OpenSpace

SPACE MATTERS.

And he’s no fool.

Business Week calls Godin “the Ultimate Entrepreneur for the Information Age.” American Way Magazine calls him “America’s Greatest Marketer.” Team OpenSpace calls him an awesomely admirable entrepreneur. The bottom line is that Seth Godin is an agent of change with an undeniable influence on society. The man holds an MBA from Stanford, after all. Who could challenge that?

We openly admire Godin for his forward, ground breaking train of thought. His writing focuses on everything from the post-industrial revolution, the way ideas spread, marketing and leadership, to, most importantly, changing everything. And that’s what he’s doing. Godin has covered these topics and more in 12 books. Every single one has been a bestseller.

Most recently, Godin’s blog (sethgodin.typepad.com) has been on our radar for its focus on the ideologies, attitudes, and common misconceptions surrounding our lives. His insights often relate to individuals and their styles of work. Case in point: his latest blog entry entitled, “The space matters.”

Godin’s bottom line? There’s a direct relationship between where you spend your time and how you feel.

Our bottom line? There’s a positive, direct relationship between the creative, inspiring atmosphere of OpenSpace and the products, attitudes, and moods of those who work here.

Celebrate by having lunch on us!

This is your official invite to join us at OpenSpace from noon to 2pm today (or as long as the delicious sandwiches last). Chat with your OpenSpace colleagues about whether Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, and it might actually turn into new business for you … Part of that whole “social serendipity” thing.

Current members are welcome to bring guests, and those with an interest in OpenSpace are encouraged to drop by. Lunch (including yummy dessert) will be provided by Hot Cakes.

Hope to see you there!

According to Wikipedia:

“Groundhog Day proponents state that the rodents’ forecasts are accurate 75% to 90% of the time … the National Climatic Data Center reportedly has stated that the overall predication accuracy rate is around 39%.”

Joe Barnes
Development Principal & Director of Architecture & Design
Celebration Associates, LLC

The Who

Joe might not share this with you at a happy hour, but he clearly has defined his life success:

(1) Make a Difference

(2) Have Fun

(3) Make Enough Money to Send His Sons to College.

And, he takes all three “seriously.” If he’s not organizing volunteers for the Salvation Army Kettle Drive, then you’ll likely see him at OpenSpace … the “satellite office” of Celebration Associates, LLC.

At Celebration Associates, they develop & manage master plan communities. They have a wide range of projects, including Bundoran Farms (2300 acres of orchards, forests & trails) a preservation development in the Charlottesville area, the Homestead Preserve in Hot Springs, a planned home community in South Carolina, and a resort in New Hampshire originally built in 1907.

Although the types of projects vary, there is a common thread: the landowners care about what will be left. In other words, they care about the Legacy.

“You have an impact by what you build, so you want to make sure you do the right thing,” says Joe. That’s why Joe & his colleagues focus on protecting visual integrity, being stewards of the environment, and providing a place for people to live in a way that is connected to the land.

The Why OpenSpace

“My wife had been working from home, so when Celebration Associates moved out of our office on the Downtown Mall, I thought I would work from home too. She was successful working from home. I, however, got sucked into a third episode of Andy Griffith or The Golden Girls, and it was all over.”

Then, he found OpenSpace. “I was incredibly focused and productive in just one day using the Free Day Pass. Signing up was a no-brainer.”

“There are lots of spaces out there where you can rent an office, but there’s nothing out there with the design and technology. There’s something Zen about the Space.… and free twizzlers & peppermint patties.”

“And, it’s nice to be in a place where everyone else is working.” (We’re inferring that Joe would not like hearing “Susan your sandwich is ready” at 4 minute intervals as he might at other places.)

“I always feel welcome. To be greeted in the morning by the Concierge at the Hello Bar and to hear ‘have a great night’ in the evening – that means a lot.”

What You Might Not Know

Joe likes to cook – all kinds of different things. He says that since in his work often it takes significant time to see results, he likes the fact that when he cooks there is immediate proof of accomplishment. Ask him for a favorite recipe the next time you see him!

Break on through to the other side!  (OpenSpace, that is)

The feature story of last week’s issue of C-ville Weekly took readers “Inside Charlottesville’s Brainstorming Revolution.”   Boy, were we flattered (and honored) to be included in such a great article.  It commemorates the entrepreneurial, creative and collaborative cultures that both support and thrive at OpenSpace.  The article also describes us as being central to Charlottesville’s large Creative Class, those who “are changing the way our city’s brain works,” and who have landed us a spot amongst the top 20 brainiest American cities.   Wow.

And, it doesn’t stop there: Jeff Gunther, the brains behind everything OpenSpace, was featured on the cover!   Many thanks to local photographer Sarah Cramer for capturing such awesome photos of Jeff in the space.  If you didn’t know already, now you do: Jeff designed almost every architectural element of the space, from the hanging Random Lights (see image, left) to the signature green color scheme.  Pretty awesome!

If you haven’t checked it out yet, be sure to read the article soon. It won’t fail to impress.  http://tinyurl.com/665h2mm

Everybody wants to start the New Year out on the right foot. Like hundreds already before you in Charlottesville, join our community of smart people who left home and got serious about their business.

Ashley Steele (once like a spark) had this to say, “OpenSpace has definitely been a game changer. I could write a novel about why I love it. It is refreshing to work in such a space. I am productive, dress for work, have my boundaries back.”

Do you need more? We’ve got it for you. Sign up today* for an Unlimited plan and your first month is only $99! Heck you can drink $99 worth of coffee in a month (check with your doctor before attempting).

*Simply use promotion code RESOLUTION1 when you sign up, but don’t wait too long – this offer expires soon! Applies to new OpenSpace Members Only.

Are you constantly telling your friends about the newest social media tool? Do you like to strike up conversations with total strangers? Do you stop on the downtown mall to give directions to out-of-towners? If so, we’re looking for a few good “people” people like you to be the first face our customers see, and to set the stage for an amazing experience as a Part-Time Concierge.

A candidate we’ll love:

* You exude warmth, energy, and charisma
* You love meeting and inspiring new people
* You have mastered the art of conversation
* You get people, and people get you
* You thrive on the unexpected
* You’re an expert at juggling multiple tasks
* You work just as enthusiastically behind the scenes as you do on center stage

A position you’ll love:

* Warmly welcoming customers to the space and ensuring a great experience and fond farewell
* Orchestrating the collaborative work adventure in the best possible way
* Understanding the needs of customers and connecting them to the right person at the right time
* Providing every customer with a superlative experience
* Looking for every opportunity to shine with our customers
* Anticipating customers’ future needs

At OpenSpace, we are passionate about reinventing how people work and collaborate. Built upon the idea that a highly designed workspace doesn’t have to be costly and complicated, OpenSpace provides a real alternative for anyone who needs a place to be productive. If you are interested in this position, please send your resume and cover letter to careers@getopenspace.com.

Have you ever found yourself needing to print quickly from your device? Us, too. That’s why when we heard about AirPrint with the iOS 4.2 software update, we set up our printer to provide the service. AirPrint allows documents, images, etc to be printed from your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. So, next time you’re at OpenSpace, feel free to give it a try!

Happy printing.

Due to weather, our Holiday Mix & Mingle has been canceled. Stay warm and be safe!

IncMagazine compiled a list of items for every entrepreneur’s 2010 wish list.

Number one on the list? More time! It was the most requested gift by @IncMagazine followers. We agree.

An exec at Tumblr tweeted that he’d love an amazing office

Another @IncMagazine follower tweeted that he’d like to fill his company’s kitchen with stockpiles of Subway cookies.

Read the rest of the article here and see what other entrepreneurs put at the top of their holiday wish list!

What’s on your wish list?

Interested in being apart of a focus group for a new iPhone app?

You’re perfect for the focus group if on your personal device you have 100+ apps (over 100 apps does a power user make).

Join Charles Knight at OpenSpace THIS Wednesday, December 8th from 6:00-7:00pm. You’ll receive a $10 Barracks Road Shopping Center gift card for your participation. You’ll only need to bring your iPhone!

Space is limited, so RSVP quickly to Charles Knight: csknight1@hotmail.com

Hope to see you there!