by Greg Hilton | Mar 26, 2025 | Good Stuff, Knowledge Bomb, SOCO Members, Why We Hustle
A guide to finding, understanding and unleashing your value on the world.
“I’m Not Where I Want To Be.” 👎🏾
I hear this all the time from people I work with, coach or hang with. I mean, I don’t know if anyone ambitious is ever going to be happy with where they want to be. But I also know there are lots of people stuck in jobs, gigs or things they don’t love and that can be demoralizing (trust me, I’ve been there).
I get it. If you’re not where you want to be or you seem to be stringing together a series of bad days…it can be difficult to find that value, your unique abilities. And let’s be clear…(most) customers don’t give a rip about your situation. They only care about what value you provide to them. But, it’s in these moments where you need to turn for inspiration. In some professions, it’s really clear. “I go into burning buildings and save people’s lives.” For others (most of us) you need to look beneath the surface a little.
You Have Value 🤗
Listen. I don’t care what you do. You might be reading this running an Inc 5000 company or serving fries at the drive through at a fast food chain. While you might not be where you want to be, I am 100% certain of one thing. You add value to the world. And at the end of the day, I think this is where all the magic lies. Finding your value, getting really clear and comfortable with it and then unleashing it on the world. But, don’t fool yourself. There is value in what you do, even if you’re unhappy.
- If you work the drive through at McWhateversville, you might struggle to find your value. But I assure you it’s there. That lady three cars back? She’s a working mom with three crazy kids and doesn’t even have time to breathe. She needed food and didn’t have time to cook. You gave that to her. That’s “meeting basic needs” value and it’s simple, yet powerful.
- If you’re a number cruncher in some back office finance department wondering why you exist? Stop that. I can tell you first hand that money, numbers and financial matters stress the eff out of like 90% of people. Your superpower (one of many) could simply be that you make numbers easier for others or help your “people” gain more confidence and make better decisions.
- If you’re stuck in some crappy fashion retail job, folding endless stacks of high rise wide-leg jeans (cause I hear they’re back). Take a breath. People buy clothes to feel better about themselves. You have 100 opportunities A DAY to help someone gain just a little more confidence about themselves. That’s magic pixie dust right there.
- If you’re a claims adjuster, life can suck for you. You’re dealing with angry people, in an industry that most people hate (until they need) and doing work that might feel really repetitive and mundane (or even downright depressing). Change your perspective. You have the opportunity to sit with grieving, distraught and overwhelmed people and add just a little bit of comfort, confidence and kindness in a moment of extreme trauma and stress. I can tell you this first hand having just gone through this with my mom and an accident.
Now Find It and Understand It 🧠
At SOCO, most people say that we’re in the workspace game. I’d humbly rebut that and say that we’re in the hospitality game. From the moment they come in, to the moment they leave (for a work day, a meeting, an event or even cause it’s Tuesday), our job is to make sure they have an incredible experience. To help them get a little more out of today than they did yesterday through inspiring spaces, friendly staff, real connections, kick ass resources, etc….
It took me a long time to figure this out. Like years. But, once we started focusing on our value, it was amazing to see the results. Growth. Longer term members. More joy in the work we did. Really. All that.
That’s some of the value we seek to add into people’s lives. So, the real challenge for you if you’re struggling to get to where you want to be is to figure out what it is that you do that creates value in other’s lives, explore it and lean into that. You’ll feel better and more confident on your journey and you’ll open more doors for yourself.
The Value Circle – An Exercise ⭕
Ready to make some change happen? Here’s a simple exercise I’ve used before (and you can too!) to help understand, clarify and connect your strengths, value and impact together. It takes a little time (and a little help from others), but is so so valuable on the other side of it. Enjoy Responsibly.
- Identify Your Strengths: Start by listing your top skills, talents, and qualities. These could be things like communication, problem-solving, empathy, creativity, or leadership. Write down everything you can think of that you feel you are good at or enjoy doing.
- Think About Impact: For each skill or strength you’ve listed, ask yourself: “How does this strength benefit others or contribute to the world?” For example, if you’re a good listener, think about how you help others feel understood and supported. If you’re a creative problem solver, think about how you help teams or organizations overcome obstacles.
- Ask for Feedback: Ask friends, family, or colleagues how they perceive your value. What do they think you bring to their lives or to the table? This can often reveal aspects of your value that you might not be aware of. Need some help on this? Check out our post on Building Connections.
