March 3, 2020
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4 Ways to Avoid Loneliness as a Solopreneur

By | Business, Industry, Tips

Article published by Syed Balkhi at Enterpreneur (https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/340937)

 

Being a solopreneur can be difficult. It means long hours hustling by yourself with no coworkers to bounce ideas off of or shoot the breeze with. Even if you enjoy spending time alone and find you work best solo, loneliness can still take a toll.

According to the Harvard Business Review, “loneliness and weak social connections are associated with a reduction in lifespan similar to that caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than that associated with obesity.”

If you want to improve not only your mental health but also your physical health, make connections with people. These four tactics can help with solopreneur loneliness.

1. Participate in online groups and communities.

Psychologists have found that the more people feel connected to a group, the more satisfied they are with their lives and the stronger their sense of purpose and security. You can make connections as a solopreneur by participating in online groups and communities. Even chatting with people through a computer screen is better than not talking to anyone for days on end.

Joining an online professional group might even get you valuable business advice and insights. For instance, if you own a web design business, you can search for online forums and groups on Facebook or LinkedIn that are specifically for web designers. Since the group is filled with like-minded individuals, you can ask questions, share ideas or get feedback from other members.

2. Work outside of your home.

Working from your home office everyday is isolating. For a change of scenery and the ability to interact with people face-to-face, consider working outside of your home once in a while. Try a coffee shop, restaurant or public library. You could even invest in a coworking space that will provide you with a real office environment where you can work alongside and mingle with other solopreneurs and freelancers.

You might even do your best work when working outside of your home. According to New Scientist, research has shown that a moderate level of ambient noise, like quiet chatter, the clattering of plates or the whir of a coffee machine, improves performance on creative tasks.

3. Attend conferences and networking events.

Attending conferences, workshops and networking events allows you to meet other professionals in your industry as well as boost your skills. You don’t need to travel or have a big budget for this — there are likely many events in or around your own city. Check out your local Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Development Center for details on local events. You can also use a tool like Meetup to find local meetups relevant to your industry. If none exists, start your own! Perhaps other solopreneurs in your area are feeling lonely too.

4. Use your interests and hobbies to connect.

Not everything has to be about business. Why not use your interests and hobbies to connect with other people? If you’re interested in fitness, join a group training class instead of hitting the gym by yourself. Enjoy painting? Go to a group painting class. Like reading novels? Join a book club.

 

Participating in a social activity unrelated to your business might even give you an opportunity to connect with people without thinking about your business for a while. It might also provide you with an outlet for your creativity or a way to destress. In fact, a study by Matthew J. Zawadzki revealed that “engagement in leisure has a wide range of beneficial health effects.” Participants in the study had more positive moods, less stress and lower heart rates when engaging in leisure than when not.

Just because you run your business by yourself doesn’t mean you should spend all your time alone. Use these tips to avoid loneliness as a solopreneur so you can grow your business and keep your spirits up in order to do the work you must to succeed.

 

Image credit: skynesher-GettyImages

February 14, 2020
1

6 Benefits of Coworking With Strangers

By | Business, Industry

Change your scenery, and you change your outlook. Networking requires you step outside your comfort zone.

Publish at Entrepreneur.com by Ann Smarty (https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/287882)

Freelancers and contractor writers operate as independent entrepreneurs, but that arrangement doesn’t have to mean creating entirely in a vacuum. Gathering with other freelancers in a coworking environment can benefit professionals as well as their products. Coworking provides opportunities to observe and learn from colleagues who value their autonomy and often share other values, too.

From this perspective, it’s natural that freelancers would appreciate the synergy of a place where numerous, talented people converge in a similar space. The technology age has made it easier than ever for contractors to bring their tools with them. This enables them to work with other like-minded individuals from virtually anywhere.

If you’re thinking about moving your one-person shop to a coworking atmosphere, consider how these perks could infuse you with new ideas and elevate your current projects.

