Archive for the ‘Iris’ Blog’ Category

Coworking, Linchpins and Standup Paddle Boarding?

July 22nd, 2010 by iris

Wondering what those three seeming unrelated things have to do with each other? They’re all happening right here at NextSpace during the months of July and August! Well sort of, we are coworking, and we’re inviting you to come in and cowork with us for free in Santa Cruz this Friday from 9-5. There will be plenty of coffee, people to connect with and if you are so inclined the Drupalers will be hacking it up! If you’re planning on being in San Francisco on Friday August 6th visit our location on the corner of Market and 2nd Streets for our free coworking day in the City!


We’ve also got some great events coming.

For a list of all of our upcoming events in both locations, check here.

Looking for a new form of exercise? Stop by our Santa Cruz location on Tuesday July 27 for a Brown Bag Lunch on stand up paddle boarding.

Fellow ‘Spacer and local designer Judi Oyama (http://www NULL.maximumimpactdesign NULL.com/) has been holding regular Linchpin (http://sethgodin NULL.typepad NULL.com/seths_blog/2010/02/linchpin-videos-first-in-a-series NULL.html) meetups in our Slug room. This month’s meetup has been delayed due to Judi’s being truly indespensib;e somewhere else, but stay tuned for the reschedule date!

We know our members are awesome.

And apparently the rest of the world is figuring that out too.

Joe Madden and friends over at EOS Climate have figured out a way to prevent (http://www NULL.businesswire NULL.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20100720005711&newsLang=en) Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) from contributing to further climate change and is thus facilitating the transition to a more sustainable future. Thanks Joe for all of the hard work you guys do!

Those crazy cats over at 12seconds and rally_up always seem to be cooking up a new trick. Check out this press they received for their iPhone 4 app Faceplant in the New York Time (http://bits NULL.blogs NULL.nytimes NULL.com/2010/07/22/faceplant-app-eases-path-to-iphone-video-chats/)s (http://bits NULL.blogs NULL.nytimes NULL.com/2010/07/22/faceplant-app-eases-path-to-iphone-video-chats/), Gizmodo (http://gizmodo NULL.com/5593733/faceplant-iphone-app-will-let-you-know-whos-down-to-facetime) and TechCrunch (http://techcrunch NULL.com/2010/07/22/faceplant/)!

So, despite running the coolest coworking space in the galaxy, we are continuously amazed at the great things our members are doing, and thankful to them for making NextSpace the truly remarkable community we are!

Until next time then!

Posted in Blogroll, Iris' Blog

Member Profile: Erik Schmidt

April 15th, 2010 by iris

Weird Fact: I recently took a poll of our members’ first names. Out of 186 ish members we currently have 3 Erics and 3 Eriks. I have no idea what this means, but found it interesting nonetheless. Erik Schmidt is also an interesting fellow, and would be even if he didn’t spell his name with a *k*. First of all, I am a relatively tall woman, and anyone who can make me feel petite has a leg up in my book. Erik’s 6′++ frame is not his only distinguishing quality. As soon as I was exposed to his quick wit and dry humor I knew I had found a kindred spirit (not to mention that Erik shares my mildly obsessive love of all things Apple). As I have gotten to know Erik over the past year I have come to realize that Erik’s intelligence extends far beyond his quick wit. Traditionally an infrequent Cafe dweller, his focus has now shifted from working at a small startup to freelancing, so we’ll be seeing a lot more of Erik. I’m looking forward to that!


ErikSchmidt

Ns: So, Erik tell me what you do, now that you are self employed?


ES: I help companies communicate online. In practice that means translating knowledge from inside the company in a way that makes it easily understood by customers and partners. This communication takes the form of marketing documents, search-optimized web pages, blog posts, tweets – whatever vehicles are appropriate for the message and the audience.

Ns: Do you wear just the marketing/communications hat?

ES: It’s just me, so I spend some of my time rustling up projects, and the rest of my time working on them.

Ns: Name your favorite recent project/product.

