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August 19, 2017 - No Comments!

The Community at Upward Hartford

There are many benefits to be being member of a coworking space, but one of the positives that often comes up, is the sense of community it provides. Many freelancers and other small business are attracted to this, because it’s hard to find that community on your own. At Upward Hartford, we understand how important “community” is to making a space like ours successful, and in our brief time so far in Hartford, we have had some amazing people join our community. We see it as a sign of things to come, and as the size of the community continues to grow, we hope the diversity of knowledge, culture and occupation also continues. To talk about the community as of now and going forward I enlisted the help of two very important people to Upward Hartford’s continuing growth. They are Community Manager Nadiya Anderson, and Event Coordinator Chris Dudanowicz. These two are vital in shaping Upward’s community and truly want to foster a group that is about collaboration and support.

 

 

The first thing I wanted to find out was what their experience so far has been. Dudanowicz mentioned how the diversity of the people in the community from the start, can immediately lead to inspiration:

“My experience so far being a part of the Upward Hartford community has been amazing and truly inspiring! I can be chatting with an ambitious entrepreneur who is starting his own business one day, the next day I'm checking out some amazing art by a member who does graphic design, to then having a meeting with senior leaders from Fortunate 500 companies. This diversity of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, creatives, & innovators shapes into this amazing eco-system of collaboration and growth.”

Having a diverse collection of people allows others in the community to see and learn things from the experience of others. This creates a wide collective knowledge base, where no matter what comes next, you know that someone in the community will have some advice to share. That can be so valuable for a first-time entrepreneur, and wouldn’t be possible without being a part of a community like Upward Hartford’s. Also seeing the passion of those around you daily can’t help but rub off. “Everyone here has an amazing drive and passion for their companies and what they are doing.” Anderson said, “It inspires me every day.”

 

 

Anderson also brought up this idea of support that she has experienced, not only from inside the community but from larger groups in the area:

“When I think about the Upward Hartford community the first thing that pops into my head is support. So far, we have experienced so much amazing support – from the city of Hartford and the large companies in Hartford, to the people in the city. Also, I've experienced a great amount of support within Upward Hartford with coworkers and the members themselves.”

When you are striving for something that benefits the whole area, it becomes contagious. If the Upward Hartford community is a supportive, positive place, it will lead to the other groups around the area wanting to do the same and help the cause.

Another wonderful thing about this community, is that everyone can play a vital role. No matter your occupation, age or background, if you bring something to the table, you will be valued. Dudanowicz talked about how all ages serve a great purpose to the community:

“It is crucial to build a multi-generational community, one that consists of Connecticut's young, extremely talented students from the surrounding schools and universities to more experienced generations that have been in the industry, seen failure, and have kept growing. This is why we have designed functions on our mobile app for interns as well as experts to sign up and get involved. It takes people who understand that it is more than just taking space at co-working office, it is a movement that can transform the city of Hartford.”

Combining the experience of the generation who have been working for years, with a younger generation with new and fresh ideas can help create something special. Passion and talent aren’t age dependent, so no matter your age, you have a spot in this community!

 

 

As Upward Hartford continues to grow and the community expands, both Anderson and Dudanowicz can’t help but to be excited for what’s to come. “What is really exciting to me is that in my role as event coordinator, I have the opportunity to engage this community through events such as networking hours, live concerts, art receptions, panel discussions, and more. This is a big part of my role as event coordinator, to put on fun and exciting Upward events that allow entrepreneurs to be inspired, connect, and grow.” Dudanowicz said, “I truly see this community evolving and growing to the point where the next big innovation in Tech happens right in our cool sci-fi looking chairs in the fun zone or over a drink at one of our live concert. I think what’s important in fostering the next big innovation, is a creative & inspiring space, which we certainly have down.”

Hartford, and Connecticut to larger extent, is filled with talented, smart individuals. There is no reason that it can’t become a place where innovation in tech and business happens daily. Anderson has similar hope for the future and believes Upward’s community will spread:

“I envision the Upward Hartford community evolving into something bigger than just this city. We can, and will, impact the state of Connecticut. What's amazing is being a part of the ripple effect from the start, I get to watch entrepreneurs, start-ups, companies and small businesses grow and thrive! As the Community Manager, I envision myself as someone who helped made that happen, regardless to what degree. That is why I love my job!”

Thanks to Chris Dudanowicz and Nadiya Anderson, both from Upward Hartford!

August 14, 2017 - No Comments!

Networking 101

I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase “Who you know, is just as important as what you know.” While at first glance it may seem unfair, and in direct conflict with many people’s idealistic perspective that the professional world is a complete meritocracy, I think that sentiment isn't true. Getting to know the people who operate and work in the same realm as you, is an important part of any job. It comes with the territory. You can do fantastic work, but if you don’t have any contacts to help get the word out, give you resources to grow, or give you some advice, does it really matter? Obviously, networking is like many things, it comes easy to some, and feels like pulling teeth to others. However, with repetition and some tips, anyone can network to the level they need.

