – What can I offer that would help them save money on marketing, sales, or operations? (think automation, online ordering, online forms, funnels, etc.)
  • – Is there something I can do for my clients that if sold as a stand-alone service, it would be valuable to others in the market? 

Another helpful and intentional way to let them know you’re thinking about their wellbeing is to send individual, personal, thoughtful emails to every client. Ask how they’re doing and if there’s anything you can do right now to support them.

Balance Work & Life

The best way to maintain balance is keeping a clear mind. We talk a lot about work/life balance, especially when working from home or a coworking space, but it is especially important right now. When there are no coworking spaces to turn to and you’re stuck at home, make sure to care for your routine.

  • – Practice self care. Prepare for your day as normal. Get dressed and work from an area that is quiet and allows you to focus like you would at your normal workspace.
  • – Create a routine, not a schedule. A schedule is a set of blocked times to do a certain task. If you weren’t doing this before, then it will most likely not be helpful right now. Instead of listing out your schedule of when you’re working, create a routine. Routines are habits that you create and set in motion. These will help your mind adjust and be more effective. 
  • – Lean in to the positive and be intentional with the time we have with families. Although this season is unexpected and far from ideal, don’t let this time slip by. Enjoy the extra time with your family and focus on growing relationships and creating memories. This will always be a time to look back on cherish–even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. Here are some ideas to help keep the family entertained if you run out of activities!

Additional Resources

 

Categories
Family

Social Distancing but Make it Fun

2020 has been what we all expected. With the devastating fires in Australia, the tornado that destroyed Nashville, and now COVID-19 crippling most of the world. It feels like we can’t catch a break. At a time where we all need to feel a sense of community and support, we are being told to stay home and distance ourselves from others. While this is what the CDC recommends (and is absolutely for the best), it isn’t easy. It’s been less than a week, the stir-crazy is sinking in, and the wilder the kids get the quicker your patience runs out! Before you absolutely lose your mind and lock the kids in the backyard, check out a few of these fun things our team has been implementing in our homes. We hope they are helpful to you as well! 

  • – Connect with nature: Now that it’s finally stopped raining, take advantage of feeling the sunshine on your face! And just because you’re social distancing from other humans, doesn’t mean that you can’t go outside. Go for a walk around the neighborhood with the kids and dogs, break out the soccer ball and run around the backyard, even just take a drive with the windows down. Vitamin D will do you some good! 
  • – Add some fun to your todo list: We are all working from home, but honestly, many of us have pretty empty todo lists. Now is your time to try something you’ve always wanted! Whether that is teaching your kids how to do the cupid shuffle, or working on that puzzle that’s been sitting halfway finished for 3 months, make sure you add some fun to your day. Laughter and joy is what’s holding most of us together when it feels like everything else is falling apart around us! 
  • – Dance the blues away: Like I mentioned earlier, teaching the kids the cupid shuffle is a fun way to break the day up, but also you have to get up and move too! One of my favorite Instagram families ‘The Boss Family’ (Stephen is the DJ on Ellen Degeneres talk show) are live streaming dance workouts throughout the day to get you moving, get the blood flowing, and bring some smiles into your day! You can check them out by searching for @Allisonholker or @sir_twitch_alot! 
  • – Be Productive: This might not bring a whole lot of fun in the moment, but once it’s done you’re going to be so relieved! How often do you get 2 weeks at home without having a sick kid or having to use PTO? Use this time to tackle the coat closet that’s been collecting junk for the past 2 years or finally do the kid-friendly scie! You have extra time, don’t let it go to waste by binge watching Friends for the 24th time (we are NOT judging you for this!!). Use this time wisely, don’t take it for granted! 

 

We’re here for you during this time–whether it’s to video chat so you can have ‘adult conversation’ or if it’s to give you some ideas to help break the day up. Just know, The Cornerstone Team has your back! We look forward to seeing you all back at Cornerstone in a few weeks once the Coronavirus has run its course and our community is back on its feet! Stay safe, clean & healthy, Coworkers!

Categories
Business

Business Podcasts for All-Day Inspiration

If you haven’t hopped onto the podcast bandwagon yet, we’re going to help you get started. Podcasts are not only a way to enjoy stories, stay up to date with local and national news, and hear all the details on your favorite sports teams, it’s also a great opportunity to learn. You can learn about hobbies or interests you already have or something completely new. Below you’ll find an article from Jennifer Spencer at Entrepreneur with a list of some great business podcasts to help you in 2020. These are perfect for anyone who is looking to engage in more information surrounding entrepreneurship or just your everyday business information.

