Archive for the ‘Sara’s Blog’ Category

Reflections of my first year at NextSpace

November 16th, 2010 by sara

It has been one year since I started as an EmCee (Membership Coordinator) at NextSpace, and what a year it has been! While I had heard stories about what an awesome place NextSpace was, I didn’t really know what to expect. Did EmCee just mean glorified office assistant in a dusty office? Was my tech-challenged-self going to survive in this tech-heavy environment? Is NextSpace really that cool? I soon found out—no, yes, and hell yes!

As a recent college grad, new to the work force, I entered the NextSpace community wide-eyed and bushy tailed. What an interesting, unique and inspiring community to be a part of! Everyday I learned more about the members and companies that made up NextSpace. I learned more about the value of our community of freelancers, independent professionals and small businesses in this economy, and I learned more—period. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful. I came to NextSpace with a limited knowledge of the tech world, but it didn’t stay that way for long. I have learned so much and I have gotten to be a part of so many projects, events and even the opening of our second location in San Francisco! When I first joined the NextSpace team I never imagined I would get to play such a big role. Thank you Iris and Jeremy for having faith in me, trusting me, and giving me so much creative freedom. I have come a long way since I started only one year ago and I wouldn’t have grown half as much without their great leadership.

I don’t know if there are many other places that have as much determination, perseverance, positive energy and unshakable work ethic all under one roof. It has been fascinating watching NextSpace members bring their dreams to full fruition. There really are some incredible individuals here. Before NextSpace, I had misconceptions about freelancers and entrepreneurs. For starters, I thought many would be more the introverted type or too busy running their business to be concerned with anyone else. I soon realized I was wrong. The community and camaraderie found at NextSpace is noteworthy. Everyone helps each other out, plain and simple. Anytime I’m stuck it seems there is always a member willing to stop what they’re doing and help me out. More than that, NextSpace members see the value of community to their business and life, so they work hard to cultivate and sustain it. It really is an extraordinary community to be a part of.

I feel so thankful to have a job I am excited about and a job where I am constantly learning. And I feel proud to be a part of a community that is actively changing the economy and revolutionizing the way we work. What a great first year it has been at NextSpace, I can only image what the future will hold…Rock on NextSpace.

Posted in Blogroll, Sara's Blog

"Shameless Self Promotion Member Happy Hour"

May 10th, 2010 by sara

Introducing…. The “Shameless Self Promotion Member Happy Hour”

Friday’s MHH was a great success—thanks to all the members that came & participated, and to Sol and 12seconds for the Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery beer!

Lets face it—NextSpace members are busy people. You see, they’re kind of a big deal. Being up on the latest with fellow members and in the know of projects and opportunities at NextSpace is sometimes hard to work into our schedules.

That’s why last Friday we dedicated our MHH to doing just that! Members took turns letting us all know what projects they just launched, would like to work on, or would like to partner up on. Here are a few who pitched…

Cari Class, designer and founder of Design Source Creative Inc. says, “I specialize in branding, print, packaging and web design. I help businesses define who they are and what they do, then articulate that graphically into a brand that tells their story in a powerful way. I translate that branding consistently to all of their marketing materials, print, signage, product packaging and web.

I would love the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals; designers, developers, writers and photographers to win larger accounts.

I’m always looking for web developers to collaborate on projects with, from smaller WordPress sites to large scale eCommerce sites. I do the front end design, site architecture and manage the project, but need rock-solid back end development support.

I’m a fixture around NS and love being here. I invite you to pop your head into my office, Suite 216 (across the Café from the kitchen) anytime to chat.”

Matt Steele announced the launch of my new company, BridgeWorx. www.bridgeworx.biz.  Matt says, “I help small businesses improve their customer and vendor relations. I work primarily virtually, returning voicemail, answering Email along with a variety of other services that help small business owners bridge the gap between what they want to accomplish and what they can accomplish. This allows them to focus on the core of their business without missing opportunities or losing existing customers.”

Jessica Johnson of Johnson Education Solutions (www.jestoday.com) says, “I typically work with busy professionals who know how to make money but need to understand better ways to make their money work for them.  I provide financial education plus systems and plans, that can be implemented at a manageable pace, allowing people to actually enjoy the lifestyles they are working so hard for.  While some clients prefer high-end one-on-one consulting, others appreciate the group workshop environment, both of which offer ongoing online support.  I also offer a 2-day Camp Millionaire program so that kids can learn about money before they get into trouble with it.

I am looking to hire dynamic instructors familiar with accelerated learning techniques and sales professionals who can bring in large corporate clients on a commission only basis.  I could really benefit from introductions and client referrals. I am also actively seeking a business partner and strategic partnerships.

With my background in the Secret Service, I also work with companies or individuals planning large scale events that require a comprehensive security plan or security plan review.  I ensure that the environment is conducive to having a successful and safe event.  

I am looking for introductions and referrals to people/companies looking to hire a security consultant on a project basis.”

In fact, this MHH was so successful that we have decided to make this a monthly MHH theme…pretty sweet right?! Stay tuned for the next “Shameless Self Promotion Member Happy Hour!”

Posted in Sara's Blog