ES: I pushed through a redesign of a home page. It removed a lot of complexity and made it easier for customers to sign up. Signup rates improved, and the clearer messaging helped customers understand the company’s value proposition.

Ns: Do you prefer to work with clients from a specific vertical, or do you work with all ? Why?

ES: I’ve worked with all kinds of clients, from tree doctors to web application vendors. The most exciting clients to work for are those that have a vision for the future, a sense of mission.

Ns: What criteria do you use when deciding whether to take a project?

ES: Is the customer doing something I can believe in? Is the customer doing honest business? Is the customer able to pay? Will I be able to work with the customer without personality conflicts? Is the project meaty enough that I can really immerse myself in it? Does working on this project forward my own professional goals?

Ns: What compelled you to start your business in Santa Cruz?

ES: I have co-owned two businesses in Santa Cruz, and I live in Santa Cruz. I like being able to walk to work. I love the business community here. There are so many smart, engaged businesspeople who are willing and able to truly think outside the box. The creativity in this community is a tremendous strategic advantage for businesses and customers alike.

Ns: How has the current economy affected your business?


ES: The last couple of businesses I’ve worked at were negatively affected by the economic downturn. As an independent contractor there’s a tradeoff: I don’t get the comfort of a reliable paycheck, but I do have more control over my own destiny.

Ns: What was the initial reason you decided to join NextSpace?

ES: I do a lot of work that requires me to focus on something for hours at a time. But being in isolation can get old fast. I’ve been there and done that (working from home) and it wore me out emotionally. I felt like I was in a cave all day. The energy of NextSpace is contagious. I could tell even before NextSpace opened its doors that it would become the center of the tech business community in Santa Cruz, and that’s exactly what has happened. There’s a feeling of being in touch, being in the loop, that I can’t get anywhere. Physical place still matters.

Ns: What, if any, challenges and or benefits have you experienced as a result of coworking?

ES: I can’t currently justify upgrading my membership, but I do miss my big monitor, which stays at home for now. The friendly atmosphere at NextSpace is one of those intangible benefits that sounds contrived, until you experience it.

Ns: How has working at NextSpace changed the way you do business?

ES: It has made me more connected to what other businesscritters in town are doing. It never hurts to be a part of a dynamic business community.

Ns: What benefits have you seen to your professional life/business/product as a result of the NextSpace Effect?

ES: I feel more fit, more attractive, and people have told me my breath smells better since I’ve been using NextSpace. OK, maybe not that last part. But seriously, NextSpace is a warm, inviting, energizing place that makes for a less stressed and more productive week.

Ns: I second that Erik, I’ve noticed a marketed improvement in the freshness of your breath since you joined Ns. I just have one more question: What is the best way for someone to contact you?

ES:
erik@ejschmidt.com (erik null@null ejschmidt NULL.com)
www.ejschmidt.com (http://www NULL.ejschmidt NULL.com/)
twitter: @erikschmidt
831.566.8510


Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Iris' Blog

Member Profile: Einar Vollset and Left Coast R&D

February 25th, 2010 by iris

He knows what hes talking about. (http://lcrnd NULL.com/about-us/)

He knows what he's talking about.

The first day Einar Vollset walked into NextSpace I sat and chatted with him for a while as we do with every person who enters our doors inquiring about membership. When I asked him what he did for work he responded that he was unemployed. It was about a week later that I found out that this plaid wearing, norwegian “lumberjack” is a former Cornell professor and was at the time unemployed as a direct result of Google having acquired the modest little start up reMail (http://www NULL.remail NULL.com/) which he cofounded. As I have gotten to know Einar more over the past year he has only proved my initial impression: this guy is the epitome of understated. Everything Einar does seems to shine, while he continues to be about as down to earth as someone can be.

Ns: So what is Left Coast R&D anyway?

EV: We are a Santa Cruz, CA based research and development firm. We

specialize in rapid prototyping of software targeted at mobile

(particularly iPhone and iPad) consumer, but also have deep technical

background in architecting and developing large scale distributed and

cloud systems.

Ns: What is your role in the company?

EV: Founder/CEO

Ns: Tell me about your favorite recent project.

