Forge News and Updates |
Looking for your next great read?
At Forge, we’re all about learning, growing, and sharing ideas. That’s why we asked seven of our members to share their favorite business books and why they recommend them. From game-changing strategies to inspiring stories, these books have shaped how our members think, lead, and succeed. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a team leader, or just looking for some fresh insights, you’re sure to find something on this list that sparks your interest!
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki & Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger
“Rich Dad Poor Dad teaches you to have more assets than liabilities for wise money management and how to make your money work for you and Be Useful because it teaches you to be a badass and someone that contributes to society.” Robbie Burdine
Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal
“It’s a reminder that even in hard times you can still have a good time.” Scott Carl
When Women Ran Fifth Avenue by Julia Satow
“It is interesting to understand how women in leadership is always a catalyst for innovation and how support for women leaders can yield endless possibilities.” Jacqui Jones
Exactly What to Say by Phil Jones
“In the world of financial decisions when feelings/emotions are involved, it gives verbiage to use to stay in the lane of business sector but also be understood and be considerate of people. A great tool to navigate my space.” Reggie
The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande
“I honestly think in check lists, so this book does a great job articulating no matter how expert you may be, well-designed check lists can improve outcomes AND it shows the data to back it up.” Ethan Davis
The E Myth by Michael E. Gerber
“It puts into perspective what it really means to be an entrepreneur and it shines light on all of the aspects that people either overlook or don’t think about before they consider leaving the W2 world.” Shuff Mauldin
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
“Basic simple advice at how to treat people with respect. Something that can even apply today even though it was written so long ago. Helps outside work too. Hit people with kindness goes along way.” Drew Kirk
Forge News and Updates |
At Forge, we know the heart of our community beats with the passion of small business owners. Throughout the last year, we’ve had the privilege of learning from incredible entrepreneurs during our events like How I Did This and various Lunch & Learns. From marketing insights to legal guidance, these sessions have been a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. This Small Business Saturday, we’re shining a spotlight on a few of the companies who’ve generously shared their expertise with our Forge family. Join us as we celebrate their impact and the incredible value they bring to Birmingham!
#1 Holland & Birch
Suzanne Jones of Holland & Birch started creating her jewelry after a beauty from ashes story. She loves to create pieces that hold meaning and that her customers can purchase with a purpose. Most of her line is handcrafted by her and her small team in Birmingham, AL using new and old pieces from her buying trips in NYC and beyond.
#2 House Plant Collective
House Plant Collective is Alabama’s neighborhood indoor plant shop. Founded in 2020, HPC’s mission is to make healthy, unique indoor plants and related products more widely available at a reasonable price. We have retail store in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham and a converted school bus that pops up at breweries and events all over the state of Alabama.
#3 Ramlea Partners
RamLea Partners are dynamic business leaders with 20+ years of experience and success. Their unwavering commitment is to reach the most valuable resource within an organization: the human spirit. RamLea Partner’s initiative not only develops heightened self-awareness, both professionally and personally, but also yields exponential growth. This is driven by intentional connections, which they cleverly term as “Connection Growth.”
#4 Eugene’s Hot Chicken
When you’re looking for Nashville-style hot chicken done right, you can’t go wrong with Eugene’s Hot Chicken. Founded in 2015, Eugene’s has become famous for its hot chicken sandwiches, wings, fingers, fries and more delicious bites in Birmingham. We loved having Zebbie Carney, Eugene’s owner and the mind behind the restaurant’s soulful Southern dishes, share at our How I Did This event.
#5 The Heavenly Donut Co.
The Heavenly Donut Company is a Donut shop unlike any other. Their donuts are well-known for their distinctive shape and flavor. Heavenly donuts are handcrafted to perfection daily. Since its opening in January 2013, The Heavenly Donut Company has added a donut food truck that can be found at various locations all around the Birmingham area.
#6 One Degree Marketing
One Degree is a boutique marketing firm providing effective marketing services and education to small businesses, brands, and organizations. One Degree believes that investing in small businesses and growing brands is essential to our economy. They view every client as a partner by supporting their vision and goals through effective marketing services and knowledge.
