Demand Spurs Downtown Coworking Expansion

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Downtown Works was featured in the San Diego Business Journal about our recent 40% expansion at our Little Italy location. Read about demand for coworking in San Diego rising and how we’re meeting that need with more one and two-person furnished offices.

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The post Demand Spurs Downtown Coworking Expansion appeared first on Downtown Works.

8 Tips To Help You Organize Successful Business Events

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Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

As a startup business owner, boosting brand recognition can be a struggle at the beginning. You may have the best product or service in the market but unless your target market is aware of your existence, then you can’t expect massive sales. And now with COVID restrictions waning, it’s a good time to look to events as part of your marketing mix.  

Event marketing is one of the most effective ways to promote your business to a wider audience. Some good examples of events you can host include product launches, free workshops, and others.

To organize a successful event, you will need to plan everything with great care. In this blog, we’ll give you a few practical pointers that will make it possible for you to have a trouble-free business event. 

Read on and learn what you can do to make any event a memorable one…

1) Begin with a goal

Before going any further, it’s important to start with your goal and purpose. Some worthwhile objectives include promoting a new product, increasing your sales, or boosting your brand awareness.

Determining what activities to do, who to invite, and when to do the event will come much easier after you’ve decided what exactly it is you want to achieve.

2) Plan the details

Once the goal is already in place, it’s time to start working on all the finer details. What date would be most appropriate for the event? How many hours will it run? What activities would help you accomplish your goal? Would you need to invite speakers and other talent? How much are you willing to spend on the event? Do you have sponsors who are willing to help you cover the expenses?

Ask for your team members’ suggestions and you’ll see filling in all these factors shouldn’t be too difficult. Event preparations will also be hassle-free if you create committees and delegate different tasks to each member. Check with them frequently to see if they’ve fulfilled their responsibilities or need any help.

3) Determine the event format

Another crucial consideration to keep in mind is the event’s format. These days, events can be hosted in-person, via virtual, or maybe a combination of both.

If you’re taking the real-world route, you will need to select an event venue that can accommodate your crowd. An online event may be more realistic if you’re targeting broader, more international markets. On the other hand, a hybrid event allows you to target both in-person and virtual audiences.

4) Tell people about the event

Create an event poster and start spreading the word on your social media channels. This could be an excellent way to attract some attention online. You can even go the extra mile by advertising on social networking services or working with relevant influencers to reach more people.

5) Schedule a dry run

Having an event dry run gives you the chance to visualize everything before the big day. If you’re holding an in-person event, check out the venue in advance and decide which areas will be used for which activities. Make sure that all the equipment, such as the audio-visual systems, are ready and working.

The same thing can be said when you’re hosting a virtual or hybrid event. Test the software, hardware, and the internet connection you will use ahead of time to prevent technical difficulties during the event.

6) Hire additional support, if needed

A face-to-face event may require additional help so feel free to hire people who can handle the tasks. For example, you may want to assign some as the event security team while others may handle attendee registration at the location.

7) Be ready with your backup plan

Last-minute inconveniences can occur. Your resource person may have to attend to an emergency. Unexpected rain may mess up your outdoor event.

As the organizer, you will want to anticipate such inconveniences. You have to prepare a backup plan in case things do not go as expected.

8) Don’t forget to follow up

The follow up is possibly as important as the event itself. Soon after the event, send out email messages to the attendees. Thank them for their time and ask them for feedback. With their permission, you can later share some of the positive reviews on your social media pages.

As American aphorist Mason Cooley once said, “An event is not over until everyone is tired of talking about it.”

Final Thoughts

When done right, conducting events can definitely be a great way to market your product or service. You can improve your brand reputation and even increase your sales as you engage with your target market. 

Good luck on your upcoming business events!

Mark Rosario

Mark Rosario has been working as a professional writer since 2007. He currently blogs for TheFarmSoHo, a leading coworking and events venue in New York City..

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The post 8 Tips To Help You Organize Successful Business Events​ appeared first on Downtown Works.