- Create a “Value Map”: Visualize your strengths as a map, with each strength branching out into different ways you make a positive impact. This could be through your job, relationships, hobbies, or volunteer work. Connecting each strength to specific ways it adds value will help you see the bigger picture.
- Think About The Future: Think about the kind of impact you want to leave in the world. What do you want people to remember about you? What mark do you hope to make on the world, even in small ways?
by Greg Hilton | Feb 14, 2025 | Good Stuff, Knowledge Bomb, SOCO Members, Why We Hustle
10 Ideas for Strengthening Your Connections, Relationships and Community This Year
Collaborative Post by Greg Hilton, SOCO and Daniel Andrews, Network in Action
When’s The Last Time You Called Your Mother?
I’m kidding. But, here’s maybe a more realistic question. When was the last time you caught up with your top 5 friends and professional connections? Like, your “people”. Let’s be honest. Life is better when you work with good people. I see and experience it daily. We have so many folks coming into SOCO that work remotely. Do you know the #1 thing they are looking for? (We ask in our onboarding, so this isn’t a guess.) That’s right…to get connected to other people.
And I’m living proof that success is a factor of the quality of one’s relationships. We have not done a single piece of business at our web firm, Period Three, that didn’t start with a trusted relationship or referral from someone I know. 100% of our business has manifested this way. Really. Strong connections, tight communities and real relationships is how we get things done.
The Loneliness Epidemic
There are lots of reasons we should be talking about connection and relationships. Did you know there’s a loneliness epidemic going on? Check it out here. A lack of connection to other humans impacts our work, our wallets and our mental health. When we work together with people that we enjoy hanging out with…we get more and better stuff done. This is my observation based on years of working solo and working on/with teams. We know, it’s harder than ever to find time to make and nurture genuine connections.
So, if you believe this and are looking for some ways to super-charge your connectivity to others, read on stalwart SOCO follower.
10 Ways I Build “Connection” Into My Life
So here’s the deal for me: I hate networking and the moment I feel like I’m being sold to, I’m done. I don’t even carry business cards around and hardly ever spend more than 2 minutes in the same spot. That’s how uncomfortable I am around this topic sometimes. But, I desperately rely on real human connections to thrive. So, here are 10 Ways I Build Connections Into My Personal and Work Life. Hopefully some of these will feel good enough for you to give them a go. And to “zhuzh up” your reading experience (as my wife says as she salt bae’s her favorite dishes), I enlisted the help of long-time SOCO member and internationally recognized networking expert, Daniel Andrews of Network in Action and Cutting Edge Consulting, to provide some color commentary and back and forth on several of these topics. Thanks Daniel!
#1. Everybody’s Gotta Eat
I’m notorious about “escaping away” at lunch to take a break from work, meetings and people. But, there’s only so much “salad and dishes” I can take when I go home. So, I try to grab lunch once a week with someone on my team, a member, coaching client or a friend I haven’t connected with in a while. It’s amazing what even a short amount of time together can do to a relationship.
Daniel: there is a great book titled Never Eat Alone; I’m not recommending that you NEVER eat alone, but a quick read will illuminate why having a meal (or snack, or coffee) together is really a relationship-building experience. If you work from home sometimes, why not connect at lunch with another member of your family? Those relationships are important, too!
#2. Love of Coffee Is Universal
Is lunchtime a sacred cow for you, or maybe or the budget’s not there for it? Try a coffee meetup. Not only can you stretch those legs and support a local shop, but you’ll benefit from actually seeing and hanging out with someone that’s important to you. Work solo? Find a friend or colleague to share that next coffee break with digitally! Seriously. Block off 15 minutes and share a cup of coffee together. It’ll help with your “work from home” isolation AND reinforce a relationship.
Daniel: This can be important; just a quick stop in, to check in, with someone you know and care about can make such a difference in the way you feel. <shameless plug for SOCO incoming coffee is included at both locations!> If you’re a member, invite another member to join you when you step from your desk to the kitchen – Slack is a great tool for this. If you have clients or prospects nearby, ask them to join you for a cup of coffee as you arrive or depart the space – the transition from “not here” to “here” (and vice versa) is its own interruption, so a quick sip with someone you wanted to talk to anyway is not a major disruption to your work flow. (And, if you’re NOT a member, get a day pass, book 3-4 coffee meetings, get some work done here, and you’re still money ahead of meeting at a coffee shop!) ☕
#3. Trade One Zoom Meeting for In Person, Just One
I’m in the “digital meetings suck” camp. I get it, some of us have to do it. But, I’m betting at least one of your “digital” meetings you do every week is out of sheer laziness. So, if you’re glued to your desk but your colleague is down the street, trade in the dusty web cam for a little in person action.