“20 Podcasts That Will Help You Grow in 2020″ | Jennifer Spencer, Dec. 2019

 

Categories
Business Newsletter

Get the Most Out of Cornerstone Coworking in 2020

Starting a new decade brings lots of excitement and a new energy to resolutions and business goals. We want this year to be a major one for each of our members, but you need to know how to get the most out of Cornerstone to grasp your new goals. Below you’ll find a few ways to use our space for all its worth!

Attend Our Events

Every month we offer special events for our members and the community. In the upcoming months we are hosting a member lunch, forum, networking event, and night of worship. We encourage you to attend these events to meet new members and individuals of Gwinnett County. This is also a great opportunity to see how you can partner with fellow members in Cornerstone!

Get in the Welcome Packet

Part of our 2020 goals is making our on-boarding process easier for new members. To do this, we are creating New Member Packets with tips, tricks, and exclusive discounts from members. If you are interested in sharing your information and a discount if applicable, let us know! You can also include tips you would have liked to know when you became a Cornerstone Coworking member.

Download the App

Staying in the know is important around here. We love sharing member information, upcoming events, and more through our Community Board on the Cornerstone Coworking App. If you have the Premium and Platinum Level Memberships, this app also allows you to book conference rooms. Even if you don’t have access to book rooms, we encourage you to download the app and stay connected with the Cornerstone Team and members! Download the app at the App Store or Google Play.

 

Take Advantage of Member Spotlights

Once each month, we like to highlight one member or team! If you are interested in this, we’ll share your business information on social media platform and in our newsletter. This is an opportunity to share why you love Cornerstone, how it’s helped you grow, and what you can offer to other members. Make sure you’re getting our newsletter through subscribing here. 

 

Categories
Give Back

How to Participate in Giving Tuesday

We can agree donating your time, energy, or money is possible to do any time of the year. However, some people need another reason or push to gather friends, family or coworkers for one cause. Giving Tuesday is the extra reason to volunteer or donate! December 3, 2019 is a day to devote your energy into giving back. Whether it is a neighbor or local organization, we encourage you to get out and do something kind for someone else. 

In this holiday season, there are numerous individuals and families in need of something you have the ability to supply–especially in Gwinnett County. To learn where you are needed, click here! We even found some of our members on their list: Obria Medical Clinics is in need of your time, energy, or monetary donations. If you are interested in volunteering with them, learn more about their objectives here.

Let us know if you’re able to volunteer local this Giving Tuesday!

 

Categories
Member Spotlight

Member Highlight: Drew Mosely + Pete Wosnik

Written by Drew Mosely

Driving in Gwinnett is dangerous. In 2017, there were 39,970 crashes in Gwinnett. According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, 13,535 of these crashes resulted in injuries (click here for more statistics on Gwinnett fatalities and other accidents). It is likely for these accidents to have caused more injuries than reported as people decline treatment when it is necessary. Our bodies are more fragile than we like to admit and, if we want them to last, taking care of ourselves is imperative. We recommend anyone who has experienced an automobile accident to receive treatment, either from a chiropractor or another physician. Even minor accidents can cause unseen damage that can wear on your body over time. Odds are, if your car was hurt you were hurt too.

When you are in an accident, take photos of the vehicle’s position, scene, vehicular damage, and physical injuries. Though you may have heard that insurance companies never want to pay out on claims, this is somewhat of a misconception. Many insurance companies are eager to provide necessary aid and compensation for rightful claims. At Gwinnett Law Lab, we focus on making sure our clients’ claims are properly presented and rightfully acknowledged. 

Although we hope you are able to avoid auto accidents, the staggering statistics conclude that one in every 20 Gwinnett residents will experience an accident every year. If you or someone you know are in an unfortunate accident, please contact Drew Mosely or Pete Wosnik at Gwinnett Law Lab, which has been operating out of Cornerstone Coworking since 2018. You do not see us on billboards as we choose to devote our resources to helping families in legal challenges. We also assist with family, bankruptcy, and criminal law situations. We believe our satisfied clients’ referrals work better than billboards.