The Pacific Beach Lifestyle – 7 Reasons Why PB is a Great Place to Live and Work

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Sunset in Pacific Beach, Calif. Source: KC Welch, Unsplash

For some people, California coastal living is just about having easy access to surf and sand. But for those who live and work in Pacific Beach, they know it’s all about the fun & friendly lifestyle that makes this laidback beach community so much more. That’s why we selected PB for our newest Downtown Works coworking location. Here is a list of reasons to love this incredible beach community as much as we do.

7 Reasons to Embrace the Laidback PB Lifestyle

1) PB’s stress-free vibe is strong and distinctive.

Once you make your way west of I-5 at Garnet Avenue or cross over the Ingraham Street Bridge, the sense of community is powerful. More than 1,500 small businesses support local residents and cater to the tourists who visit from all over the world. Established in the 1880s, the community grew exponentially after WWII. You’ll still find smatterings of small beach bungalows on streets named after precious stones. PB’s iconic Crystal Pier opened in 1924 and it’s a great place to go fishing, watch a sunset and feel your stress just melt away.

2) It’s a mecca for those who love being active and outdoors.

Along with word-class beaches where fun-in-the-sun never ends, PB has miles of cycling, jogging, and rollerblading trails including the ever-popular Ocean Front Walk/Ocean Boulevard Boardwalk. You’ll find yourself competing with tourists especially on weekends, but it’s all part of the beach scene that makes up the unique sights and sounds of PB. Of course, surfing and the surf culture is always at the top of the list for what makes PB special. Tourmaline Surfing Park on the north end of PB is an ideal spot to catch some waves before you head to work. You’ll also find it’s a great place for windsurfing and kiteboarding and in the winter months, tide pooling along the shore.

If walking trails and birdwatching are more your thing, Rose Creek is a well-kept secret in PB. It’s a quiet and beautiful natural area that features wetlands and wide-open spaces that nature lovers adore. Rose Creek runs north and south and can be accessed off of Magnolia just south of Grand Avenue. There’s also a variety of community parks and busy playgrounds like the one at Fanuel Street Park to enjoy with your family and friends. A little further inland is Kate Sessions Park up on Soledad Drive that offers breathtaking views overlooking the bay.

3) It’s a dog-lovers paradise.

You’ll find most restaurants, coffee shops, and businesses like Downtown Works are extremely pet friendly. Some even offer separate menus for your furry friends. For real socializing and exercising off leash, locals love Capehart Dog Park in the heart of PB.

4) Health and wellness are the norm in PB.

Eating clean goes hand-in-hand with the physically fit, active and organic lifestyle here. Locals regularly support the Tuesday Farmers’ Market on Bayard Street between Garnet and Grand Avenues where they can purchase a wide variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables along with meats, cheeses and all kinds of prepared items. They also enjoy local eateries that offer a farm-to-table experience like Our Green Affair at 980 Garnet, one of Downtown Works’ favorites. Our Green Affair offers easy, affordable and authentically prepared fresh salads, bowls, soups, loaded potatoes and even desserts! It’s easy to stay in bathing suit shape all year long with the variety of fitness/health clubs, gyms and the Pacific Beach Recreation Center available for various classes and healthy activities.

5) PB Coffee Houses are some of the very best in San Diego.

And it’s not just about the excellent coffee they serve. Places like Ocean Café at 4426 Ingraham Street in the heart of PB are another one of Downtown Works’ favorites. Known as a juice, smoothie, and coffee destination, Ocean Café also offers an extended menu that customers keep coming back for more. They use an authentic Brazilian recipe for their truly fantastic Acai Bowls that are often paired with a variety of organic coffees, cappuccinos, or its famous Milky Way Mocha. Overall, people just love their organic menu, strong coffee, and relaxing, laidback environment. Another local coffeehouse favorite is Palmy’s at 976 Felspar St. The owners have refreshed a well-known, beautiful craftsman bungalow with a welcoming front porch and added great coffee and food served with a splash of Australian personality. Their big breakfast burrito is one of the very best in town, especially when you order an organic coffee or an espresso to go with it. The garden offers a shady respite where you and (you guessed it) your dog can relax as you enjoy your food and drink.

6) It’s home to some of the hottest nightlife in San Diego.

