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That's a little dramatic but we caught your attention. The end of 2018 is now only 5 weeks away. Forget Christmas, what are your doing to prepare for 2019? Ugh! How many of you hate that question? No matter who you are or what you do for a living, this time of year forces all of us to get planning for the new year. It can sometimes be dreadful. Before you plan for next year, stop and take a moment to look at what you have accomplished in 2018. Forget what you didn't get done and focus on what you did do, from the smallest items to a major achievement. Write them all down and take time to soak in what you've done. Simply ask yourself a few questions: What am I most proud of in 2018? What one thing did I accomplish that brought the greatest results? What do I need to finish up to close out 2018 strong? How did I make a difference in the lives of my clients, colleagues, friends & family? How am I going to celebrate & pat myself on the back for 21018? Now that you've taken time to think back on 2018, let's look forward. See more after the calendar of events. Looking Forward… Every minute you spend planning saves 10 minutes in execution; this gives you a thousand percent Return on Energy! ~ Brian Tracy Planning is a necessary evil. A goal without a plan is just a wish. We’ve all heard that at one point or another. To look forward into 2019, you need to have a vision and then a plan to execute that vision. The key thing is to just do it. It will never be perfect, never be exactly right, so just do it. Be prepared to alter, adjust or pivot your plan along the way. Your goals may shift and the vision might change a little so you will have to adjust your plan. Hold tight during those times. It will feel uneasy but you will get through it. When you begin to look forward ask yourself these questions: What one thing do I need to do to launch 2019 powerfully? What do I need to learn or improve in a particular area of my professional life or business? What is most important to accomplish in the first quarter? When are the leanest times of the year for your business and then what can you do differently to make up for the lean times? (add a line of service or product, reduce costs, etc.) What adjustments do I need to make in my customer experience to create loyal, raving fans? Who will help me be accountable to my planning? (It’s easy to let ourselves fall short) Who are the people who support me and are champions for my business? At the end of this year, what do I want to have achieved? (no more than 5 big things) How will I get this all done? What help do I need? (hire someone, contractor) How will I celebrate my successes at the end of 2019? Yes, take time to plan your celebration at the end of 2019. Visualize the party, what you will reward yourself with when you fly through 2019 and hit all your marks, make a big splash, and make a difference in the world. Keep looking up…’cuz that’s where it all is! ~ Kidd Kraddick #planning #goals

At the core of any city or town, no matter the size, are small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. These businesses come in many forms, from the local gas stations to marketing companies, from the pizza shop to manufacturing. Micro businesses are critical to the economy and are often overlooked in economic development efforts. That's why they deserve a recognition even more so this time of year. This month, we encourage you to say thanks to the micro businesses that make a huge difference in your life. Here are a few ways to show your thankfulness this month. Drop a handwritten note in the mail, and for an extra special touch, add a $25 gift card to a local coffee shop. Pop in with a goody basket filled with snack items like breakfast bars, muffins, or candy (especially chocolate). Throw a small appreciation party for 3-4 businesses at another local business. This can be simple with a few treats and refreshments. Promote it as a way of connecting with fellow local businesses. Write a review on their Facebook or Google page. Send a review to them via email. Drop off a carton of copy paper (always useful). Offer to volunteer for a day in an administrative role. Give them a shout out on social media with a photo of your last visit. Ask to meet the owner of the business. Make it personal. Tell them how great they are doing. Pick up the phone and call them directly and say thanks for all they do for you personally and the community. You'd be surprised by the power of a small thank you and the acknowledgment of the hard work small business owners perform day in and day out. We'd love to hear your creative ideas on how you will show thanks this month to the businesses that serve you on a daily basis. Drop us an email with your story: connect@ensemblecoworking.com. #thanks #microbusiness #smallbusiness #gratitude