Bonus: Make it a walking meeting to kill two birds with one stone…and spark much better conversations.
Daniel: I find digital meetings don’t suck. People don’t have Zoom fatigue, they have “sucky meeting fatigue.” I manage to build some incredible relationships, and get some major clients, too. (The people that pay me the most money are folks whose hands I’ve never had the chance to shake – how wild is that?) If you need some guidance, let me know. There is power in “camera on.” 🤝🏽
#4. Get Feedback
We’re all working on something, right? The next time, you’re neck deep into something challenging, phone a friend or colleague. Better yet, reach out to someone in your network that you haven’t talked to in a while and get their take on your direction. It’s amazing how receptive people are to sharing their perspective when you make a genuine request. They feel seen and heard, feel good about helping you solve a problem, and you’ve strengthened a relationship that you’ll be able to give to and receive from in the future. A true win-win. 👂
Daniel. This. SO much this. People are more willing to help than you know, and you probably need help more than you know. When you ask for advice, you SHOW trust, and you become more trustworthy, because you’ve shown that you don’t know it all. (Plus, if you ask me for help, I already think more highly of you, because you clearly know where to go for your answers – 😂😂😂)
#5. Spark a NEW Connection
While I’m not necessarily in desperate need of new relationships, I find that every once in a while, it’s revitalizing to meet up with someone you don’t know well, but that has always been interesting to you. Invite them for a coffee, a meal or a drink and learn about their journey.
Daniel: Ask about their story, get to know them on a personal level; you’ll be amazed what it will do for you AND for them.
Bonus points if you do it with someone in a field/discipline that’s super different than yours. I find this to be one of the best ways to spark new creativity.
<shameless plug incoming> Daniel is the cofounder of Soda City Outdoor Club – a connections and activities group. https://facebook.com/SodaCityOutdoor or https://www.reddit.com/r/SodaCityOutdoor/ 💥
#6: Share The Love
I love this one from Daniel. If you don’t have time for a sit down, “show love” to those you want to keep in your inner circle by sharing articles or resources that you know interest them or is something they are exploring in their journey. A small gesture like this says “I’m thinking about you” even when you can’t say the words. ❤️
#7: Do Some Work Together
Whenever my wife and I are misfiring, I can almost always pin it down to us not spending enough “quality” time together. Sometimes that means what you think it means, but other times I observe that we’ve had too many transactional conversations. Instead, I try to find a way to create/tackle a project that we can both work on together. We work SUPER WELL on projects together (most of the time) and we find that revisiting that feeling helps us to re-invigorate our relationship.
Daniel: In the professional (or personal world, too), just working side by side can make you happier and more productive. Google “body doubling” and practice it! Share your wins.
PS: Date Nights help too. 🤗
#8: Play Matchmaker
Both Daniel and I love to make connections between excellent humans and find it to be highly rewarding and so much more impactful than a name-drop. So, make it a weekly habit (or when the appropriate opportunity comes along), to make a warm introduction to two people in your network that might not know each other, and that would have value for each other (as either vendor, prospect, or referral source). THIS is how we surround ourselves with (and expand) our network of awesome.
Daniel: That sums it up. If you’re not sure how to introduce one person to another, check with them (or check with me for some guidance). 🙌
#9: Break Up The “Party”
*Greg’s Team Suggestion in Our Last Long Meeting 🤣
Have you ever been sitting in a long, multi-person meeting and wondered “what the hell am I doing with my life”? Me too. Try this instead. The next time you have to plan a big team meeting, try flipping the script. Bring everyone together, but then break folks out into small working groups and see if you can’t break apart whatever you’re meeting about into chunks. Chances are that a: your team will thank you for breaking up the monotony and b: you’ll actually get more accomplished. Plus, they’ll think you’re some brilliant productivity guru for your slick move. 🪄
Daniel: As a matter of fact, small groups are the only way to get genuine, speedy work done. It’s been shown that when you have more than 4 in a room, you are already loosing voices – people just won’t make the effort to speak up. You may have the impression (or they may actually say) that they don’t care about the subject, or may not feel they have anything deep or new to add, but it’s really the psycho-social effort of speaking up when some people are already holding forth. If the project doesn’t have “parts” that can be assigned separately (or even if it does!), consider having more than one group work on the same problem / project, and then reconvene and merge the ideas that have been generated; you’ll have the paradoxical effect of having MORE ideas and MORE consensus. (Happy to share the principles that make this work, if you care to engage.)