#7 Lunar Lab
LunarLab was founded as a bit of an ultimatum. Co-founders Elizabeth Anderson and Kelli Lucas were fed up with the tech industry. The wasted time and money, the lack of diversity, the inefficient work and the resulting lackluster products. It was either leave the industry—or stay, and fix it. So they built a different kind of company. One that prioritized their customers’ needs (and those of their customers) over profit.
#8 Gatehouse Law
Gatehouse Law is a boutique firm. Though they are lawyers, Gatehouse built their advice and counsel around the understanding of what it means to be a business owner. They focus on innovative and creative ways to serve their clients because Gatehouse is never satisfied with the way things have always been. They work to create a better way for their firm to partner with clients to help them grow strategically. Josh Andrews at Gatehouse Law has graciously sponsored a lot of events at Forge throughout the years!
Supporting small businesses is at the heart of what we do at Forge, and we’re honored to have so many incredible entrepreneurs and leaders in our community. This Small Business Saturday, we encourage you to celebrate the businesses that make Birmingham thrive—whether it’s through shopping local, sharing their stories, or connecting with them on social media. Let’s continue to grow and support the small businesses that make Birmingham so amazing!
Forge News and Updates |
Starting out at a new coworking space is exciting—new faces, new spaces, and all the possibilities of a productive day! To make your first day at Forge smooth and stress-free, here’s a list of essentials to bring along. These items will help you feel at home and set up for success from the get-go!
1. Headphones or Earbuds 🎧
- Why: Whether you’re working in the main coworking area or in a shared lounge, headphones can help you tune into your workflow and keep distractions at bay.
- Pro Tip: Noise-canceling headphones are a great investment if you work best with a quiet space. Many members find that a focused playlist also helps them get in the zone.
2. Your Favorite Mug or Water Bottle ☕️💧
- Why: Staying hydrated and fueled is key to productivity. While Forge has complimentary coffee and water, bringing your favorite mug or bottle makes it feel a bit more like home.
- Pro Tip: The Forge kitchen is already stocked with tons of Forge mugs but feel free to bring your favorite from home if you prefer!
3. Chargers and Tech Essentials 🔌
- Why: From laptops to phones, you don’t want to be caught with a low battery in the middle of an important task. Keep a charger for each essential device in your bag.
- Pro Tip: Stash your chargers in a small bag or pouch, so they’re always organized and easy to find.
4. Snacks and Comfort Food 🍎🍫
- Why: Forge has snacks and The Pizitz Food Hall downstairs, but bringing your own favorites ensures you’ll always have something you love on hand. Keeping a few energy-boosting snacks at your desk can be a lifesaver on busy days.
- Pro Tip: Choose items that are easy to eat and won’t disrupt others. Plus, having a snack is a great reason to take short breaks and recharge throughout the day.
5. Notebook and Pen (or Digital Equivalent) 📝
- Why: Sometimes the best ideas happen when you’re away from the screen. A notebook is perfect for jotting down spontaneous thoughts, brainstorming, or planning out your day.
- Pro Tip: Dedicated desk members can keep a notebook at their station, so it’s always within reach. If you’re digital-only, apps like Evernote or OneNote are great alternatives.
Your first day at Forge is all about getting comfortable and making the space your own. These essentials will help you settle in, but don’t be afraid to personalize further as you get into your routine. Forge has everything you need to work comfortably and connect meaningfully with other professionals. We can’t wait to see what you bring—and what you accomplish—at Forge! Book your tour today!
Forge News and Updates |
As a small business owner, establishing credibility and professionalism can make a big difference in how potential clients view your company. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to level up your business, there are a few simple steps you can take to enhance your professional image. From how you communicate to where you conduct your business, these five tips will help you project confidence and credibility, setting your business up for success.
1. Use a Professional Business Address
First impressions matter, and a professional business address can elevate your brand’s credibility. Instead of using your home address or a P.O. Box, consider a Virtual Mail Membership from Forge. You’ll get a real downtown business address, making your business look more established and trustworthy.