1. Networking and collaborating.

Coworking allows you the opportunity to network and collaborate with a wide range of bright minds. You might even make new friends in the process. Proximity gives you the chance to “pick the brains” of professionals in your own line of work as well as those in related fields. Freelance writers might choose to office with graphic designers, website designers, programmers

2. Using tools on the go

Many phone and web apps, software programs and other tools were designed to be especially beneficial outside of the office. Pare down to the absolute necessities while you’re on the go. Meebo can handle your chatting needs, Line2 is a helpful alternative for a land-line phone system and DropBox assures you’ll always have the files you need at your fingertips. The right tools can make all the difference in your ability to cowork successfully.

If the need arises to organize tasks among coworkers on a big project, freelance writer Christopher Jan Benitez recommends Asana or Trello. These online project-management apps enable remote team members to delegate and assign deadlines. Here are a few others to consider.

  • Cyfe. The business-management dashboard connects multiple apps to monitor stats and updates from a single dashboard. You can iframe Google spreadsheets, connect to email and integrate your social-media statistics.
  • Zoom.Us. This phone and web conference app allows you to chat with anyone and host group meetings for up to 25 people via your smartphone.
  • Ever-note. Bloggers love this versatile tool in part for its “snip” feature. Save videos, web pages, social-media posts, articles and images — and then write your entire blog post within the app itself.
  • MyBlogU. I founded this collaboration platform to connect writers and editors so they could create better content for business websites.
  • Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms. This free product suite supports collaboration by allowing multiple users to create, revise and edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations and fillable forms online. Coworkers can track versions and collect feedback.
  • Iflexion. This enhanced document-management platform is built for those who coordinate larger teams or manage several remote offices. The solution offers custom enterprise content-management solutions.

3. Breaking out of your comfort zone.

Working across the desk from someone with a completely different skill set can help you discover a new source of ideas. You might find your brain is starting to work in different ways, too. As online-marketing consultant Joyce Anderson puts it, taking the risk to invite others to work alongside you breathes new life into the creation process and shows in the finished product, as well.

Experienced writers who reread some of their early compositions are likely to notice mistakes or passages they would have rephrased. If that’s ever happened to you, imagine how polished and clear your work could have been if only you’d had access to your current knowledge, finesse and expertise when you first started. When you break out of your comfort zone, you’re giving yourself a chance to devise fresh solutions to existing problems. Interacting with coworkers facilities this kind of breakthrough.

Many writers are natural introverts. If you’re nervous about joining a coworking group, challenge yourself to step into the unknown. Much of what you fear is fear itself. You needn’t commit to attend every meet-up. Start small, with a gathering like Shut Up and Write. This coworking group’s main focus is providing a forum to write. Participants spend two hours together, typing blog posts or working on novel chapters. At the start of the time block and again toward its end, writers have a brief while to socialize — not more than 10 or 15 minutes, total. It’s the ideal opportunity for attendees to exercise their small-talk and networking skills.

4. Working at your own pace.

Coworking makes it possible for you to create some space between you and your clients — just enough to redirect energy to your own projects and move at your own pace. Stop devoting hours to the same interruptions and distractions that normally plague your days. Why not work in a new environment, surrounded by new people and new stimuli? Coworking can be a respite from day-to-day workplace worries about strict deadlines or clients trying to reach you at your primary location.

5. Making full use of your coworking space.

This is an ideal time to be a freelancer or solopreneur. Coworking spaces allow a startup to maintain an address for receiving packages and mail. You can rent small suites to meet with clients or find a calm room to call clients from a no-kid zone.

Sara Duggan, who coworks at HackerLab, notes her maker space supports startups by hosting an annual competition. Candidates pitch their business ideas in hopes of being selected to attend and eight-week entrepreneur boot camp.

The Sacramento Bloggers group brings in speakers to help members become at what they do. Recent topics include secrets to help separate personal and business Facebook accounts. Those who take part often get the opportunity to work with local businesses.

6. Avoiding loneliness.

Working at home can have an isolating effect after a period of time. Coworking is an easy fix. Working amidst others can lend a sense of camaraderie, even when you’re creating alongside complete strangers.

