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 | Oct 31, 2024 | Good Stuff, News & Notes
Photo Credit: Publico BullStreet
Gettin’ Spooky With It! 👻 🧙🏽♀️💀
As the days grow shorter and the chill of autumn settles in, there’s no better time to curl up with a spooky read or dive into the eerie history that lies in our own backyard. This Halloween, we’ve curated a list of hauntingly good books that are perfect for getting you in the spooky spirit—along with a little local flair from Columbia’s Bull Street area. Plus, we’ll throw in some podcast recommendations to keep the thrills going long after the last page is turned.
Reads: Spooky Reads to Sink Your Teeth Into ☠️
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if your neighborhood book club turned into a vampire-hunting squad, this is the read for you. Set in Mount Pleasant, SC, this Southern gothic gem delivers 90s nostalgia, plenty of dark humor, and just the right amount of vampire-induced chaos. It’s October’s book club pick, and trust us—it’s the perfect mix of creepy, fun, and South Carolina references.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Picture this: a glamorous debutante, a creepy mansion in the Mexican countryside, and a family with more secrets than walls. Mexican Gothic is a slow-burn horror with gothic vibes that feel like a mashup of Jane Eyre and Rebecca, but with even more sinister twists. It’s a rich, atmospheric story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands by Alan Brown
Want to dive into some homegrown hauntings? This book is a must-read for those fascinated by Columbia’s spookier side. From Bull Street’s haunted hospital to eerie local legends, it’s filled with ghost stories and supernatural tales from right here in our neck of the woods. Perfect for anyone who loves a little local history with their Halloween.
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
A haunted house story that’s been terrifying readers for generations, The Haunting of Hill House is a classic for a reason. Four strangers, one infamously haunted mansion, and a series of strange (and downright terrifying) events make this one of the best ghost stories ever written. Just don’t read it with the lights off.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt
Savannah may be the setting for this true-crime Southern gothic, but the mystery and charm are just as irresistible for Columbia readers. Filled with eccentric characters, murder, and intrigue, this book reads like fiction—but it’s all too real. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a good mystery wrapped in Southern charm (with just a hint of the supernatural).
Pods: Podcasts To Give You The Chills 👹
When you’re done reading, keep the spooky vibes going with these chilling podcast episodes:
- Lore – This podcast uncovers the frightening true stories behind folklore and legends. For an eerie Bull Street connection, check out episodes that explore haunted asylums and the psychological impact of those places.
- Spooked – True-life supernatural stories, told by the people who experienced them. It’s like sitting around a campfire with friends, but much scarier. Perfect for a late-night listen.
- The NoSleep Podcast – Dive into fictional horror stories that will make your skin crawl. Every episode is filled with tales of the supernatural, strange, and creepy.
- Unobscured by Aaron Mahnke – A deep dive into the historical context behind well-known eerie events, perfect for those who love a mix of education and mystery. Their season on the Salem Witch Trials offers a fascinating exploration of fear and superstition in American history.
- Ghost Boss: Stories About the Freelance Afterlife – Ready for a little behind-the-scenes magic? SOCO members Eva Foussat and Danielle Salley are graphic designers who jumped headfirst into freelancing, aka “the freelance afterlife.” They record Ghost Boss right here in our SOCO content studio, sharing stories about life as freelancers and what it feels like to be your own boss. Perfect if you need a little spooky + work-life balance inspo!
Haunts: Columbia’s Own Ghost Stories: The Bull Street District 🏚️
Did you know Columbia has its own ghostly tales? The Bull Street District, which is now home to cool developments (hello, SOCO Bull Street!), was once the site of the South Carolina State Hospital, the state’s first mental institution, founded in 1821. The hospital operated for nearly two centuries, and while today the district is buzzing with new life, whispers of its haunted past still echo through the city.
Locals have reported hearing eerie footsteps and strange noises in the older, abandoned buildings. So, while the district is transforming into a hub for culture, community, and business, there’s still a bit of mystery lingering in the air. Curious to learn more? Book a tour of our location at SOCO Bull Street and check out the former patient-run bakery. Who knows, maybe you’ll feel a little chill in the air as you explore!
Lean Into The Scary 🎃
You know what else can be scary? Doing the hustle on your own. Whether you’re feeling “in the dark” or just getted spooked when you’re working by yourself at home…SOCO is a place to feel alive, connected and supported…so you can do your very best work. 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 perfectly designed to scare up some new collaboration (or revenue). We couldn’t resist.🤣
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!
by Greg Hilton | Aug 12, 2024 | Good Stuff, Knowledge Bomb, SOCO Members, Why We Hustle
SOCO Members Share Tools, Tactics and Topics They’re Exploring To Make Life and Work Improvements.
What Is “1% Every Day”?
Around here, we’re passionate about growth, development and being your best self. Whether that’s personal growth or professional growth, we really subscribe to the 1% Every Day concept. That idea simply states that if you continue to invest in yourself and improving every day (or week or month, you get the idea), that over time, you can achieve transformative change and astonishing growth.
But getting started can be scary. At first, the changes will seem insignificant. But when repeated over a long period of time, these small daily improvements add up to a significant change in just a year.
But, how do you get there? And how do you keep yourself accountable for that level of commitment? We talked with some of our members in the SOCO community about the tools, tactics and growth opportunities they’re interested in right now. There’s great wisdom in the collective, so we asked members three questions around what their learning, what their focused on and what tools they’re using to push forward and keep growing. We hope you enjoy!
#1: What book, podcast, or video has given you an “aha” moment, and why? 🔥
Too many to count! Most of my recs are entrepreneurial-focused.
1. Profit First (Mike Michalowicz)- There’s already a cult-following for this book at SOCO. Great lesson or reminder that the point of owning a company is to serve YOU.
2. I Will Teach You to Be Rich (Ramit Sethi)- a good personal finance book. Sethi is a newer Dave Ramsey, but his ideas on automating personal finances is crucial. This is my go-to gift for HS and College graduates.
3. How to Get Rich (Felix Dennis)-Ignore the cheesy title again, but you notice a trend. An entertaining read with snippets that are geared towards entrepreneurs that are building something great.
Elissa Macarin: Senior Manager of Design, DxTEL
The SOCO book club books have really been taking me out of my “comfort” reading genres and it’s been a lot of fun to just read!
I really enjoy reading Monocle magazine and frequently have “aha moments” while reading their reporting on quality of life innovations in cities around the world — not just world capitals but other cities of note. I believe they also have podcasts.
Radical Candor. I was sent the book when I started my new job. It’s about leadership and it gave me good perspective for working with others.
Christina Goodman: Owner, Visual Brand Specialist, Artvark Creative
I am always inspired by makers who share their creative process online whether they work in pottery, smithing, or leatherwork, it inspires me to do my own projects when I see other folk being creative.
#2: What’s a life-changing tool you’d recommend to fellow SOCO members?
Witt:
A thorough calendar. This rec is for the younger, disorganized crowd like me. Life and business is too busy to not write stuff down. I use Google Calendar because my whole life is essentially on G-Suite, but I like that I can look at my work and personal calendar simultaneously. My goal is to be able to block out my work calendar for the benefit of my personal calendar, and not the other way around.
Elissa:
Take naps, sometimes your brain/body just really need to shut down and reset and that’s OK!
Ernest:
Actually, I have found watching the YouTube channel Primitive Technology hugely transformative. A man working in the Australian Outback builds shelters and tools with nothing but the material found in the area. The only modern instrument is the camera he uses to record his activities. The videos are not narrated — except with captions — and they are fascinating and grew my appreciation for individual resourcefulness and commitment to salvaging and recycling material.
Jared:
Prioritizing relaxation in your daily schedule. We all need to unwind.
Christina:
I’ve been really loving brain.fm. It’s an app that uses audio frequencies to help increase focus-especially for neurodivergent folk. It’s almost annoying that it works so well. 🙂
#3: What is one area of growth you are focusing on this year, and what are you doing about it?
Witt:
My year follows the school year, so this is a great time to reflect and “manifest” those growth goals. It’s morbid, but if I died tomorrow, BrainSTEM Tutoring would die with me and come to a screeching halt. A less morbid case, if I wanted to travel to Italy next year for my best friend’s destination wedding, would I be glued to my phone/laptop the whole time, or would I be able to unplug and business things keep chugging along? My goal for growth will be to continue to expand BrainSTEM Tutoring to be the go-to STEM tutors at more colleges in the southeast while pulling myself out of the day to day.
Elissa:
Get outside A LOT more! (When it’s not a million degrees out) and just move.
Ernest:
I am slowly working on building my understanding of data science and its applications.
Jared:
Professional growth. Just became certified as an educator for personal Finance, and just learning more areas of the space in general.
Christina Goodman:
I am pushing past fear and imposter syndrome to submit my own short fiction stories to magazines for publication. I celebrate every rejection (got four in July) as a win-along-the-way.
Speaking of Growth ✨
While we’re on the subject of growth, doing your best work and generally being a bad-assed human…we think you should come find your happy (work) place with us at SOCO. We work really hard to create great workspaces filled with excellent, kind humans, chock-full of amenities like blazing wifi, bottomless coffee/tea and well appointed meeting rooms. We have coworking, fixed desk and private office options. We also have an incredible community of like-minded professionals to lean on, leverage and contribute to (that’s the fun part). Join us whydontcha?
