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August 10, 2018 - No Comments!

Upward Stories: Lioness Magazine

Dawn Leaks and Natasha Zena hail from Springfield, Massachusetts, a place most known for being the birthplace of basketball. It makes sense they share Springfield as a birthplace, because they have formed a tandem that has been nothing short of a slam dunk. Leaks and Zena head a digital magazine for female entrepreneurs titled Lioness. They strive to give women the latest news, tools and resources to launch and scale high-growth startups. With daily news, and regular features, they seek to cover the entire spectrum of female entrepreneurship from women launching new, innovative and disruptive startups to women running successful multi-million-dollar enterprises. The news and information they provide include feature stories, breaking news, success profiles, growth hacks and info on funding.

It all started back in 2011, while Zena was running a PR firm that was helping female entrepreneurs gain media exposure. She noticed that whenever groups of female entrepreneurs got together, they would exchange best practices and other business tips. They had a lot of similar questions and complained about not being able to find the necessary information anywhere. Natasha, a known news junkie and avid reader of magazines, asked them why they didn’t just read popular magazines such as Inc. or Entrepreneur. She heard so many responses about those magazines specifically being geared towards male entrepreneurs, leaving female entrepreneurs feeling alienated. This revelation inspired Zena to go out and search for a magazine designed to help women launch and grow startups. When her search left her empty handed, she decided to be the one to change that. Zena put together a team of writers and launched the first prototype of Lioness Magazine. What started as a local, maybe regional publication quickly grew to gain national and global attention. Women from all over wanted to be featured. Fast forward to 2014, and lionessmagazine.com was born. Dawn came on to help guide the Lioness ship as Co-founder and CEO in 2015 and the rest, as they say, is history.

Zena and Leaks run a lean operation, as they do the work that normally would require six or seven employees. However, they have an excellent team of freelance writers that help them create and push out engaging and relevant content. Leaks and Zena admit that running a lean operation, while it has its advantages, also brings a unique set of challenges. They admit that things fall through the cracks sometimes, which they admit hurts when they personally believe that “everything is important”. Zena and Leaks say that they are ready to bring on more staff positions fairly soon, saying “laser-focus and some extra hands” are needed to help them take them to the next level. They also stressed the continued importance of connecting with people in the publishing industry. They’ve cited their excellent experiences in the past with mentors and people who are willing to lend their valuable time and advice. They are looking for that similar experience with mentors in the digital publishing industry. This also describes their ideal investor, according to Zena and Leaks. They know that a potential investor in Lioness will be clear, straightforward and passionate about their mission to elevate, educate and support female entrepreneurs. They aren’t looking for an investor that wants to remain a bystander that is uninvolved. They want an investor with invaluable expertise and connections that will help them make strategic connections and scale quickly.

I had a chance to watch this intelligent duo interact with a group of high schoolers at the recent four-week Envision series hosted at Upward Hartford. After the event concluded, they were more than willing to lend their time and advice to the teens. It was clear that they both had a special ability to share and connect their own personal journey and experience to best serve the attendees. Their willingness to be open and honest about the ups, and more importantly, the downs of entrepreneurship, is why this team, and Lioness as a whole, will continue to thrive.

You can find Zena and Leaks furiously at work on their laptops in Upward’s open working space, or maybe across the street at City Steam after a hard day’s work. Either way, they have made it clear that they love their time in Hartford. The new Hartford rail line to Springfield has also been a fantastic addition to their experience in the city, as it makes connecting their two worlds all the easier. Zena and Leaks are the kind of entrepreneurs Hartford is hungry for: Driven, passionate and highly intelligent people with ample creativity and the will to make their goals a reality.

Thanks to Natasha Zena and Dawn Leaks of Lioness Magazine!

June 5, 2018 - No Comments!

Upward Stories: Candoo

Sitting in one of the many conference rooms here at Upward Hartford, I watch CEO & Co-Founder Michael Xu and the rest of the Candoo team interact. They joke and verbally spar with each other with the fluidity and ease of jazz band jamming. But don’t confuse their light-hearted attitude and banter for lack of tenacity and hard work, because they have that in spades. This tenacity is driven by their will for Candoo to thrive. So, what is Candoo? Candoo is a platform where businesses can request professional drone services anywhere in the United States and get intelligent insights to make well-informed decisions. They also can serve a simpler purpose, like aerial imaging for real estate, or amazing unique photos for an event. Right now, they currently have 3 employees (not including the roster of drone pilots). The team is made up of previously mentioned CEO & Co-Founder, Michael Xu, CAO & Co-Founder, Spencer Carter, and the latest addition, Partnership Acquisition Lead, Ian Matthew Harrington. More and more we see and hear about drones, but the Candoo team is working to leverage drone technology for the masses.