#10: Join Some Stuff
Full disclosure, I run a member-supported work cooperative and coworking community, so yeah, I’m biased. But, if you find yourself working alone (or even working in the same drab office every day), level up and grab a membership at your local coworking space. Most of them, like SOCO, offer day passes, meeting room bookings and cost-effective memberships that can help you change up the scenery. Even if it’s just a day a month or a weekly thing. You’ll thank me later. While you’re at it, look at meetups, peer groups, “new to city X” hospitality groups.
Daniel: I’ve been a member of SOCO for about 7 years. I’d never consider leaving. If I said more, you’d think this is a paid endorsement!
Challenge Time
Want To Put This Knowledge Into Practice? We challenge you to try one (just one!) of these suggestions in the next 90 days. And if you need some help, then let’s connect! If you have a question, rebuttal, idea or even a different perspective on anything we’ve said in this post, feel free – let’s have a short conversation and see where it goes from there!
Connect With Daniel
Connect With Greg
by Greg Hilton | Jan 22, 2025 | Good Stuff, Knowledge Bomb, SOCO Members, Why We Hustle
How To Get Your Groove Back, by Whitney Balish, Cruise Director at SOCO
Easing Into The New Year
The holidays are magical, but they also have a way of throwing us off our routines. And if there’s one thing I love, it’s a good routine. As we swap twinkling lights for task lists, it’s important to ease back into work without losing the spark we felt during the holiday season. Here’s my take on getting back into the groove—one step at a time.
1. Change Your Scenery
Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective. For me, this means heading to our SOCO BullStreet space. It strikes the perfect balance: cozy and inviting, yet designed to keep you productive. Plus, it’s surrounded by parks and exciting new developments, making it easy to reset with a quick walk or take in the energy of the neighborhood. Whether it’s finding a new corner in your favorite workspace or simply rearranging your desk at home, a fresh environment can be a total game-changer. ✨
2. Curate a New Book List
As someone who loves books (and book clubs), the new year is my favorite time to organize my reading list—but not just any reading list. I’m a mood reader, so I organize my books by mood instead of genre or title. That way, I can dive into a book that matches how I’m feeling at the moment. There’s something magical about going into a story a little blind, without remembering exactly what it’s about. It makes every read an adventure, and I always find myself enjoying books more when I let the story surprise me. Whether you’re looking for something uplifting, thrilling, or thought-provoking, a mood-based list keeps the inspiration flowing and makes every pick feel like the perfect one. Here are some of our favorite business and self help books you should have on your radar in 2025. 📚
3. Keep Comfort and Ease in Your Routine
Speaking of Getting That Groove Back The holidays may be over, but that doesn’t mean comfort has to go with them. I’m all about creating a workspace that feels good—whether that’s sipping on my favorite tea in a well-loved mug, adding a soft cardigan to my chair, or turning on a playlist that keeps me in the zone. Bringing small touches of comfort into your routine helps ease the transition back to work and makes even the busiest days feel a little lighter. 🙌
4. Get Outside and Explore
Sometimes the best way to reset is to step outside, and Columbia makes it easy with so many amazing places to enjoy fresh air. Whether it’s a quick walk in one of the city’s beautiful parks, a stroll along the Riverwalk, or even just sitting in a sunny spot with a notebook, being outdoors can clear your mind and boost your mood. It’s a great way to recharge, spark new ideas, and appreciate the vibrant community around us. Bonus: it’s also a great excuse to check out local spots you’ve been meaning to explore! Here are some of the best spots for doing just that from our friends at Experience Columbia. 🌲
5. Make Lists, But Keep Them Realistic
The new year often feels like a race to accomplish everything. I’ve learned that realistic lists are the key to staying on track without feeling overwhelmed. I prioritize tasks that align with my goals and allow space for flexibility. Progress doesn’t have to mean perfection; even small steps can add up to big wins. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than crossing things off a well-loved notebook or planner.
