Planning to get all your colleagues together for a conference? Want to stack the odds in your favour to make your company event a complete success? To help you out, we've compiled a list of 7 mistakes to avoid at all costs.

1. Not Establishing a Theme

If you want to encourage attendees to make the trip, you need something that will make their mouths water - a promise that they will learn new things and enjoy a special experience.

2. Choosing Inappropriate Dates

Most business conferences take place over two or three days. However, this does not mean that you are free to choose any old weekend.

3. Making The Conference Unnecessarily Long

Although most conferences take place over two or three days, it is entirely possible to organise a one-day business conference. Whether you are organising a team-building session or a training conference, the important thing is to make good use of the time.

4. Not Confirming Attendees Presence

While it is true that employees of an organisation do tend to turn up to company events, that doesn't mean you don't need to confirm their attendance.

5. Waiting Until The Last Minute to Prepare The Event

As with any company event, organising a conference requires a significant amount of work in advance. To make it a success, you must therefore start taking the first steps as early as possible.

6. Choosing a Location That is Far Away or Difficult to Access

When choosing a location for your business event, don't just visit its website. Go to see it in person to make sure that it is not too far away or difficult to find.

7. Not Getting Help

A business conference is a major event, so you can't organise it alone. Secure the help of two or three colleagues to take care of the various details. Another solution is to enlist the services of an event organiser.

Credit:

Oscar Tiberghien

Website: https://blog.bird-office.com

You can start a business with a limited budget and a very short turnaround time. In fact, you can start a business between the time you wake up in the morning and the time you go to sleep that night. You just need a list of resources and tools, and a lot of focus.

There are a few things that will make it easier to start a business and scale it quickly. First, it will help if you already know the type of business you want to build and have a basic understanding of the target market you’re seeking. It can also help if you choose a service-based business, such as a marketing firm or consultancy, rather than one that specializes in products. Product-based businesses require prototypes and plans for manufacturing and distribution, which can take time to set up. However, if you already know the types of products you want to sell, or if you want to open a retail shop or an e-commerce site, it can be done as long as you know where to find the products you plan to sell.

So, are you ready to start a business? This handy list can help. From start to finish, you’ll see the steps you need to come up with an idea and bring it to fruition, giving you the foundation you need to grow a thriving business in the days that follow.

1. Come up with an idea.

The idea must answer a few questions:

• Who is you ideal customer?
• What business should you want to be in?
• What business do you want to be in?

To come up with a business idea, and because you’ll be putting a great deal of time and energy into your new business, it can help if it’s in a subject matter area that fits your unique interests. Chances are, you already have a general idea in mind, but if you’ve never thought about what type of business you might start, take a few minutes to think about the best type of company to open for you. Imagine a potential investor or client reviewing your background to determine if you have the skills necessary to offer your particular services. Then try to make a match.

In addition to your background, you should also ensure your business will serve a specific need. What problem are you going to solve? If you plan to start a bookkeeping business, for instance, you may see a demand for the type of services you offer among small businesses like yours. The problem those businesses face is finding someone to handle their bookkeeping at an affordable rate, rather than having to pay a salary to a full-time employee for accounting services. Once you’ve identified the problem, you can start to tailor a solution and design your business.

2. Conduct thorough research.

Your research should not only address the landscape of your business but also answer:

1. How do I speak to my customer
2. Who is the best in the business and how do I be better them
3. Why me and not the other guy

Market research is a key part of launching a new business, but you don’t have to pour weeks of research into your idea. Instead, you can use the many tools available to learn more about the market for the business you’re starting. For the first day, just take a little time to determine how many businesses like yours are out there and what services they offer. How can you differentiate yourself from them? You should also pay close attention to their customer base since they’re likely representative of your own target demographic.

In addition to existing businesses, you should also spend time searching for information that will reveal the demand for your products or services. If you’re local, search social media community pages. If you’re thinking about starting a mobile grooming business, for instance, search to see if anyone has asked about that kind of service in your area. Extend beyond that to see how often local residents ask for groomer recommendations. If you can’t find helpful posts, create your own and simply ask if anyone would be interested in the services you’re planning to offer.

3. Choose a business name

1. Can you name a business that aligns to your ideal customer and the business you want to be in?

It can be easy to spend months trying to think of the perfect business name, but while it’s important to choose something catchy, it’s even more important to make sure it’s unique. The first step is easy: Look online to see if any businesses operate under your name. If you plan only to sell locally, having the same name as a business on the other side of the country might not seem like a problem; however, you may have difficulty getting the website name you want, and customers might not be able to find you in search results. So it’s best to choose a name nobody else is using.

Even if a quick web search shows no use, you’ll still need to make sure the name isn’t trademarked. The same goes for any products or specialized services you come up with—always check to make sure the names aren’t protected. You’ll also need to check with your state department of revenue to make sure your business name isn’t already taken, because you won’t be able to register with the state if someone else is operating under the same name.

4. Identify your target audience; why

1. You company needs A voice
2. People must Ask questions you answer
3. What is the tone to Speak to your

Defining your target market is an important part of starting a new business. There are several demographic maps you can use to identify your key audience, whether you plan to market locally or in a wider geographic range. The Census Bureau has its own apps to help, as do sites like American FactFinder. This information is especially useful if you’re planning on marketing locally, since it will tell you the areas of town where your ideal age group likely is. Say you’re interested in opening a business that will primarily cater to retirees, you will want to focus on the part of town most likely to attract that population.

You can also study the keywords and ads used by specific businesses in your field using tools like SERanking’s Competitor SEO/PPC research tool. If you have time to create a quick survey and post it on your own social media accounts, a tool like SurveyMonkey can help you not only create the polls you need, but easily study the data they provide. These tools are ideal for getting instant information in time to take action on it.

5. Decide on a location

Don’t work from home, please!
If you’re starting a business today, you’re probably working from your home office or maybe even your kitchen table. But you don’t have to stay there. Research local workspace options and line up the contact information you’ll need to make a decision. A coworking space in Jersey City can be a great choice for a new, growing business. Coworker.com search WorkSocial can help you find a space in the size you need with your preferred amenities. Although, don’t feel pressured to permanently leave your home. You can still work out of your house and just occasionally use a coworking space or a conference room at WorkSocial for a change of scenery or meeting with clients.

Some businesses require a dedicated office space in Jersey City, or a virtual office. A tax preparer or attorney, for example, might need an easy-to-access office with professional signage to attract clients. If that is your goal, track down a real estate agent that can match you with an available, affordable commercial space for lease that fits your needs and flexibility. Don’t worry, you can still work on getting other aspects of your business set up since it will likely be at least a couple of weeks before you start meeting with clients. You have plenty of other things to get squared away first.