The origin of Candoo, like most great ideas, started with the combination of wanting to make life easier and imagination. Xu tells it best:

“Candoo started with my wife making me mow the lawn. I envisioned a future where my neighbor could buy an autonomous lawn mower and be able to share the costs with neighbors who want to use it. This led to a pitch at the first InsurTech Hartford business plan hackathon for the same model, but with drones, and eventually led us to win 2nd place at their big hackathon in September 2017, where we created software for voice-controlled drone flight in a weekend. From there, we spent quite a while ideating until we finally decided this is the right idea and team to dedicate full-time work.”

The Candoo team is intelligent enough to know that the startup road is filled with obstacles, and the best way to overcome them is to be honest about your challenges and work your hardest to eliminate them. Most of the members of the Candoo team are self-admitted “technical folks”, so they understand that sales and marketing, areas they are less experienced in, will be vital for success. Candoo has looked toward valuable resources: Shana Schlossberg, CEO of Upward Hartford and serial entrepreneur and tech maven, Eric Knight. Both have been generous with advice and knowledge of the startup world. The challenge of sales and marketing will be vital for growth, and that means they are looking to connect and network to help nurture that development:

“We really want to connect with mid-size businesses with operations that scale regionally such as utility companies or insurers. There are lots of mutually beneficial relationships to be formed with such partners because we can significantly reduce their expenses and add operational value by partnering to build intelligent software.”

The search for partners is a big part of taking Candoo to the next level. They are currently on the hunt for partners who want to pilot and test drone programs. In this scenario, a company would pay Candoo for collecting drone images and data for specific events, while they develop software they can use to make intelligent business decisions. Some technologies the team is working diligently on include autonomous flight, object detection and segmentation (including roof size estimate, tree counting, object tracking, tree cover on power lines etc.). Of course, as they grow they are always looking for investors. CEO Michael Xu mentioned that their ideal investor is someone who shares the Candoo grand vision and is well connected.

For the Candoo team, Hartford is more than just where they are stationed. I asked Michael what made the city of Hartford the place for Candoo, and he had this to say:

“I first got involved at reSET, decided to work downtown at Travelers, got involved with InsurTech Hartford, then Upward Hartford, and now finally my own startup birthed locally. Through these events, my perspective of Hartford changed from one of disregard into one of love. I've learned to love the small and tight-knit community, the abundance of opportunity, the effort of local enterprises, and even the governmental effort by Mayor Bronin and agencies I've met with. I've heard enough people complaining about Hartford, myself included, but that's where the charm is for me - there's so much room to make it better, and you have people invested enough to actually still complain. So, this is a call to take initiative to do uncomfortable things and spark change for the better.”

Michael and the Candoo team are the people that Upward Hartford is all about. They are disruptors of the status quo, and vanguards of positive innovation. But most importantly, they care. We are elated that they chose Upward Hartford to be their home base, and according to Michael, a better fit couldn’t exist:

“I would like to say that Upward Hartford is the place to work. It's not just because the space is beautiful, spacious, cool, fancy, but because the space is a symbol of collaboration, openness, and all the good cultural values that tech companies embrace by default. I think Hartford needs this, and not just to have the people say we're embracing the mentality, but to have established companies, legislation, and rules changed to accommodate these cultural aspirations. In my very biased opinion, without these changes, even if 100% of the population had the right mindset, nothing will come of it because we'll be defeated by rules.”

(Video Produced by Isaac Bilmes.)

For more on Michael’s experience at Upward Hartford, check out this blog he authored!

Thanks to Michael Xu, Spencer Carter & Ian Matthew Harrington of Candoo! Check out their website!

April 3, 2018 - No Comments!

Upward Stories: Aureus Analytics

When at a place that’s teeming with brilliant companies and people, you can’t help but to want to dig deeper into the stories behind them. That’s why we at Upward Hartford are creating a series to do just that. We know that the exhilaration that embodies the startup sphere is just as much about the human aspect, as it is about tech. That’s because startups are comprised of risk-takers and the people who see two steps ahead. This first entry into the series is focused on the team at Aureus Analytics.