EV: My favorite project is one I can’t talk about yet…

Ns: Do you find you you prefer to work with clients from a specific vertical, or do you work

with anyone?

EV: No we don’t care – in fact one of the things I really like doing is

working on projects for clients whose business is not traditionally

wound up with technology. Some of the most satisfying things we’ve

done is putting together a quick solution that saves our clients time

or money, preferably both :)

I think with the advent of smart phones with capabilities like the

iPhone or Android, we’ll see more and more of this.

Ns: What criteria do you use when deciding whether to take a project?

EV: We like doing projects that have immediate appeal.

Ns: What compelled you to start your business in Santa Cruz?

EV: I was living here and like the vibe. The Valley is too much highways

and lowrises.

Ns: Has the current economy affected your business?

EV: It hasn’t.

Ns: What was the initial reason you decided to join NextSpace?

EV: Was getting sick of Lulu’s wifi dropping.

Ns: Is NextSpace your first experience with coworking?

EV: Yes.

Ns: What, if any, challenges and or benefits have you experienced as a result of

coworking?

EV: The obvious benefits are meeting like minded and interesting people.

Challenges – I keep using the moisturizer instead of the handsoap in

the bathroom.

Ns: How has working at NextSpace changed the way you do business?

EV: It hasn’t.

Ns: What benefits have you seen to your professional life/business/product as a

result of the NextSpace Effect?

EV: You mean “The NextSpace Effect”(tm)?  ;-)

Like I said, meeting likeminded and interesting people.

Ns: What’s the best way for someone to get in touch with you?

EV: Probably by email: einar@lcrnd.com

(More info about Einar and Left Coast R&D can be found here (http://lcrnd NULL.com/))

Posted in Iris' Blog

Member Profile: Erik Gillberg and Avatar Labs

February 23rd, 2010 by iris

Avatar LabsWhen Erik Gillberg is in town he can often be found sitting at a tall table in NextSpace working quietly on his MacBook Pro creating solutions for the global marketplace. Erik joined the NextSpace community in September of 2009 after relocating from Idaho to Santa Cruz. Avatar Labs (http://www NULL.avatarlabs NULL.com/sites/2009/), colocated in Encino, California, recently launched their new iPhone game Rhythm Racer (http://itunes NULL.apple NULL.com/us/app/rhythm-racer/id336718222?mt=8). This game is beautifully designed – I particularly like the retro feel of the graphics – and for a non-gamer I found it easy to play. Perhaps that’s why Avatar Labs had close to 150k downloads in the first month after launch. As we chat about his projects Erik’s love for his job is obvious in his wide, easy smile. His enthusiasm is catching, and fits so well with the NextSpace vibe. As a part of this community of vibrant entrepreneurs and freelancers Erik has a chance to make connections and even friendships that he might not have access to if he were working from home.

Describe your business and it’s core offering. AvatarLabs is an award-winning, full-service digital agency.  Since 2001 our mission has been to push the boundaries of interactive design and technology.  We are pioneers in the interactive advertising space and have worked on marketing campaigns for many of the biggest entertainment properties including AVATAR, STAR TREK, THE DARK KNIGHT, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, and several films in the HARRY POTTER franchise.  We have also developed our mobile offerings and have had over 2 million cumulative downloads of iPhone apps we’ve created for clients and for ourselves.
What is your role in your company?  I help with corporate strategy, creative consulting, and business development.
Name your favorite recent project/product.  AVATAR! What a fun movie!  We worked closely with the producers to craft some really neat rich ads and are now working on the home video campaign, which like the movie itself will be the biggest in Hollywood history.
Do you prefer to work with clients from a specific vertical, or do you work with all? Why?  We have specialized in entertainment, but work with a variety of clients and enjoy the opportunities and challenges of working with major brands in many verticals, from consumer goods to government agencies.
What criteria do you use when deciding whether to take a project?  We like to work on projects that challenge us and demand innovation in design and technology.
What compelled you to start your business in Santa Cruz? What compelled you to move your business to Santa Cruz?  AvatarLabs is based in Los Angeles.  I love Santa Cruz for it’s natural splendor, but am also excited by the creativity, innovation, and opportunities in the business community locally, and “over the hill”.  And I like the cool people here!
How has the current economy affected your business?  We have actually grown this year.  Our savvy CEO, Rex Cook, has kept costs in check and focused on quality and customer service.  Of course we might have grown faster if things were different in the macro-economy.
What was the initial reason you decided to join NextSpace?  I heard “innovative”, “co-working” and “high tech”, and had to check it out.  The flexibility and community have kept me here.  And the charming staff, of course.
Is NextSpace your first experience with co-working?  Yes.
What, if any, challenges and or benefits have you experienced as a result of co-working?  I think the challenges are the same as in any office.  The benefits too.  The difference is in rubbing shoulders with people in different lines of work and tapping the resultant network for opportunities, community, and friendship.
How has working at NextSpace changed the way you do business?  More surfing.  Does that count?  Honestly, I think the collaborative environment is where I’m finding value.
What benefits have you seen to your professional life/business/product as a result of the NextSpace Effect?  I have had some success with finding talent for projects and finding leads for jobs.