6. Buy a domain name and design the site

Your domain name is an important decision, so take some time to think it through. Experts say the value is in the .com, so if you’re married to the business name you’ve chosen, you could run into problems. Use a tool like GoDaddy’s domain name search to check names related to the one you want. If yours is taken, GoDaddy offers available variations.

Once you’ve found your domain of choice, lock it in by buying it. You’re only committing to the cost of the domain name, which is marginal and will expire within a year or two depending on the payment option you choose. You’ll want to make sure you renew the name before it expires to avoid losing it to someone else, especially once your business is established. Also, try to make your business name as evergreen as possible, avoiding tying it down to a specific location or product. This will allow you to evolve over time.

7. Get web hosting

Having a domain name is only part of the process. You’ll also need a service to host your website, which you’ll design in the next step. GoDaddy and other domain providers offer web hosting, but their fees aren’t necessarily the cheapest. Shop around for the top web hosting providers and pay attention to the various fees advertised. You’ll pay a monthly fee, which you can sometimes take care of in one lump sum, and for that, you’ll probably also get an email address for your new business. This will match the domain name you chose, but you can direct it to an email address you already use if, say, you prefer to stick with your favorite Gmail account.

Cost is only a small piece of the puzzle, however. You should also pay attention to the customer service your web host provides. Do they promise 24/7 uptime, or something close to it? The last thing you need is for your website to go down at 7 p.m. on a Friday night, only to find you can’t get anyone to do anything about it until Monday at 8 a.m. when the host’s offices open again. You should also look for web hosting providers that promise top security to ensure your website won’t fall victim to a costly security breach.

8. Build a website – focus on who you are talking to

Every business needs a website. It’s the first place customers will go to learn more about what you’re offering. Fortunately, you can build a website quickly thanks to the many do-it-yourself tools where you simply choose a template and upload basic information, like how to contact you and what your business hours are. You can refine the rest later, especially once you have a logo and more details to share. Try to make it easy for customers to contact you to schedule an appointment or ask questions.

There are numerous DIY website builders to consider. WordPress is free and popular, but it lacks the drag-and-drop functionality you’ll see with sites like Wix and Squarespace. These sites make it easy to build a professional website without the help of a graphic designer, but you’ll pay for it. If you want to remove the branding that comes with such sites, you’ll be asked to pay a monthly fee. Wix, for instance, charges $14 a month and up for business sites, while Squarespace charges $18. You may want to opt for the slightly higher-priced monthly plan for each of these, though, rather than committing to a full year, to give yourself a chance to try it out.

9. Set up phone service.

Before you can win your first client, you’ll need phone service. You likely already have a cell phone, but you’ll need a more professional interface to run your business. Nextiva’s phone service helps you move seamlessly between a desk phone and your cell phone, with a mobile app to manage it all. If you’re on the road for the day, you can switch all your calls to your cell phone. Perhaps best of all, if you make outgoing calls from your personal phone, it will show up to the person at the other end of the line as your office number.

If you’re starting a new business, your needs go well beyond basic phone service. Nextiva’s bundles combine phone service with chat, surveys, customer service CRM and more. You’ll even have analytics to offer insight into how you’re doing as you work hard to grow your business. Best of all, since these phone services are cloud-based, your solution will grow as you do, which means you won’t have to waste time shopping around once you’ve added a few employees to your team. You’ll also pay a low monthly fee, so there will be no expensive setup fees to kick things off.

10. Set up a customer database

At one time, professionals kept all of their contact information in address books and on Rolodex cards. Today’s successful businesses maintain a comprehensive database, collecting information on prospects and customers and using that information to close deals. If you learn offhandedly that a potential client enjoys football, for instance, the right database will allow you to log that detail so that you can refer to it later. Maybe you can purchase tickets as a gift or simply mention to last night’s game in conversation.

Not every business needs such a database. First, it’s important to determine if you’ll be regularly interacting with your customers and, if so, whether you’ll need to track them on an ongoing basis. In most cases, you will, and the best type of database to set up will be a customer relationship management (CRM) solution. There is a wide range of software options, including the ever-popular Salesforce, Infusionsoft and HubSpot CRM. Make sure you choose a tool with plenty of modules and integrations so that you can add on to it as your business needs evolve. If it ties into your email and phone applications, you’ll reduce duplicate work.

11. Generate leads – that ha fun…sleepless nights

As a new business, you need good leads to win customers. No matter what type of business you run, getting those names will present a big challenge at the outset. Lead generation software can help by automatically identifying people who might be interested in what you’re selling. Whether you’re calling potential clients on your own or planning to deploy a mass email campaign, this type of tool can help you narrow down those who are most likely to say “yes,” avoiding the time you might waste contacting those who would never be interested.

Your options vary from solutions that automatically pull leads and use them to populate your database, such as LeadGenius, to those that interact with the solutions that you already use. Marketo gathers information on the people who visit your website each day and helps you deliver personalized messages to them. If you use Salesforce as your CRM, you can use Pardot to make sure your pipeline is always filled with ready-to-convert leads. The software even interacts with your social media platforms to ensure that you’re fully informed about the potential customers interacting with your brand online.

12. Create a social media audience

In addition to a website, you’ll also need a social media presence. You may have personal profiles on sites like Facebook and Twitter, but it’s a completely different world when you’re coming at it from a business perspective. Your new company will need a profile on every social media site where your customers are likely to hang out. If you’re after the younger demographic, you’ll want to put your focus heavily on Snapchat and Instagram. The older crowd, on the other hand, is more likely to be on Facebook and YouTube. Set up a page where you’re likely to find your target demographic so that you’ll be prepared to make use of it once your business is officially open.

For customer-facing businesses, it’s important to pay close attention to Yelp, which houses reviews for businesses, because local customers interested in buying from you will probably go there first. And if you’re local, you should also consider setting up a page with Google My Business, which will show your operating hours and location when someone searches for you.

13. Apply for appropriate licenses if needed

You can’t operate a business without the required licenses. If you’re an attorney, accountant or other regulated professional, you probably already know what licenses you need, but a business also needs to register with state authorities and pay the associated fees. If you’ll be selling items subject to sales tax, you’ll need to set up your business to set aside those funds so that you can submit them to local authorities on a monthly basis. Specialized businesses, such as those selling alcohol, will also need permits from the state to operate.

