(Re)introducing: Think Big Coworking

If you’re a member of our coworking space in the Crossroads District of Kansas City (or visit our coworking site often), you may have noticed something a little different about us lately.  For those of you who haven’t noticed, we had a little digital work done.  Now is the time to introduce the new face, website, name and brand of our coworking space—Think Big Coworking (or TBCo for short).

Gone are the days of the “bizperc” brand.  But don’t worry—Think Big Coworking is the same modern-meets-Midwest collaborative coworking space you know and love in the heart of Kansas City.

So what changes can you expect? 

First of all, we have completely renovated our website which now features a community member page, updated rates and new photos of our space (psst—a virtual tour is coming soon too!).  Plus, on our site you can book a meeting room, sign up for a tour of the space, learn more about coworking or explore the features of our 6^th floor loft. 

Take a look at our facelift and let us know what you think.  Plus, you can stay tuned into all of the goings-on at TBCo right on the new Think Big Coworking blog.

We’re glad to (re)meet you...and we can’t wait to roll out more changes this summer.  Stay tuned!

Jeb and Patrick: A bizperc Coworking Collaboration Story

We often think of collaboration as something that only happens intentionally through formal meetings or events. While that may often be the case, it’s also true that collaboration is often embedded in startup environments, and perhaps especially so at Think Big Partners’ coworking space, bizperc. Many times, entrepreneurial collaboration grows organically from proximity and shared space.  This happened to be the case with ambitious startup leaders Jeb Ory and Patrick Stoddart.

Jeb Ory

Jeb Ory is the co-founder of Phone2Action, a mobile campaign platform that's rewriting the rules of community empowerment. Patrick Stoddart recently joined the bizperc coworking space as founder of Revdel, a cloud-based communications and event-scheduling service provider in education, government, religious organizations, and more. The two began talking since they sat a couple desks away from each other. We'll let Patrick tell the rest.

"After chatting back and forth over a couple months," Patrick says, "we realized that while our products and audiences might have been different, Jeb and I were utilizing very similar technology.  A month and a half ago, just before landing his first significant contract with the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO), Jeb's CTO unfortunately had to step down. That left a huge need for fulfilling technical requirements prior to the start of the contract."

From there, the collaboration seemed almost effortless.  

"Knowing me, he scooted over in his chair and asked if I wouldn't mind helping with his development needs. The needs were pretty straightforward, so I agreed and built him some projects and pieces that he needed for the startup."

Patrick smiles at this point in the interview. "It turns out that Jeb was going on a gospel tour in the South—Louisville, Jackson, Memphis, Baton Rouge, Mobil, Birmingham—with Marvin Sapp, a well-known gospel singer and charter school founder. BAEO was utilizing Jeb's platform to gain support for charter schools in marginalized communities with few desirable school options."

Patrick Stoddart

"I happened to walk by Jeb one day," Patrick continues, "and he asked me if I wanted to join him on the tour for technical support. I said, 'Let me think about it.' I came back five minutes later and said, 'Okay, I've thought about it, and I can't think of a reason not to, so let's do it!' We took a look at my schedule and decided that I would attend the first half of the tour."

When asked about the turnout, Patrick had encouraging data to illustrate the positive impact of the BAEO/Phone2Action partnership. "We had 12,000 attendees, with over 25% of participants using Phone2Action. We were pulling data all night and sending it to BAEO, and that data helped them make informed decisions about where to focus their resources." At the time of writing, Jeb was still on the tour.

Their collaboration a so successful that the two decided to see what other ways they could branch out as entrepreneurs. 

"We've talked about other ways to leverage our products," Patrick begins. "We want to be able to keep in touch with product launch, so on Wednesday morning at 1 Million Cups we leveraged Phone2Action for content acquisition, collecting over 70 user's information. 