February 11, 2020
0

5 consejos para elegir a tus empleados

By | Business, Tips

Conseguir al equipo perfecto para tu negocio es un gran reto, pero no es imposible. Muchas veces lo único que nos hace falta es un buen proceso de selección. Éste inicia desde que publicas anuncios para llenar los puestos vacantes. Toma nota de los siguientes consejos y encuentra a los mejores para tu negocio.

1.- Anuncios

Publica anuncios en los lugares adecuados. Dependiendo del perfil que buscas, define el lugar en el que te anunciarás. Aprovecha las redes sociales de profesionistas como LinkedIn. Podrás conocer más rápido los gustos e intereses de tus posibles empleados. Por último, no olvides darle un diseño atractivo a tus anuncios, pues el amor nace de la vista. Debes incluir el perfil de tu empresa, pues así los interesados te conocerán. Dirígelos a tu página web o crea un perfil en las redes sociales.

2.- Entrevistas

Cuando llegue el momento de hacer entrevistas, recuerda que se debe compartir información de los dos lados. Deja claro cuáles son las capacidades y habilidades que necesitas de tu trabajador. Pero también tienes que decirle qué le ofreces a cambio: salarios, horarios, incentivos, prestaciones, etc.

3.- Pruebas psicométricas

Son realizadas científicamente y son una forma objetiva de conocer la conducta de tus candidatos. No cuesta trabajo adquirirlas y así puedes saber si estás ante tu futuro empleado. También podrías date una idea de en qué grupo de trabajo podrías ponerlo.

4.- Referencias

No olvides pedir referencias de sus antiguos empleos. Con una llamada o correo a sus antiguos jefes tendrás información específica de sus habilidades y personalidad.

5.- Estudio socioeconómico

Si tienes la oportunidad, haz un estudio socioeconómico. Con éste, sabrás en qué ambiente se desarrolla tu candidato: cuáles son sus condiciones familiares, dónde vive, sus costumbres y hábitos. Es una forma de evitar malas situaciones en un futuro.

February 4, 2020
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3 rutinas productivas para empezar tu mañana

By | Tips

Hablemos de las mañanas… Probablemente, una buena rutina matutina tenga la capacidad de establecer el tono productivo para el resto del día. Algunos días estás conectado con cada pequeño detalle: desde que preparas un desayuno vigorizante hasta que decides probar un peinado nuevo. Pero hay otros días en los que tienes muy poco ánimo y prefieres entrar a la oficina por la puerta trasera, llevando puesta la misma playera que te pusiste el día anterior. A veces pasa.

Aunque los momentos de inspiración pueden infundir de energía nuestro espíritu, se requiere bastante más que magia para tener un día productivo óptimo. De hecho, tú puedes aplicar la ciencia de las rutinas matutinas para impulsar la productividad en tu vida personal.

Pero, ¿en realidad existe una forma correcta de propiciar una mañana productiva? Después de analizar los consejos y las rutinas de seis expertos en productividad, no quedó duda de que hay un par de elementos importantes que un gran número de las personas exitosas incluyen como parte de su día para tener una mañana productiva.

1. Despierta a tu hora correcta.

 

 

En general, se piensa que las personas que están activas desde más temprano son las más productivas. Seguramente has escuchado frases como: “Al que tarde se levanta, temprano le anochece” o la famosa “Al que madruga, Dios le ayuda”. ¿Crees que eso sea verdad?

Un artículo de la Asociación Estadounidense de Psicología, publicado en el año 2012, afirma que los participantes del estudio que se calificaron como “madrugadores” se sentían más satisfechos y saludables que los “amantes de la noche”. Sin embargo, una de las hipótesis de la investigación es que las jornadas laborales tradicionales de 9 de la mañana a 5 de la tarde buscan favorecer a las personas que trabajan mejor durante la primera parte del día.

Es un hecho que las personas que se despiertan más temprano suelen ser más productivas. Sin embargo, eso no quiere decir que las personas que disfrutan las noches no puedan tener días productivos. Tal vez sus mañanas comienzan un poco tarde, pero pueden ser igualmente productivas.

