All posts by Awfis Editorial

Read fast

Speed Read Your Way To Being More Productive

Business How To’s, ,

Have you seen the WhatsApp forward that’s been doing the rounds lately? It asks you to gauge your reading speed, ergo your comprehension levels, through a short video where the rate of text on screen gets progressively faster until you’re literally at the edge of your seat trying to keep up (gasp). Most people seem to manage about 500-550 words a minute. The others? They are Speed Readers.

Entertaining forwards apart, the numbers tell a different story. Technical information reading averages at 50-75 words a minute. Let’s find out what makes speed readers do what they do; seemingly effortlessly.

What is speed reading?

Speed reading is the art of assimilating more words and phrases in a shorter time, sometimes even at once. This mind tool has long been touted as a comprehension method used by experts. Let’s break it down a bit, shall we?

We all read visually, taking in words as we see them, moving from left to right, one line at a time. As we improve our reading, we can take in more words, even jumping ahead and making connections to previous words and drawing meaning from what we just read. Speed reading does the same, but at a different level altogether.

-With speed reading, you can read entire phrases at once, unless it’s a new word.

-You can widen your vision to take in more words in a single glance.

-Lastly, you learn to read horizontally as well as vertically. Speed readers can take in not just more words in a single line, but also read and understand different sets of words on two or three different lines. All in a single glance.

You too can learn this previously-mastered-by-a-few skill to enhance productivity in your daily life. Those tedious reports, lengthy case studies and technical white papers that you need to read to stay abreast with your industry; you can skim through them in less time than usual and still retain a good grasp of what you read. Imagine the number of minutes, potentially hours, you can save.

Here’s the science (read: hacks) to make it happen:

#1 Avoid back-skipping

Back-skipping, or regressive eye movement, is a natural eye reading movement. We read in a linear fashion, but the meaning does not always follow that pattern. So unconsciously the eye makes rapid backward movements to re-register a word or to cue memory in this quest for comprehension.

Making a conscious attempt to read the sentence right the first time, giving the words on the page/ screen your complete attention is one way to reduce (if not completely avoid) back-skipping.

#2 Improve the count of the number of words that your mind registers

Begin with determining your current reading speed. For this, take a standard book and figure out how much you read in one minute. That is quite simply your WPM (word per minute) rate.

To improve this speed you need to enlist the help of trackers and pacers. Pick up a book and using a capped pen begin underling each word, while keeping your eyes above the tip of the pen. Read each line in one second; do not worry about comprehension right now. Focus on finishing the line in one second. Try and increase your speed with each subsequent page. Do this for 2 minutes. Now increase your speed to finishing a line in ½ second. Do this for 3 minutes. Practice, practice, practice.

Next, try and improve your peripheral vision. If you stare at the centre of the screen you can still see the sides, right? If you train this peripheral vision to focus more clearly, you can increase your reading speed.

For this, once again pick up a capped pen and underline the words as you read a line in a second. Start from the first words of the sentence and end on the last. Do this for 2 minutes. Next, start at the second word and end two words in. Do this for 2 minutes. Now, start with the third word and end 3 words in. Are you starting to get what is happening here?

With enough practice, you should be able to skip words and still be able to get the meaning of what you just read.

#3 Reduce the duration and number of fixations per word

We’ve already spoken about back-skipping, but there’s another cool term for how we read. It’s called the saccadic movement, a jump. Were you aware that we do not read in a smooth straight line? Close one eyelid and place a finger on it, and slowly scan from left to right. Felt the ‘jumpy’ movement? That is how we receive the world and that is how we read as well.

These jumps end at a fixation, a temporary screenshot of sorts, which captures whatever is in your focus area. Normally a fixation lasts about ¼ to ½ seconds. The above mentioned tracker method should help you improve this speed as well.

#4 Helpful apps: Spreeder and Outread

If all this looks like a lot of hard work to you, check out these two cool apps. The apps will help you get the basics, and maybe more, of speed reading. Download them and watch your speed increase.

Spreeder: This is a Chrome extension which uses the Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) technique to help you overpower the information overload. The app flashes words from your document onto the screen. All you need to do is add the document to the Spreeder cloud library and it does the rest for you.

Outread: Outread uses a variation of meta guiding to give you a crash course in reading. Just like Spreeder, you simply upload the document that you need to read and leave the rest to Outread.

Speed reading has a lot of supporters. However, the question that plagues us today is whether reading fast actually benefits us in any way. Our recommendation is to limit this technique for news stories or your email, ideally not something that requires complete comprehension.

Are you willing to try your hand at speed reading? Share your experience. We’d love to know.

Business email marketing

6 Apps To Help You Get Your Business Emails Just Right

Business How To’s, Business Innovations, , ,

Nearly all communication, business or otherwise, is now done electronically, and emails and email marketing have come a long way from the days of simply getting the subject line and body copyright.

An essential prong of your business, business emails hold incredible power and can add credibility to your business. Don’t let anybody tell you not to send ‘too many emails’. Even though people say they hate emails, they love the idea of getting the email. And you can actually make your marketing emails about establishing a relationship between you and your customers.

However, a word of caution: your audience is likely to be wary of automated marketing emails. So how do you keep the human factor strong, while streamlining your emailing processes? Here are six handpicked tools that you can use to automate as much of your email marketing program, without losing your audience.

#1 Campaign Manager: create customised email campaigns

Campaign Manager is your solution to personalized email marketing campaigns. Whether you are looking to send newsletters, event invites, or just ‘welcome aboard’ messages to new customers, you can do it all with this amazing app. The ‘Personalized Engine’ will take over the mantle of delivering the message to the right audience at the right time.

#2 WiseStamp: tailor-made email signatures

Why restrict your email marketing to sales pitches alone? Replying to a customer’s mail can be an excellent opportunity for you to market your business to them. The email signature is a way to do this. With WiseStamp you can create and easily switch between different email signatures created for different objectives. You can add your social media handles, mention upcoming events or sales, and any other information that will add a punch to your message.

#3 Brief: crisper, smart emails

Even though you might be tempted to write a lot and include every detail in your message, our advice to you is, Don’t. Brevity is the soul of wit, or a sale, in your case.
You need to keep your messages short, crisp and to the point. And for that you need Brief. This is an extension of Chrome and you can even customize it to disable the ‘send’ button if your email is longer than 125 words. If that’s not a handy editor, then I don’t know what is.

#4 PersistIQ: let’s get started

If you’ve never sent a marketing email, worry not. There’s always a first time for everything. And there are some apps that understand this. Like PersistIQ. You can either go with one of the many readymade templates that the app has or you can modify the email to create a customized campaign that works better for your brand.

#5 Grammarly: goodbye errors

A badly written email is worse than no email at all. An occasional typo or mistake can be forgiven. But do you find yourself regularly making spelling or grammatical errors?

Take heart, and get Grammarly. This app can banish spelling mistakes, typos and incorrect grammar from your email content. The app is even configured to make suggestions, like using the right tense, or the right word.

Proofreading isn’t enough; you need to keep Grammarly in your arsenal of email marketing weapons.

#6 Growbots: know the best time for sending emails

The thing about emails is that they are always getting deleted. Or getting pushed so down in the list, that your audience often doesn’t have the time or isn’t even aware it’s there. Growbots takes care of this issue by sending your emails at the right time. It does the analysis based on the industry and audience.

You need to help a bit, like give some details about your typical subscriber, and the app does the rest. You will also receive reports on average response rates as per day of the week and time the email went out.

As you can see, technology or automation isn’t all bad. In fact, given that it takes away the what-ifs from your email marketing campaign, it’s all good. Which of these 6 apps do you think are meant for your business? Try them out and see what fits best.

Rapyder-Team

Specialists In Cloud Consulting: Rapyder

Inspiring Stories,

Most entrepreneurs at some point have been asked ‘where did the idea for your business come from?’ And the answer makes for an interesting and often, inspiring story. Take the case of Rapyder; a cloud consulting firm, today it has carved a niche for itself as a specialist in its domain, with expertise on AWS as well as the Azure platform, making it much sought-after by its clients.

What makes the Rapyder story stand out among other entrepreneurial ones, is that cloud consulting happened quite accidentally. The team, consisting of a bunch of technologists, were working on a product idea using AWS Cloud. Over time, the team discovered the many possibilities with the AWS Cloud. Soon requests from clients and even the AWS development team to help them with their cloud journey started coming in. Recognising the need and potential for such a niche service, the product business was handed over to a third party and Rapyder came into being.

The team understands that everything in a cloud is real time and to provide value to their clients, they need to be agile, precise, innovative and quick on the uptake. The focus is on creating a WOW experience for its customers. And the young team at Rapyder manages it by continually pushing itself to better its performance, effectively becoming the best at what it does – Cloud Consulting.

Some of the more commonly deployed solutions in its portfolio basket include:

– Digital and Applications Transformation

– Applications Infrastructure Migrations to the Cloud

– Consulting and Architecture services

– Dev Ops and ongoing Managed Services

– Expertise on SAP HANA platform

Rapyder’s solutions speak for themselves, and clients who have experience of working with Rapyder have noticed a reduction of 25-40% in their Application Infrastructure costs.

What started off as a small group today is a young company with a reliable team of 40+ talented people, working out of Bangalore, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The team sits at Awfis centers, which offer them a seamless working experience, a collaborative environment, and a strong network to build their business further.

Besides the many accolades that customers have showered upon them, the team at Rapyder is motivated by the many technical challenges and customer mindshare that it enjoys. Is it any surprise that Rapyder has been nominated as ‘Rising AWS Partner of the year’?

We couldn’t be prouder of their achievements and are thrilled to have them as part of our #AwfisCommunity.

 

Virtual Office Space

Are ‘Virtual Offices’ The Way We Will Work In The Future?

Business Innovations, Inspiring Stories, , ,

In today’s new entrepreneurial world, with its disappearing geographical boundaries, varying time zones and seamless connectivity, it is quite possible to be at one location and work for anyone, anywhere.

So, does the location really matter a lot? Given the increasing popularity of virtual offices, one would be inclined to believe not so much.

Let’s look at how the concept evolved and what it means for the businesses of today.

The meaning of virtual offices

A virtual office, quite simply, is a model that gives businesses a physical address and all the many office-related services without any of the associated overheads that a long lease and https://www.https://www.awfis.com/inspiration/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/shutterstock_3835072871.jpg.com/inspiration/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Awfis-is-your-new-Office1.jpgistrative staff might run up.

This needn’t be restricted to a one-person show but can include a whole team, with all employees sitting and working from their preferred location, and yet operating with the same mailing address, telephone and messaging services. A virtual office can, if need be, extend to physical locations and include facilities like meeting rooms, video conferencing and other business requirements, but at a much lower cost and greater flexibility.

Virtual offices find most patronage from start-ups and small businesses who do not wish to as yet invest into a physical property, whether on rent or to purchase but have the need for a common, professional image. Many times, the business continues to thrive and grow without ever feeling the need for a physical location to call its own.

How did virtual offices come into being?

As more and more people began using laptops and smartphones, and seamless internet connectivity became reality for many, the concept of work-from-home and flexitimes emerged.

However, the origin of virtual offices can be traced to even before that, when the Industrial Revolution began to be replaced by the Information Age. This was the time when there was a migration of people from smaller towns to larger cities, leaving behind traditional jobs like farmers, blacksmiths, smaller retailers, etc. to join the multitudes of office workers.

Several individuals started their own businesses, some large, some small; and this necessitated the need for a place to conduct business from. However, not everyone could afford the high rents or mortgage that it entailed. And that is what led to the creation of the virtual office.

Who coined the term first?

It was Ralph Gregory who, when he became a father, wanted to spend more time with his daughter and yet maintain his professional image. He devised a method in which his secretary could transfer calls from the office to his house. He saw a business opportunity in that and launched the concept as a company, and ‘The Virtual Office, Inc.’ was born in 1989.

How did the concept of virtual offices catch on so quickly?

The emergence of virtual offices was (and continues to be) largely dependent on the sudden and many technological advancements that had made their way into everybody’s lives.

  • Inexpensive fax machines: Fax machines, earlier owned exclusively by large businesses, were now available to the common man and anyone could send any document to any location.
  • Mass produced personal computers: Computers made their way into homes and smaller businesses were able to own them as well.
  • Email: Rather than rely on post or fax (soon becoming obsolete) email made communication faster and more affordable, breaking down geographical boundaries instantly.
  • Scanning: Fax machines are being replaced by scanners, which can retain the document in its original form and yet make it small enough to send by email, without compromising on quality.
  • Internet: The internet has been the backbone of the virtual office revolution, where information is sought, accessed and shared easily.
  • Mobile phones: This was the final invention that severed the cord that had tethered people to their offices. Smartphones have combined the convenience of mobiles with the power of the internet, contributing largely to the evolution of the virtual office.

What is the present day scenario?

A home address creates an amateur impression, but investing a large portion of hard-earned money into an office in a prime location isn’t feasible either. This is why many entrepreneurs and start-ups are starting to realise the benefits of virtual offices.

Virtual offices bring more than just effective communication to the table. For entrepreneurs, the virtual office helps bridge the gap between wanting an office and being able to make a long-term commitment. They get a professional sounding business address, and trained professional staff who can collect their mail and packages, and even answer calls for them. Everything works like clockwork, just like it would in an actual office.

Conclusion

Massive changes in technology have made it much easier to work remotely. However, as a business grows, it needs the backing of office services that only a virtual office can easily provide, as and when there is a need. Ralph Gregory just wanted to spend more time with his daughter. Today, his idea has spawned an entire industry and a new way of working that is enabling business growth and entrepreneurship like never before.

The Awfis Virtual Office

Whether you are an entrepreneur, a start-up, an SME or a large corporation, a freelancer or a consultant, the Awfis Virtual Office is your one-stop solution for a professional image.

All your mails and packages are collected on your behalf, and timely notifications are sent out to you to collect them at your convenience, during normal business hours.

When you sign-up to the Awfis Virtual Office program, you get much more than an address. There are meeting room credits, discounts on meeting rooms, a one day complimentary access to the flexi seats at your chosen virtual office centre, as well as access to the exclusive Awfis Rewards program that offers you amazing deals on F&B, travel and much more!

 

Visit Awfis Virtual Offices to know more.

Fashion At Work

‘Subtle’ Is The Middle Name Of Effortless Fashion At Work

Inspiring Stories, , ,

Across the world, many offices are relaxing the demand for the stiff and formal look. Moreover, while we’re gung-ho about shedding uncomfortable heels, stifling ties and heavy jackets, it doesn’t mean we’ve got permission to swing the other way and go with Friday casuals all week through.

Be fashionable, by all means, but allow subtlety to have a say in the choices you make. Here are a few tips on how you can be stylish and yet not upset invisible lines of decorum.

#1 Your footwear

Let’s start at the bottom.

If you thought no one pays attention to shoes, you are terribly wrong. Ever been in an elevator in a corporate building? If you’re not staring at your phone screen, you’re mostly looking down, where all the shoes are, including yours.

Shoes should be well-maintained, clean and coordinated with the clothes you’re wearing. Of course, comfort is paramount, since you’re going to be in them for 8-10 hours at least.

For women: Stick to heels that are under 2”. If you must wear heels for a meeting, get out of them at the earliest. Vary the height of your heels in the week, which means you must own at least 3-4 types of shoes. However, that was never a problem, was it?

It’s a tad easier for men: Pick up a few pairs of superior quality Oxford style shoes. You can also throw in slip-on, loafers, and muted boots.

#2 Length of your pants

Unfortunately, you cannot wear the same pants with flats and heels. With heels, the hem of your pants should be long enough to cover the top of your shoe in front, but just off the ground behind. For flats, the hem should cover almost all the shoe in the back without grazing the ground.

This method works just as well for men too.

#3 Length of your sleeves

This is another debatable issue. The length, according to some experts, depends on the type of office you go to.

For women: If you work in a corporate environment and have a customer facing role, go with sleeves that are between short and elbow-length. If yours is a creative environment, you can go as short as a cap sleeve. Sleeveless is also fine, as long as the top is structured. No strappy tops, please. No, not even on a Friday.

Men get the rough end of the deal: A fully-corporate environment calls for buttoned down, full sleeves. No compromise on that. You could go casual on a Friday with shorter sleeves but keep a jacket handy for an unexpected meeting.

#4 Belt it up, if and when needed

A belt is more than just an accessory.

On men, it is the metaphorical equivalent of ‘dotting your I’s and crossing the T’s’. It gives a clean finish, and you will look well-turned-out. Always make sure your belt matches your shoes. Also, make sure it is the right length, so it stays within the loops and doesn’t hang out shabbily.

Women can wear belts on pants, skirts and dresses too. Ensure your dress has belt loops to prevent awkward shifting when you sit down.

#5 Your hair

Hair can be a bit of a touchy subject at work.

Whether to keep it long or short is your personal choice. What you must do, however, is ensure that your hair is clean and well-maintained. Keep it out of the way of work, and don’t let it be a distraction to yourself or others.

For men, hair also includes your facial hair. Like a haircut, you must determine what kind of facial growth will look good on you. The scruffy, spotty-beard look will just not work in the office, whether a corporate setting or a more casual one. Like a hairstyle, regularly trim and maintain your beard and moustache.

#6 Well-maintained nails

Men and women, both, must have neat, well-maintained and clean nails.

If you want to keep them short, with just a hint of nude colour, that’s great. However, if you love the colour, what is really acceptable? Can you get away with nail art? If yours is a backend, no customer interaction kind of a role, you just could. For more formal setups, try and stay with neutral colours that will not look too bold. Remove the polish when it starts to chip off.

#7 Accessorizing done right

Office life needn’t be sans accessories. You need a dash of colour or for your personal style to show through. However, and we can’t stress that enough, play down rather than playing up.

Do not wear accessories that jangle as you work or walk about. If you must wear bold jewellery, choose either earrings or a neckpiece, never both. Accessories needn’t be jewellery. You can use a scarf or even a classy brooch to make a statement.

Men can wear accessories too, with tie-pins, cufflinks, designer watches, etc. Keep it subtle and ensure it complements your look.

#8 What else?

Before you step out, check that your perfume isn’t too overpowering. And your teeth don’t have lunch or lipstick on them.

Keep these points in mind before heading out to work the next time.

The 8 Commandments of Business-To-Business Networking

The 8 Commandments of Business-To-Business Networking

Business How To’s, ,

The 8 Commandments of Business-To-Business Networking

Whether you’re working a 9-to-5 job (do those kinds even exist anymore?) or you run your own company, it is no longer enough that you offer an excellent product or service. A successful business association or a not-so-successful one relies upon myriad factors.

Chief among them, the one that truly differentiates a hit from a miss, is business networking. No, don’t roll your eyes just yet; it is one of the most crucial prongs that you can use for business growth. And that is what you’re here for, right?

For some people, this side of the business comes easy. The meeting people, stopping by to lend a helping hand, making small conversation and eliciting a laugh – it’s second nature for them. For the rest of us, the ones who are not naturally extroverted, this bonhomie requires an extra bit of effort.

Yes, you have a fantastic idea, and yes, you want it to spread to the maximum number of people; but nobody told you that you would have to network, and network so extensively. Fret not, building and maintaining a business network looks harder from the outside than it actually is. And slowly but surely you can get business-to-business networking right, even if you not a natural extrovert.

Here are our handpicked 8 tips, commandments if you may, that can help you navigate this terrain smoothly.

#1 Build healthy working relationships

Remember, it’s not about selling. Not initially, at least. You must focus on building a relationship first. Establish levels of comfort where the other person does not view you as a business predator but looks forward to interacting with you. Be genuine and look for ways in which you can help the other person without pushing your agenda.

Once the groundwork is done, you will very often find that the opposite party is willing to endorse you without you even having put forth such a request. Takes away the awkwardness of asking for help, now doesn’t it?

#2 Leverage existing networks to make fresh contacts

If cold calling isn’t your cup of tea, look for ways in which you can use your existing coterie to expand your business network. Try not to reach out to the new contact directly but ask for a reference. Explain why you need the introduction and allow the value that you will bring, to come through.

Building a network is vital to your business. However, it is equally important to be a connector too. This makes you come across as a genuinely helpful and resourceful person. And the two people you connect will be thankful.

#3 Regularly attend networking events

Participate in networking events; go with a colleague or a friend if you know nobody there. It helps get a foot in. However, be absolutely clear on what your reasons for the network meet are. Are you there to learn a new skill, or make contacts, or is it a volunteer group?

Once you get comfortable in the group, split up from your partner. Walk around, mingle. Smile. Speak at these meetings. Ask more questions and talk less about yourself. Offer to take up a volunteer position. All this makes you visible, and very soon it is the others who will seek you out.

#4 Focus on conversations

For people to open up to you, you must learn to ask open-ended questions. Chuck those clichés of ‘so, what do you do’. Instead, focus on the who, what, when and why.

Give your complete attention to the person that you’re talking, and you will have a great conversation. Nod your head; give visual and audio responses; reiterate what they said so that you retain the most valued piece of information.

#5 Overcome the fear of rejection

Do you know the most common fear? No, not public speaking, although it does rank quite up there. It’s the fear of rejection.

When you approach a new contact or a potential business association, always have an end goal in mind.

Remember, you are under no obligation to close a deal. Instead, use the networking as an opportunity to invest in yourself and your business.

#6 Master the art of exiting a conversation

Do not monopolize anyone’s time at a networking event and don’t let the same happen to you, learn to disengage a conversation politely. You can excuse yourself by saying you see someone that you would like to say hello to. Or you say that you would love to continue meeting more people. The easiest and most reliable method, which no one can deny you, is to say that you have to go to the restroom.

#7 Improve your brand visibility and image

It is important that you get seen at these networking meets. The only way is to mingle, mingle, and mingle. Be the first to volunteer, speak up, hold forth witty conversations, etc.

#8 Extend a follow-up invitation

And finally, you should have a follow-up plan for re-connecting with those who you met. A quick hello and a brief recap of your time with them is what you need. Follow-up with them within a week while the meeting is still fresh in their mind. You never know when an opportunity is just waiting to be made the most of.

The only way to network in business is to get out there and meet people. Build new, strong relationships, and set up your own formidable network of contacts.

Have You Figured Out Your Multitasking Strategy Yet?

Have You Figured Out Your Multitasking Strategy Yet?

Business How To’s

As an entrepreneur, when someone asks you whether you prefer multitasking or single tasking, you probably want to laugh back and say, “Is there an option?!” We lead multi-dimensional lives, often out of choice, and dealing with different types of tasks, often on the same timelines comes with the territory. Ever juggled finding and finalizing an office space with the closing of your first major business deal? If yes, you know that multitasking today not only defines how we live and work, but often determines how successful we are at it.

Let’s then take a step back and understand the nature of the beast. Experts argue that, in fact, the term multitasking is a myth because what we do is more like ‘shift-tasking’. Our brains can process one cognitively similar task at a time. We may be shifting very rapidly between two tasks, but we are effectively only doing one at a point in time. Reading an email and talking on the phone simultaneously is probably something we all do; but if you really think about it, you’ll realize that our minds switch between focusing on the two in batches that are few seconds long.

But is this effective? At the end, have we gotten all we could from the phone call as well as the email? Or do you find that often you need to re-read the email anyway, or message the person back to confirm a few details again? And therein lies the rub. Experts, after years of research, have concluded that multi-tasking:

We all need a time management strategy of our own to help us juggle many balls while avoiding the stress and efficiency losses of multitasking. While devising one may take some time and experiments based on the nature of your work and your own natural rhythms of concentration, there are a few golden rules that can be very effective foundation stones.

1. Budget your time like you would your money: Acknowledge that you have a finite amount of it and be realistic about how much you can do with it. That is not to say that you can’t set yourself aggressive targets – after all, what is an entrepreneur without some hunger and drive – but be aware of the compromises that may come with it. Such an approach forces you to make some ruthless decisions about delegating and prioritizing work, which, in effect, declutters your mind for better concentration.

2. Plan to focus: The idea is to consciously move away from a work mode where you allow yourself to follow multiple threads at one time. The value of focusing on one task at a time, by splitting your day into short segments of equal duration, has been trending these days thanks to the many Silicon Valley entrepreneurs who have spoken about it. This approach is based on the Pomodoro technique that advises splitting your day into 25 minute segments, followed by short periods of rest. The length of the segments can vary based on your work and working style; Bill Gates and Elon Musk both split their days into 5-minute segments, while medical research points to 90 minutes being the optimal concentration cycle.

3. Factor in free time: Focusing too much on efficiency and getting the most out of your day can become addictive; rest and recreation start to feel unnecessary and we feel compelled to constantly be ‘doing’ something. It’s important to remember though that creativity, problem-solving and innovation are all traits that need us to zoom out from the details of our daily work. Factor in time-outs that take you away from work, reduce your screen time, including time spent alone, and try to spend time on a hobby or learning something new.

At Awfis, we understand the demands of time on our driven, entrepreneurial customers, and do our best to support their need to work – and unwind – flexibly. Have some thoughts on how workspaces can enable better time management? Or have more time management tips to share? Do write in with your comments and let our other Awfis-goers benefit too!

Reach Out For a Little Inspiration

Reach Out For a Little Inspiration…

Inspiring Stories,

We all have those days once in a while, when we seem to be half a step out of sync with the world. Our conversations don’t seem to go the way we want, we have no – or too many – new ideas, and our brain and hands simply refuse to be nice and play together. We know we need to zoom out and refocus, but don’t know how.

Here’s a starter kit of short and really smart talks to help you get your mojo back. Covering a range of topics—from learning to have conversations that can win you friends and allies, to why you shouldn’t be afraid to wear your beliefs on the sleeve of your well-pressed suit—these talks may have just the insight and inspiration you need.

Ten Ways to Have a Better Conversation By Celeste Headlee A seasoned radio host, journalist and interviewer, Headlee knows what it takes to have conversations that overcome personal biases and bad listening habits to really achieve a union of the minds. Perfect for building bridges and sparking a connect in an increasingly distracted and overstimulated world.

The Happy Secret to Better Work By Shawn Anchor A ‘happiness researcher’ and advocate of positive psychology, Shawn Anchor believes that we have the hard work–success–happiness chronology all wrong. This short video is a humorous take on why we should liberate ourselves from this never-ending ‘seeking’ of happiness. Refreshing!

How Great Leaders Inspire Action By Simon Sinek A British-American marketing consultant, and author of the highly acclaimed book ‘Start With Why’, Sinek reveals why a pitch – be it to your stakeholders or your customers – should not just be about data and differentiators. And why the real differentiator in what you do, is you. Empowering stuff.

A 12-year Old App Developer By Thomas Suarez A self-taught software and hardware engineer, who has been coding since he was 9 years old, Thomas Suarez delivers a short talk on how he started developing apps for iPhone. Although six years old, the 4+ minute video seems to be going strong with over 51 million views. After all, who doesn’t like a bit of inspiration from a child prodigy?

How to Speak So That People Want to Listen By Julian Treasure To be heard, and perchance, to be understood! A lot of us struggle with the feeling that we aren’t getting through. Julian Treasure, a sound and communications expert, reveals how speaking with impact is definitely achievable in clear, simple steps. And his groovy British accent isn’t hard on the ears either!

At Awfis, we’re all about energy and inspiration – and it’s not only our spaces that we’re talking about. The entrepreneurial journey is often hard, and we believe that our work environment has a role to play in making it a little bit easier to get over the troughs. Do let us know how you liked this list – and if you’d like us to do more!

#AwfisMoments: Curated, themed experiences for our Community

#AwfisMoments: Curated, themed experiences for our Community

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The pros to shared spaces are many – convenient locations, networking opportunities, bright workspaces etc. But what really defines a space is the people who occupy it. A vibrant, diverse set of people spend a significant part of their day here together and there’s a plethora of events in-centre to keep this community engaged and connected.

#AwfisMoments takes it one step further by curating unique, themed experiences to connect the community across centres to things that they love and feel passionately about. Whether it’s love for food or a desire to be fitter; #AwfisMoments brings people together over shared interests.

#AwfisMoments Culinary Edition

The first edition of #AwfisMoments was a culinary expedition across centres with dessert trails, MasterChef competitions, scotch tasting sessions and other gluttonous adventures.

#AwfisMoments: Curated, themed experiences for our Community

#AwfisMoments: Curated, themed experiences for our Community

Our space at the Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, played the perfect host for the Grand Finale of the week-long Culinary Edition. Sushi rolling classes, live music by JoAsh, wining and dining with culinary experts and food bloggers, set the tone for the party.

And you know what a success it is when it gets covered in LBB!

#AwfisMoments Fitness Edition

After the culinary indulgence, #AwfisMoments in association with Fitternity kicked off the Fitness Edition with a bike ride in Kolkata. From Tabata in Bangalore to Bolly-fitness in Delhi; #AwfisMoments got bigger and fitter covering multiple centres across five cities.