Reflecting on the collaboration, Jeb has nothing but glowing remarks for Patrick and Think Big Partners. “We are thrilled to work together with the great people of Think Big. In fact, one day I looked around and realized that I had received help in some fashion from 10 different people since I moved into Think Big last September. All I can say is WOW. And getting to work with Patrick? Now that's something EXTRA special. He's one of the best engineers I have ever met; like Zuckerberg smart. KC, keep an eye on this one," 

The Kansas City startup community is quickly gaining recognition as one of the premier sources for innovation, thanks to people like Jeb and Patrick. Their startup collaboration is the product of the Think Big Partners/bizperc open environment—a startup hub that's humming with conversation, networking, and opportunity. It's people like Jeb and Patrick—ambitious, open-minded, and generous entrepreneurs—that make the Kansas City startup community such an exciting place to be.

015 Think Big Radio: Top 10 Reasons to Join a Coworking Space

There’s a reason why 1319 new coworking spaces opened up in February of this year.  During this episode of Think Big Radio, you’ll find out why.  Learn the benefits of working from a coworking space and get some examples from Think Big’s own coworking space, bizperc.

015 Think Big Radio: Top 10 Reasons to Join a Coworking Space

Why do you love to cowork?  Comment below and let us know! 

It's 5:00 Somewhere. And That Somewhere is bizperc!

These days, there are enough Happy Hours to fill up an entire week--but no one seems to be complaining.  And now, bizperc is joining the cocktail movement and hosting the very first bizperc Member Happy Hour on Thursday, April 26th from 5:00-7:00pm.

We're saying TGIThursday and are mixing and mingling with some of our favorite entrepreneurs (our coworking tenants) in just a few days.  All bizperc members (drop-ins and monthly members) are welcome to share a drink, get to know one another and collaborate over convo and cocktails.  Bring a drink or a snack to share and join us on the bizperc 6th floor space (no RSVP needed!).

Are you a non-bizperc member, but want to join the coworking craze?  Take a tour today and get to know our modern KC coworking space (and join us for monthly Member Happy Hours!).

Follow bizperc! @bizperc
Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

KC Coworking Space Gets Major Spring Makeover

It’s Spring: The trees are blooming, the sun is shining, Kansas Citians are coming out of hibernation and Spring cleaning has begun. With the change of the seasons comes new changes at bizperc. We’re shaking things up around here and we’re all smiles about it.

The walls have come down. That’s right, our cube walls have been removed. We are no longer separated from our fellow coworkers. This change opens up a whole new realm of collaboration. Conversations flow more freely, and ideas can be shared and discussed with ease. It’s open, modern, welcoming and frankly...it’s awesome. While this is the most drastic of the changes the others are just as exciting.

Does your office have a virtual juke box? Ours does. Anybody can come up and play DJ with our newest addition, a touchscreen monitor set up with the sole intent of catering to the specific musical needs of our tenants. It’s a small change, but music is extremely important in an office. It sets the tone and mood for the day. Now you can groove to the music of your choice while working away and collaborating like a champ.

As we see more green in nature with Spring in full effect we too have gotten a little greener. We’ve added recycling bins to each floor. We’re all about working hard, having fun, and saving the planet. 

Need a break? I bet you do. Need some exercise and a little friendly competition? Of course. bizperc now has ping pong! We’ve opened up the 6^th floor and added a ping pong table. Take your mind off the multiple projects you’re working on and challenge one of your fellow coworkers to a quick game. It’s a fun and easy way to relieve stress and have a laugh.

Here at bizperc we like caffeine...a lot. We love it so much that we’ve added a coffee bar! We now have professional equipment and delicious coffee from The Roasterie. We’re practically a full-blown coffee shop. The aroma is enticing and the coffee is spectacular.

These are just a few of many changes to come. We’re excited and inspired. It’s a good time for change and bizperc is booming. Stay tuned for more updates on the activities happening around the office.

Want to collaborate with us?  Join the bizperc community! 


Follow bizperc! @bizperc

April Showcase Brings May Entrepreneurs to bizperc

At bizperc, we’ve noticed a “coworking craze.”  Entrepreneurs love coming into our space to work with like-minded startups, accelerate with the Think Big Partners team and work in an inspiring and modern coworking space.