Here’s to starting the year with new energy, fresh ideas, and maybe even a little leftover holiday cheer! Let’s make 2025 the year where we thrive in work and beyond. 📋
by Greg Hilton | Jan 10, 2025 | Good Stuff, Knowledge Bomb, SOCO Members, Why We Hustle
A Curated List of Biz and Self Improvements Books With ❤️ From SOCO
For Success To Be Unavoidable, Growth Is Required 🎯
I’m a student of growth. I’m not talking about “hockey stick scalable growth strategies”. 🤮. I don’t really subscribe to that kind of growth. I’m talking about sustainable, repeatable and regular growth on all fronts: personal, relational, physical, and yes professional/entrepreneurial. Because let’s face it…that’s the reality for 99% of us who have decided on a different path for our lives. It’s slow, it’s messy and it’s littered with obstacles and distractions. But, regardless of your path, learning from yourself and others along the way is REQUIRED.
This Is The Year ❤️
Personal growth doesn’t happen by accident. So, if this is the year that you’ve decided to up your personal growth game and/or transform your business (bonus points if you set a reading goal for the year), then this post is for you. The team at SOCO put this list of our favorite business books together with contributions from SOCO members as well.
25 Books for 2025 📖
These books cover a wide range of topics from business models and systems to mindset and culture. We picked some luminaries and world class thought leaders as well as some lesser known, but rising folks taking a really interesting spin on common business topics. Some of these are absolute classics (worthy of a re-read) and some might not be on your radar. All are worth your investment of time. And you are worth the investment.
Which are your favorites? Hit us up on LinkedIn if we missed any that need to make the list.
#1: “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey
About: Transform your life and business with Covey’s powerful principles for personal growth, leadership, and productivity—building lasting success from the inside out.
The Big Lesson: You’re in the driver’s seat. Take proactive control of your life by focusing on personal growth, prioritizing what matters most, and maintaining integrity.
#2: “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz
About: Michalowicz flips traditional accounting on its head, urging businesses to prioritize profits first, ensuring sustainable growth and financial health in any economy.
The Big Lesson: Flip the script on the “bottom line” and make it the most important thing in your company. The top of the priority list.
#3: “Clockwork” by Mike Michalowicz
About: This one is a STAPLE in our peer groups at SOCO. So, so good. Streamline your business by making it run like clockwork. Michalowicz shows how to create systems that free you from daily chaos and build lasting success.
The Big Lesson: Your business isn’t a real business until it can run without you. Get to it.
#4: “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell
About: Gladwell uncovers the hidden factors behind extraordinary success, emphasizing hard work, timing, and opportunity over raw talent for achieving greatness.
The Big Lesson: Put in the work. It’s much more valuable than your talents.
#5: “The One Thing” by Jay Papasan
About: Achieve massive results by focusing on what truly matters. Papasan reveals the power of prioritizing one key objective for productivity and success.
The Big Lesson: Want to win? Focus your efforts and maximize your impact.
#6: “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu
About: What the what? This book was written nearly 2,500 years ago and is still making top 10 lists today. Sun Tzu’s timeless strategies on leadership, conflict, and competition offer deep insights for business leaders seeking tactical advantages in an ever-changing market.
The Big Lesson: Strategic success in business, like warfare, requires careful planning, adaptability, and the wise use of resources to outmaneuver competition.
#7: “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki
About: This book changed our founder’s life 25 years ago. Kiyosaki challenges traditional views on wealth, stressing financial literacy and the importance of investing, entrepreneurship, and owning assets to create lasting financial independence.
The Big Lesson: Investing in assets, rather than relying on a paycheck, is the key to building long-term wealth and financial freedom.
#8: “Buy Back Your Time” by Dan Martell
About: Martell provides a blueprint to reclaim your time, overcome burnout, and scale your business effectively, empowering entrepreneurs to work smarter, not harder.
The Big Lesson: The key lesson is that time is your most valuable asset— know what you cost your company and delegate tasks to others so you can focus on high-value activities that propel your business forward.
#9: “Four Hour Work Week” by Tim Ferris
About: Ferris teaches how to design a life of freedom, automate business processes, and outsource tasks, giving you more time and less stress while achieving greater success.
The Big Lesson: Can you actually only work 4 hours a week and be successful? Probably not. But, you should try.
#10: “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
About: Clear shows how tiny, incremental changes lead to extraordinary results. Master the art of habit-building to create lasting success in business and life.