What’s included in a Virtual Mail Membership?
- Prominent business mailing address in downtown Birmingham
- We will hold your mail for you- we can even open & scan mail if you want!
- We can forward mail to you or you can pick it up locally
- Mail Recycling and Mail Shredding too
2. Invest in a Custom Domain & Business Email
Using a custom domain and email (like yourname@yourcompany.com) is another key step in leveling up your business’s professionalism. It shows that you’ve taken the extra step to look credible and organized.
3. Consistent Branding Across All Platforms
From your website to your social media profiles, having a cohesive brand identity is crucial. Invest in professional design services to ensure your logo, fonts, and colors reflect the professionalism of your business.
4. Take Advantage of Virtual Office Services
Forge’s Virtual Office Membership provides access to meeting rooms and coworking spaces when you need them, giving you a polished and professional space to meet clients without the cost of a full-time office. It’s the perfect solution for remote businesses needing a professional touch.
What’s included in a Virtual Office Membership?
- All Virtual Mail Benefits
- 5 Hours Conference Room Credit each month
- 5 Day Passes each month
- Member Rates on all Conference Room Bookings
- Access to Forge Member Online Community
- Access to Forge Member Only Events
- Member Rates on all Day Pass
5. Create High-Quality Marketing Materials
Whether it’s business cards, brochures, or digital content, high-quality marketing materials can instantly set you apart. Work with a graphic designer or use online tools to create materials that showcase your professionalism.
By implementing these simple strategies, you can elevate your business’s reputation and create a more professional presence. Whether it’s through a Virtual Mail Membership or polished marketing materials, each step you take brings you closer to establishing your brand as a trusted name in your industry. Ready to make your business look more professional? Start with Forge’s Virtual Mail or Virtual Office Membership to give your company the image it deserves.
Forge News and Updates |
As the remote work trend continues to rise, employers are searching for innovative ways to keep their teams engaged, productive, and satisfied. While working from home has its perks, it also presents challenges that can impact an employee’s well-being and efficiency. Offering access to a coworking space as a perk is a solution that benefits both employers AND their remote workers.
Working from home can come with distractions—whether it’s household chores, pets, or family members. Coworking spaces provide a dedicated environment designed for work, free from the interruptions of home life. Employees can focus on their tasks, leading to improved productivity and a higher quality of work.
One of the biggest challenges of remote work is the feeling of isolation. Coworking spaces offer a vibrant community of like-minded professionals, allowing remote workers to network, collaborate, and form meaningful connections. This sense of community can significantly improve morale and reduce the loneliness that can come from remote work.
For remote workers who need to meet clients or attend video conferences, a coworking space offers a professional backdrop that’s more suitable than a living room or kitchen. Forge has great meeting rooms and even phone booths for coworking members to use at any time. It adds a level of professionalism that can enhance the company’s image and help employees feel more confident in their roles.
Coworking spaces help remote workers establish a clear boundary between work and home life. By providing a physical workspace separate from their home, employees can “clock out” at the end of the day, reducing burnout and a healthier work-life balance.
In a competitive job market, offering access to coworking spaces can be an attractive perk that sets your company apart. It shows that you value your employees’ well-being and are willing to invest in their success. This can be a way to attract top talent and retain your best employees.
Coworking spaces offer flexible membership options that can accommodate various team sizes and needs. Whether you’re looking for open workspace, dedicated desks, or private offices, coworking spaces provide a cost-effective solution compared to traditional office leases. Plus, with amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and coffee on tap, employees have everything they need to succeed.
As the workplace continues to evolve, it’s important for employers to adapt and offer perks that enhance the remote work experience. Coworking spaces provide a perfect blend of productivity, community, and flexibility that benefits both employers and employees.
By offering access to a coworking space, you’re not just providing a place to work—you’re investing in your team’s happiness, growth, and long-term success.
Do you want to learn more about how to structure a plan for your team? Book a tour here! Or give us a call at 205.870.7558 or email us at info@workatforge.com!