We’re changing the way businesses are built...and we want YOU to see it for yourself! 

On Thursday, April 12, 2012 Think Big Partners is hosting the bizperc Showcase and group tour from 4:00-5:30PM at 1800 Baltimore (starts on the 4th floor!) in the Crossroads District of Kansas City, Missouri. 

At the Showcase, you will have the chance to interactively tour Kansas City’s modern coworking space and business accelerator, get a behind-the-scenes look at the startup creation process, showcase your own entrepreneurial ventures and learn how Think Big Partners is changing the way businesses are built...and why. 

Evening Agenda:

4:00        Meet Think Big Partners: the company that’s building companies

4:15        Tour the bizperc coworking space and see where the magic happens

5:00        Showcase your own entrepreneurial venture on bizperc’s 6^th floor with a gorgeous view of downtown KC

Experience coworking and entrepreneurship on a whole new level.  Register today for the bizperc Showcase powered by Think Big Partners and join us on Thursday, April 12, 2012 from 4:00 to 5:30PM: http://bizpercshowcaseapr12.eventbrite.com/.  

Can't make it on Thursday? Don't worry! bizperc Showcases will take place every month! Stay tuned for the next Showcase announcement. 

Questions? Call 816-842-5244 or email Sarah Snyder (ssnyder@thinkbigpartners.com).  

Don’t forget to follow bizperc on Twitter @bizperc!

Why Launch One Startup When You Can Launch Two (or Three...or Four...)?

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

When bizperc tenants first join the coworking space, they expect to come in, launch or grow a business, get inspired and maybe meet a few people along the way.

What many tenants do not expect is to form partnerships, quadruple revenue and launch multiple startups.  But bizperc, unlike most coworking spaces, facilitates that.

Take Coty Beasley and Leo DeLeon for example.  These two entrepreneurs started out working for separate companies in the same office space.  After realizing that they were not in the area that they were supposed to be in (and had "survived the trenches together"), Coty and Leo decided to team up and to move on.  So, the two of them set out on their own entrepreneurial path together.

Coty currently runs Beasley Creative, his own graphic design and web development company out of bizperc.  Leo launched a startup of his own known as Motion Machine Studio, a company that creates animated online videos.  But after working side-by-side for many months, the duo decided to team up to launch Flow with the help of long-time friend and business partner, Oscar Monterroso.

Flow, as described by Coty, is a “full service create group that helps businesses grow by creating digital strategies and image.”  In other words, Flow provides companies with branding and web design (from Coty), video production (from Oscar) and motion graphics and video (from Leo).  Talk about a match made in heaven.

The trio decided to launch Flow in order to push a higher-income clientele.  The new startup has been built for established companies who are looking for unique print, design and web services.  But Flow isn’t the only that keep Coty and Leo busy. 

Recently, the pair decided to launch BrandYourStartup.com, a company that, like its name says, helps startups define and create their brand. 

“We didn’t want to isolate low-budget clients,” says Coty of the venture.  “So, we came up with a system with the same customization, flair and research as Flow, but with a more streamlined budget.  We can provide websites, logos, business cards, logo reveals and online commercials all for under $4,000.”

These bizperc tenants aren’t just innovating—they’re innovating on multiple platforms! 

“We have so much work everywhere,” says Coty.  “We’re trying to develop new ways to increase our cash flow and provide services for everybody.”

Congrats to Coty Beasley and Leo DeLeon for being bizperc tenants of the month! 

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

How Does a Coworking Space Impact an Entrepreneur?

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR 

These days, it seems like you can cowork anywhere.  Coworking spaces have been popping up across the globe and the movement is only growing stronger.  But when it really comes down to it, do they truly impact entrepreneurs and help startups succeed?  We decided to take a look at bizperc tenant Coty Beasely, who has worked in this Kansas City coworking space for about five months now.