PB boasts a wide variety of bars and restaurants but the top of the list for destinations belongs to Maverick’s Beach Club at 860 Garnet Avenue. With more than 15K sf, it features six bars, 43 TVs, amazing ocean views and a variety of indoor/outdoor spaces to just chill. It’s also very dog friendly. Whether you stay for the sunset or dance the night away, it’s definitely the place to be and to be seen. Another really cool and popular bar is The Grass Skirt at 910 Grand Avenue. It’s actually a speakeasy where you enter from behind the counter of a small, Poke café storefront. Once inside, you’re transported to a tropical, Tahitian-inspired bar and restaurant that offers live music, indoor/outdoor seating, great food and a wide variety of exotic drinks. Locals know to always make reservations in advance.

7) PB Knows How to Have Fun All Year Long.

That’s right! From the Christmas Boat Parade in December, Independence Day in July to the annual Pacific Beachfest every October that features live music, craft beer, a kid’s zone, volleyball tournament and other beach sports, there’s always something fun to do in this tight-knit community. Let’s not forget that Halloween is considered a major holiday in PB with costume contests and a variety of parties. Celebrating is just part of the scene in PB that’s punctuated by the fantastic fireworks show seen nightly from nearby Sea World. How great is that? It’s just another reason why Pacific Beach is a one of the best places to live and work in Southern California!

The post The Pacific Beach Lifestyle – 7 Reasons Why PB is a Great Place to Live and Work appeared first on Downtown Works.

The post Meet Erin Rocchio – Entrepreneur Coach and Mentor appeared first on Downtown Works.

So much time and so little to do! No, wait! Strike that! Reverse it! With the global impact of Covid-19 recking havoc on all that we hold dear, these famous words uttered by Mr. Willie Wonka just don’t sound as sweet. I won’t bore you with the facts and figures of our current nation-state. I will simply say that we are all in this together – waiting, watching, wondering what’s next, and doing our best to fill our days with activities and work that are both productive and life-affirming.

As the media continues its onslaught of information and updates, most American workers are nearing at the point of exhaustion. Some are frozen by fear, some are confused and working from home for the first time ever, most in need of some mental release or outlet to let go of the chaos in their minds.

Don’t know how to explore your beliefs and values during this time of crisis in a productive and business-centric way? Why not write them down! “One of the most effective ways to reduce stress with journaling is to write in detail about feelings and thoughts related to stressful events, as one would discuss topics in therapy, and brainstorm solutions.” (Very Well Mind)

The simple act of writing can help you work through tough personal decisions and challenges that will impact your business livelihood. For more on the positive effects of journaling and tips to incorporate the activity into your daily business practice, I turned to tech entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Peace Out (Kaywalo Inc.) Andrew Corona. Through infusing daily journaling into his busy schedule, Corona can let go of the mindless chatter in his head and remain steadfast and focused on what matters.

Can you explain some different styles of journaling and which one(s) you feel serve the business community best?

There’s a lot of different styles that are all good options. Depending on what you are looking to achieve (through journaling) or what you do in the business world. Here are some good examples:

• To get organized: A bullet journal is a month/week/days-long with an index, task lists, events, notes, and reflections. (I recommend this one for the business world). You can buy one premade like Panda planner or create your own on a piece of scratch paper and create the best format for you.
• Tune into your creativity: It doesn’t have to be text-based. A multimedia sketchbook or scrapbook that you can fill with designs, photos, and other art counts.
• If you want to sleep better: Nighttime journaling can be a great way to “let go” of everything and “close” the mind from what has consumed your attention for the day. It could be a simple line paper where all you do is write everything that is on your mind. It doesn’t even have to make sense – the point here is to use it as an emotional or creative dump session. I highly recommend using this type of journaling to improve your mental health.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Use a fitness journal to track your daily/weekly/monthly workout and diet progresses. I prefer using an app for this, like, MyFitnessPal. They do an excellent job encouraging you to follow through and even reward you for hitting certain milestones.

The purpose of journaling is to help you take control of your life and to view the progress from Day 1 to Day 1000. You can do the traditional pen to paper or type in an app, the options are there for you to decide what style(s) work best for you.

How do you go about establishing a journaling habit and a healthy self-reflective routine?

