Forge News and Updates |
Coworking offers a wide variety of benefits, many of which cannot be found in other work environments. At Forge, we strive to create an environment where you and your business can grow. Here are our top 7 tips on how to get the most out of coworking here at Forge!
1. Engage with Others
Take advantage of a space that allows you to network with others by having conversations with those around you, attending member events and learning what others do. Engaging with others promotes both growth for your business and you personally.
2. Set a Consistent Schedule
With scheduled work hours you can work around your most productive time. Forge is open 24/7- providing the morning bird and the night owl all with equal opportunities. With a wide range of when you can work, pick a time to so that you can have a consistent work schedule and enable yourself to balance life better.
3. Attend Member Events
We have a multitude of opportunities for you to meet others and enjoy doing so. Our member happy hours, breakfasts and lunches connect you with new faces and help you form connections in your workspace. We have so many members make connections with fellow members that help their business grow and we love to see it!
4. Use the Phone Booths to Take Calls
Here at Forge, we have three phone booths available for you to take your calls in. Hop in a phone booth for a Zoom meeting or phone call as needed! This allows you the privacy of your own space and you never have to worry about being interrupted.
5. Conference Rooms
Wow your clients in our beautifully designed conference rooms, and no longer have to meet in crowded coffee shops. Our 5 different sized conference rooms are perfect for holding meetings, whether one-on-one or larger group sizes. A benefit of being a member of Forge is getting discounted conference rooms rates! Easily book a room on our website.
6. Sign up for Connect
Connect is a virtual networking event that allows you to connect with other business leaders in Birmingham. Do this all from the comfort of your own home or from our coworking space. These weekly meetings allow you to introduce your business to the group, hear from others and most importantly CONNECT!
7. Take Advantage of the Location of Forge
Located in the heart of Downtown Birmingham we are within walking distance of amazing restaurants, coffee shops and companies. Being just steps away from the Pizitz Food Hall allows you to treat yourself or your clients!
Forge is a coworking business focused on creating a professional, clean and exciting work environment to encourage the productivity of all of our members.
If your business is looking for creative opportunities to expand your business and get out of your home office, schedule a tour of Forge!
Forge News and Updates |
Here at Forge, we want to create an environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and productivity. We believe that our services, staff, and space offer all of our members a unique working experience where we invite them to be the best version of themselves.
At Forge, we value your time and efforts as much, if not more, than you. However, coworking spaces can be distracting and loud at times, and we want our space to contribute to your work, not takeaway or distract you from it.
With that said, we love that Forge offers members open spaces to connect, work, and collaborate, but we must remember the etiquette of coworking space. Whether you’re a coworking space expert or a newbie, we believe these are great reminders of proper behavior and etiquette for any coworking space.
1. Use your headphones
We love that you’re listening to you Monday morning pump up playlists – music is motivating guys! However, I don’t think Gabriel from Chicago wants to hear your country rap blaring through your phone speakers. We also love that you’re talking to your grandma for the 3rd time this morning trying to help her take a screenshot on her iPad; however, the whole office doesn’t need a tutorial on screenshots. We want you guys to have the freedom to listen to music, podcasts, take calls, etc., but we respectfully ask that you do so via headphones or not utilizing speaker phone.
2. Don’t overstay your welcome
We love when you utilize conference spaces or working areas; however, we urge you to stay for your allotted time and not overuse it – these spaces are shared for a reason. We all have that one friend who tends to unintentionally stays their welcome. While we love their company, we do not really know how to kindly ask them to leave. Don’t be this friend. We’re not expecting that you leave before your time ends, but we encourage you to be mindful of how long you’ve been in rooms or phone booths.
The phone booths are the perfect little getaway for phone calls, but we ask that when you’re done to not stay hidden away for too long, online shopping is a dark hole – we get it. We only request that you are aware of your time in phone booths, plus online shopping can happen at your desk (it’s much easier on a laptop too!).
3. Keep your space tidy
Remember when you were a kid, and your mom was always on you about cleaning up after yourself or cleaning your room and making it presentable? Well, we ask the same of you when you use our space. Sometimes, if I left it messy for long enough, my mom would come behind me and tidy up or clean-up after me. At Forge, we are not going to be your moms – you have great ones already so no need for us! Jokes aside, all we ask is that you keep your working areas free from too much clutter, throw away your trash, and make sure the space is clean for the next person.
4. Be considerate
Coworking spaces are awesome (yes, we are a little biased). We want all of our members and guests to feel welcomed and loved. You play a role in that as well. We simply ask that you be considerate of other people, everyone’s time, our spaces, and the staff here.