No matter what type of business you run, though, you’ll need a license from the state. Luckily, you can often get the ball rolling online. In Kansas, for instance, you’ll find the paperwork you need on the Secretary of State’s website. Here you can check to make sure your chosen business name is available, file formation documents and more.

14. Get an EIN.

You’ve likely gotten to this point in your professional life using your social security number. That nine-digit ID is all you need to get paid by an employer and file taxes each year. You can even work as an independent contractor or sole proprietor using your social security number. However, if you’re working with a large number of payers, who will be asking for your tax information in order to pay you, you may want to consider getting an employer identification number (EIN). This number will protect your social security number while still allowing businesses to report that they paid you.

The IRS requires you move to an EIN once you begin operating as a corporation or partnership. You’ll also be expected to have an EIN once you hire employees or file employment tax returns. Filing for an EIN is an easy, immediate process that you can do online. You’ll simply go to the IRS website and complete the form. Once you have the EIN, you can begin using it in place of your social security number when you’re acting on behalf of your business.

15. Open a bank account.

You’ll also need a bank account for your new business. The first resource for this will most likely be your own bank because you’re an established customer, but don’t hesitate to at least look at the fees other banks are offering. You may find you save money by switching to a bank that specializes in business accounts. You’ll want to find a location closest to your home for convenience, but it’s also OK to set up an online bank account. Many of your transactions will be electronic anyway, but remote deposit makes it easy to deposit paper checks without setting foot in a bank.

Before you can open a bank account, you’ll need to have the right paperwork. This includes your EIN, if you’ve set one up, or social security number if you prefer to do things under your own name for now. You’ll also need copies of the documentation you provided to the state when you registered your business, including your articles of formation. You may need a copy of your business license before you can finalize the account, so if the state hasn’t issued it yet, this step of the process could be delayed.

16. Invest in accounting software.

You won’t have much of a business if you can’t get paid. One of the most important steps you’ll take is to set up accounting procedures for your new business. Invoicing is essential, but it can help to tie it into your bookkeeping software to ensure everything is logged in real time. Fortunately, there are many accounting and invoicing solutions to choose from, all of which can be set up in a matter of minutes. Look into each solution first to determine which will work best for your needs.

Among the top solutions available are QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Xero and Zoho Books. Some of these do have free options, which will work fine before you have customers to bill, but you will quickly exceed the limitations of free accounts. So, make sure you compare the monthly costs associated with the business size you’re estimating to have within the next few months, rather than the customers you think you’ll have in your first few weeks of operation. Also, be sure it’s easy to pull the reports you need at tax time so that you don’t spend weeks trying to get everything together.

17. Create a marketing plan.

It can take a while to create a marketing plan for a new business, so don’t feel pressured to put together an overly detailed document right away. Small Business Trends has templates you can use to build a quick marketing plan. At the very least, it will prompt you to think through the various ways you’ll promote your new business. You’ll be asked to come up with a mission statement, describe your target market and more. You can also follow a few simple steps to design your own from scratch.

As you draw up your marketing plan, you’ll refer to the demographic data you discovered while setting up your social media profiles, because before you can figure out how to promote your business, you’ll need to identify your target market. Another part of your marketing plan might be buyer personas, which means coming up with an imaginary person to represent your typical customer. You can list out that buyer’s occupation, family data and personal interests and tie them into how that person will use your products.

18. Write a business plan.

In addition to a marketing plan, you’ll need a business plan, which will come in handy as you seek financing and reach out to new clients. As with your marketing plan, you’ll be able to refine and add to your business plan as your business grows. It’s important to have a document in place that gets you started, especially if you plan to ask for a bank loan, and the Small Business Administration has a business plan builder to help you get going.

A traditional business plan includes an executive summary, general description of your company, data from the market analysis you’ve done, information about your product or service, and your financials. Since you’re brand new, you may not have all those things yet, but at least you’ll have the skeleton of your plan so you can build on it later.

19. Get funding.

Now that you have the beginnings of a business plan in place, consider how you’ll pay for your upfront expenses. If you’ve chosen a business that you can operate from your home, you’ll save some money. But you’ll need to consider personal bills, assuming you aren’t going to run your business on the side, and how you’ll take care of smaller expenses like paid ads and networking events. A bank loan is worth considering, but it will put you in debt. Perhaps instead, check into grants that might be available to small businesses like yours.

Crowdfunding can be another useful way to bring in money for your new business. This is especially beneficial if you’re selling a product where you need a large chunk of money up front in order to pay for manufacturing. This strategy can help build an online presence that you can use to promote your campaign and generate word of mouth. Even if you plan on running a service-based business, you can use a site like Indiegogo to get the word out and gather support.

20. Protect your products

If you’re concerned about someone stealing your concept, you may want to trademark your business name, but first you’ll need to make sure nobody else has filed before you. You’ll also need to demonstrate that you have a distinctive name and you plan to use it for a very specific type of product. You can’t, for instance, trademark the name “World’s Best Donuts” for your shop. And the filing fee is in the hundreds of dollars, so make sure you’re ready to make that investment.

You’ll also need to make sure your idea is protected against theft. A patent can help with that, allowing you to get exclusive rights to your product design. If you plan to pitch to investors, being able to confirm that you’ve filed for a patent can demonstrate how serious you are. You can file the application yourself and save money or turn it over to an attorney to manage, at which point you can expect to pay thousands of dollars. Either way, it will take time for the request to be processed and approved, so on Day One, you’ll only be able to kick off the process.

21. Get a logo.

You’ll need a distinct, professionally designed logo if you want your business to stand out to and stick with the customers who come across it. You can look through portfolios on sites like 99Designs and Upwork, narrowing your choices to those whose design matches the style you want. If you want quick turnaround, make sure you let the designer know. You can also hold a contest on 99Designs and have multiple designers compete for the job.

If you have artistic talent, you can save money and time by designing your own logo. You can try it the old-fashioned way, using a tool like Photoshop or GIMP, or you can use a tool that offers help, such as the AI-powered logo maker provided by Logojoy. Since simple design is in style, this may not be hard as you think. Experiment with various fonts and colors and pass them over to some friends and relatives to ask for feedback.

22. Consider insurance needs.

Insurance is one step you shouldn’t skip. A shop with foot traffic throughout the day can’t risk a slip-and-fall lawsuit without insurance in place to protect it, for example. The type of insurance you need depends heavily on the work you’ll be doing. However, every business can benefit from professional liability insurance.

Also known as errors and omissions insurance, this protects you against any mistakes you might make in the course of doing your work.