So many of us desire the power to choose the life we want, to work in the job of our dreams for only the hours of our choosing, and to choose the company we keep. Aren’t you glad that you live in a country that gives you that freedom? I know I am. When I started my business 17 years ago, I can’t say that I did it to create the life of my dreams. Back then, I really didn’t think about what that life could look like. I know I chose to become self-employed because I wanted freedom. I wanted the freedom to work long hours one day, so I didn’t have to work much the next. I did not want to have to answer to anyone (I’m not good at that). I wanted to be a leader, let my visionary soul fly, and to set my dreams free. All these years later, I’ve experienced freedom and so much more. I’ve had great joy in making a difference in the lives of many people. I’ve mentored more than I can count, made a lot of mistakes, worked more hours in a week than I thought I could, and experienced extreme lows and super highs. I have been blessed by meeting incredible people, who have mentored me, hugged me when I needed it, made me laugh so hard that I cried and others who have inspired me to stay the course and keep. I have this freedom because I live in the United States of America, a country where anything is possible if you set your mind to it. I am proud to be an American. I cry at all things patriotic, and I wholeheartedly support our military. My father is a Marine and served in Viet Nam. My 2 brothers are marines and I have multiple cousins and extended family that served and are still serving. I have a daughter that strongly desires to serve our country in the military or intelligence of some sort. This time of year, I ask that you take a moment to reflect on the freedom you have to make the choices you have made for your life. We are blessed as Americans to have freedom to make our lives what we want no matter your circumstances. Enjoy the freedom of working for yourself or for someone else. If you don’t like where you are, then change it. Only you have the power to change your life through choices. If you want to work for someone else, then do it. If you want to own a business, take the leap. Do it now! Don’t wait! There has never been a better time to leap from employee to entrepreneur. Opportunities abound, and freedom awaits you! #freedom #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #choice

In case you didn’t notice by our membership level names and the names of our conference rooms, we have chosen music as our theme. Ensemble has 2 definitions: A group of musicians, actors or dancers who perform together. A group of items viewed as a whole rather than individually. (often refers to a clothing ensemble) Ensemble Coworking is the coming together of people from all walks of life, different backgrounds, various industries, men & women of all ages and with varied interests but working towards the same thing(s). We are driven individuals, growth minded, focused on getting work done efficiently and effectively so we can have more time to connect and have a fun while we work. A groupie is someone who is an enthusiastic follower. This can often be tied back to extreme fans of a band or a music group. Our members are raving, loyal fans, and they make up the Ensemble community, the tribe, the family. If you’ve ever worked for yourself, then you know it can be lonely, frustrating and very rewarding. You work harder than ever before, face challenges you didn’t expect and want to quit it all many times over. Being connected to a family of like-minded individuals and surrounded by a tribe of people who know what you are experiencing makes the good and bad times much easier to go through. It’s an ever-changing community. Groupies come and go. People move on as their companies grow and their space and their needs change. We welcome newbies, say goodbye to those passing through, adapt, change and support each other along the way. Groupies are the community at Ensemble and we are grateful for every one that has been a part of the family. They are always with us no matter where they are. If you are working from home, executive suites, coffee shops or restaurants, you might be experiencing distractions, lack of inspiration, loneliness and lack of growth. If that’s not you, maybe you know someone who fits that description. Come down to Ensemble, take a tour and enjoy 3 free coworking days on us. If you’ve never tried it, why not? What have you got to lose? Nothing. You will only gain from becoming a member of a coworking space. You will have coworkers without corporate headaches. Think about it. Don’t you want to be a Groupie, to belong, be part of something? #groupies #ensemble #collaboration #groupie #together

I am frequently accused of being able to talk to anyone, anything - myself especially. While I'd like to say it comes natural all the time, the reality is that I have to work at it, just like many people. Some days I am "on" and connecting comes easy. Other days, I have to remind myself how to do it, to pump myself up before I go into a meeting, networking or any other kind of event. One thing for sure is that I believe in the power of relationships. I thrive on people and being connected to others. I don't discriminate either. By this I mean, anyone is a good connection, even if they don't need my services. I believe that your next best connection is right around the corner and...it's not about selling to them but creating a relationship that builds trust and could lead to potential mutual referrals. Sometimes, a connection becomes a best friend, a mentor or someone who needs mentoring. I am open when I meet someone. I try not to judge (not perfect at this) and to learn about who they are, not just what they do. Leil Lowndes wrote a short and sweet book called, How to Talk to Anyone; 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships. BestSummaries.com created a great summary of the book that includes: Part 1: How to Intrigue Everyone Without Saying a Word: You Only Have Ten Seconds to Show You're a Somebody Part 2: How to Know What to Say After You Say "Hi" Part 3: How to Talk Like a VIP Part 4: How to Be an Insider in Any Crowd; What Are They Talking About? Part 5: How to Sound Like You're Peas in a Pod: "Why, We're Just Alike!" Part 6: How to Differentiate the Power of Praise from the Folly of Flattery Part 7: How to Direct Dial Their Hearts Part 8: How to Work a Party Like a Politician Works a Room; The Politician's Six-Point Party Checklist Part 9: How to Break the Most Treacherous Glass Ceiling of All: Sometimes People Are Tigers Download the full summary here. About Me: I am the Chief Connector and Co-Founder at Ensemble Coworking. I am proud to be one half of a dynamite team committed to making a difference in the entrepreneurial community in Fort Worth. I am also a communications trainer and coach, helping business owners and professionals speak more clearly and concisely whether in person, on stage or online. If you long to own the room during a 60 second commercial or in front of an audience, then let's connect. Please connect with me online: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email #networking #communication #talking #tips #smallbusiness #booksummary #connections #relationships