The culmination at our newest centre in Powai saw a morning fitness party with active participation from fitness enthusiasts, bloggers and of course, our community.

A relaxing Yogalates session was followed by high-octane Zumba and thumping Bollywood dance classes. With goodies sponsored by Raw Pressery, Mo Superfoods, Epigamia and Get Baked; the event was the right dose of fitness, fun and food.

#AwfisMoments: Curated, themed experiences for our Community

#AwfisMoments: Curated, themed experiences for our Community

#AwfisMoments is one property that truly defines the spirit of Awfis – a place where work meets life. We can’t disclose what the next edition will be but let’s just say we’re all set to make work stylish again!

Work culture: Then and Now

Work culture: Then and Now

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Technology has brought the world closer, changing the way we live our lives now than, say, even 5 years back. The change is obvious in our approach towards work and the culture followed by a vast majority of our workplaces.

Imagine the numerous perks that your workplace offers. You enjoy flexible timings. The fact that geography is no longer a barrier is evident from the growing number of the workforce who prefer telecommuting and co-working to ensure that work meets life. You have lunch according to your convenience. You take an adequate number of breaks to return to work with a fresh mind, realizing that you are accountable for your tasks. All this, but not at the cost of productivity. On the contrary, these benefits ensure employee satisfaction that contributes to enhanced efficiency at work.

Traditional work culture, on the other hand, had not been as flexible as this. Right from the time for reaching the workplace, the way of addressing seniors to other parameters of work culture then, there were undisputable norms that couldn’t be overridden. Gradually, the importance of seamlessly integrating work into the conveniences and plans of our personal lives acted as a motivation for innovation. This introduced a drastic change in the way we work today.

Here’s a peek into some of the contrasts in work culture, then and now.

Addressing Seniors: Formal Vs Informal

Remember addressing your seniors as ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma’am’? There is a huge chance that you never have. You call them by their first names and what’s more, you even give them nicknames. However, calling your seniors by name was unimaginable even a few years back. Today, while some industries may be slower in adapting to this new work culture, it is gradually catching up with the rest. The informality builds camaraderie among teammates across levels and breaks down barriers, making work a positive experience.

Work from office Vs Flexible locations of work

Flexibility is the buzzword now and understandably so. Office spaces are increasingly becoming more receptive to the concept of ‘Work from Home’, freelancing and remote working. We are far ahead of days when operating from office was the only option because the other alternatives were an alien concept.  A wide range of media for communication and better connectivity is making this trend a reality. As a result, companies are also exploring these possibilities to ensure employee satisfaction and hire from a larger talent pool. If your work productivity improves, the location of work does not matter. Does it?

Work culture: Then and Now Image Courtesy: Pexels

9– to –5 Work Hours Vs Flexi Timings

Rigid 9-to-5 working hours is rapidly being replaced by flexible work hours. This is apparent from co-working spaces becoming a preferred option for many – companies and freelancers alike. This helps employees manage work according to their convenience. Who wouldn’t encourage flexible working hours if that improves work productivity without compromising on lives outside work? That way, companies and employees, both, get what they want.

Fixed Lunch Break Vs Flexi Lunch Time

Taking frequent breaks between tasks has become an integral part of our work schedules. In fact, frequent breaks are encouraged now. It gives us the time to stretch and take a break from staring at our computer screen, both of which are a boon for our health. It is also an opportunity to take our minds off work and come back rejuvenated. 9-to-5 work hours, which usually offered one break at a fixed time and for a particular time period, are becoming a story of the past.

Other Factors: Rigid Vs Flexible

Workplaces have moved beyond endorsing a culture where employees are appreciated for their ability to work without taking breaks or focusing on anything other than work. Discussions that do not concern work were discouraged. Listening to music or reading was a strict no-no. Workplaces are experiencing an apparent shift in this context too. While some workplaces have no qualms about their employees listening to music through earphones, some others have no restrictions from them playing music on high volume. Fun activities are organized and active participation in these events is appreciated. Co-working spaces ensure a vibrant work culture that enables co-workers to network with like-minded individuals, along with a host of other opportunities that help them in growing, both personally and professionally.

Work culture: Then and Now Image Courtesy: Pexels