To give some insight into the world of networking, I asked two people who network as a part of their everyday job. They are Christopher DeMorro, President of Sublime Exposure Online, and Angelina Capalbo of Connecticut Innovation Nights. Both are extremely knowledgeable in terms of networking, and were gracious enough to share their perspectives.

Before we dive into some tips that they shared, let’s define networking. Networking sometimes can feel like a buzz word people throw around at will. Networking isn’t about just introducing yourself to others and moving on, it’s about making a connection with someone that can be mutually beneficial for everyone involved. DeMorro points out this need for a true connection:

“For me, networking is about finding common ground, making a genuine and organic connection whether it be with a client, competitor, or just someone I feel my expertise can help.”

As DeMorro states, it’s all about a genuine, organic connection. “For me, my professional and personal networks are often interchangeable.” DeMorro stated, “Friends become clients and clients become friends.” This shows that the connections made in networking are just like the ones in any other interpersonal relationship, and thus should be treated with equal care and respect. It’s all about expanding your connections. Capalbo summarizes it best, “Networking allows people to build business relationships with others they are not already connected with.”

Some may think that the professional world is “dog eat dog” and that there is no time for these real connections if you want to succeed. However, after talking to DeMorro and Capalbo, it’s clear that creating and fostering these connections is of crucial importance to success in the working world. For DeMorro, the significance of networking is clear:

“In a sense, networking IS my profession. As a marketing agency, our job is to create connections for our clients, and the more people within our network, the easier it is to make those authentic connections between like-minded people that really resonates with people. Whether it be via social media, email newsletters, or in-person meet-and-greets, who you know is every bit as important as your talents and skills.”

DeMorro understands that as a marketing agency, having a strong network of people makes every day on the job easier. If connections are already established, introducing messaging for a brand comes with a little extra assurance due to the trust that has already been fostered. It’s no different for Angelina, who knows how important networking is to expanding your company’s reach. “Networking is important in any profession because it allows you to tap into a network greater than the one you already have. Networking is word of mouth advertisement.” If you think of networking as just another part of advertisement, it’s importance becomes clear.

It might feel overwhelming how important networking can be in the working world. After all, some people are just more in tune with it from the jump, while others dread even the thought of it. Luckily, DeMorro and Capalbo were kind enough to share some advice. “The same advice that applies to dating can be applied to networking. Just be you!” DeMorro said, “I don’t like networking for the sake of networking, or just to add names to your virtual rolodex.” It seems that the mindset you approach networking with can have a profound impact on how it goes. Capalbo agrees with this sentiment, “Get to know the person, the connection is made when two people share a common interest.” Capalbo said, “Like anything else, what you put into it distinguishes what you get out of it.” Finding and establishing common interest can be the spark that connects you with another person. At that point, conversation flows naturally out of genuine social interest, and according to DeMorro, it’s better to approach networking with this mindset:

“When I meet someone new, I want to find out about their business, but also them as a person. What are their hobbies, their ambitions, and their mindset? The more we can relate, the more relaxed the conversation becomes, and the connection becomes more authentic.”

Some may see this as too much of a departure from “business” and whatever your goal of networking is. Going into a networking situation with only making a sale on your mind is shortsighted, and while sales are obviously important, it can’t be the only thing that you care about. “Too often I think people approach a networking event as a chance to make a sale or gain a client.” DeMorro said, “While that’s obviously a great outcome, it can also be a huge turnoff if it’s apparent that’s ALL you’re looking for.”

Capalbo had some more sage advice. Two things she mentioned were repetition and being prepared. “Make it part of your regiment and make it a part of your general job duties.” Capalbo stated, “Be hungry to meet people, introduce yourself to others often. Also, have that elevator pitch ready.” This idea of preparedness and consistency lines up with another thing Capalbo mentioned which was patience. “One of the biggest mistakes is expecting something out of networking right away. Like everything, you need to be consistent to properly track your return of effort/time.”

Both DeMorro and Capalbo gave us a lot to think about and work on with networking. They both stated the importance of being genuine in the process of making a connection. Also, being prepared and practicing helps with any skill, but especially networking. Changing your mindset and approach to networking can also help those who don’t feel quite as comfortable with the process. When these things are kept in mind and you make a connection, be sure to follow up. I will leave you with Capalaba’s thoughts on this part:

“Immediate follow-ups to further connect are a must. And when you do, do not immediately ask for something, simply keep the dialogue open, follow each-other, connect online and if its genuine there will be a need to further the conversations or of course continue to see each-other at other networking events.”

Thanks to Christopher DeMorro, President of Sublime Exposure Online, and Angelina Capalbo of Connecticut Innovation Nights!

August 4, 2017 - No Comments!

Why Coworking is Spanning the Globe

We have all heard the horror stories of the working world. It’s the stereotypical confining cubicle, away from any windows, with a harsh fluorescent light illuminating a drab working space where you spend countless hours waiting for the clock to tick away. At some point, society collectively accepted this, but it doesn’t need to be that way. Imagine a vibrant place, filled with color, life and people working collaboratively. You might assume that these places only exist in areas like Silicon Valley, however that’s not the case. If you are unfamiliar, let me introduce you to coworking.