Since joining the bizperc coworking space, Coty has undergone a lot of positive change within his business.  He attributes most of his growing success to the strong networking he has received while working in bizperc.


Since Coty joined bizperc, he has:

• Effectively continued to grow his design startup, Beasley Creative
• Increased his connections to other Kansas City businesses
• Landed a larger pool of clients including Flamin' Ass Salsa, the Nelson Atkins Museum, Taplicious, FindIt Media and Videolabs 
• Went from working on $300 projects at home to working on $5,000-$8,000 projects at bizperc
• Increased his revenue by 400%
• Met a business partner (another bizperc tenant) and launched a new startup called Flow which will focus on projects worth $10,000+ 
• Grew to the point of moving up to the 5th floor of bizperc where more established businesses cowork

This was all achieved in under 5 months! 

Coty is just a small testament to the power of an effective coworking space.  Coworking spaces connect like-minded individuals, they accelerate businesses and they increase the chances of startup success.  So what are you waiting for?  Join a coworking space today and Think Big!

To learn more about the bizperc coworking space, visit www.bizperc.com or contact Sarah Snyder at ssnyder@thinkbigpartners.com. 

Follow bizperc! @bizperc

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Stop In! bizperc Open House Thursday

Interested in joining a coworking space?  Looking to network with Kansas City entrepreneurs?  Join the Think Big Partners team as they host the bizperc Open House this Thursday, Ocotber 20^th from 4:30-6:00pm.  

Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the bizperc coworking space, chat with some of the collaborative tenants and help yourself to some beverages.  All drop-in tours will have the chance to see bizperc's 4th, 5th and 6th floors as well as the breath-taking rooftop garden. 

Stop in, feel the synergy and see the collaboration at work.

RSVP here: http://tbpoct11openhouse.eventbrite.com/

Can’t make it Thursday? Don’t worry! Bizperc Open House events will take place every month.  Stay tuned for information on November’s Open House event.

Written by Laura Goede

@LauraGThinkBig

Stop In! bizperc Opens its Doors to the Kansas City Public

bizperc

inspired entrepreneurs cowork here.

bizperc has had a lot of drop-in visits in the past few weeks.  Potential tenants, Kansas City entrepreneurs and even the KCMO and KCK mayors have stopped in to see what this Kansas City coworking space is all about. 

Because of the overwhelming interest that many Kansas Citians have had in bizperc, we have decided to open bizperc's coworking doors to the public.  Join the Think Big Partners team as they host the bizperc Open House on Thursday, October 20th from 4:30-6:00pm.  Come take a tour of bizperc, chat with some of the collaborative tenants and help yourself to some complimentary beverages.  All drop-in tours will have the chance to see bizperc's 4th, 5th and 6th floors as well as the breath-taking rooftop garden.

RSVP here:  http://tbpoct11openhouse.eventbrite.com

Can't make it next Thursday?  Don't worry!  bizperc Open House events will take place every month.  Stay tuned for the next Open House announcement. 

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

bizperc Coworking Space Buzzes on First Friday: Networking, a Visit from the Mayors and Entrepreneur Corner

The Crossroads Arts District is always buzzing come the first Friday of every month.  After all, the district opens many of its art galleries, businesses and restaurants to the public for First Fridays and attracts hundreds of Kansas City residents and visitors to the artsy and eclectic area.  But add in a big-time networking breakfast, an extremely collaborative afternoon, a meeting with the mayors of Kansas City and an evening of entrepreneurial networking, and it's easy to see why so many people are joining in on the buzz.

We're talking about what bizperc went through on Friday, October 7th.  Sure, it was the First Friday of the month, so many of the bizperc tenants knew that it would be a busy, energetic and collaborative day.  But last Friday seemed to be so much more than that. 

bizperc, the modern Kansas City coworking space for entrepreneurs and startups, opened a little over a year ago in the heart of the Crossroads Arts District.  Surrounded by quaint pizza parlors, thriving small businesses and an artsy atmosphere, bizperc became not only a coworking space, but a place for people to meet, get educated, and have fun.