Aureus Analytics is a customer intelligence and experience company which helps insurance carriers & MGAs (Managing General Agents) deliver a superior consumer experience leading to greater retention, loyalty and lifetime value. Aureus does this by using predictive analytics and machine learning and delivering insights in simple English at the point of decision. This is the basis of their main product, CRUX. Their product can integrate with all the other data systems at a given enterprise and predict in real time which customers are unlikely to renew their policies. What’s more, CRUX delivers these predictions in simple business English so that the business user doesn’t spend too much time deciphering the output. The idea is to give the business user insights in a form that is comfortable and easy to understand. Moreover, CRUX can also help in predicting which product to cross-sell a particular customer, predict the likelihood of a particular policy being fraudulent, and provide loyalty analytics.

Sounds amazing, right? In order to create such a dynamic and innovative product, the people at the helm must share those traits. The founding team of Aureus Analytics consists of Nitin Purohit (cofounder and CTO), Anurag Shah (cofounder and CEO), and Ashish Tanna (cofounder and COO). All three are from India; Nitin from Kolhapur, and Anurag and Ashish from Mumbai. Like most startups, their entrepreneurial journey started when they saw flaws in the processes surrounding their current jobs. Nitin explained the genesis of Aureus Analytics as such:

“Before we started Aureus, all three of us were working at senior leadership positions in large organizations. This gave us a lot of visibility into how analytics was being consumed by our clients, partners, etc. We realized that most organizations were still looking at analytics as advanced reporting. Moreover, there was no concept of industry and problem specific analytics solutions. ‘One size fits all’ was the norm of the day. That is when we decided that the time was opportune to build an industry specific analytics suite, and we started with insurance as the industry of focus. Thus, Aureus Analytics was born in April of 2013.”

As many know, the entrepreneurial world is filled with challenges. These challenges can vary greatly depending on the industry, and since Aureus is in the analytics side of customer intelligence and experience, their challenges line up with that field. Nitin mentioned sales and marketing support, specifically in terms of reaching out to the right decision maker quickly, and in an understandable and efficient manner. Nitin also brought up the challenge of designing an innovative UX (User Experience), while being vigilant as to not alienate users in an industry that has grown accustomed to traditional systems. Their signature product, CRUX, comes with its own set of challenges as well. The team at Aureus recognizes that CRUX has a long sales cycle, normal for an enterprise solution of this kind, and that there are multiple stakeholders, and everyone has to weigh in on the decision. With many decision makers, it can become tough to reach that one person who will sign the dotted line.

Part of the importance of being at an open and collaborative space like Upward Hartford is the people you meet naturally through networking and general day-to-day activities and events. Aureus knows this and has a watchful eye on the traffic at Upward. Nitin mentioned certain departments or contacts at insurance carriers, MGAs and brokers, with whom the Aureus team would be thrilled to get in touch. One segment in particular was Retention and Customer Experience (Heads of Retention, CMO’s, COO’s, Heads of Customer Experience). Another group of interest is anyone in roles involving customer interactions (captive agents, independent agents and call center personnel). Finally, any general influencer at these companies (CEO’s, Heads of IT, Heads of Innovation/Strategy) would be powerful contacts for Aureus. Of course, like any startup, they are always looking for investors. Aureus Analytics said their ideal investor would be someone who understands the insurance and technology business and also understands the potential that analytics has in the insurance business. The investor would also will help them connect with decision makers at insurance carriers and guide them and course correct when required.

I was curious how the team, all from India, were enjoying the Hartford area. Nitin described his overall time in Hartford so far:

“Hartford has an amazing ecosystem of arts and business. While we are doing business here we are equally enjoying the arts as well. Bushnell theatre is my happy hunting ground for musicals and theatre. I also look forward to symphonies and open-air concerts which are due in summer. Hartford has a weather which is different from where I come from. Snowfall is new for me and I am sure locals find it miserable, but as of now, I find delight in this novel experience. The other day, we went out for a meal, and before we our apartment, we had put our cameras with the time-lapse mode ‘on’, facing the windows. In the couple of hours that we were gone, we saw the weather change from a beautiful clear sky to heavy snowfall! It was surreal!”

The team is completing Hartford InsurTech Hub's acceleration program powered by Startupbootcamp, also located at Upward Hartford. On April 18, Aureus will celebrate their progress at The The Bushnell Performing Arts Center. All investors are welcomed to join the team and learn more about their future plans.

