Forge News and Updates |
Meet Forge Member Ellen Skrmetti!
What is your job/title?
Writer/Content Creator
In addition to your job title, tell us a little bit about what you do/your company does.
I’m under contract with Worthy Publishing an imprint of Hachett Book Group to bring my Instagram content to life with a book titled “Hey Jesus, It’s Me.” In addition to creating content, I’m also developing my stand up show.
What is your favorite part about your job?
It’s all like living in a dream. I can’t believe that I’m able to make a living from my writing and comedy.
What made you decide to join Forge?
My husband works from home and I need a distraction free zone so I can write. I joke that 2 hours at Forge is like 6 hours at home.
What is your favorite thing about Forge?
I love the people and feeling like I have a real job!
What is your favorite spot/place to work at Forge?
Catch me in the cubes!
What are your favorite tech tools to get your job done or keep your life organized?
I love to stay as low tech as possible. As long as I have a Google Calendar – I’m set.
Is there a product you cannot live without?
My phone. It’s how I record my content and track my analytics.
What is the last show you binge-watched?
I haven’t been the same since Snowfall and Succession ended. I’m not sure I can watch TV again.
What is your ideal weekend in Birmingham?
I cannot wait to spend my weekend with my husband on the grill and football on the TV and our kids playing in the backyard!
Be sure to follow Ellen on Instagram for some hilarious content!
Member Spotlight |
We are so thankful to have Megan Madison join the Forge staff team! Let’s learn a little about Megan.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Megan Madison. I’m from Huntsville but have been in Birmingham since I graduated from UAB. I enjoy reading, spending time with family, and a good iced latte. I am so happy to be joining the Forge team.
What do you do at Forge?
My role is Assistant Community Manager and most of what I get to do is sort the mail. When I’m not working on the mail I answer the phone, emails, tidy up spaces, and help wherever and whoever I can.
What brought you to Forge?
I thought this job mixed the best parts of working in hospitality and the corporate environment. I was also excited for the opportunity to network with so many business owners.
What are you looking forward to about working at Forge?
Meeting all of the wonderful people who work here!
What do you do when you are not working at Forge?
When I’m not working I spend most of my time creating art and spending time with my husband.
If you could choose to do anything for the day, what would you choose to do?
Spend the day with my family watching movies together. My favorite movies are mostly rom coms but I love Pride and Prejudice, The Holiday, and the Mamma Mia movies!
What is your favorite thing about Birmingham?
Forge News and Updates |
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the art and science of navigating the newest changes to the LinkedIn algorithm to elevate your presence on LinkedIn, connecting you with opportunities, clients, and partners. Donna Gilliland of MOSTraining came to Forge to teach a Lunch & Learn about harnessing the power of the LinkedIn algorithm. Whether you’re a seasoned LinkedIn pro or just starting your journey, these insights will empower you to make your mark in the digital professional landscape.
The LinkedIn algorithm changed in March 2023. The algorithm determines what content is sent to its userbase. What does the LinkedIn algorithm reward? What does it punish? Let’s delve in!
LinkedIn users are saying “I want to better at what I do.”
~ Daniel Roth, Editor in Chief, VP at LinkedIn
Quality and Low-Quality Algorithm Signals
- Engagement: quality comments are a positive signal whereas a simple click of like isn’t. Think of holding a conversation when you comment. What does that look like?
- A lackluster comment: “Good Job”
- A meaningful comment: Yes, our team uses ChatGPT too. It has been a great tool for our sales agents. Here are a few prompts we have found useful.
- Appropriate use of hashtags: Three to five is considered best. Make sure they are content relevant. If you start using too many hashtags and meaningless ones that is a poor-quality signal to the algorithm.
- Encourage interaction from your connections by asking a question.
- Too many misspelled words signal a low-quality. Make certain you proofread.
- Tagging etiquette: only tag people in your post where it makes sense! Don’t be an over-tagger.
A couple quick tips from Alice Xiong, Director of Product, LinkedIn Search on what people say they want to see more of.
- Content posts that increase knowledge and gives advice.
- People want to feel connected with others.
- Help in discovering the right opportunities.
LinkedIn is now evaluating your authority, which is why it’s important that your profile aligns with your expertise. It might be time for you to do a LinkedIn profile refresh.
“We are looking to see that you are building community around content, and around knowledge-sharing that you are uniquely qualified to talk about,” ~ Daniel Roth, VP at LinkedIn
Tips to Increase Your Posts’ Visibility:
- Engagement with relevant content
- Follow relevant profiles
- Connect with your target audience
- Post valuable content
- Use relevant hashtags
- Create and share video content (you could potentially get more visibility if you upload the video rather than link to an external website, like YouTube.)
- Engage in LinkedIn groups
- Leverage LinkedIn analytics on your post engagement
Below is a suggested learning resource from Donna about the recent LinkedIn Algorithm changes.