We love that you’re here, and we hope that your experience goes above and beyond your expectations. We are going to do everything we can to make sure your time here is as comfortable and easy as possible. While we are doing our part, we kindly ask that you do yours, as a member, and remember these coworking space etiquettes.
Forge is a wonderful place to work and connect or network, even if virtually (thanks COVID), and we are so excited you are here! Please reach out to us if you need anything! We love that you chose us to be your working home!
Forge News and Updates |
This past week at Forge we had the pleasure of hosting our first in-person event since the pandemic. And even better is that it was a Lunch and Learn with one of Forge’s members Kameron Monet!
Instagram is a great platform to promote your business, reach your target audience and show the behind the scenes of running your business. One of Kameron’s favorite tools to use on Instagram is Reels! Kameron shared how she creates various types of Reels to connect with her audience in a fun, creative and effective way!
Kameron is a YouTuber, influencer and lawyer – a queen to say the least. During her Lunch and Learn she dove into how to grow your business or personal brand using Instagram reels.
Benefits Of Using Reels
She highlighted 4 of the benefits of using the reels feature on Instagram.
- You can create fun, unique and engaging short videos.
- Instagram prioritizes reels
- It increases engagement from your followers through video content
- They have a longer “shelf life” and continue to get views even for weeks after the original post
Instagram provides many different tools to help users create and edit their reels content. These aid in pushing content to the forefront of of reels. Kameron included Important things to remember when creating reels
- Adding humor or creating a more serious topic into something comical can attract more attention.
- Use trendy songs and sounds (these can be found by googling “viral Tik Tok sounds or music now”)
- Always have a call to action- whether that be in your caption or the video itself.
- Don’t be afraid to repurpose content- it is okay to reuse photos from the same day or videos you took months in advance
Always keep in mind that the type of following you have is more important than the number of followers. This may look different for everyone, but remembering that you would rather have a handful of loyal followers who actively engage with your content than hundreds of bystanders who are not supporting you personally or your business.
Creating a Reel
- In the Instagram app click create where you would usually begin a normal post or story
- From there it will give you the option to create a reel
- Once you click that, it will open up to allow you to use multiple tools including adjusting the length, adding audio, a timer to align your videos and effects to change the overall appearance.
- MOST IMPORTANTLY- always save your reel and once you take it off of your feed and only have it in your reels tab you cannot undo this action.
Remember, people buy from people so don’t be afraid to share the story behind your business!
If you were unable to attend the event the YouTube video can be found HERE!
In addition, Forge is running a Summer Special for new members! If you join in the month of May or June you can buy one month of Coworking or Dedicated Desk space and receive an entire month FREE! Book a tour today!
Forge News and Updates |
Do you enjoy working from home? Even though many of us like the concept of working from home, it’s common for people to feel disconnected from their colleagues and isolated.
We know the WFH crowd is looking for ways to stay productive in the same rooms in which we sleep, eat and play… while maintaining a feeling of connection with coworkers.
“Before the coronavirus, an estimated 43% of Americans worked from home at least some of the time.”
– Gallup
1. Keep a morning routine.
If you normally start the day off with a workout, walk, quick meditation or taking a shower, keep that routine. Don’t start responding to email or Slack when you first wake up! Get up and have a morning routine like you normally would if you were going into the office.
2. Choose a dedicated workspace in your home.
Even though we hate to admit it, productivity suffers when we work from bed. Be sure to set up a designated work area at a desk or even at your kitchen table instead of lounging in bed. It will help to cue your body that it’s time to be productive!
3. Set up in a spot with some natural light.
A 2018 study found that people working in naturally-lit spaces reported less eye strain, headaches and drowsiness. And a recent poll of workers showed that we all crave natural light in our workspace more than perks like gyms or cafeterias, per Harvard Business Review.
Work near a window at home- it could even help you sleep better at night!
4. Pick up the phone and turn your camera on.
As much as you may not want to pick up the phone or turn on your laptop camera, you’ll get more done if you connect with coworkers vocally and visually. Consider calling your coworker instead of writing a super long email sometimes. Even though you’re working from home, it’s important to keep building those relationships.
5. Take a walk at lunch!
A 2020 study found participants reporting “better concentration and less fatigue in the afternoon” after just 15 minutes spent strolling in the park. Most of us know that taking a walk is good for us but it’s often overlooked when you have other tasks on your plate.
6. Adjust the sound.
For a lot of people, it’s too quiet at home. There’s no office buzz going on around them, and they miss it. For others, playing music — especially with headphones in — can help cut out the noise from family members or roommates who might also be working or schooling from home.
7. Be patient with yourself.
Try to be flexible and understanding as you find your rhythm and dial into working from home. Even if working from home is only a temporary arrangement for you, you’ll be glad you did.
If you’re tired of working from home, we have the Summer Special just for you! Join in the month of May or June, buy one month get one month FREE!
Forge News and Updates |
Are you and your company looking for the perfect professional meeting space that meets all your needs? Look no further! Here is your guide to finding the meeting and event space of your dreams.
With more than 75 meeting spaces in Birmingham, finding one that fits your needs and desires may be overwhelming. That’s where I’m here to help. When booking a space in Birmingham, it’s important to make sure it has everything you need.
1. Professional Setting
2. Clean and Sanitized (especially during the current pandemic – you can never be too careful)
3. Well-Equipped with the Proper Amenities
4. Welcoming and Relaxed Environment
5. Cost-Effective
6. Parking and Accessibility
7. Geographically Convenient
8. Plenty of Room – You don’t want to feel cramped while in a meeting!
Here’s a list of some of the best Birmingham meeting spaces, that meet all of these requirements and more!
- Forge
Did you really think I was going to write an article about the best conference/ meeting spaces in Birmingham and not include Forge?! Forge, in the heart of downtown Birmingham, offers four beautifully designed conference rooms for members and visitors. These conference rooms can accompany varying numbers of people and offers beautiful natural light, proper technology, and stunning views of Birmingham. Forge also has event space available for groups of up to 100 people. Book a meeting room today or check out the event space!
2. The Hub
Located in West Homewood, AL, besides Seeds Coffee, the Hub offers meeting spaces for up to 15 people. The space has all the proper technological equipment and WIFI needed, as well as a lounge, greenspace, and coffee next door. Similar to the next three places, the Hub is a collaborative co-working space for professionals of all kinds.
Photo from The Hub Website
3. Social Venture
Social Venture is a co-working and meeting space, located in the heart of Woodlawn. It offers small and large sized meeting rooms with Apple TV, HDMI inputs, podiums, and more for all meeting and conference needs. For more information on reserving these spaces visit, click here.
Photo from Social Venture Website
4. WORX BHM
Worx BHM, located off Lakeshore and Columbiana, offers two great options for conference rooms. They have rooms for 12 – 20 people, depending on location! If you’re interested in booking a space here, please contact info@worxbhm.com or call 205-379-6023 to reserve a room.
Photo from Worx Instagram
5. Back Forty Beer Company
Recently, Back Forty opened their B40 Barrel Room which is the perfect space for a more casual medium to large meeting space. The indoor stage and 20’ projection screen are the perfect added details for any presentations and conference rooms. For more information, please email info@backfortybham.com.
photo from Bham Now
6. Elyton Hotel
The Elyton Hotel offers wonderful meeting and event spaces, in downtown Birmingham. They have a number of different spaces that can accommodate groups of all sizes – from smaller 10 – 30 groups or up to 125 guests. The Elyton is the perfect place for your next meeting or conference. Call ahead or visit their website online for more information.
Photo from Marriott website
7. Avondale Brewing Company
In Avondale resides a historically preserved and restored building, known to many as Avondale Brewery. However, inside this stunning building is a beautiful space for all weddings, formal meetings, and more. For more information, please visit their website and fill out their Booking Information Form.
Photo from Wedding Spot
8. Grand Bohemian Hotel (Mountain Brook – Crestline Village)
The Grand Bohemian provides meeting/conference spaces to meet all your capacity needs. Larger meetings and conferences may utilize the 400-person ballroom. In addition, they have smaller rooms for 10 to 35 people available for rent. Call ahead or book your space online.
Photo from Marriott Website
9. Aloft Hotel Birmingham (Soho Square)
Located in the heart of downtown Homewood, ALoft provides a beautiful space with up to 60 people capacity. Once the meeting is over, ALoft’s locations offers a variety of Birmingham local dining establishment within walking distance. The conference room offers a variety of different meeting set ups depending on your particular needs. For more information or to book the room, click here.
Photo from Marriott Website
I hope this list of conference room and meeting and/or event spaces is a great start to an extensive list of incredible spaces located around Birmingham. If none of these places work out for you, I encourage you to continue to find and share spaces that work for all of your needs.
The first four suggestions are special to us here at Forge, as they are all coworking spaces located around the Birmingham area. In fact, they, and some others not mentioned, are all a part of the Birmingham Coworking Collective(BCC). The BCC’s goal is to grow and strengthen the coworking community in Birmingham through increasing awareness and much more.
In efforts to increase awareness, support coworking, and empower professionals around Birmingham, the Birmingham Coworking Collective has a Passport which allows you access to all seven of the coworking spaces in the Birmingham area – allowing you to visit and try out each space before potentially committing to a membership.
Even if coworking is not for you, we highly encourage you to check out these wonderful collaborative working spaces and some of the meeting and conference rooms Birmingham has to offer.