The Big Lesson: I love this take on “1% Every Day” and think this is actually the way big changes are made. A great book to help you develop some of those “atomic” habits.
#11: “10x Is Easier Than 2X” by Dan Sullivan
About: Sullivan argues that aiming for 10x growth forces you to think and act radically differently, making it easier to achieve extraordinary success than small improvements.
Why We Like It: We can get caught up in small thinking. Sometimes, it’s better to step away, cast a wide wide vision and go for something bigger than you ever have before.
#12: “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber
About: An instant classic. Gerber explains why most small businesses fail and how to implement systems that create repeatable success, turning your business into a sustainable, scalable enterprise.
The Big Lesson: Successful businesses are built on systems and processes, not just the entrepreneurial spirit and grit.
#13: “Blue Ocean Strategy” by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
About: Kim and Mauborgne reveal how to create new market spaces, making competition irrelevant. It’s about innovation, differentiation, and building value where others aren’t looking.
The Big Lesson: Instead of competing in crowded markets, create new, untapped spaces where there are less knuckleheads. 🤣
#14: “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth
About: Duckworth explores how persistence, passion, and resilience are key drivers of success, often more than talent, and how anyone can cultivate “grit” for business success.
The Big Lesson: The most important factor for success is perseverance and passion…especially when the shit hits the fan.
#15: “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill
About: Hill’s classic distills principles for success, emphasizing the power of mindset, goal-setting, and unwavering belief to create wealth and personal achievement.
Why We Love It: 80 years later and Hill’s timeless principals still hit home for us. So much has changed, but his core rules have not…which is why this book is so rad.
#16: “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek
About: Sinek teaches that businesses rooted in purpose and a clear “why” inspire loyalty, attract talent, and create long-term success through a deeper connection to customers.
The Big Lesson: The “golden circle” of why, how and what will drive incredible business success if you can answer those simple questions.
#17: “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel H. Pink
About: Pink debunks traditional motivational tactics, revealing that autonomy, mastery, and purpose drive higher performance and deeper satisfaction in the workplace and beyond.
Why We Love It: It helped me think differently about how to hire, manage and support my team. It also helped me understand my own behaviors better. A must read.
#18: “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain
Cain highlights how introverts bring invaluable qualities to business—creativity, strategic thinking, and innovation—offering a fresh perspective on leadership and success.
Why We Love It: About 35% of all people self-identify as introverts. This book flips the script that “to be successful in business, you must be outgoing.” Power to those of us that listen!
#19: “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins
About: “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins encourages readers to release the need to control others, focusing instead on personal growth and well-being. The central lesson is that by allowing people to be themselves, you conserve energy and foster inner peace.
The Big Lesson: Just like Morpheus said: “Free. Your. Mind.” Control the controlables and don’t stress about the rest. We could all use a little more of this juice.
#20: “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert
About: Gilbert inspires you to embrace creativity, conquer fear, and live a bold, meaningful life. Perfect for business leaders seeking fresh, innovative ideas to grow their ventures.
The Big Lesson: Embrace creativity without fear or perfectionism; allow your ideas to flow freely, and you’ll unlock new possibilities for growth and fulfillment.
#21: “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
About: Another absolute classic! Carnegie’s timeless principles of communication, empathy, and persuasion will transform your business relationships, turning acquaintances into allies and clients into loyal customers.
The Big Lesson: Building genuine relationships, showing empathy, and listening actively build a stronger “bridge” to success than anything else you can do.
#22: “Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis
About: Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis is a self-help book that encourages women to take ownership of their lives, overcome self-doubt, and pursue their goals with confidence. The book is a blend of memoir, motivational advice, and practical guidance.
The Big Lesson: Forget the lies we tell ourselves—embrace your potential, take ownership of your life, and pursue your dreams unapologetically.
#23: “Rework” by Jason Fried
About: Did you know that our other company, Period Three, was one of 37 Signal’s (Basecamp) first 100 customers? We’re fans. Fried challenges outdated business conventions, offering fresh, practical advice on how to start, grow, and manage a successful business with fewer resources and more innovation.
Why We Love This: Jason Fried is like the “anti-tech bro” tech founder. He goes against the grain and keeps things simple. Simplify business practices, avoid unnecessary complexity, and focus on what truly matters.
