There is so much that could be said about the current economy or business climate in Michigan. Let me tell you a little secret. There is so much potential in the world right now, that with some creativity and tuning into what people are looking for, there is absolutely amazing and huge potential. It is ever present and there for the taking.

Small business can be attributed to be the backbone of America. Small business employs more people than big business, but that’s what usually gets the press. When a large company opens or closes, we hear. What happens when a small business opens? Typically no one hears about them until they begin to make some noise and get some recognition.

Enter: InSights Group. InSights Group was founded in January of 2008 as a place for business owners to get together for a sense of community, support, training, motivation, networking, and whatever else they could identify as a need or want for business success. So often people getting into business for themselves feel like an island, navigating the seas alone, guessing, and often not knowing where to turn for support or help.

Right now, in Brighton, MI, and across the country, individuals known as “Enthusiasts” who have been exposed to the InSights Group and philosophy are having such abundant success that you’d never know they may have once felt alone. With the comraderie and community, any individual or company looking for answers has an eager support community ready to help. The spirit of positive optimism and encouragement can be felt from the moment someone stops into the “clubhouse” in Brighton, MI, a converted 6,600 sq. ft. former warehouse that has been transformed into a warm eclectic mix of business and creative spaces designed to make people feel at home. The sense of excitement is in the air.

This is a place where someone shares with a MasterMind group the craziest, loftiest dream they could even imagine, and people turn to them and say they can do it, but the goal should probably be bigger, since they’ll be able to accomplish it so easily.  The encouragement and support helps people to have the most amazing ideas they could ever come up with, and then start thinking and strategizing at the next level. Of course there is always a shoulder available for the days when someone needs a little extra help or a push to keep going. Business does have it’s ups and downs.

The amazing energy of this supportive entrepreneur and business community extends to individuals who are in transition, seeking new opportunity, or even those who work for someone else. The group is inclusive rather than exclusive, and the common bond is that people are willing to join in the fun and help. This is the place where you will find a business strategy meeting that starts with a “reindeer game” or “duck duck goose” on the floor.  People may be surprised and a bit hesitant at first, but soon come to recognize the need to throw away the “traditional business box.” 

One member, who just celebrated her one year anniversary with the group, related the story of her first day at InSights. She was in for a business mixer and was too cool and self important to join in the game. She soon learned the secret to success and being open to the possibilities. This former corporate exectutive, turned small business owner, is now the first in line for every opportunity to get her feet wet. Literally. She wore full body paint when the group held a ladies night shopping and networking event featuring the characters from the Wizard of Oz and was the Tin Man from head to toe. Her business and non-profit foundation have benefited greatly from the group, and she attributes her personal success and motivation in a large part to the InSights Group community.

Companies from industries that are experiencing some economic slowdowns are also finding solutions with the InSights philosophies in social media. One dental office, who recently attended a two day media strategy setting boot camp expressed that they spent over $70,000 marketing a local dental office, and the marketing was not working. The potential exposure using social media, which has very minimal costs when done in house, has huge potential. Even more than the potential, for one dental industry consultant, is the renewed optimism and energy that is possible as a result of thinking bigger. In her case, the realization that using social media as the vehicle, she will soon be trading her knowlege for money and income, rather than her time, which used to be the necessary component to her business success. By adding elements to her website and a regular training subscription available on demand, she has created an income stream that can be utilized 24 hours a day.

The common sentiment from individuals who are learning about the InSights Group and new ways to interact in the business world are that everyone needs a group like this. The members are able to benefit from the insights (pun intended) provided by the InSights Group, and those from fellow members. Any event or meeting will boast individuals from industries across the board. From hi-tech computing and interface solutions, to multi-level marketing individuals, from consultants to construction workers, every individual is celebrated for their life’s experiences and attitudes. The support that is often needed, and life changing strategies, many times come from people outside the industries they support because of the ability to see past tradition and the way things have always been done.

To people who say they don’t have the time to become involved in a group, or in social media, those that know better will offer encouragement, but respect that it has to be an individuals decision at the right time. They will also explain that you don’t have time not to, as the numbers and results speak for themselves. From the screen printer who quoted tens of thousands of pieces of product to a national brand company, to the local cake creator who takes orders from around the world, the success stories here happen at the rate of at least one incredible success per day, per person.  Businesses are booming, small business owners are happy, and at least in this one part of the world, with the influence it shares, lives are happier because of this community.

There is no waiting period required to attain success. The time is now, and it starts with a decision. If you need help making the decision, support in striving for your goal, or a good kick in the pants to get started moving in a more productive direction, everyone here is here to help. The only pre-requisites are an open mind, and a desire to grow, or even a window that’s the tiniest bit open. The rest will sort itself out, and you will be amazed by the results.

What are you waiting for?

810-623-5839 is the number to call for the Enthusiast on Duty who can help to get you started.