Keep it simple and just write. There is no right or wrong in journaling. If the idea is daunting or seems like heavy commitment, I recommend starting by writing a one-sentence journal. Very low commitment, like Q&A a day or daily affirmation.

What journaling tools (online or paper) do you recommend and why?

Everyone is different. What works for me may not work for someone else but if I had to recommend one or two, it would be Evo and Panda Planner. They both provide an online and offline option with the purchase of their paper planner. What I love about the Evo is before you can make a purchase on their website, they have you complete a questionnaire to understand your brain type. After you receive the results, they will recommend a certain planner based on your individual results.

How does someone who has never journaled before in their life overcome that voice in their head telling them that this is a waste of time, or why would I journal, or this is silly or stupid?

One way or another we already incorporate journaling in our lives. Usually in the worse sense such as using your Apple or Google calendar. Journaling is only an extension of that process you have in place. I recommend, to ask yourself first “why” and “what” that you’re looking to get out of journaling before starting. Once you know your reason, keep it simple. Create a one-sentence journal to start and then work your way up.

In your experience, how has journaling helped you to be more productive in your business and in your personal life?

In business, journaling has pushed me to maintain a level of productivity that I never had before. My business journal is a planner where I track my tasks, my appointments, write down my daily affirmations and reflect on yesterday’s or last week’s or month’s progress. On those tough days, I reflect on my progress to see where or how far I’m come and reminisce on other times where I persevered through other hurdles.

In my personal life, it is everything. I depend on my journal as an emotional dumpster to let go of whatever thoughts that are currently racing through my mind. This has helped me stay present in life. It has helped me stay focused during the workday. It has helped me accept the past and prepare for the future. I love my journal.

Want to Learn More…

Once given the all-clear by management, Andrew will be hosting an interactive journaling workshop entitled “Elevated Breakfast” at Downtown Works. The focus of this 1-hour morning session is to help entrepreneurs hold themselves accountable, get organized, and mentally prepare for each business day.

Also, participants will leave with an overall understanding of how journaling can aid in personal productivity and becoming their best selves within a structured system(routine). The date and time of the workshop are TBD.

The post Entrepreneur 101s – Write it Down: Elevate Your Entrepreneurship Through Journaling appeared first on Downtown Works.

How valuable is your time? Have you associated a cost with time, whether monetary or not? In my experience, time is one of the few currencies an early-stage entrepreneur has in his or her wallet to spend. Workdays are filled with brainstorming sessions, networking events, and all the things that make entrepreneur life and the hustle exciting and new. You push yourself to the limits with a “get it done” attitude, basically putting in your time (no pun intended) and making your rookie mistakes along the way. Of these missteps, I believe not valuing your time as money could cost you in the end.

I think back to one of the greatest movies of all time, Back to the Future! How cool it would be to be like Marty McFly traveling back in time with Doc Brown changing the past and seeing into the future. What if this was a reality for you? You’re telling me that there is a time machine that can transport me back to when I started this entrepreneurship thing? Great Scott! I would give anything to travel back and correct all the mistakes I made along the way.

Before scheduling that next meeting or attending that next happy hour, you may want to rethink your time strategy and review the following suggestions in favor of placing a higher value on your time currency.

Netflix and Chill – Think Again

I am not talking about coffee when I tell you that entrepreneur life is a grind! I don’t care what anyone says, there will never be enough hours in the day, days in the week, or weeks in the month to get everything done on your plate. Working two jobs to make ends meet, being so tired that you fall asleep at your desk – unless you are just the privileged among us, you must believe in yourself and your idea at all costs. Part of valuing your time is really trying to understand where the time goes!

Honestly, I have spent hours channel surfing and streaming Netflix, only to say that I have no time for my business the next day. Shame on me! Then, to make matters worse, I end up worrying about not having my work done. Crazy huh? I love the quote “worry is a total waste of time. It doesn’t change anything. All it does is steal your joy and keeps you very busy doing nothing.” I don’t know about you, but I have felt stressed out and super busy getting nothing done. What’s up with that?

