Last week Forge celebrated its third year in business.  I can vividly remember those first few months after our doors opened: the future seemed so far away.  Three years have come quicker than I ever imagined.  Forge has grown, experienced growing pains, watched our member’s businesses thrive, expanded our location and operated in a pandemic.  A lot has happened in three years!  As I slow down and look back to where we started and where we are today, a few reflections come to mind.

1.  After three years of hard work and many sleepless nights, I still love this business and this industry just as much as I did the day we opened.  The things that initially drew me to the coworking industry are more important now than ever!  

I have always believed in the power of community, and the separation we experience in the pandemic has only emphasized that!  For the last six months we have all been forced to work from home and our day to day interaction with people has been taken away.  The most common frustration I hear expressed by entrepreneurs and small business owners is isolation and loneliness, even when they love the work they do.  Forge fosters the power of connection.

2. Understanding industry norms in your business is important. As a new business owner, you cannot have this perspective on your own.

You have to surround yourself with mentors in your industry who can provide perspective on the ups and downs in your business.I have a group of coworking space owners that I meet with monthly.Our meetings provide a safe place to discuss the difficulties we face. Each meeting I leave encouraged that the problems I experience others do as well. This perspective builds confidence in the work that I do.

3.  Know your numbers! 

One of the first exercises I did to prepare for the impact of COVID was  to create a new financial forecast for the rest of 2020.  Honestly, it was very disheartening to look at how our growing business might take a sharp turn on our growth trajectory.  But having a clear picture of what to prepare for created confidence to operate boldly.  This exercise took the anxiety out of what might happen.  

4.  The Birmingham business community is awesome! 

The more people I meet, the more I realize just how special this community really is.  As I share experiences with business owners in other cities, I am reminded of our unique environment.  It is a privilege and honor to run a business in this city for this city.