Forge News and Updates |
As we say goodbye to an exceptional year, it’s time to reflect on the milestones, connections, and moments that defined Forge in 2023. This past year has been a journey of growth, collaboration, and community at our coworking space. From the buzz of events that brought professionals together to the vibrant energy of our expanding membership, every day at Forge has been a testament to the thriving spirit of innovation and connection.
Join us as we highlight the events that left an impact- the growing number of members who call Forge home and the multitude of meeting rooms that buzzed with creativity and collaboration throughout 2023. Let’s celebrate the successes and set the stage for 2024.
We sent out a survey to Forge members to learn more about their experience at Forge in 2023. Here is some insightful information we learned from that survey!
Location, location, location! Forge is in the heart of downtown inside the historic Pizitz building. The Pizitz Food Hall offers plenty of lunch and dinner options for our members which is one big perk to our location!
Escaping the isolation of working from home and joining Forge provides entrepreneurs and remote workers a community they desperately need!
From startups growing to established businesses reaching new heights, the collaborative environment at Forge is proving to be the catalyst for success. This statistic is a testament to the power of community, innovation, and the opportunities that unfold at Forge!
Forge stands proud as 100% of our members affirm that their productivity has soared since joining our coworking community- a testament to the power of an environment designed for success.
A resounding 100% of Forge members attest to the power of networking within our community! Forge members say they’ve gained invaluable business connections since joining.
In 2023 Forge served…
92 Total Coworking Members
28 Private Office Members
2023 Booking Hours:
Meeting Room Hours: 1,526
Event hours: 250
Forge hosted over 30 events in 2023!
Over 1,090 tickets were reserved for these events!
Founder’s Friday with Jamie and Tez of Athetik
Founder’s Friday with Delphine Carter of Boulo Solutions
Forge’s Monthly Events:
Free Friday, Lunch & Learns, Founder’s Friday & Connect Networking Breakfast
A Lunch & Learn with KaLyn Williams
Forge also hosted numerous events specifically for our members- anything from happy hours to breakfasts, New Member Lunches, holiday themed parties and much more!
Holiday Mix-er Event at Christmas, we learned how to make two holiday cocktails!
Spirit Week filled with fun dress up days
From the excitement of events that illuminated our shared spaces to the hum of productivity resonating in every corner, each day at Forge has been a canvas painted with the vibrancy of connection and growth. As we step into the promising pages of the new year, we carry with us the triumphs of 2023.
To every member, attendee, and participant who contributed to the Forge narrative, thank you for making 2023 a year to remember. Here’s to the shared stories, the possibilities and the boundless horizons that await in 2024. Happy New Year, and let’s continue to forge success together!
Member Spotlight |
Meet Forge Member Terrell Oliver!
What is your job title?
Life Insurance Broker
In addition to your job title, tell us a little bit about what you do/your company does.
I run a financial services firm protecting peoples assets and helping families transfer generational wealth for generations to come.
What is your favorite part about your job?
Knowing that my clients’ finances are protected and they can sleep peacefully without having to start a GoFundMe campaign.
What made you decide to join Forge?
I was looking for a change in environment and I found Forge with excellent support and service.
What is your favorite thing about Forge?
Networking with likeminded individuals.
What is your favorite spot/place to work at Forge?
Open coworking space!
What is your ideal weekend in Birmingham?
A little bit of working, networking, and relaxing.
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!
