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!
Forge News and Updates |
The differences between booking a meeting room at Forge and a hotel may be more significant than you might expect. Here’s why choosing Forge for your next meeting is a smart move, especially when compared to booking a room at a hotel.
Hotels often come with a long list of additional charges that can quickly add up. Need a projector or AV equipment? That’s extra. Want to serve coffee and snacks to your attendees? There’s likely a minimum food and beverage fee. And let’s not forget the cost of waitstaff, service charges, and taxes.
At Forge, what you see is what you get. Our pricing is straightforward, with no hidden fees. AV equipment is included, and you have the flexibility to bring your own refreshments/catering or pay for our snack/drink service without worrying about surprise costs.
Forge’s Cahaba Room
Hotel meeting rooms often lack personality, with dim lighting and outdated décor that can make your meeting feel more like a chore than an inspiring gathering. At Forge, our conference rooms are designed with productivity in mind. They’re bright, modern, and filled with natural light, creating an environment that energizes your team and fosters creativity. The stylish, clean design of our spaces offers a refreshing alternative to the often uninspiring hotel meeting rooms.
Forge’s Rooftop Room
Hotels typically operate on rigid schedules and may require you to book well in advance, especially if your meeting coincides with a busy travel season. At Forge, we understand that business moves fast, and we’re here to accommodate your needs, usually even on short notice. And you can easily book through our website!
Our convenient downtown location also means you’re just steps away from the best Birmingham has to offer, making it easy for attendees to grab lunch downstairs at The Pizitz Food Hall, run errands, or enjoy the city after your meeting wraps up.
Vulcan Room
At a hotel, you might be just another booking. At Forge, we treat you like a valued member of our community. Our team is here to ensure that everything runs smoothly, from setting up the room to troubleshooting any technical issues that arise. We pride ourselves on providing personalized service that meets your specific needs, all without the crazy price tag that often comes with hotel service.
Choosing where to host your next meeting can have a significant impact on its success. By booking at Forge, you’re opting for transparency, style and flexibility—all at a fraction of the cost of a hotel meeting room. So why settle for less?
Experience the difference at Forge and make your next meeting one to remember. Book now!
Forge News and Updates |
It’s August! The beginning of a new month is always a great time to think about your goals and what habits you are bringing into the new month, as well as what you are leaving behind. At Forge, we always encourage our members to think of their short-term and long-term goals and encourage each other to succeed!
Overall, setting goals is a key strategy for achieving success and fulfillment in various aspects of life, whether professional or personal. When setting goals, it can be helpful to consider what is involved in the process by breaking it down into “ins” (things to do) and “outs” (things to avoid). This approach makes it clear what you should do to support your goal and what to avoid that might be holding you back.
Ins for August:
Including the following elements in your work life can greatly enhance overall satisfaction and effectiveness in your work. Here’s why we think each of these elements should be “in”:
- More Productivity:
- Increasing productivity is key to hitting your business goals and getting things done. When you focus on getting things done efficiently, you can finish tasks on time and see better results.
- A Professional Workspace:
- A well-organized and professional workspace promotes a positive impression and helps create an environment beneficial to focused work. It can improve concentration, reduce distractions, and support a more professional attitude in your work day.
- Community of Other Business Professionals:
- Networking with other professionals can lead to valuable connections, collaborations, and opportunities for growth. A community of like-minded individuals can provide support, share knowledge, and offer insights that enhance your own professional journey. Forge is filled with other like-minded business professionals to network with and many opportunities to do so.
- Flexible and Clean Workspace:
- Flexibility in your workspace is helpful to support different preferences of work styles as well as opportunities for a variety in your work day. Also, a clean workspace is crucial for reducing stress and promoting a healthy work environment.
- Fun Events:
- Attending the fun, member and community events fosters team bonding, boosts morale, and creates a positive work culture. These events can also provide opportunities for relaxation and informal networking, contributing to overall job satisfaction. At Forge, we offer both member only events as well as events open to the community. There are always ways to connect in community and do enjoyable things to reward yourself for working hard!
- Complimentary Domestique Coffee:
- Forge offers complimentary, high-quality Domestique coffee that is brewed fresh every morning. This can enhance your work experience by providing a small but appreciated perk in your day. It can also improve mood, increase energy levels, and serve as a social aspect for conversations with other members in the kitchen.
- Affordable Membership and Leasing:
- Cost efficiency is essential for maximizing the value of your workspace. Forge has a variety of membership levels and valuable amenities that accommodate a range of budgets. Coworking spaces are a more budget-friendly option compared to traditional offices, giving you great value without breaking the bank.
By integrating these elements to your work life, you can create a more motivating and professional atmosphere that drives you and your business to success.
Outs for August:
Removing or avoiding the following elements can significantly improve the work experience and overall productivity. Here’s why each of these should be “out”:
- Isolation and Being Stuck at Home All Day:
- Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and decreased motivation. Working from home without in-person interaction with others can limit opportunities for collaboration, networking, and social engagement, which are important for personal and professional growth.
- Distractions at Home While Working:
- Home environments often come with various distractions that can disrupt focus and reduce productivity. A dedicated workspace helps minimize these interruptions and allows for a more professional and efficient work environment.
- Overpriced Coffee:
- High costs for coffee can be financially straining. Having an alternative access to complimentary coffee enhances convenience and can improve morale in an affordable way. Forge members have access to complimentary Domestique coffee that is brewed fresh every morning in the kitchen.
- Leasing an Expensive, Traditional Office:
- High leasing costs for traditional office spaces can be very expensive, especially for startups and small businesses. Affordable and flexible office solutions can reduce financial strain and offer more adaptable options for various business needs.
- Working in Solitude:
- Working in complete solitude can lead to a lack of collaboration, motivation and support. Interaction with other professionals can spark creativity, provide feedback, and foster a sense of community, all of which contribute to a more dynamic and engaging work environment and success.
- Trying to Find a Seat at a Crowded Coffee Shop:
- Crowded coffee shop can create an uncomfortable and unproductive work environment. Finding a seat can be stressful and may lead to interruptions or a lack of focus. A more dedicated workspace and guaranteed spot offers a stable and reliable environment for work without the hassle of finding a place to work.
By eliminating these factors, you can create a more effective, enjoyable, and supportive work environment that enhances productivity and satisfaction.
Memberships at Forge
What are your Ins and Outs for this month? Forge is the perfect space to implement and achieve your goal and form habits that increase productivity and success in your business. We offer different levels of membership to fit the needs of each individual or team.
Interested in becoming a member at Forge? Give us a call at 205.870.7558 or reach out to info@workatforge.com with any questions! Or, book a tour today to come check out the space and talk through how Forge could be the right fit for you!