Aureus Analytics is a perfect example of what startups at Upward Hartford are all about. When it’s time for business, they work their tails off and allow their intelligence and intuition to guide the way. More importantly though, they understand the balance of life. It’s important to take in the culture and life a given city can provide. A life of all work and no play, is truly no life at all. The team at Aureus Analytics knows this, and that’s why they are a perfect example of what we at Upward Hartford look for in startups.

Thanks to the team at Aureus Analytics! Check out their website!

September 13, 2017 - No Comments!

A College Student’s Perspective on the Upward Hartford App:

Since I have come aboard at Upward Hartford, there have been many things to get excited about. Whether its hackathons, networking events, concerts with food trucks and beer, it has been exhilarating be a part of all action. With all that being said, if I had to choose one thing that I was the most thrilled and hopeful about, it would have to be the Upward Hartford App. You may be wondering how the launch of a mobile application can be more exciting for a college student then music, food and beer is, but rest assured, this app gives students like me a lot to look forward to.

Like many other college students nearing the end of their time in higher education, it’s time to look forward to what’s next. To best prepare for this, we search for internships, which in most cases, is a confusing and arduous process. For as long as I have been searching for internships, I have never found a platform or service where I feel confident I am seeing all that is out there in this area. Listing for internships are spread across so many platforms, whether it’s school specific ones, or larger listing aggregators, I never felt like I was seeing all that was available. Not only that, these platforms would only link you to where to apply, leaving you feeling a bit lost in the process of applying. With all of these factors, all I wanted was a platform I could go to that made me feel like I was being seen by companies and connected to them.

So, when I heard about the features the Upward Hartford app would provide to potential interns, I was thrilled. It’s no secret that Connecticut has issues keeping skilled college grads in state, and one of the keys to changing this is providing them local opportunities while they are still attending college in the area. This part of the app will make it easier for students like me, to be paired up with companies. All I have to do is fill out my profile with my skills and majors, and I will be listed in the app according to those. I know for a fact that there is no other platform that can provide this service for local college students, regardless of their university.

Another way I see this app being useful to me is the way it will help me grow my network and provide me with valuable knowledge. It can be hard when you are just starting out to find what you need to succeed. Sometimes you just need someone to bounce ideas off or ask advice. Having access to a list of mentors and experts on this app is crucial. It will allow open dissemination of knowledge and expertise to the next generation. Think of a recent college grad with an amazing idea, but doesn’t know where to start. With this app, they can find a mentor or expert who can meet with them and help them start the process.

Other than the obvious professional benefits the app provides, there is a social component that also has me excited. Having a forum like the main feed on the app to see what everyone is up to at Upward Hartford will allow me and everyone else to connect with like-minded individuals. Maybe I feel like taking a 15-minute break from work, I could post in the app if anyone at Upward Hartford wants to play a quick game of pool, or grab some coffee and chat. A lot of people have issues connecting with others around them while they are at work. This app, along with the amazing space at Upward Hartford, combines to make it so much easier to meet and chat with driven and engaging people. Not only that, but being able to easily see all the awesome upcoming events and buy tickets straight on the app will assure that I never feel left out of the fun.

So, on Thursday, September 14^th, when we celebrate the official launch of the app with an amazing bash at Upward Hartford, I know it will mark the start of an awesome tool for entrepreneurs, investors, students, and really, anyone who lives in the area. If you haven’t already, download the app, set up an account and check out this incredible digital tool that is at your disposal.

ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/upward-hartford/id1229829894?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ezbz.upward&hl=en

September 5, 2017 - 1 comment.

Hackathons Explained

After looking at the title, you may think, “I am NOT a computer person, so hackathons must not be for me.” This common misconception is why a blog like this one is important. You don’t need to be a computer programming wizard to partake in hackathons (although if you are, you definitely belong). Hackathons are about creating an environment where creativity and logic can come together to create ideas. That statement, although true, is vague in nature, and doesn’t completely explain what hackathons are and why they are vital. To help unravel what hackathons are all about, I’ve enlisted the help of two people who are big proponents of them, and know the nuts and bolts of the process. They are Eric Knight, Founder and President of Remarkable Technologies, and Stacey Brown, Founder of InsurTech Hartford.