2. Evita las actividades matutinas de toma de decisiones.

En ocasiones, la mejor forma de tener una mañana productiva es prepararse desde la noche anterior. Muchos de los expertos en productividad y personas exitosas pasan sus noches preparándose para el día siguiente debido a que esto les permite tener libres las mañanas para empezar desde temprano el trabajo importante.

El director ejecutivo de American Express, Kenneth Chenault, finaliza cada noche escribiendo tres cosas que quiere lograr al día siguiente.

La efectividad de planificar desde la noche anterior se debe a que tenemos una cantidad de fuerza de voluntad y una capacidad para tomar decisiones limitadas para cada día. La sola idea de tomar demasiadas decisiones en la mañana te hará ir más lento y tu cerebro estará agotado el resto del día. Si puedes evitar tomar decisiones por las mañanas, ¡tendrás más energía y tiempo para que consigas la mañana más productiva que puedas!

Elabora tu lista diaria de pendientes la noche anterior como Kenneth Chenault. Súmate a la idea de que tu rutina matutina puede comenzar después del mediodía: Elige tu ropa. Prepara tu almuerzo y tu mochila para el trabajo. ¿Quieres leer algún libro en la mañana? Escógelo la noche anterior y ponlo en algún lugar tan obvio que sea lo primero que verás al despertar. Si quieres hacer ejercicio en la mañana, puedes dormir con tu ropa deportiva puesta.

3. Crea una rutina matutina para concentrarte.

Quizá el elemento más importante de una mañana productiva sea tu rutina. Casi todos los expertos en productividad recomiendan contar con una rutina matutina, aunque cada día sea diferente al anterior. No se trata tanto de lo que haya en tu rutina matutina, sino de que tengas una.

De acuerdo con Claire Diaz Ortiz, experta en productividad y autora de Design Your Day (Diseña tu día), lo mejor que puedes hacer para conseguir una mayor productividad es crear tu propia rutina de mañana ideal. Ella explica que la manera en la que comienzas tu día hace que pongas los pies en la tierra y garantiza que puedas concentrarte en las cosas más importantes. Debes dominar una rutina de mañana consistente para conseguir tu máximo nivel de productividad.

Articulo Publicado por Britt Joiner en 14/02/2019

Fuente: https://blog.trello.com/es/rutina-de-manana

January 29, 2020
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Social proof and reputation matters

By | Business
Business

Social Proof and Reputation Matters

Do you ever guess or wonder what your customers are thinking?  I think that is a question we ask ourselves each day with the purpose of increasing our sales and growing our business.  Marketing specialists know that social proof is a new tactic for conveying a message of trust and confidence to the high-maintenance, worry-like customers.

In the last decade, social proof has become a very vital part of any business and this is simply because everyone has the tools to stay in touch, Google something, view a review and so on and this social proof comes along with the reputation that a business builds overtime, because that reputation is no longer a word-of-mouth strategy but it’s a public voice everyone speaks out in an environment, free to express, free to say anything we want.  I also call this Google.   Profit Industry estimated that over 70% of people in the United States look at the reviews prior to making a purchase and that number clearly shows how having a positive social proof online and a great reputation will make a difference for your business.

As we look for strategies to grow our business, we learn that what you have to say does not really matter, it is what others say about you in the public eye.  For example, Search Engine Journal says that nearly 65% of consumers show signs of purchase from a site after analyzing ratings and reviews in search engines.  So overall, social proof and reputation does matter.