We love our military. Our great nation would not be what it is without those that have served and are still serving. Many veterans choose to start a business after the end of their service. To help veterans launch and grow a business, Ensemble offers a 50% discount on open coworking memberships for the first 6 months and then 10% moving forward in perpetuity for any level membership. Veterans need to apply in person and provide their military ID to receive the discount. Thank you, to all who have served. Veteran and non-profit consultant, Jennifer Kready, is enjoying her first 6 months at 50% off. #veteran #discounts #veteranbusinessowners #smallbusiness #collaboration

FORT WORTH, Texas. - Ensemble Coworking's goal is simple; to provide a comfortable yet productive workplace for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses. The owners of the two-year-old collaborative business community and shared office space are now winners of Fort Worth Inc.'s 2018 Supporter of Entrepreneurship Award. Tamara Payne and Dawn Shannon accepted the honor Thursday, January 11 at an awards banquet in Fort Worth. The recognition is part of the FW Inc. Entrepreneur of Excellence Awards program honoring entrepreneurial owners of private companies in the Greater Fort Worth area. Thirty-three finalists in eleven categories were chosen from a pool of nearly 300 nominees by an independent panel of judges. The winners are leaders that set the standard for entrepreneurial excellence in their respective industry categories, distinguishing themselves with exceptional sales and profit growth, ethical business practices, innovation, perseverance and community involvement. "Our mission is growing businesses and investing in people through collaboration, connections and community," Payne said after receiving the award. "This award recognizes our hard work to make that mission a reality for our members and all the businesses that Ensemble touches. It's quite simply that our business is supporting entrepreneurship." Payne and Shannon have made a mark in Fort Worth by being involved in a variety of organizations, staying connected in the community and sharing input with city leaders, including Fort Worth's Economic Development director Rob Sturns. "The work that Tamara Payne and Dawn Shannon have done in creating Ensemble Coworking has been vital to the enhancement of our entrepreneurial ecosystem," Sturns said. "From continuing the growth of 1 Million Cups Fort Worth to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment, they have been a great addition to our community." "This is a tremendous honor," Shannon said. "We are smashing stereotypes, for women business owners and for leaders with a heart to serve their community. We are leading by example, showing our members that we are serious business owners with a desire to make a difference and experience growth ourselves. We've enjoyed watching several of our members, who we call Groupies, grow their businesses from the ground up simply by being in a space where more work gets done in one day than an entire week working from home." Ensemble offers private offices, dedicated desks, open coworking spaces, meeting rooms and a training room at its facility located at 1617 Park Place Avenue, Suite 110, off 8th Ave in the medical district. "We are more than a space to work. We provide classes and programming to assist businesses in becoming profitable and scalable. We are launching our first signature growth event for entrepreneurs in April of 2018," Payne said. The businesses calling Ensemble Coworking home include a 10-year old internationally-known data storage analyses company, two public relations operations, an urban planner with corporate offices in Houston, an 8-year old CPA firm whose focus is on small business tax accounting and non-profit audits, an agriculture investing firm, and more than 50 others in a variety of industries. "One of the greatest things about being a member of Ensemble is working with so many different people and their diverse businesses," CPA Raymond Best said. The chairman of the board for Mental Health America Tarrant County not only has a thriving business based within Ensemble, he also represents many of his fellow members at the coworking facility. #entrepreneurship #award #supporterofentrepreneurship #pressrelease #winning #coworking #FWInc #entrepreneur