Social Media Strategy

Everywhere we turn, we hear that social media has become an important force in business marketing, which is very true. Money goes where people go, and people are going to social media sites.

Having an account in a social media platform (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter) is not the same as having a social media “strategy”, and having a strategy is essential for success.

 Allan Curtis and Sandi Maki have a common sense approach to integrating social media into a business marketing plan, and would love to help you define, develop, implement and maintain a successful strategy.

The process begins with setting some social media goals, and incorporating the best elements of what is available in the social media world today, with the ability to grow and change tomorrow. A successful strategy can be developed utilizing your existing web presence, and gaining the maximum amount of traction by adding the most important social media elements to your marketing mix.

Join us for a luncheon event hosted by the E-Loft, Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 at 11:30am and learn how and why these social media sites should be an important part of your marketing mix.

Bio/Introduction:

Sandi Maki and Allan Curtis are co-founders of the InSights Group, an amazing collaborative learning organization. Without traditional funding, a marketing or advertising budget they used organic marketing strategies and social media to grow the InSights Group. Creating the roadmap as they went, learning and growing on the way, they’ve found what works in the world of social media. The social media strategies taught at the InSights Group were developed as a part of those experiences, and they’ll be sharing some of what they have learned with you.

Sandi and Al have presented to a diverse array of audiences, from a small group in a conference room to  national conventions.  They are hired as social media strategists, conduct classes and training regularly both at our facility, the InSights Group in Brighton, and on location. You can find their CD series available on Amazon.com, and webinars, audio downloads, and podcasts available on the InSights Group website.

EVENT DETAILS HERE

A Special Note to You:

As we wrap up our 2009 experiences, we’d like to take a moment to say thank you to our amazing community, friends, and supporters. We have had so many amazing experiences this year.  The support that we are able to give to each other, helps us all. Thank you to our most enthusiastic of Enthusiasts, the Friends of InSights, and the communities and groups we have met this year. We look forward to an even more prosperous and rewarding New Year. Remember to make your mountain big enough, because these little ones are just way to easy to climb.
 
All the best for your continued prosperity and success, and to you enjoying each moment of happiness and Bliss that every day brings.
 
With Gratitude & Hugs,

Allan Curtis and Sandi Maki
Co-Founders and Enthusiastic Leaders of the InSights Group

“If you want a thing bad enough to go out and fight for it, to work day and night for it, to give up your time, your peace and your sleep for it… if all that you dream and scheme is about it, and life seems useless and worthless without it… if you gladly sweat for it and fret for it and plan for it and lose all you terror of the opposition for it… if you simply go after that thing you want with all your capacity, strength and sagacity, faith, hope and confidence and stern pertinacity… it neither cold, poverty, famine, nor gout, sickness nor pain, of body and brain can keep you away from thing that you want… if dogged and grim you beseech and beset it, with the help of your belief, you WILL get it!”

From “Live Your Dreams” by Les Brown quoting his affirmation written by Berton Braley.

*A special thank you to Rebecca of Green Otter Graphics for helping put our ideas into beautiful graphic design!

This blog post was prompted by Andrew, an undergraduate student from Canada, who is researching environmentally friendly business solutions and co-working. We exchanged emails earlier this week, and I thought the questions would be great to share with you here. I also asked that he provide feedback as his project moves further along so we can find out what he was able to discover.  Thanks Andrew!

How long have you been involved in co-working?

We opened our facility, the InSights Group in January of 2008, before we even knew what coworking was.

How did you first get involved? Why? (E.g. Environment, Creativity, money, networking etc).

We had the initial idea to create a place where we could bring local business people together to support each other, get motivational training, inspiration, and become collective resources for each other. Finding space was a challenge. To get a basic conference room with enough parking was not easy to find. We ended up in a 6,000 sq. ft. warehouse, with lots of little rooms, spaces, and we needed to figure out what to do with the space. So the idea for the offices and rental on a membership basis, as well as drop in by the hour was created.

What do you think the benefits of co-working are to business centers?  Do you see many parallels between the two?

The benefits to our coworking center are the sense of community and positive encouragement. Our space houses a much bigger idea, that of the InSights community and philosophy. It’s so much more than just a place to work for the people who become involved. It’s a supportive business community where everyone is invested in helping each other succeed, which in turn helps them to succeed.

I believe a coworking center differs from a “traditional” business center in the sense that coworkers seek to be much more connected. It’s not people stopping in to work, it’s people looking for a place to be connected to other people, find friendly conversation when needed, and a quiet space to focus if that is what they need.

What professions are the typical buyers?

Our coworking center hosts a variety of businesses. Anyone from an insurance agent, to a wedding cake maker, a sales team for yellowbook advertising, lawyers, holistic practitioners, and local engineers who find themselves in transition have all used our services.

How long is the average contract length? What are the maximum and minimum periods of a contract?