 

 

Coworking is a style of work that involves a shared working environment, often an office, and independent activity. Unlike typical offices, people in coworking do not have to be employed by the same organization. Typically, it is attractive to work-at-home professionals, independent contractors, or people who travel frequently. It usually attracts people interested in the synergy that can happen from working with others. Coworking offers a solution to the problem of isolation that many freelancers experience while working from home, while maintaining the flexibility that working from home offers.

This sounds great, right? Don’t just take it from me though, I asked Rachel Dantess of myEZBZ.com and Hannah Hart of Sabik Design, who have both benefited from this style of work. The first thing I asked them was how they were introduced to coworking. Hart had an interesting tale:

“I was first introduced to coworking when I moved to Bali in 2014. After college, I packed up my design degree and moved overseas to pursue my freelance career as a graphic designer. There was a massive digital nomad scene over there and I really started to adapt to the whole “work from where you want” type of life. It was incredible. It wasn’t so big in America at the time, but I started to love and appreciate the freedom and the people that I would meet. It seemed that the "norm" was for people to graduate college, get a big paying, corporate job, move to the city, and work long, tiring hours. But who's to say that’s the norm? As I like to say- a laptop is still a laptop- no matter where you are. Why pay for an expensive office space when you can be surrounded by so many other inspiring individuals and become part of a larger community?”

With Hart’s story, we see the freedom that coworking allows as a huge part of the introduction. This freedom has allowed her to travel the world. “The coworking life got me.” Hart said, “As an avid traveler and someone who can’t stay in one place too long, I since have worked at coworking spaces in Chicago, Austin, Denver, and New York and I always seek them out in any city I go.”

 

 

Another common thread with many people who cowork is that they originally started working in coffee shops, surrounded by similar individuals. This is true around the world and Dantess is an excellent example of this:

“I started working from home right after college and there were days that I felt I needed to see people and change the energy around me. I lived in Tel Aviv, Israel and used to go to coffee shops with my laptop and work there the entire day. At these coffee shops, there were so many freelancers and entrepreneurs like me, spending the entire day at coffee shops. Around 2012-2013, coworking spaces started to pop up, and that was my first time experiencing this type of working.”

This shows that even before coworking took off in Tel Aviv, people were already ready to work that way. Coffee shops served as the space to work for freelancers, but there were still things missing. These coffee shops never felt like a true community, something that freelancers miss from not being in a normal office setting. Coworking spaces, like the ones that started to appear in Tel Aviv, provided the community atmosphere.

 

 

So, after finding out how Hart and Dantess found coworking, I wanted to know how it has impacted their life. Hart along with the others, mentions the atmosphere of coworking spaces as a significant factor:

“Coworking and the whole entrepreneur/digital nomad/work remote life is something that has greatly impacted me as a whole… and maybe ruined me in regard to ever getting a full-time 9-5 corporate job. I am happier, I am more inspired, and I LOVE going into work every morning. There is something so special about being surrounded by so many other like-minded individuals that share the same outlook and aspirations as you.”

The atmosphere of being surrounded by those with similar values and ideals can light a spark to help drive you forward professionally. Dantess noticed this spark in coworking spaces. “It definitely affected my way of life.” Dantess said, “I was used to working from home by myself every day, it was very energizing to meet people who were in the same boat as me.” Surrounding yourself with people in similar situations can help keep you at ease, but it can also motivate you and push you to reach new levels. Dantess also touched upon that aspect of coworking spaces:

“When you are in co-working spaces, on one hand you have the freedom to make your own schedule that a traditional office doesn’t provide, but on the other hand you see people similar to you, hard at work, and that gives you motivation to put in the hours needed to succeed.”

The freedom and atmosphere seem to be the big reason those experienced with coworking point to. Not being constrained to cubicle or office can be liberating to the mind. Hart phrased it best. “I think it is so detrimental to be cooped up in a small cubicle every day. That is not how we get inspired. Connect, collaborate, mix, mingle, share, inspire. It is truly an amazing environment to be in.”

 

 

After going through the coworking experience with these two people, some common themes have shown themselves. Freedom is one that keeps popping up. Being able to come in when you want or move around seems to keep the energy up and the mind fresh, in the experience of the people I have talked to. Another common reason is the creative community atmosphere that a coworking space provides. Coworking spaces connect like-minded individuals and give freelancers and small business the community atmosphere they desire. Being a smaller company, or even a one-person operation no longer means you are all alone, and coworking is a significant part of that. At Upward Hartford we know this, and we are striving to create the strongest community of coworking possible. By connecting people with similar goals, and creating a space that nurtures creativity, we believe we can help people reach the next level in business, through coworking.

If you have been thinking about trying coworking, and are still on the fence, Hart has some final advice:

“I would say- DO IT. There is no better place to connect with and be inspired from other people. If you are that nervous- go trial it. But I can guarantee that after the first step in the door, you won’t look back. As someone once said to me, it is a heck of a lot more exciting to live your life on your terms versus having to be somewhere because somebody told you so.”

Thanks to Hannah Hart from Sabik Design and Rachel Dantess from EZBZ!

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