As much money as working from home can save you in the early days, you’ll need to be aware that your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance doesn’t keep your business safe the way it does your personal property. You’ll need to check with your insurer to find out what extra coverage you’ll need for the equipment and other items you’re using for your business. You’ll also need to pay close attention to any extra coverage you might need on your vehicle if you’re using it for business. Lastly, business interruption insurance can safeguard your investment if a disaster should someday temporarily affect your ability to earn income from your business.

23. Decide if you need help.

As your business grows, you’ll likely find it more difficult to do everything on your own. But hiring a salaried employee can be a huge commitment. There are less long-term arrangements that can help you. You might try contracting with a virtual assistant who can help as needed. Sites like Upwork and TaskBullet are ideal for getting help with specific tasks, such as cleaning up your mailing list or transcribing an audio file.

You aren’t limited to virtual assistance through sites like these, though. You can also use outsourcing to hire workers to write content, answer emails, schedule appointments and more. By hiring contractors for small tasks, you have the opportunity to try them out and determine whether you want to continue working with them in the future. It can also be a great way to find a salaried worker, provided you’re OK with them working remotely. Even once you have employees on the payroll, though, you’ll probably still find that you can use freelancers for certain tasks.

It may take more than a day to fully build out your new business, but these steps are a great start. On Day Two, you’ll show up for work ready to move forward with so many things already in place.

Credit: Drew Hendricks
Website: www.success.com

“Being busy means doing stuff, but being productive means getting stuff done.” Wiser words may never have been spoken, despite the anonymous origins of that inspirational quote. As a leader, I believe it more than ever—although I did not fully understand it early in my career. In fact, I spent years trying different strategies aimed at maximizing my productivity. And I continue to learn more; it’s been a lifelong experiment.

I’ve looked high and low for answers, but a key solution was literally right in front of me: My desk was a mess. That matters because not only do you lose time sorting through clutter, but an unorganized space creates negative energy. Sure, I got things done, and I continued to learn and grow in my career, but it wasn’t until I was in my 40s that I finally figured out what works in regard to maximizing my workspace.

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Now that I’ve fully implemented the formula, I’m much happier and infinitely more productive. My desk is now my oasis. Adopting these seven habits made all the difference:

1. Clean up your space.

Simplifying often means cleaning up. Some people are naturally more orderly, but research makes it clear that a tidy, simplified workspace promotes productivity for everyone. It also impacts your relationship with co-workers, as many people assume co-workers with cluttered or dirty work areas are lazy or unorganized.

Think about first impressions you’ve had. When you walk into a clean restaurant, hotel, restroom or store, you notice. And, consciously or not, you believe that the establishment cares about the details and takes pride in the work. I’ve always felt that taking a few minutes to make sure your workspace is neat and tidy will allow you to focus on the bigger things and will make you look more competent in the process.

2. Create the right energy.

Your workspace reflects who you are, so make it welcoming, calming and focused. The formula is fluid, but incorporating a few personal touches—a picture or two, a small potted plant, a Rubik’s cube—with a lot of open desk space will do wonders for your mental focus. Quality lighting that’s not too glaring and not too dim is also vital for optimum productivity.

I prefer minimalism when I organize my workspace—free from distraction. And I believe positive energy makes you more productive. It’s hard to describe, but you know it when you feel it; it’s definitely not the same for everyone. But it’s important that you surround yourself with the pieces, furniture and people that create positive energy for you. For me, that means neutral colors, great lighting, plants, access to natural light and (of course) amazing co-workers in my coworking space.

3. Turn off your notifications.

You’re watching someone give a presentation, and alerts keep popping up on their screen. They act like it’s not a distraction, but they have to pause and close the notification before moving on. We’ve all seen it; it happens all the time. Chances are, it’s happening at your desk, too.

One of the best things I’ve done for my productivity was to shut off my notifications. Absolutely nothing pops up on my computer screen, and no one buzzes through on my phone except my family. The idea that being constantly available makes you a better worker is a myth. Shut off your alerts, establish time blocks for checking messages, and watch your productivity surge.

4. Cut down on paper.

Clutter on your desk and in your workspace slows you down, distracts you and increases your stress. You probably don’t need most of the stuff on your desk, and any papers you may need later can be filed away. Overall, though, searching through electronically stored documents is far more efficient than digging through mounds of paperwork.

5. Make a stack.

I admit it—I’m a stacker. As clear as I keep my work area, I always have a single stack of papers on one corner of my desk, ready for my attention. I make my stack throughout the day and clear it before the end of the day or first thing in the morning. I also cover my stack so I am not distracted by what’s on top. This way, I know what needs my immediate attention and can stay focused on more timely tasks.

6. Keep a notebook.

It may seem archaic, but research has shown that writing notes by hand creates better retention. Scribbling down a list or agenda each day allows you to sort and prioritize activities in your head, so that you enter your day with more clarity and focus. I always keep a notebook open on my desk, beside my paper stack, and take it to all my meetings.

The idea was validated when I read that Sir Richard Branson has years’ worth of notebooks filled with countless ideas and thoughts. I’ve tried lots of notebooks over the years. For me, it’s blank white pages without lines. This simple, clean layout allows me to sketch an idea, write some words, make a list, etc. It’s free flowing, which works for me.

7. Plan people time.

Every job requires face time with colleagues and vendors. Whether it’s checking on employees you supervise, answering customer emails or listening to calls about your product, people take time. I used to overlook this, back when I scheduled tasks to fill every minute of my workday.

Now, I try to save roughly 30 percent of my time at the office for people-related tasks. Knowing that I have that time set aside allows me to be present with them. I’m not supposed to be doing anything else with those minutes—and knowing that makes a huge difference.

In school, it was taught as MBWA: management by walking around. As a kid working in my mom’s hair salon, it was watching her take care of her personal clients, but also watching her mentor fellow cosmetologists and talk with their clients. As a waiter in college, it was observing all the moving parts. Here at VARIDESK, it allows me to fly at 30,000 feet while also experiencing what’s going on with my team on the battlefield of business.

Credit: Jason McCann
Website: www.success.com

With a coworking space on seemingly every corner, it’s not always easy to know which is the best option for your company. But as Shark Tank star Daymond John reassures entrepreneurs, there’s a perfect fit for everyone.

The secret, according to John, is to spend as much time as possible in the spaces you’re considering before you commit. Watch this short video as John, who recently opened coworking space Blueprint + Co, shares the red flags to watch out for to ensure you stay both productive and happy.

Coworking is often considered a millennial venture — strictly for those who are young, starting out and crave the unstructured work environment.

While coworking may have begun in this demographic, this is less and less true as coworking becomes increasingly popular. All kinds of workers are realizing they can have a flexible and diverse working environment without sacrificing the professionalism of the office.

Our most recent member survey demonstrated that this is definitely not the case. Of those surveyed:

• Only 50 percent self-identified as individual workers (consultants, freelancers, or telecommuters)
• 40 percent categorized themselves as employees (people who work for an employer at a coworking space)
• 10 percent classified themselves as employers (business owners or business unit managers who had employees)

Enterprise is making a showing in co-working.

Larger corporations are increasingly making use of co-working. Gone are the days of co-working spaces filled with companies you have never heard of. Corporations have been finding value in coworking spaces for different reasons, including improving recruitment efforts, lowering real estate costs, gaining flexibility and boosting employee satisfaction.

Everyone finds success differently, whether it’s by pulling bootstraps a little tighter or knowing the right people at the right time. In my case, I found success only after doing something I typically dread: networking. But after moving to a new Jersey city—where I knew no one, and no one knew me—I didn’t really have a choice. If I wanted to get somewhere, connecting with people was the key.

Over time, dread turned to desire, and I not only started to benefit from networking, but I started to enjoy it. So I began helping others connect within the community, too, attending lunches and speaking at networking events. And now, eight years later, I’ve found a full-time career I love, one I started from scratch. But this didn’t happen overnight. It took proactivity and a willingness to connect. It meant getting out of my comfort zone, confronting my fear and putting myself out there.

Often, we get stuck in analysis paralysis, believing we are “too young for this” and “there aren’t enough opportunities for that” instead of simply getting started where we are. Put that thinking aside and use the following tips that will help you make connections today for success tomorrow:

1. Be curious. You’ll find all types of people this way.

I think people struggle to reach their true potential because they’re quick to make comparisons—and comparison is the thief of joy, after all. When you shift your mindset and approach opportunities or new challenges from a state of curiosity, you open doors you didn’t know existed (and meet people you’d never dream of meeting). Stay curious and open minded, ditch the need to compare old opportunities with new ones, and find new worlds.

My motto? Channel the curious kid in you, and your creative dreams will come true. Growing up, I dabbled in just about everything—from band and choir to basketball and acting—because I needed to know more about all the things life offered. This increased my energy, fueled my creativity and had long-lasting effects on my emotional well-being. Above all, curiosity put me in environments among people with whom I likely never would’ve crossed paths; I even made a few lifelong friends along the way.

So even today, I play. I regularly channel my inner curious kid by trying one new thing every month: rock climbing, sky diving, simulated flying lessons. You name it, I’ll test it. And by dabbling in new things, I inevitably make new connections. If you do the same, know this: A handful of these connections will, in fact, serve as influencers who will undoubtedly push you in the right (and most successful) directions.

2. Be coachable.

Being coached isn’t easy; I get it. It can feel a lot like criticism, and criticism can feel cold, especially when it’s coming from someone you don’t know. But when you’re coachable, it can be the very thing that leads you to your next opportunity. You don’t always have to agree, but if you’re merely open to learning, coachability will take you a long way. In my experience, coachability will help build bridges and connections far quicker than anything else.

I learned to be coachable in my time as an eighth grade science teacher. If it has to be said, eighth graders have no filter, and everything is fair game. Your teaching methods, your clothes, the booger in your nose during allergy season—all of it. After two years of daily feedback (or criticism, however you prefer to look at it), I had to choose between feeling insecure by their comments or discovering how they made me coachable. By seeking coachability opportunities like teaching, I’ve met some amazing people who are now mentors and mentees and constantly help move me forward.

Coachability comes with practice. Additionally, it involves getting to the root of your fears: Are you afraid of being wrong? Losing control? For me, it was fear of vulnerability, so I made it a point to let my guard down as a teacher. For instance, in class, I’d share anecdotes about me that made me feel vulnerable, thereby leaving me open to feedback (warranted or not), but also helping me buck up and mold the person I wanted to be.

3. Be willing to connect.

Fact: No one likes to network, and I mean no one. Most often, it’s because it feels purely transactional and even superficial. Even if you’re the bubbliest person in the room, networking can still be difficult to navigate. But to find success, I strongly encourage embracing the willingness to connect. Try to suspend your ideas about a person and his or her motivations. Be willing to talk and make new connections without those preconceptions hanging in the air.

When I moved to a new Jersey city, I forced myself out of my comfort zone, electing to meet 100 people in 100 days. Here are a few ways I pulled it off (and inevitably found professional and personal success) that you can use, too:

• First, I had regular one-on-ones. I met people in person, whether it involved grabbing coffee, eating lunch at a new deli in town, or having dinner at an old neighborhood standby. To this day, I do this almost weekly. I start with those I know (professionally or personally), and then I ask them to recommend other folks. And just like that, my connections grow exponentially.
• Second, I started volunteering. It’s one of the fastest and most rewarding ways to meet new people, many of whom are highly influential. Join a committee, serve as a camp counselor, participate in non-profit clubs, volunteer at local churches, or host a charity event. The volunteer possibilities are endless, as are the list of connections you’ll make along the way.
• Finally, I became a mentor, but I was always willing to be the mentee, too. The term “mentor” has become synonymous with “time commitment” — this occasionally deters people. But mentorship can be whatever both parties decide it should be. It can be a quick cup of coffee here or a half-hour phone call there; it can be a weekly, monthly or even quarterly check-in. The insights a mentor can provide to her mentee—and the other way around—are boundless (and so are the benefits). Make a mentor-mentee relationship what works for you, time wise and otherwise.

Perhaps selfishly, our motivation to network may come solely from the desire to be successful. But remember: Others out there are going after it, too, so help them find connections. Be the person who introduces Evelyn to Jaime because you know an unbelievable partnership can flourish. It benefits you, too—they’ll remember you for it, and a relationship with them will bloom as well.

Credit: Keisha Mabry
Website: www.success.com

WeWork, the industry leader in the coworking and shared office space made two acquisitions:

Credit TechCrunch.com

The company recently acquired:

1. Teem
2. Euclid

What is Teem

Teem is a "The Workplace Experience Platform". The technology brings the power of sensing, analytics, tools to manage workspaces. Wework paid $100m for this application developer.

What is Euclid

Euclid creates an efficient, relevant and compelling experiences in the physical world. According to leadership at WeWork, this two acquisition will enable companies to WeEork-ify their offices.I believe these two acquisitions are brilliant and while WorkSocial will not weworkify its offices - these technologies will help us become more aware of our client needs and optimize the WorkSocial experience.This is also showing a shift in the investment strategy of WeWork. I am extremely impressed with their decision to serve not just the coworking community but also creating opportunities to companies to embrace exponential technologies.

For so many people today, no fear is quite as overwhelming, stressful, or anxiety-producing as the fear of public speaking. However, there are many people with a genuine fear of public speaking who must still face the music, get up in front of groups of people, and speak to their audience.

For many people, ranging from educators to religious figures, public speaking in an inevitable part of the job, but it doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it seems. They just need a few public speaking tips, is all.

Some people with a fear of public speaking simply feel uncomfortable with the concept. There are even more people, however, who wish they could hone their skills to be better at speaking in front of others, but don’t have the opportunity to practice. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, and whether or not public speaking is a fear or a passion, there are ways that you can completely change the way you look at speaking in public; that way, you can improve your skills and become a more seasoned, comfortable, and professional-sounding public speaker.

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9 Game-Changing Public Speaking Tips

These nine public speaking tips will change everything you feel and know about speaking in public and give you a fresh perspective on this art form.

1. Focus More on The Voice Instead of the Message

There are so many public speakers that focus all of their attention on crafting the right message and making certain they are delivering new, fresh, and exciting content to their audience. However, the truth of the matter is, there is very little “new” advice that one person can give another.

Instead of focusing on the novelty of the message, focus on your voice and what makes you unique. Look for ways to draw upon and relay insights from your own experience, instead on the message alone. This will let your message shine through and help it resonate with your audience.

2. View Public Speaking as the Performance It is

When it comes down to it, public speaking is just a performance, no real different than when an actor steps onto the stage. If you are having trouble mustering up the confidence you need to speak in public, make sure that you are viewing your speech as the performance that it is. You can pretend to be someone else on stage when you speak; you can pretend to be someone who is more poised and confident— someone who thrives while speaking in public.

Think of the last time you dressed up as someone else. Being someone else, even if it only for a costume party, has a certain liberating feeling. It helps you let your guard down. That same feeling can be applied to your speech if you just put yourself in the right mindset. You can even go as far as creating a new name or persona for your public speaking self. Beyonce did it when she went on stage as Sasha Fierce (but has since been able to grow beyond Sasha), and you can do it, too.

3. Keep It Simple

There are so many public speakers that attempt to cram so much into each individual presentation. This often causes speakers to speed up, rush, and try to get everything out in a timely manner. Slow down, and keep your message simple. It is better to deliver less information that people can actually follow and understand than to try to put as much content as possible into a shorter time frame

If you are already feeling nervous about public speaking, trying to do too much at once will only make it worse.

4. Look at it From the Audience’s Perspective

If you are one of those people who take public speaking very seriously, whether it is because it is part of your profession, or just because it makes you nervous, it can cause you to think about speaking only from your perspective. This is a mistake.

It can be easy to think “how will this make me look?” or “what can I do better?” Public speaking is not about you. It is about your audience.

Instead of thinking how you will look and sound, or making your speech about you, make it about your audience. Think about who is in your crowd. Put yourself in their shoes and determine what you would want to hear if you were them. It will not only make your speech better but it will also give you confidence knowing you are delivering a message people want to hear.

5. Study Great Speeches

If you have ever heard a speech that moved you before or if you have heard of someone else enjoying a particular speech, get the transcript. You can learn so much from studying the transcript of a speech. Look at the construction of the speech and the set up. How does it open? How does it flow through the body? What is the closing like? What did the speaker do to engage their audience?

If you need some inspiration, here is a list of some of the greatest speeches of all time.

For most people, public speaking isn’t just a skill they were born with. It is something that they learn and acquire over time.

6. Film Yourself

The first thing to remember about practicing public speaking is that you can’t just practice in your head. As well, reading your speech aloud is not the same thing as practicing it in person.

If you really want to improve your skills so you feel more confident in your public speaking abilities, then film yourself while you are speaking.

This way you can re-watch yourself, look at your eye contact, really listen to your pacing, and tweak how you deliver your speech from there. This is one step above practicing in the mirror, and there is no better way to truly hone your skills so you can get better.

7. Be Realistic About Your Weaknesses and Highlight Your Strengths

No public speaker is perfect. Not even the professionals.

If you want to change your attitude about public speaking and change your approach, then you need to be realistic with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Know what your strengths are, and accentuate and highlight those strengths when you deliver your speech. If you are great at stories—use them! If you having great comedic timing—use it!

You also need to be realistic about your weaknesses and do your best to avoid the things that take away from your speech. If you aren’t funny, don’t try to be. Just because you like someone else’s speaking style, it doesn’t mean that it will work for you. Know what you’re good at and stick to it.

8.) Just Smile

There is nothing as powerful as a smile and nothing as simple either. Smile before you head on stage. Smile as your audience filters into the room and smile during your speech. When you take a moment to smile, it naturally brings a feeling of confidence and relaxation over your entire body

Smiling at someone in your audience can help you feel calmer, and less nervous, while helping you feel more connected to the audience that you are speaking to. It is really that simple—so give it a try

9. Be Realistic About Your Expectations

One of the biggest reasons people get disappointed with their public speaking engagements is because they are unrealistic about how it will go. Before you ever step in front of an audience, you need to be realistic about what to expect from your crowd and what your crowd expects from you. This will help you be more confident after your speech ends and you can use this for your next engagement.

For example, if you are giving a presentation on stock numbers in front of your fellow employees, chances are it isn’t going to be the type of motivating speech that brings people to tears and renders a standing ovation. You may not even get a clap, and that is alright. Know what to expect so that you can feel better about the outcome in the end.

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So, now you have some great tips try, what will your next public speech be about?

Let us know in the comments below!

Credit:
Website: www.mindvalley.com

Why do some people seem more persuasive than others? The ability to gain influence in a negotiation doesn’t have to do with your personality or how naturally charismatic you are. The secret to getting what you want goes far beyond your height, complexion, or number of degrees. Improving influence surpasses book knowledge and IQ. Reading the circumstance below the surface is key. Here lies 5 examples of how to get better at using methods of persuasion.

1. Be Mindful of Sequence

Effective negotiation occurs in three phases. The first phase is all about gathering information and building a relationship. It revolves around establishing an understanding and earning your counterpart’s trust. The second phase involves taking what you’ve learned and managing their perceptions of loss and fairness. It isn’t until the third phase when a deal finally begins to take shape. In phase three, your primary focus should be on implementation.

Too often, we forget that this process is sequential. We’re so focused on proving our value that we blindly skip ahead to stage three without first building a relationship, demonstrating an understanding and addressing the pictures in our counterpart’s head. In other words, we don’t create the foundation for influence.

It’s almost impossible to persuade someone to change their mind or alter their behavior if you haven’t first made them feel understood. And you can’t truly understand someone if you haven’t taken the time to sound them out, listening to all the information they’re giving you (both verbal and nonverbal). What is your intuition telling you?

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2. Gather Information and Build Trust

As a rule, people aren’t inclined to trust when they’re being talked at. Rather than launching into a monologue about your ideal solution, your challenges, or the value you think you can provide, shift your attention to the relationship at hand. At its core, negotiation is an exercise in relationship building. In phase one of that process, focus on answering two questions:

1. How can you get your counterpart to think about out loud in front of you?
2. How can you earn their trust and convince them to meet with you again?

Using a mirror is a great way to encourage your counterpart to expand on what they’ve said and show that you’ve been paying attention. In addition to mirrors, use labels and summaries to demonstrate your understanding and nurture trust. As you attempt to uncover your counterpart’s perceptions, expectations, and past experiences, avoid the impulse to ask “why” questions. Despite your best intentions, asking “why” (as opposed to “how” or “what”) can come off as an attack.

3. Understand and Manage Loss

Every human decision can be broken down into perceived risk versus opportunity, loss versus gain. Everyone is scared of losing something, and that fear of loss tends to overshadow the potential benefits.

To influence a negotiation, you need to know what loss looks like for your counterpart. Employ tactical empathy, use labels, and try to paint an accurate picture of your counterpart’s perspective. When you get a “that’s right” response, you’ll know you’ve hit the nail on the head—and any resistance your counterpart has been harboring will melt away.

Once you understand your counterpart’s perception of loss, you can begin to manage how it affects the deal at hand. That said, addressing loss in the wrong way can come off as a threat or an attack on your counterpart’s autonomy (their most prized possession). So how do you inject the realization of loss into a conversation without destroying trust

The most effective way to address loss is by asking calibrated and no-oriented questions.

» What happens if you don’t improve?
» How long are you willing to accept the status quo in the position you’re in now?
» Is it out of line to say that your team could use x?
» Would you disagree with x?

After summarizing your counterpart’s response back to them, round it out with another no-oriented question.

» Did I miss something?
» Did I get that wrong?
» Would you disagree?

When it comes to talking about loss, no-oriented questions are exceptionally effective. By inviting correction, you make it easier for your counterpart to maintain their autonomy and answer honestly. In contrast, fishing for a “yes” (by asking a question like, “Do I have that correct?”) can make your counterpart feel trapped and lead to a “counterfeit yes”—an insincere agreement meant to get you off their back.

Finally, avoid using your understanding of loss to make threats or set ultimatums. If you try to manage loss with threats, it will come back to bite you later.

4. Address Fairness

Like loss, our perceptions of fairness directly influence our ability to trust someone and hear them out. The desire to be treated fairly—and the fear of being treated unfairly—is central to negotiations. To influence your counterpart’s perceptions, you must manage fairness in relation to perceived loss and opportunity.

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The best way to address fairness is by leading with it. Consider the following statement:

I want to make sure that you’re being treated fairly at all times. When you’re not, say something so that we can back up to the point where the unfairness occurred and work from there.

This approach creates a collaborative environment and prevents your counterpart from using fairness as an accusation down the road (e.g., “we’re not being given a fair deal”).

5. Tackle Implementation

If you’ve done all your work correctly, you won’t be met with resistance or counter offers in stage three. In fact, you shouldn’t need to do any persuading at all. Instead, you should spend the final phase of your negotiation addressing implementation and encouraging your counterpart to engage with the solution. Doing so will create buy-in and preemptively solve problems.

The best way to make your counterpart feel connected to the solution is by transforming them into a problem-solver. Make note of the vision they brought to the table, then make sure to address that vision and tie specific problems they’ve identified to the solution at hand. Rather than telling them that the contract should be six months long, lead them to that solution by asking, “How do you make sure you don’t regress?” and, “What are we going to put in place so that we know you’re improving?”

Asking calibrated questions can also help bring behind-the-scenes deal-killers to the negotiation table and encourage all those involved to think beyond the present moment. By asking “If … then?” or “When … what?” questions, you’ll force your counterpart to look to the future and problem-solve with you.

For more strategies and tips to get what you want out of a negotiation, download our latest e-book below.

Credit:
Post Author: Brandon Voss
Website: https://blog.blackswanltd.com

Over the past few years, design thinking has quickly gained momentum in the business world. Some of the world’s leading brands—the likes of Apple, Google, HBO, Samsung, World Bank, and General Electric, many of whom have also gone towards having coworking spaces to create those design ideas—have embraced design thinking as a means of optimizing product innovation. At its core, design thinking is a methodology for creative problem solving. In stark contrast to analytical thinking, which involves the breaking down of ideas, design thinking involves the building up of ideas.

While design thinking has firmly implanted itself across product development teams, it has not secured a stronghold across sales teams—yet. Characterized by routinized activities, traditional sales methodologies tend to be at odds with the iterative methodology that underpins design thinking.

Times are changing. The sales cycle is becoming increasingly complex and customers are demanding a more personalized experience. If you’re a sales rep, you know you need to up your game and become more innovative. Sales teams are recognizing the value of incorporating a design thinking approach into their daily activities. Salesforce’s sales team, for example, has embraced design thinking in its sales discovery process and has realized a 100% increase in revenue growth as a result. It’s time sales teams more broadly recognize the value of design thinking.
The Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University, commonly known as the d.school, is a premier design thinking institute that has birthed such gems as The Pulse News Reader, a news aggregator that has inked a position in Apple’s App Hall of Fame. The d.school’s five-stage model of design thinking is directly applicable to sales teams:

1. Empathize

‍Empathy is at the core of design thinking. Empathy involves both a cognitive dimension—an ability to look at a situation from another person’s perspective—as well as an affective dimension—an ability to relate to relate to a person and develop an emotional bond with them.
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he importance of empathy in sales cannot be overstated. Empathy is a key predictor of sales success. A groundbreaking study published in The Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice found that there is a strong positive relationship between empathy and a buyer’s level of trust, as well as his/her level of satisfaction. In our current sales landscape where a mere 3% of buyers trust reps—the only professions with less credibility include car sales, politics, and lobbying— seller trust is in short supply and high demand.

Empathy is especially valuable in the sales process because it encourages information sharing. Research has found that, according to buyers, the number one way for salespeople to create a positive sales experience is to listen to their needs. When we’re armed with so much information and data and a slew of AI and machine learning solutions, it’s easy to assume we know everything about the buyer. It’s important to first step inside the shoes of your customers and listen to what really matters to them and what is top-of-mind.

2. Define

The objective of the define stage is to craft a problem statement or, in design thinking speak, a point of view. So often salespeople define the problem before developing an empathetic understanding of a buyer’s needs. The result is solution selling. Solution selling has long past its expiration date. At least 50% of sales reps’ prospects are not good fits for their offering. Only by defining the buyer’s problem can salespeople determine whether there is a lucrative fit.

The define stage involves asking a lot of questions. Perhaps contrary to popular belief, this focus on questioning does not impair sales conversation, but rather enhances it. According to one analysis of 519,000 discovery calls, there’s a clear relationship between the number of questions a sales rep asks a buyer and his/her likelihood of success.

3. Ideate

The ideate stage unlocks the true potential of design thinking, especially in the context of sales. This is when the focus shifts from problem identification to solution generation. And it’s all about quantity—about generating a wide range of possible solutions, not necessarily the final solution. It involves thinking beyond the obvious and necessarily entails significant creativity. How can I craft an offering that is uniquely suited to my buyer?

While often pushed under the carpet in sales, creativity is essential to sales and a key predictor of success. Research from the Aston Business School, a highly-regarded business school in Europe, revealed that sales professionals who were more creative generated higher sales than their less creative counterparts. Another study by Adobe found that companies that foster creativity are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers in terms of revenue growth.

When crafting solutions to customers’ problems, sales reps must dig deep for their creative juices. How can you craft a sales pitch that strikes a strong emotional chord with the customer? Which decision makers, in and beyond the C-Suite, should you involve? If the customer sells a free or inexpensive product or service, take it for a test run. Read through customer community forums and reviews. Don’t let up in terms of stepping inside the shoes of your customer. Only by embracing these type of activities can ideation by optimized. Being in a coworking and shared office environment will get you connected to many different types of sales reps, many who could share their insights on how creativity can boost revenue.

4. Prototype

The fourth stage of the design thinking process is prototyping—developing more fleshed-out and scaled solutions. Prototyping shouldn’t be done in a black box—otherwise you are sure to lose momentum. Prototyping is an opportunity to have a more directed conversation with your customer after the discovery calls. The most effective sales reps will involve champions and other affiliates from the customer’s organization in the prototyping process and vet ideas with them. Involving tangential stakeholders in the solution process goes a long way in terms of making them feel valued and invested in the final solution.

5. Test

The final stage of the design thinking process is to test the final offering. This necessarily involves unveiling the fully fleshed-out pitch to all key stakeholders. During the test phase, salespeople need to be strategic and see themselves on the same team as the customer. They should use collaborative words and phrases—words like “we” and “together”. The “you versus us” mentality is dangerous. Not surprisingly, research has revealed that top-performing salespeople are up to 10 times likelier to use collaborative words and phrases, as compared to their low-performing counterparts.

Forrester predicts that one million US B2B sales reps will be out of a job by 2020. Salespeople can no longer afford to rely on so-called tried and true approaches. Nearly six in 10 salespeople say that when they figure out what works for them, they don’t change it. In a world where each customer yearns personalized selling wants, this mindset is problematic. Design thinking—which is especially well suited for solving ambiguously defined problems—is key to establishing a genuine connection with customers and engaging them throughout the sales process. It’s key to sales success.

Credit:
Post Author: Falon Fatemi
Website: www.forbes.com

75% of employees believe wellness programs have a positive impact on their productivity and performance.

• Wellness has moved to the center of discussions around the future of work
• It helps operators create a unique workplace experience and differentiate their offering
• In 2019 we expect to see greater emphasis on health and wellbeing at work, along with increased data usage to better understand and adapt to occupiers’ needs

Wellness has weaved itself into the center of workplace-related discussions. A survey from 2017 found that 78% of employees believed a company’s wellness program had a positive impact on their health. Additionally, 75% of them believed wellness programs had a positive impact on productivity and performance.

A research conducted by Optum earlier this year found that companies are now offering more wellness programs to promote productivity, improve moral, and aid in recruiting and retaining workers.

This year, Allwork.Space predicted that wellness would be a key workplace trend as more companies would adopt and implement wellness programs. We were right, and next year will be no different. As more companies seek to offer a unique workplace experience, many are using wellness as a way to stand out and ensure people feel their best.

What’s in Store for Wellness in 2019

• Wellness goes beyond Physical Health

The definition of wellness and health has gone far beyond physical health and we will begin to see more programs that focus on mental and spiritual wellbeing. While in the past most workplace wellness programs have focused on physical health, such as weight loss and becoming more physically active, we are seeing more companies shifting their focus to total wellbeing. Talk of mental health started to garner strength this year (2018) and it will continue on an upwards trend in 2019. Next year, you can expect to see an increase in the number of companies that adopt wellness programs that focus on mental, emotional, financial, intellectual, social, and spiritual wellness. These might take the form of meditation rooms, napping pods, stress management, going sans alcohol in events, hosting workshops, etc.

• Wellness and Data Analytics Meet

Data has come to revolutionize (and maybe even simplify) the lives of people. Data already plays a key role in the workplace; it helps companies enhance their workplace experience by better understanding the way people interact with and use space. Similarly, data can help companies improve and customize their wellness programs; it can help them identify the programs that provide the best results, which programs are underutilized, and it can even help track an individual’s personal health. Using data in wellness programs can also make it easier to track and measure results, especially for programs that seek to improve productivity rates, stress management, prevent burnout, and improve engagement. Data can open a new world of wellness programs that companies hadn’t previously considered.

• The Built Environment Embraces Wellness

Companies are starting to use the built environment as an active tool to address and improve wellness. When designing or repurposing the workplace, companies are increasingly thinking about the materials they use and how much the workplace encourages movement and interactions. The Fitwel Rating and WELL Building Standard are two examples of how the built environment is changing to better cater to people’s wellbeing. The workplace is no longer a place where companies only want to maximize their use of square footage; they are thinking about how the workplace can actually improve a person’s personal and professional lives. Talk of workplace design today centers around air quality, access to water, stairs, temperature, natural light, and lighting.

Credit:
Post Author: Cecilia Amador
Website: https://allwork.space