Let’s start at the basics, many may not know what a hackathon is. I asked both Knight and Brown to explain what a hackathon actually is, Brown summed up the process as this:

“Hackathon events are collaborative events in which people of diverse backgrounds come together to create new, innovative solutions to problems. Hackathons can be general or themed events. A typical hackathon begins by helping people gather around particular problems. This is done via a "pitch" in which someone shares an idea with the others. After a few pitches, the group starts to break up into teams as people migrate toward the ideas that interest them. Team members typically do not know each other prior to the event.”

As Brown says, hackathon events are a place where creativity, logic and collaboration combine to solve problems. These problems can vary greatly if the hackathon is focused on a certain industry, and according to Knight, the solutions created by the groups can be “software or hardware”. The groups that Brown mentioned above, aren’t the only important parts involved in the process. “Many times, the process involves mentors who are mixed in with the groups who offer advice or guidance as needed.” Knight said, “The length of the event also plays a part. It can vary from an event contained to a single day, or it can take place over an entire weekend.” So, the general idea of a hackathon is in a given window of time, to work with a group to flesh out an idea that can solve a current problem for a given service or industry.

Now that we have a sense of what a hackathon is, why are they so valuable for everyone involved? They wouldn’t exist if they didn’t serve a greater purpose. Brown talked about how the natural structure and collaboration a hackathon entails, serves to further innovation:

“Due to the open structure of a hackathon and the forming of cross-functional teams with diverse backgrounds, new and fresh ideas come out that may not have been possible by someone simply sitting at a desk trying to solve a problem alone. People feed off one-another in hackathons, and this makes the possibilities endless.”

As Brown mentions, hackathons bring people with different specialties, perspectives and knowledge bases, together. When these differences in life experience and skill come collide, a creative energy is formed and innovative ideas flourish. “Bringing people together with diverse skill sets creates a cauldron of experience” Knight said, “Then when you combine these smart, creative people with great resources, and the added adrenaline rush that the time and competition provide, you generate unique and novel solutions.” Knight went on to mention how hackathons can serve as a “business simulation” or “real world class on how businesses operate”, and gaining any experience in that arena can prove to be vital down the road.

The participants aren’t the only ones who can benefit from hackathons. According to Knight it serves a valuable purpose to the hosts as well. “The hosts get the opportunity to create major resources or features and push forward a product or service.” Knight said. Knight also brought up an excellent example of this benefit, that came from Facebook. Any Facebook user is familiar with the customized timeline on their homepage and the feature that allows users to “like” posts they see. Both these features came from hackathons set up internally at Facebook with their employees. With Facebook rewarding the creators of the features, it becomes a win-win for both sides.

You may be looking at all the benefits above that hackathons provide, but still be wondering, “Where do I fit in?”. According to Brown, creativity and problem solving are the only musts:

“The key to a successful hackathon is skill diversity. Not everyone needs to be a coder, but coders are helpful because they can produce digital products. Sometimes teams just create presentations, and sometimes the presentations are just whiteboards and sticky notes! Anyone who enjoys creative problem solving can participate in a hackathon.”

There is no set profession or skillset for a hackathon. When I asked Knight who could participate, he listed off a good amount of different professions. “Developers, graphic designers, marketers, business professionals, entrepreneurs, creative thinkers can all participate.” Knight said, “It’s all about mixing the creative minds with engineering ones, because that creates a truly powerful energy.”

Now that you know the basics, the benefits and how you fit in, both Knight and Brown have some advice for the first-time hackathon participant. “Be open to input and allow that to generate new ideas, if you do this, others will do the same.” Brown said, “Also, have fun. Hackathons can be so intriguing that people may forget to rest, so don't allow yourself to burn out.” Knight had similar thoughts, but also provided some more specific advice.

“Go into the hackathon with enthusiasm and an open mind. Start with a brainstorming session, and don’t overly critique the ideas presented. Instead, improve and evolve them, rather than shooting them down immediately. It’s about positive energy. Have fun and come with a mindset for creativity.”

This blog isn’t an all-encompassing guide to hackathons, but rather a basic synopsis of what to expect. If you found after reading this that participating in a Hackathon may be something you are interested in, Upward Hartford and InsurTech Hartford are hosting a Hackathon during the weekend of September 8^th. This link will provide you will give you more info and the ability to register now.

And if you still find yourself with more questions about how hackathons work, the video below is an excellent resource and should be able to answer most of your questions.

Thanks to Eric Knight, Founder and President of Remarkable Technologies, and Stacey Brown, Founder of InsurTech Hartford!

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!

July 31, 2017 - No Comments!