#24: “Good To Great” by Jim Collins
About: We’d go to some sort of business jail if we didn’t include Good to Great. Collins identifies the key factors that separate exceptional companies from the merely good, providing invaluable insights on leadership, discipline, and strategic focus for business growth.
The Big Lesson: The most successful companies focus on disciplined action, hire the right people, and maintain a long-term vision while staying true to core values.
#25: “Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh
About: Cofound of Zappos, Hsieh (Rest In Peace) reveals how a commitment to happiness—both for customers and employees—can drive innovation, brand loyalty, and company growth, transforming businesses into thriving cultures.
The Big Lesson: Focus on customer and employee happiness along with a thriving culture. Forget everything else.
RIP Tony Hsieh. We miss you.
Speaking of Learning & Growth… ⛰️ 🤝🏽 🙌
Did you know? We have over 200 members from just about every discipline/background under the sun. We’re a melting pot of talent, ideas and skillsets. And you could be a part of it for as low as $199/mo. From workspace, to social/professional networking and peer mentoring groups…we’re building a community purpose built to support ambitious working professionals like you. Hope you’ll join us today!
by Greg Hilton | Sep 13, 2024 | Good Stuff, Knowledge Bomb, SOCO Members, Why We Hustle
Cofounder Greg Hilton shares his take on the “rules of engagement” for working with others. 😂 😭 😍
People: Can’t Work With Them, Can’t Succeed Without Them
When’s the last time you got something big done all by yourself? It happens, but it’s rare. Why? Because we’re social creatures? And big, hard, scary things are best done with others. .
I’ve spent my professional life in client services, nearly 12 years (whaaat?) building the SOCO Community, 10+ years serving clients at Period Three and nearly 20 years working to build a stronger, more connected entrepreneurial community in my adopted home state of South Carolina (particularly in Columbia, SC). I’ve seen every kind of human and personality. I’ve worked with stellar ones and really despicable ones.
We’re All In The People Business
I’ve been thinking a lot how so much of my success can be linked back to working with people I really trust and strong relationships. If you look back at your most successful interactions with others, you’ll notice patterns and commonality. Over time, I’ve learned to try and leverage a set of values or rules whenever I work with others.
The 10 Immutable Laws of Working With Others
Here’s my take on how to find success in working with other people, whether as a boss, a client, a partner or a collaborateur (or collaboratrice).
#1: Live The Golden Rule (Even When Other’s Don’t)
Regardless of how people treat you, do your best to treat them the way you want to be treated. I’ve found that if you give it out (in whatever form), you’ll get it back more often than not. But, It’s your value…not necessarily everyone else’s
#2: Boundaries Are Table Stakes
Boundaries are absolutely REQUIRED to have a healthy and productive relationship with someone. But, it’s on you if you don’t communicate and enforce those boundaries.
#3: Clarity Is Kindness
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen small miscommunications end up turning into major issues down the line. You want to get more out of people? Communicate clearly. Be clear. Set clear expectations.
#4: Accountability is Another Love Language
Everyone talks a good game, but I’ve found that almost everyone benefits from having a little accountability in their lives. Most of us struggle to be accountable for ourselves. So, help the folks in your circle honor their commitments b/c you care about them. If you business partner isn’t living up to their end of the bargain, it is your OBLIGATION to have that painful conversation with them. #sorrynotsorry
#5: Behavior is a Language
“Watch What They Do, Not What They Say” is a classic line that is so so so very true. Work with people that actually speak with their actions. Hat tip to Ley Linder on this one, who’s taught me a ton about behavioral analysis.
#6: Shared Values Are More Important Than Ever
You can work with people that might not share your perspective on things. Hell that’s healthy and can create some amazing results (in creative work for example). But, I think it’s hard to work with people (like in the trenches work) with whom you don’t share some fundamental commonality in values.
#7: Seek To Understand
To get the most out of people, try to understand what drives and motivates them. You’re likely to get a much better outcome having this knowledge in hand. And remember, every single person you work with at some stage in your relationship is going through some stuff that’s rocking their world.
#8: Avoid Selfish People
Actively avoid those that don’t put other’s needs first. I don’t mind “enlightened self-interest”, but there are those people who cannot help but figure out what THEY can get out of the situation first. That doesn’t lead to long-term trust (or results).
#9: Share Ideas Freely
Some folks want to lead. Some folks want to follow. But almost everyone wants to be a part of something meaningful. So, be the person that drops big ideas that inspire people to think and act differently.
#10: Be Kind
Just be kind people. Don’t let people take advantage of you, but put kindness into the world.
Speaking of Teams… 🏕️ 🤝🏽 🙌
Looking to crank up the ole’ collaboation? SOCO is a great kickstarter for you or your team. From workspace, to social/professional networking and peer mentoring groups…we’re building a community purpose built to support ambitious working professionals like you. Hope you’ll join us today! And don’t forget about our fabulous meeting rooms that are designed to help your team crush more meetings.
by Greg Hilton | Aug 12, 2024 | Good Stuff, Knowledge Bomb, SOCO Members, Why We Hustle
Cofounder Greg Hilton shares his take on the 6 kinds of people you need on your entrepreneurial (or professional journey).
Go It Alone, At Your Peril!
Building something awesome can be a super lonely road.
But, that’s your own fault because it doesn’t have to be. You can go it alone, but that’s a: stupid 👎 and b: unlikely to get you where you want to go 🙃. It’s all about your support tribe, your inspirations, your accountability partners and the people you learn from. For years, I was enamored by the idea that I was a rogue agent pushing against a machine that I didn’t believe in working against the grain to create something different. This led me to think I could do it on my own and I didn’t need help (it also resulted in underperformance if I’m being honest). I’m thankful to have “evolved” from that state of mind with the help of some coaching and some social support.
Who’s In Your Village?
I think there are 5 kinds of people you need to have on your journey to do big things and make an impact. We’ll go through each of them and hit us up on the socials or in the blog comments if we’ve missed anyone major?
#1: The mama (figure)
She (or he) doesn’t even know what you do, but supports you 100%. We all need someone who NEVER gives up on us and supports even our wildest ideas and ambitions, regardless of what they are.
Advice: Check in regularly with them…especially when you’re having a bad day. They are that dose of sunlight you need on the dark days.
#2: The (Keepin’ It Real) Life Partner
They believe in you, but have to live with you every day. They might not understand what you’re sacrificing or going through, but a lot of times you’re doing it for them. They’re a litmus test for your mental and emotional well-being. Let’s face it, if you’re stressed at work, you’re not checking that sh*t at the door as well as you think you are.
Advice: Keep them informed and don’t forget to share the wins too (because your daily updates can get a little negative sometimes).
#3: The Peer(s)
They’re on the path you’re walking, maybe a little ahead, maybe a little behind…but they understand the journey. And that’s the key. They’ve been in the trenches and your struggles are theirs. There is incredible comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Hat tip to Benjamin Culbreth for noting that this group can be super casual and social and that that’s important to the fabric of your entire journey.
Advice: If you’re not meeting and talking regularly with a group of professional peers, get you some. It can be informal for moral or social support, or it can get more formalized (here’s how we do it at SOCO).
#4: The Mentors
These are the folks that are way down that road. They’ve found success, they’ve made all the mistakes and they understand what’s at stake. They have the attitude of “paying it forward” and can love you enough to give you the brutal feedback you need. They open doors, they speak into you. These folks, for me, have really helped to push me forward.
Advice: Pop your head up, check on your linkedin network and find a handful of people that you’re connected to that you respect. Chances are, whether they’re in your industry or not, they have some insights to share with you. Start with coffee (you buy) and see where it goes. A formal mentoring experience is a larger investment, so test the waters first. 😎
#5: The Inspirations
These are the folks shining their light on the entire world, doing inspired or incredible things or at the very top of their games. You probably don’t know them, but you can still learn from them. They’ve found a way to set aside the small details to focus on a 10X vision (and they’ve probably chronicled that approach somewhere). They give us something to aspire towards, even if we’ll never actually meet them in person.
Advice: Find the best and the brightest out there in our planet of 8 billion souls and follow their journeys and commentary. They probably have a blog, podcast or books that can help keep you engaged and inspired.
#6: The Cheerleader (Honorable Mention)
He/she knows what you do, knows how much you pour in to it, and is always ready to encourage you to keep going.
Contributor: Naomi Sargent – Chief Operating Officer, One Spartanburg, inc
Looking For Your Village? 🏕️ 🤝🏽 🙌
Listen. Making friends or building a network as an adult can be hard. We’ve got you covered at SOCO. From workspace, to social/professional networking and peer mentoring groups…we’re building a community purpose built to support ambitious working professionals like you. Hope you’ll join us today!