Donna Gilliland’s enlightening Lunch & Learn session here at Forge has shed light on the nuances of LinkedIn! To enhance your visibility and make a lasting impact on this platform, be sure to engage with relevant content, follow profiles that inspire you, and create valuable contributions to the LinkedIn community. By embracing these principles and staying attuned to the evolving landscape, you can harness the power of the LinkedIn algorithm! Be sure to follow Forge and join us for upcoming events!
Forge News and Updates |
For entrepreneurs and established businesses alike, making a decision about office space is no easy task. There are so many options to consider and factors to weigh. Before you begin your search for a home base for your business, it’s critical to determine what you’re looking for: are you going to go with a coworking space or a traditional office?
If you are given the options of an office in a coworking space vs. traditional office work, which suits you better?
One of the most important benefits of coworking is its flexibility as compared to traditional offices. At Forge you can rent an office for one year, 6 months or month-to-month. You don’t have to commit to a long-term lease. And your rent at Forge includes things like utilities, internet, professional business address, meeting room credit, and even coffee.
Flexible lease options give you the ability to use the space on a short-term basis and to grow or shrink your physical space requirements as needed. Coworking offices can offer a more tailor-made solution when it comes to lease and space requirements.
Forge Rooftop Conference Room
Another perk? You can occupy your fully-furnished space right away. Forge private offices come with desks, chairs, filing cabinet, whiteboard and internet… plus a variety of amenities (like unlimited coffee!) and on-demand meeting space arrangements.
It’s not all about the physical space. Coworking spaces mean you have the opportunity to join forces with people with complementary skills and/or people who require your skills. Working from Forge makes it easy to network and grow your business connections and friendships!
Team office at Forge
Now let’s talk about traditional offices…
Leasing a traditional office usually represents a long-term commitment. Also, you need to think about your upfront costs with a traditional office. When you lease a traditional office, you will have to furnish and equip your space. This may also include expensive investments like building out amenities and meeting rooms.
And what about management of the space? You’ll have to take on the task of managing the office which can include maintenance and cleaning.
Not only that, but you have fewer opportunities to network and collaborate. You have less of a chance of connecting with people from other companies or industries.
Whether you’re considering a traditional office or an office in a coworking space, make sure the physical space you choose reflects the image you want to project for your clients, potential employees and partners, and the type of business you’re in!
Interested in touring a private office at Forge? Click below!
Member Spotlight |
When we give tours of Forge’s workspace we are often asked “What type of companies work in this space?” And we love sharing about the unique companies represented in our community. The Forge community is made up of podcasters, marketers, architects, lawyers, photographers, influencers, nonprofit organizations and much more.
If you’re wondering if you would fit into the Forge family, read on. We’re sharing about several of the companies who office out of Forge. I bet you too can find your place in our coworking space!
HomeFit
HomeFit is centered on the idea of creating customized fitness solutions adapted to the specific needs of each client. HomeFit’s team of Fitness professionals provide detail-oriented personal training services, and enable you to achieve your most-wanted fitness goals. They analyze your needs, goals, lifestyle, and motivations, then work with you to provide a program suited for you!
And here’s the best part… because of the daily time constraints that most of us experience, HomeFit works around your schedule and in the comfort of your own home or office. We loved learning about HomeFit when Matthew Foster, CEO of HomeFit joined Forge!
Ranked College Football
Forge Member Jake Gillikin is the Founder of Ranked– a brand new app for college football fanatics! In the Ranked app, you can filter games by rank, kickoff time, conference, game rating, and more. And even compare stats and trends side-by-side between teams and players. Users can set up notifications for teams and game info like spreads, tv channel, and kick off time. If you love college football, you have to check out Ranked.
Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards turns all your retail and restaurant receipts into savings. Simply scan any grocery, retail or restaurant receipt after you shop, and save on thousands of popular products throughout the store. Earn points on every receipt or eReceipt you scan. Then turn receipts into gift cards for online retailers, e.g. Amazon, Target, and others! We love having some of the Fetch team working out of Forge!
We loved this meme from Fetch’s Instagram account!
Focus Creative
Most companies mistakenly use stock or low quality images to showcase their business. Your business is a reflection of you – your hopes, your dreams, your visions. And Focus Creative can help you by creating great photos and video you can use in your business marketing efforts so the world sees your business as it really is. They offer professional photography plus visual and marketing consulting.
Focus Creative recently won the Campaigns & Elections Reed Award for “Best Use of a Social Platform” with their work on the Patrick McClusky campaign in Homewood. Forge Member Stuart Franco is the Owner of Focus Creative, and we love having him in the Forge community!
Check out Focus Creative on Instagram to see the brands they work with!
GoodJob
GoodJob simplifies the hiring process by serving companies qualified job-seekers who will fit their company’s culture. The GoodJob algorithm is highly accurate at predicting whether someone is a great match for your position. You can post a job with a short description and key details, and they’ll match you instantly with the top applicants on their platform based on their comprehensive recruitment system. We love having a few of the GoodJob team members working from Forge!
We know working from home can feel isolating. Are you looking to make a change? Schedule a tour of Forge! We would love for you to join the Forge community!
