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!
Member Spotlight |
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
My name is Brenna Truitt and I am a senior Entrepreneurship major at Samford University. I grew up in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and plan on moving back to that area after graduation. I am the president of my sorority (which keeps me pretty busy) but in my free time I love to spend time with my friends and family, watch movies, and bake!
What do you do at Forge?
As the Forge Intern I work on posts for the Building Birmingham Together Podcast and run the Birmingham Coworking Collective Instagram account.
What do you like about being an Entrepreneurship major?
What I love most about being an Entrepreneurship major is getting to take classes in each area of business. I have an understanding of accounting, economics, finance, and entrepreneurship so It is almost like being all business majors at the same time.
What is your career plan?
My goal is to one day own a dance studio. I have had this dream since I was a kid and now have it as a long term goal. I know that having a successful business, like a dance studio, doesn’t happen overnight and that it might not happen in the direct months following graduation; so I am still thinking about what to do in between graduation and starting the studio. However, I am determined to make it happen. I have always loved business and the idea of being a business owner, plus, I have loved dancing since the age of three. Hopefully one day I can combine these two passions and have a successful business.
What do you think is interesting about Forge?
What I think is so interesting about Forge is the positive environment of all the members and the employees. Everyone knows each other and always stops to ask questions about their day or things going on. I have been here for two weeks and already feel so welcomed by everyone that I meet.
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!