Ns: Describe your business and it’s core offering.

EG: AvatarLabs is an award-winning, full-service digital agency.  Since 2001 our mission has been to push the boundaries of interactive design and technology.  We are pioneers in the interactive advertising space and have worked on marketing campaigns for many of the biggest entertainment properties including AVATAR, STAR TREK, THE DARK KNIGHT, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, and several films in the HARRY POTTER franchise. We have also developed our mobile offerings and have had over 2 million cumulative downloads of iPhone apps we’ve created for clients and for ourselves.

Ns: What is your role in your company?

EG: I help with corporate strategy, creative consulting, and business development.

Ns: Name your favorite recent project/product.

EG: AVATAR! What a fun movie!  We worked closely with the producers to craft some really neat rich ads and are now working on the home video campaign, which like the movie itself will be the biggest in Hollywood history.

Ns: Do you prefer to work with clients from a specific vertical, or do you work with all? Why?

EG: We have specialized in entertainment, but work with a variety of clients and enjoy the opportunities and challenges of working with major brands in many verticals, from consumer goods to government agencies.

Ns: What criteria do you use when deciding whether to take a project?

EG: We like to work on projects that challenge us and demand innovation in design and technology.

Ns: What compelled you to move your business to Santa Cruz?

EG: AvatarLabs is based in Los Angeles.  I love Santa Cruz for it’s natural splendor, but am also excited by the creativity, innovation, and opportunities in the business community locally, and “over the hill”.  And I like the cool people here!

Ns: How has the current economy affected your business?

EG: We have actually grown this year.  Our savvy CEO, Rex Cook, has kept costs in check and focused on quality and customer service.  Of course we might have grown faster if things were different in the macro-economy.

Ns: What was the initial reason you decided to join NextSpace?

EG: I heard “innovative”, “co-working” and “high tech”, and had to check it out.  The flexibility and community have kept me here.  And the charming staff, of course.

Ns: Is NextSpace your first experience with co-working?

EG: Yes.

Ns: What, if any, challenges and or benefits have you experienced as a result of co-working?

EG: I think the challenges are the same as in any office.  The benefits too.  The difference is in rubbing shoulders with people in different lines of work and tapping the resultant network for opportunities, community, and friendship.

Ns: How has working at NextSpace changed the way you do business?

EG: More surfing.  Does that count?  Honestly, I think the collaborative environment is where I’m finding value.

Ns: What benefits have you seen to your professional life/business/product as a result of the NextSpace Effect?

EG: I have had some success with finding talent for projects and finding leads for jobs.

Ns: What is the best way for people to get in touch with you?

EG: Erik Gillberg

erik@avatarlabs.com (erik null@null avatarlabs NULL.com)

cell 818.312.0491

main office 818.784.2200

http://www.avatarlabs.com (http://avatarlabs NULL.com)

16030 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 102

Encino, CA 91436

Posted in Iris' Blog