Take the Leap: Reasons to Start Your Own Business

No matter what industry you find yourself in, at some point in time you find yourself thinking about what it would be like take the leap, and start your own business or company. Of course, like any big life decision, there are obstacles that we get hung up on when we consider making the jump. Sure, change and the unknown is always daunting. Add in the financial risk and it may be enough to scare off a good chunk of people.

However, what about the other side? Starting your own business can be the jolt of electricity you need to better every facet of your life. In order to find out some of the strongest reasons to start your own business, I talked to people who were brave enough to take the jump themselves. The first was Bernard Kavaler, Managing Editor at Connecticut by the Numbers. Next, I reached out to the awesome team at FourteenG, a creative marketing agency. Finally, I touched base with Dan Peleg, CEO of GlobeKeeper.

There are many reasons to start your own business, but one reason that Kavaler brought up, can best be described as the ability to combine opportunity and passion into your work:

“With a background in print and broadcast journalism and years of experience in state government, it was increasingly clear that there are a great many untold stories of what’s happening in Connecticut, often lost in the numbers of reports and analysis, in the work of small entrepreneurial business and non-profit organizations. I thought there might be an opportunity to share some of that, to help the word get out, to unearth some news – good and bad – that can impact and influence our lives in Connecticut. There are many publications, especially on the web, more interested in making heat; my goal was to shed some light.”

As Kavaler mentions above, he saw an opportunity to branch off and fill a void. That’s what having your own business allows you to do. You can capitalize and create what you think is missing in an industry or market. This is where the passion comes in. Naturally, if you are working on something that is your brainchild, you will have a passion and drive for that idea that cannot be matched by working on something that belongs to someone else. Working on something you truly believe in can have you accomplishing things you never thought you could. Kavaler mentioned the satisfaction he gets from pursuing his own idea, “Connecting the dots in ways that can shed light, help to inform people, share news that people can use, and not being restrained by arbitrary limitations can be quite satisfying.” Kavaler said, “If the articles on CT by the Numbers help get the word out about a policy or program, an innovation or collaboration, an event or initiative, that’s all to the good.” Peleg had a similar thought: “The satisfaction of seeing people using your product every day is unmatched.”

It’s obvious that Kavaler and Peleg derive great happiness and satisfaction from their businesses. Many people get stuck a rut of punching the clock and mailing it in, if you can turn your passion into your job, then life suddenly becomes more exciting. This makes it easier to put in the hours needed for a business to succeed. “If you like what you do, there’s no reason to stop doing it.” Kavaler said. The FourteenG team also talked about this idea:

“Every day we wake up excited about having unlimited opportunities. We meet great people and we work on fun and exciting projects. This morning, Mike (Shick) did an intense workout with our client BodyRoc. Then our team met up in Downtown Hartford for an event with Stackpole clothing store. Our clients are so unique. Every day is different. It doesn’t really feel like work. We’re just having fun with our friends.”

Another reason to start your own business is the flexibility it provides. “Starting your own business is about being flexible, adaptable and resilient.” The team at Fourteen G said, “One of the biggest reasons we started FourteenG was to have our own creative space without limits.” If you’re the boss, the limitations are what you place on the company yourself. This freedom allows you to take risks and sacrifice to succeed. According to Peleg, success is sweeter when you bet on yourself. “I think it's all about how much you are willing to sacrifice, and the more you sacrifice the more satisfaction you get when you achieve a success moment.”

So, to wrap up the discussion, being afraid to take the plunge is completely natural. Just know that the potential outcome can be so rewarding. I’ve had the privilege to talk to people, including this blog’s interviewees, who decided to take the chance. It’s inspiring to see people who believed in themselves enough to leap into the unknown. The FourteenG team believes that the leap is worth taking, “If you have a vision that you’re passionate about, take the leap and be prepared to keep leaping!” Finally, if you still feel hesitant about taking a chance, here are some words from Peleg:

“It is scary. If you believe in your idea, follow your dream. prepare yourself for something you never experienced before, the steepest rollercoaster of your life. Including the most euphoric moments as well as the most depressing ones, but isn't that what life are all about?”

He's right, it can be scary, but coworking communities can make the plunge a bit less frightening. At Upward Hartford, our aim is to provide a supportive environment, from the person working on their side business on the weekend, to the entrepreneur making their dream a reality. If you are ready to start something that is all your own, Upward Hartford is the place to be!

Thanks to Dan Peleg of GlobeKeeper, Bernard Kavaler of Connecticut by the Numbers and the folks at FourteenG!

July 22, 2017 - 1 comment.

What Top Tech Innovators Have in Common

Like with any industry, the best way to succeed in the technology sector is to study those that have been successful. Obviously not everyone who finds success is similar, but no matter how different they may seem, there are always a couple of underlying traits or qualities that they share. Before discussing what these traits are, the term “tech innovator” should be assigned a working definition in order to understand the types of people we are talking about. To help me create this definition and to pick out the traits innovators share, I enlisted the help of two knowledgeable people. The first was Frank Sentner, the Sole Proprietor of Sentwood Consulting. The second was Matt McCooe, the Chief Executive Officer of Connecticut Innovations. Both have years of experience in this area and would serve as valuable knowledge bases throughout this process.

When I asked Sentner what the term “tech innovator” meant to him, he pointed out some certain boxes that need to be checked. The first thing he clarified is that it could refer to a company or entrepreneur. He also touched upon how the innovation could refer to strictly the technological creation aspect, or it could refer to an innovation in the business model of an industry. The latter, Sentner mentioned, is often overlooked when discussing innovation. This brings up a crucial point when categorizing tech innovators. It is imperative to also look at who shifted the business model of a given industry. These men and women are sometimes overlooked, but they are the ones that affect change on everyone else in the industry. A good example of this is how Napster led the change in the music industry from hard copy products, to a digitally dominated industry. These kinds of tech innovators are just as important as the pure technological ones.

However, the pure technological innovators have become cultural touchstones that give the world something to aspire to. They are often seen as the ones who change the world. McCooe mentioned this when I asked him about the term “tech innovators”:

“I think of Steve Jobs, Elon Musk—visionaries who are wildly driven to create new products in markets that are struggling to change or don’t even exist yet. Tech innovators want to change the world, technology is their tool.”

An interesting point that McCooe brings up in this quote, is that tech is the tool for these people to accomplish their real goal of changing the world. The tech is crucial, but the real guiding light is change. This is what drives the people that McCooe mentioned above to innovate and create.

Now this leads us into the conversation of what tech innovators have in common. Tech innovators always seem to have a higher goal then just creating something that provides them consistent revenue. They want to change or shift an industry, or in some cases, the world. I think this quality helps them distance themselves from their competition because when you have a goal that is more than just financial, it gives you that extra incentive to push through the challenging times that tech innovation can bring. Having something to drive you to put in more hours or take a risk can be the difference between success and failure. Sentner talked about the idea of persistence and how it differs:

“As in any arena, persistence is vital. They don’t give up. Tech innovators are no different than innovators in any industry. They are willing to use all their resources to allow their dream and vision to come to fruition. Persistence is different than stubbornness though, you need to be persistent and flexible.”

It seems that having the innate drive inside of you to succeed is shared across the board by tech innovators. McCooe nicely summed up what this trait is, “The relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Other than persistence, another trait that was brought up was the ability to adapt or shift quickly. “You must be able to pivot quickly,” Sentner said, “Those who succeed are not afraid to alter their approach.” Learning from failure or adapting to additional information is essential for finding success. Like Sentner previously mentioned, there is a difference between persistence and stubbornness. Being able to admit when change is needed and quickly adapt can put you at an advantage in an industry going forward. Netflix is one company that shifted their plan massively. When they saw that streaming content was where home entertainment media was shifting, they changed their focus from the DVD mail service to their streaming platform. Being able to adapt and shift quickly allowed them to get a head start over other companies entering the media streaming industry.

After reaching out to both Frank Sentner and Matt McCooe, it seems possible to cherry-pick a few traits that “tech innovators” share. A higher purpose to drive you towards excellence, like changing the world, or making your dreams come true, seems to be a common theme. This leads persistence with the absence of ego-driven stubbornness. Finally, the ability to pivot quickly, which allows tech innovators to adapt to any situation. These traits, according to McCooe and Sentner, are found across the board with tech innovators.

Finally, I asked if they had any advice they would give to someone who strives to be mentioned among tech innovators. “Stick to your dream.” Sentner said, “Listen to sound advice and use it to empower your dream.” McCooe had similar thoughts:

“Be bold. Ignore the naysayers. Find passionate partners who will support your vision, people who will help you recognize the wrong paths you will inevitably go down so you keep making progress.”

Thanks to Frank Sentner of Sentwood Consulting and Matt McCooe of CT Innovations!

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