January 29, 2020
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A successful start-up in a co-working environment

By | Industry
1

Affordable + Flexible

Startups love the affordability and flexibility a co-working space offers. Renting a co-working space is much cheaper than renting traditional office space and often includes amazing perks and extras such as internet services, conference room access, coffee, and much more..
2

Professional Space

Small businesses usually begin at home, we have heard many great companies started in a garage but that is clearly not the case for everyone, not everyone can become an Apple or an Amazon but we can certainly become a professional business where clients can feel welcome, and ensure that now, in today's modern world, first impressions always count.
3

No Politics

A shared office space means different companies in one place, with a variety of tasks and projects. With such setting, there is less competition and interpersonal rivalry.
Without the traditional office setting, the office politics are simply not there, the need to impress a boss or fight for a position is not needed. It's a fast environment where everyone is really there to work.
4

Motivating

The perks of a co-working environment come at a low price, and part of that price is having the benefit of motivation. Working with others and see them preserve themselves and survive in this difficult economy is a reason of motivation and a co-working place does just that.
January 29, 2020
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How does co-working benefit the local economy?

By | Industry

How does co-working benefit the local economy?

Co-Working is the new trend in business settings. That might be hard to believe to those that prefer a traditional working setting, but vital to know as we try to grow our communities.

Co-Working is certainly not for everyone but it serves as a model to boost our economy by enhancing the productivity and growth of many small business and startups.   It is important to keep in mind that if you’re on the verge of joining the big co-working industry, here a few pointers to create a positive outlook.

Co-Working Brings the Best of the Local Talent

Co-working spaces are an affordable option for the small business owners, the individuals that want to start their own thing in a competitive economy.   Think about it, without a co-working environment, it is impossible for the local accountant to afford an office setting, and therefore these people are pushed to go work in the big city for the big companies.   Co-working helps these talented individuals stay in town, maintain and save their money, talent, and enthusiasm for use in the local economy.

Co-working Brings the Best of Small Businesses

Small Businesses are an important part of job creations, although you hear in the news that ABC Corp or XYZ Inc. create many jobs, that’s not entirely true.  Big companies create jobs to create more services or products, but not because they want to boost the local economy.  Small businesses on the other hand are the light of a local economy.  A small businss owner lives, work and shops in the local town and do care about the personal lives of their employees.

We’ve learned through this co-working journey that 92% of the co-working spaces are usually occupied by small businesses.  Anyone from a simple freelancer, to a tiny DBA or a mid-size LLC are the responsible parties for this co-working growing trend.

Co-working Boosts Collaboration and Networking

Since it’s a shared space, a co-working environment does allow you to interact with other tenants and share professional expertise and really get personal because each person sharing a space is not just a neighbor, he or she becomes part of your day to day.  Versus a neighbor you may see every now and then.  We’ve learned that when a co-working community exists, it stays connected and pushes to preserve and help each other’s businesses by learning new skills, saving money and reducing the need for unnecessary “things”.  It is a true workforce.

  • New Business Setting Trend
  • Local Talent Exposed
  • Fishes Out the Small Businesses
  • Creates Network Opportunies
January 29, 2020
0

The importance of a professional presence

By | Business

THE IMPORTANCE OF A PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE

Times have changed, we are now part of a society where casual Friday has become casual Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in a business setting. These new ways have also impacted the way we conduct business day to day and companies from startups to large enterprises often forget the business setting that gives a promising future. We often forget that a professional presence is vital to any company. Having a professional presence with a good business environment can help companies stand out in the crowd.

As companies work on strategies and approaches we often forget the magic four steps to creating an impactful presence in the industry.

1. A Happy Workplace. A happy workplace increases productivity. Everyone has bad days, no question about it. However, dragging the negative responses or attitudes often affects your colleagues, vendors, and customers. The first step to having a professional presence is to stay optimistic.

2. Time is Everything. As the business world modernizes, companies and its employees begin to adopt late everything and being late, communicates that your time is more important than someone else’s. Everyone is busy. Punctuality is vital to a professional presence.

3. Show Clients You Care. Part of having a professional presence comes with building a unique connection with your clients and making them feel valued. Clients enjoys talking about themselves. Listen and show them you care, by going the extra mile and showing them they are valuable parts of your business. And always include a smile in your conversation. Value brings trust and trust brings loyalty.

4. Where you conduct business matters. A professional presence is one that shows confidence and where you conduct business matters. It is vital to have a professional physical presence in the community because that brings trust, confidence and realiability to clients, vendors and it simply boosts growth in your company.