It all started on Friday morning when I attended the Social Media Club of Kansas City's networking breakfast at the Kansas City Cafe; a hop, skip and a jump away from bizperc.  About 80 entrepreneurs, social media gurus and marketing experts networked, enjoyed a breakfast buffet and listened to insight from the founder of Water.org.  During the event, I of course had to promote the upcoming Entrepreneur Bootcamp, the Gigabit Challenge and Entrepreneur Corner -- all initiatives of Think Big Partners and bizperc.  During my short talk, I saw many faces light up.

In the afternoon, as I was working in bizperc, I couldn't help but notice the outstanding collaboration that was happening within the space.  Entrepreneurs were working with other entrepreneurs, conference calls were taking place in conference rooms and drop-ins were coming by to take a quick tour of the space.

Around 4:00 PM, bizperc was lucky enough to have both the Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri mayors stop by for a quick tour and meeting with Think Big Partners.  The honorable Sly James and the honorable Joe Reardon as well as many other political figures in Kansas City came to see what the bizperc and TBP buzz was all about.

 

Finally, the busy First Friday finished up with Entrepreneur Corner that took place in bizperc's parking lot right off of 18th and Baltimore.  Life Equals, a Kansas City startup that provides specialty supplements and daily essential vitamins (and donates a percentage of every purchase to the Vitamin Angels) brought in a fun photo booth.  Other entrepreneurs and startup companies from Kansas City exhibited their own products and services, complete with company pamphlets, prize drawings and free beer!

Whew.  What a day it was at the bizperc coworking space.  But the truth of the matter is, the busier we are, the more Kansas City will benefit.  After all, startups, small business and a strengthened economy have to come from somewhere- and we believe that one of those places could be bizperc.

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

8 Reasons Why Kansas City Coworking Works

"Coworking spaces only belong in Silicon Valley."

"There aren't any coworking spaces in Kansas City."

"Coworking is just a fad."

False. False. False. 

Working in a shared and collaborative coworking space has become a trend for entrepreneurs and small business owners alike.  But these coworking spots are not just popping up in Silicon Valley or tech hubs like Boston and Austin.  Coworking spaces are everywhere; from Denver to Nashville, New Orleans to Omaha.  And of course, there are a few dynamite coworking spaces in Kansas City. 

But of all cities, why cowork in the City of Fountains?  There are 8 great reasons why Kansas City coworking may be just what you need.

1. Kansas City is creative
With the Kansas City Maker Faire, the KC Chamber Innovation Conference and many other creative events, companies, and people, Kansas City is bursting with creativity and innovation.  Come see the creativity for yourself in any of Kansas City's coworking spaces.

2. Kansas City is tight-knit
Kansas City is big enough to make an impact, but small enough to remain a tight-knit community.  That means that Kansas City is a friendly, neighborly city in the heart of America.

3. Kansas City is thriving
Google Fiber.  Zaarly.  Think Big Partners.  These are just a few examples of the new implementations that are catching some major attention in Kansas City.  These additions to KC prove that the city is growing and thriving, making it the ideal spot to cowork.

4. Kansas City is busy
With dozens of daily networking events, launch parties, cocktail receptions and banquets, Kansas City is always in hustle-and-bustle mode.  That means that there are hundreds of people to meet, places to see and events to attend.

5. Kansas City is entrepreneurially strong
Kansas City has a vibrancy to it and much of it comes from the startups that have launched in the area.  From hundreds of local restaurants to thriving startup companies, Kansas City is becoming a hub for entrepreneurs and small businesses alike. 

6. Kansas City has history
Although KC is strong when it comes to startups and entrepreneurship, it is also rich in big business history.  From Helzberg to H&R Block to Hallmark (the 3 big H's), Kansas City knows how to take a small businesses and make them go down in history.

7. Kansas City is refreshing
Get away from the superficialities of the Silicon Valley area and steer clear of the smog taking over Boston and come to Kansas City to cowork!  If you need a step away from the obvious tech hubs of the nation, Kansas City is the city to cowork in.