Our contract for coworking space is month to month, with a yearly community buy in fee. There are price incentives to paying a year in full. We do have  full training schedule available on a variety of topics from business resources to social media and marketing ideas for the enterepreneur and small business. We also offer mastermind groups, closed sessions of 12 individuals who meet weekly to act as an advisory board for each other, and to mastermind big ideas. These are offered both a’ la carte and with a monthly membership to the training programs.

How do you work out a price per desk? What is your average price?

We offer drop in desk and conference room useage with a membership. Another option is for dedicated access to a small office, running approx. $300/month.

How is co-working environmentally friendly?

CO-working helps people reduce drive time to an office, combines the ability to use common resources, and in our facility converted a warehouse into very useable space.

Is co-working “desk space rental”?

Coworking at the InSights Group is not desk space rental. It is a place to meet, connect, have fun, make friends, and grow your business, finding support and resources everywhere in the organization.

How do you advertise?

Our facility has been built using social media. When we opened we did not have traditional funding, a large budget, or a plan of how it was all going to come together. Social media has been a huge vehicle for us, and in turn, is something we teach because we have used it. We also grow through word of mouth, and participation in groups in the area, and around the country.

How do clients normally find you?

Clients find us by hearing about us from a friend, seeing our name, driving by (we have a very prominent location on a busy thoroughfare) and through social media.

Why would individuals chose to pay for a space when they can go to a coffee shop instead? What do you offer that a coffee shop does not?

At a coffee shop there are people randomly coming and going. Sometimes it’s noisy, sometimes quiet. Mostly people at a coffee shop keep to themselves. At the InSights Group, in our drop in Village coworking space, you can find a quiet space to work, and there are always people around if you choose to be a bit social. The major difference is that everyone who comes through is interested in making new connections, so as opposed to a coffee shop everyone finds out what everyone else does, what they may be working on if they choose to share, and how to help each other.

Are there any negative aspects of co-working?

In our space, our members have really taken ownership of the space and everyone offers to help, whether it’s cleaning, answering the phones, greeting guests at the door, or helping with technical questions, there is so much support. Without a cohesiveness in our group, I wouldn’t think the experience would be as great as it is, and the building may require more maintenance. Now, people treat this as their space as much as it is ours, and everyone’s who comes through. We are very appreciative of the enthusiastic group support.

Are there any problems with security?

We have not had issues with security. Members can opt to get an electronic key for 24 hour access to the building if they choose. The rest of the time there are regular weekday office hours. Again, because of the sense of ownership of the members, everyone is very active in taking care of the space.

Where do you see co-working 10 years from now?

In ten years I see coworking as an amazing way to work. I believe that the large corporate environments will have been even more reduced in numbers, with creative places to work and grow being predominant. I also think that as limited as the coworking network is now, there will be a larger “drop in” system throughout coworking facilities so wherever you are around the country or the world, there is a space that you will be welcomed in to work or socialize, and to feel a connected sense of belonging in each.

Have you ever heard the term “BRANDING”
and wondered what it REALLY meant?
 
Well… Daniel & Lisa decided to make
the first 10 minutes of their Branding
101 video available to members of the
Simple Sites Quick Start Course for FRE E!
All you need to do is opt-in on the page
below and you will be sent an email with
a link and password to access the course. 
 
Click Here to Opt In for your password

Originally this video was only going to be
available to people who purchased the full
SIMPLE SITES Course but Daniel & Lisa
decided to make this part of it available for
FREE because the information in it is so critical
for ANYONE doing business in the 21st Century.
Whether you are blogger, a manufacturing company,
local service business, book store… even if
you are simply putting up a resumé web site,
branding comes into play, with YOU as the
product.

Click Here to Opt In for your password
 
You’ve also got to hear the story Daniel tells
about an internet marketing product that was
recently released and how the group that so ld
it totally dropped the ball!

Hugs,

Sandi & Al

P.S. The FULL BRANDING 101 presentation
comes as a BONUS to the SIMPLE SITES
COURSE. You will get instant access to it as
soon as your purchase is complete.

Click Here to Opt In for your password

Seth Godin is promoting a new ebook and it’s worth sharing. We’ve found that everything Seth touches has the ability to inspire, clarify and energize just about anything.

Here are more than seventy big thinkers, each sharing an idea for you to think about as we head into the new year. From bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert to brilliant tech thinker Kevin Kelly, from publisher Tim O’Reilly to radio host Dave Ramsey, there are some important people riffing about important ideas here. The ebook includes Tom Peters, Jackie Huba and Jason Fried, along with Gina Trapani, Bill Taylor and Alan Webber.

Here’s the deal: it’s free. Download it here. Or from any of the many sites around the web that are posting it with insightful commentary. Tweet it, email it, post it on your own site. I think it might be fun to make up your own riff and post it on your blog or online profile as well. It’s a good exercise. Can we get this in the hands of 5 million people? You can find an easy to use version on Scribd as well. Please share.

Have fun. Here’s to a year with ideas even bigger than these.