I think Gary V, love him or hate him, makes a great point about entrepreneurship and time management when he said “you have made a decision that does not allow you any time, in your first year, to do anything but build your business. No more binge-watching Game of Thrones, slacker.”

Failure – Opportunity for Success the Next Time

If my calculations are correct, the next time I fail you’re gonna see some serious opportunity! Wow…wouldn’t it be sweet when you eventually run into a bump in the road to have this kind of optimism? The time cost associated with failure, if you’re not careful, can be exacerbated if you forget to factor in the opportunity costs as well.

A recent article in INC.com got me thinking about time as money in my own business. It argued that “the key to finding the value of your time lies in finding the difference between what you gained from failure and what you would have gained had you succeeded. For example, suppose a thirty-minute sales pitch wins over potential clients and your business earns $1,000. Whenever your sales pitch is rejected, you have lost more than just thirty minutes of your time. You’ve also lost the opportunity to earn that extra $1,000.” Boom, mind blown!

I don’t say this to stress you out, merely to illustrate the point that your time is more valuable than you might think. Try looking at your time from a new perspective, what are you chicken? For years, with each one of my failures, I kept on doing the same thing I had always done and expecting a different result. INSANITY! Well…entrepreneur life can be bizarre – many times a little crazy…but I digress.

Looking Back to the Future – Time as Money

Unfortunately, no time machine exists yet that affords us the means to travel back in time. Our time on this earth is limited – the here and now is all we have – this moment is our past, our present, and our future. Spending your time currency wisely is just one way to keep moving your business forward. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. I hope you found value in it. Your future hasn’t been written yet. No one’s has. Your future is whatever you make it. So, make it a good one.

It’s common knowledge that Mr. Benjamin Franklin coined the phrase, “Time is Money.” I end this blog with some food for thought from one of our greatest Founding Fathers.

“Remember that time is money. He that can earn ten shillings a day by his labor, and goes abroad, or sits idle one half of that day, though he spends but sixpence during his diversion or idleness, it ought not to be reckoned the only expense; he hath really spent or thrown away five shillings besides.”

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The post Back to the Future of Entrepreneurship – Valuing your Time Currency appeared first on Downtown Works.

I believe the remote ecosystem thrives on diversity. Not only a variety of roles and responsibilities, but of cultures, causes, and companies focused on changing the world for the better. Organizations are finding value in flexibility and creating customized work roles for the right candidate. Nicole LaMarca of Knology just happens to be one of those candidates.

Through her environmental research and background in animal behavior and human psychology, Nicole is well-positioned to tackle the topic of conservational advocacy – working to change the landscape of how organizations do business when it comes to helping support a healthy and flourishing biosphere.

Let’s hear from Nicole on the subject of remote work, and her journey so far…

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you ended up in your current role with Knology?

I was working on my master’s degree in Animal Behavior and Conservation at Hunter College in NYC. One of my professors, who worked at Knology, a New York based non-profit social science think tank, was recruiting students for internships. I thought it sounded intriguing since it combined my undergraduate focus of Psychology and Human Behavior with my graduate focus of Conservation Sciences – so I applied and was selected for an internship. I joined the office as it was growing – the company just opened our San Diego office in Oceanside, CA.

I grew into my current role as a Project Manager and Researcher as the office was growing and changing. I ended up in San Diego because the lead for the Oceanside office moved on to another opportunity. My bosses already knew that after graduation, I was exploring the idea of moving to California, so I was able to take over our California presence.

2. Being an environmental researcher, in your opinion, what are organizations not doing that they could do to create a healthier planet?

Regardless of the sector, service, or product, any organization can review how their work can mitigate the effects of climate change. If you’re a community-based organization, you can ask what parts of your community are vulnerable and work towards resilience. I feel there are lots of organizations working on this at the municipal level across the United States. I believe community organizations should have a seat at the table and collaborate in these efforts!

For example, if you make a product, you could investigate the carbon emissions of your supply chain and consider if there are better options. Climate change is a multidimensional issue and we all have a stake in helping our planet thrive.

3. Knology prides itself on cooperation and collaboration within a multi-stakeholder ecosystem. How do you and your team maintain effective and transparent internal communication?

Internal communication is important to us. Our offices are based in California and New York. We have additional team members spread across the US. We use Slack for informal communication, and whenever possible, video during our internal calls. Whether they’re one-on-one or with the whole team, I can’t recommend video enough! When you can’t be in the same room, video can help build trust and rapport with your team. Having good audio equipment is important too! If you can’t hear each other, communication is impossible.

4. How has being a member of Downtown Works helped you grow as a professional?

Working at Downtown Works has been helpful for keeping me motivated and focused on my work. I like being in a productive and aesthetic environment surrounded by kind people. It provides a sense of community and has helped me to communicate more effectively about the work that I do – specifically, with people who are unfamiliar with the field that I’m in.

5. Do you have any productivity hacks that you can share with our readers?

Personally, I find that in order to feel productive in any aspect of my life, I need to feel like I have balance. For me, that means in addition to work, making time to do other things that make me happy. I spend time with friends, my dog, the great outdoors (mostly rock climbing), painting, reading, etc. Moving to San Diego from NYC has improved that sense of balance for me, along with my quality of life, and ultimately my productivity!

6. What is one piece of advice you would give someone wanting to transition from an office environment to remote work?

I think remote work looks very different for different kinds of people. Remote work requires self-discipline – a skill I’m constantly honing. I try to manage my time wisely and create a structure for myself. Getting outdoors and being active in the morning helps me be more productive throughout the day. Additionally, as I mentioned earlier, any remote meetings that can be done through video conferencing is a plus!

7. Where can readers find you and your company on social if they want to know more?

Please sign up for our monthly newsletter where we share research updates at knology.org.

We’d love to hear from folks! Here’s where you can find us:

Twitter: @KnologyResearch 

LinkedIn:   Knology Research

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The post Meet Nicole LaMarca – A Remote Researcher Scaling Up a Better Planet appeared first on Downtown Works.

She feels that developing personal relationships is critical for her to get a sense of the overall impact of the organization. “I want to absorb the organizational culture like a sponge,” she explains. “I want to take on new challenges and old pain points and overcome any existing barriers. Figure out what has worked, what hasn’t worked, and develop solid long-term objectives. I want to discover a path to keep Startup San Diego evolving the local entrepreneur community and helping draw more tech and talent to the area.”

No doubt planning the annual San Diego Startup Week as well as helping fundraise through local events and meetups will keep Navarro moving toward her goals. Her strategy for the work ahead – team building and values alignment – creating a thriving community and helping grow it. “I want to ensure missions are aligned,” says Navarro. “I am here to amplify the efforts of an amazing team, working together to scale our non-profit and take on bigger challenges.”

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Alexa-Rae Navarro and it’s great to be here in San Diego! I am a UCSD Alumni, but spent the last 8 years in Los Angeles, most of my time immersed in supporting the tech and startup ecosystem. I was the Sr. Managing Director of the Bixel Exchange Center for Innovation & Tech at the LA Area Chamber of Commerce. The Bixel Exchange connects talent to opportunity through entrepreneurship and talent development. Through its core programs, the center has provided 600+ predominantly underrepresented entrepreneurs with one-on-one mentorship and helped them to collectively raise $30+ million in investment! San Diego has always felt like home to me and I’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to make a positive impact in my own backyard.

2. What is it that makes the San Diego market so attractive to entrepreneurs and young startups?

Well for one, it’s the best place to live, work, and play in SoCal! I think SD Life Changing said it best, “In San Diego, we work for and create cool companies that believe in changing the world. We’re finding cures for diseases, improving communication around the world, brewing America’s finest beer and doing it all while surfing on our lunch break. Life in San Diego is constantly evolving. There’s always a new challenge to solve and a new cold brew to try. Here, “changing the world” isn’t just a pipe dream – it’s reality. You can upgrade your day-to-day while being part of something bigger. That’s Life. Changing. That’s San Diego.”

Of course, things like weather, quality of life, physical space, are all factors in driving entrepreneurs to start companies where they do, but talent–it’s everything. Between all of the local universities (UCSD, USD, SDSU, and Diego & Imperial Counties Community College Association (SDICCCA) and investment that’s coming to the ecosystem to build healthy talent pipelines, the region is going to thrive!

3. What is Startup San Diego and how can local entrepreneurs and startups get involved?

Startup San Diego is a 501c3 non-profit that serves as the front door and gateway to the San Diego startup ecosystem. We are a platform to connect our local tech community to the right ecosystem resources, networks, and support institutions. We envision a thriving and inclusive regional innovation economy. An ecosystem rooted in community, collaboration, and giving back. We envision San Diego as a truly global hub for innovation.

We connect, educate, and inspire founders and local talent to grow San Diego’s startup ecosystem through San Diego Startup Week, Convergence, 1st Mondays, & 3rd Mondays. If you’re interested in engaging with us, I encourage you to come experience one of our events! San Diego Startup Week is a great way to experience the full SD Startup Ecosystem.

4. Since this month’s focus is Productivity and Goals, what methods do you deploy for setting realistic goals for yourself, and how do you stay productive during busy and or stressful times?

Meditation is key. I cannot stress enough the importance of mindfulness and mental fitness training. Meditation helps me to be a more centered and self-aware leader. It brings clarity and enables me to be much more present, productive, effective, and ready to solve whatever the universe decides to throw at me.

My Google calendar base structure – I have a lot on my plate, but I’ve scheduled out my calendar daily — by the minute– with various time blocks to ensure that I keep myself balanced, on-task, and accountable. For example, I schedule a time for things like meditation, childcare drop-off, emails, development lunches, call/meeting blocks, and most importantly uninterrupted focus time.

My entire team is shared on my calendar as well to ensure transparency and awareness of what my day-to-day looks like. Now, am I perfect? Do I always stick to the schedule? No! But it keeps me focused and guides me throughout all the “crazy” of running a non-profit organization.

5. How has being a member of Downtown Works helped you grow professionally?

I am brand new to the community so TBD on personal and professional development! DW has been an integral Startup San Diego Partner for years. Their support has been pivotal in helping facilitate community programming and scaling the organization.

6. What is one piece of advice you would give someone just beginning their startup business?

I’ll give you three. First, know your “why” and be able to clearly articulate it! Second, be ready for a 24-7 hustle. Sometimes entrepreneurship can be lonely, so be sure to find your tribe and network of support. Lastly, know your strengths and areas of growth. Be able to identify what resources and people you need to take your idea or company from 0 -100!

7. Where can readers find out more about Startup San Diego and how to get involved?

LinkedIn or Twitter! The best way to contact me is through the San Diego Startups Slack.

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The post Meet Alexa-Rae Navarro – Leading Startup San Diego into the Future appeared first on Downtown Works.

It took the ancient Romans years of hard work, commitment, patience, and sacrifice to build an empire. These ancient entrepreneurs had their own set of challenges and setbacks, but nowhere near the number of digital distractions, we face today. With constant disruption from our devices, sucking our valuable time and energy, it’s important to set yourself up for success.

This week’s post is about understanding these challenges while arming yourself with information and tips to help adjust your business mindset. Learn to FOCUS on what’s most important when it comes to your entrepreneurial adventure.

Here are 5 tips to help entrepreneurs FOCUS on expansion and growth in 2020…

1. F – Flexibility

Failure is a part of life. Many of your best ideas and business solutions will not work. Accepting this fact while remaining flexible is key for startups and business owners learning to crawl before they walk. The buzz word that gets thrown around a lot is “pivot”. Add this term to your vocabulary. You will find yourself using it more than you think.

2. O – Organization

Entrepreneurship is a journey, not a destination. Your path will be paved with a crazy amount of information, networking opportunities, and partnerships. Navigating the seas of startup chaos and organizing your business the right way from the beginning makes a difference. Time can be your best friend or your worst enemy, save yourself hours of heartache by organizing and structuring your time the best you can. A disciplined approach often works best.

3. C – Connection

We’ve all heard the phrase “you are what you eat.” The same concept applies to the company you keep with others in the business world. Connect yourself with mentors in your market space who are honest, knowledgeable, and can say they have been there and done that. No one, no matter what they tell you, can do it all themselves. It takes a village. Strong interpersonal relationships and learning from other’s mistakes will bring good things to your business.

4. U – Utilization

Make things work for you. All the resources and tools in the world, if not used, are worthless. This is the action part of the puzzle. Prioritize studying up on current trends and business practices within your industry. Someone must take that first step into the unknown, why not you?

5. S – Sincerity

Promises Promises Promises. Start from the heart. Be genuine and do what you say you are going to do. Trust is everything in business. Choose your words carefully, because they have the power to change your life. Good luck finding your FOCUS in 2020!

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The challenge for most teleworkers looking to advance their careers is how to not become invisible. When I say invisible, I mean out of sight and out of mind in the hearts of colleagues and managers. Fact is, that employees that don’t have the typical “face-time” with co-workers and supervisors must work a little bit harder to make a good impression. There is no faking being productive when you’re a remote employee.

It takes a well-conceived plan, dare I say a calculated strategy, to demonstrate your value while working off-site. By taking ownership of building the career of your dreams, you have a better chance of being promoted, earning more money, and climbing that highly sought-after corporate ladder.

Here are 7 proven strategies for advancing your career as a remote employee. Get ready to hustle hard!

1. Choose a Remote First Company

Are you the only employee in your company working remotely? If you are looking to advance, you might want to consider switching it up. According to a recent article by FastCompany, “it’s easy for remote workers to feel left out if they don’t work for a company that has taken measures to build trust and connection between their on-site and remote employees.” Don’t fight an uphill battle. Choosing a remote-first company with an established infrastructure is a great way to showcase your talents.

2. Overcommunicate – Do You Hear Me Now!

It’s important to get “face-time” and check in with co-workers and supervisors on the regular. Take the time to send a quick Slack or IM to update the team on the latest project developments. Like a tree that falls in the forest, if no one hears you, do you make a sound? Being available the best you can during regular business hours is a good start. Try joining an after-work virtual chat or meetup group.

It’s imperative to set clear expectations with your boss from the start. Spend time learning how to communicate so that they actually “hear” what you are saying. Speaking the company language makes a difference. All your hard work might fall on deaf ears if you don’t present your data and information in the expected tone, format, and style.

3. Optimize Your Energy

Aside from keeping a strict exercise and meditation routine, work smarter not harder. The way in which you choose to utilize your time and energy has a huge impact on advancing in your current role. You can be your own best friend or your own worst enemy! If you know you are a night owl and more productive and energized in the middle of the night, then schedule your biggest work challenges when you are at your best. It seems like an easy concept to adopt, right? Wrong.

4. Be the Company Entrepreneur

Let’s be honest. If you’re a company man or women working from home, the road, co-working, wherever – you already have an entrepreneur’s spirit within you. Don’t fight it! Use it to further your career. Embrace your inner entrepreneur by being a lifelong learner. Create personal habits that expand your understanding and enhance your marketable skills and personal passions. Who knows that side hustle could end up your full-time dream job!

5. Become a Great Writer

In my humble opinion, mastery of the written word is one of the most undervalued skills in business today. Without the advantage of simply walking to the corner office to ask for clarification, remote employees rely heavily on clear and concise email communication. There is an art form to crafting the perfect email. Before sending your communication, it’s always a good idea to read over your message multiple times. Ask yourself, “is it clear what I am requesting? Could this message be confusing to any recipients?” Become a great writer and set yourself up for success.

6. Create Connection

Good relationships are built on one thing – trust. Figure out how to earn the trust of your supervisor, and you are 10x more likely to be promoted. People are people but that doesn’t mean we can’t all learn to get along in a business setting. Look for ways to problem solve ahead of the issue, before personal conflict, assumption, and ego get involved. You will thank yourself later by making a small effort right now to socialize with co-workers – especially if you are in the same city. No matter how many Zoom calls or live chats you participate in, there is no substitute for face to face conversation and connection.

7. Instead of Being Volentold, Try Volunteering!

This simple act shows the people you want to impress that you are invested in the company. It also signals you are ready to take on more responsibilities and willing to go above and beyond to get the job done. You may not agree, but a little brown-nosing from time to time can go a long way. Just saying.

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The post 7 Proven Strategies for Advancing your Career as a Remote Employee appeared first on Downtown Works.