8. Kansas City has the space
Currently, Kansas City has three very different coworking spaces.  Innovation Cafe, Officeport and bizperc all target unique entrepreneurs, freelancers and small business owners who are looking to network, think outside the box and of course...cowork.

Read More: Which KC Coworking Space is Right For Me?

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Grand Opening: bizperc's 5th Floor for Entrepreneurs

Whew. 

After a lot of sweat, elbow grease and collaboration, bizperc's 5th floor has been opened for more coworking and collaboration in record time!  The Kansas City coworking space known as bizperc has been expanding since it opened in August of 2010.  Starting out as a one-floor coffeeshop/office hybrid, the coworking space has grown to a 5-floor (plus a rooftop!) startup heaven.

Check out some pictures from the recently-opened 5th floor space.



Welcome to bizperc's 5th floor!



This cubicle with a view could be yours for only $450/month.

 

The 5th floor was completed with private offices. Two of them are housed by FINDitKC.



White boards cover the walls for inspiration and organization.

An already well-lived-in cubicle on the 5th floor.

Another cubicle that houses a bizperc tenant.

Not a shabby place to take a mid-afternoon break! Corona, anyone?

A conference room section.

A fully-stocked kitchen keeps all entrepreneurs and tenants happy!

Chris of FINDitKC busy at work in the conference room/green screen studio.



The right side of the 5th floor conference room.

There is still available space in bizperc- but it's going quick!  Call to book a tour with Sarah Snyder today at 816.842.5244.

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

bizperc: From a One-Floor Dream to a Five-Floor Resource

Coworking has become a craze.  It seems as if every city is doing it: Establishing a coworking space, uniting entrepreneurs and startups, providing a place outside the coffee shop for people to network on a day-to-day basis.  And Kansas City is no different.

bizperc, one of Kansas City's downtown coworking spaces, started out as a dream.  Think Big Partners, the company behind bizperc, saw the coworking space as a one-floor hybrid of a coffee shop and office space for entrepreneurs.  One year later, bizperc has become a reality- and a much bigger one at that. 

In order to accommodate to the growing movement of entrepreneurialism in Kansas City, bizperc has expanded its office space to an additional floor on the 5^th level of 1800 Baltimore.  Now bizperc can provide more tools, services and resources in order to assist Kansas City entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup companies. 

"Less than a year ago, we started with just 5000 square feet.  Today, we occupy four floors (plus the rooftop!) at 18,000 square feet," says Herb Sih, co-founder of Think Big Partners.  "Our growth has been a direct reflection of the growth trajectory of our tenant companies, largely due to the collaborative atmosphere and services we have co-located in the workspace." 

The 5th floor of bizperc holds a handful of tenant desks, 11 cubicles, four already sold-out private offices, a conference room, a full kitchen, and an audio/video suite.  The 5th floor is now open to entrepreneurs who are interested in coworking, office space or meeting room accessibility. 

bizperc’s 5th floor has become the home of several startup companies and established small businesses.  FINDitKC, Kansas City’s first online video business directory may be benefitting most from the bizperc expansion.  With easy access to a video/audio suite including a green screen, recording studio, and post-production capabilities, bizperc’s fifth floor has become a dream-office-come-true for the exploding Kansas City video startup. 

bizperc allows entrepreneurs to work alone, together.  If you're looking for an inspired place, for inspired people...look no further than the bizperc coworking space.  Come tour today and see if the new Kansas City coworking space will work for you. 

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

bizperc Celebrates First Fridays & The 4th of July

Summer is here and bizperc is celebrating it.  This past Friday the Kansas City coworking space operated by Think Big Partners opened its doors to the attendees of First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District.  Check out the pics below of the wonderful Friday afternoon in bizperc!  Of course, there was a lot of red, white and blue to go around!

Thanks to all of those who made it out to bizperc last Friday.  We are looking forward to celebrating with you all again next month!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig