Keep in touch with as many people as you can. Relationships help move business even when you aren’t trying.
Monica Sarduy has over a 10 year background in sales & marketing including: Advertising sales for the Miami Herald, Event Marketing for BFG Communication’s Camel Cigarettes Program, Marketing Manager for Coral Gables Acupuncture and a number of other freelance marketing projects. She even worked as a campaign manager for her husband’s judicial re-election back in 2016. The variety of industries has acquired her the ability to think of simple out of the box methods to market her recent project BizNest. “My goal is to create a start-up ecosystem in Coral Gables. Wynwood and Downtown areas have many start up facilities for artists and entrepreneurs…but it has gotten expensive. I wanted to create a facility where it is not only affordable to start up but a place where you can actually grow your business through a variety of platforms available. At BizNest I involve all my members (virtual and tenants) in our marketing efforts by giving them an opportunity to cross market. Whether you are a virtual client, a tenant, or simply a meeting space user, there is opportunity to participate in our events, newsletters, social media campaigns. More recently, we have catered to our working parents. Now at BizNest we offer “KidzNest!” KidzNest is a lounge for your children to hang out, play WII, get artistic or do homework while mom and dad meet with clients! After all you spend up to 40% of your life at work…so we want to keep it productive, professional, yet cozy!
Where did the idea for BizNest come from?
As my career progressed, I experienced challenges personally and professionally. I went from the corporate world to freelancing, got married and decided to go back to a full- time position. I landed a great opportunity to manage a business center. In 2016, I proposed to rebrand the company, which is now known as BizNest. At the same time of rebranding the company my husband finds out that he has opponent running in his judicial seat. I really wanted to support my husband during his re-lection year. With my marketing background I felt I could manage his campaign. This required me to work long hours while juggling a full-time position. I came and left the office for events, came back and worked late hours in the office, found myself bringing my work home and my dog to work. (I missed him lol) It was quite challenging, but the company culture was exactly what I needed…flexibility. Two years later I have surpassed the challenges. We won the election, I filled up the office spaces and now on to the next conquest…a family! Which lead me to the newest direction for our BizNest model… How does a working woman have it all with a career? How do you create balance? That’s exactly what BizNest needs to be. It needs to be a nurturing environment for the mompreneur/dadpreneur! A place that promotes work/personal balance. Whether it is bringing your dog on a leash, bringing the babysitter with the toddler or have the kids do homework at the office on late work day. My experiences made me think of molding a shared space community concept… not just for the young work force but for the family. No other shared space creates a work space truly conducive for the parent entrepreneur.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Typical day starts off at 6am. I run to the gym get an hour in of weights and cardio. Run home to prep breakfast and lunch with the hubby and fur babies and off to the land of BizNest! I really think its important to have designated time for YOU. The mornings are usually that time where I can focus on myself and align my goals for that day: check my calendar, and email myself a to-do list.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Great question. So many times, ideas remain…ideas. I think that the first step is writing it down. Whether on a note in your iphone or an email with a follow up flag. The second step is assessment. Who and what are your resources? How can you really make it happen? Then, I create a deadline. Lastly, be realistic and finish the first idea before writing a 100 more down.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
Well I hope that it isn’t a trend! Women’s empowerment. The climate has really changed for us and I like it. Everyone can’t always have it ALL…but women should and can have the opportunity to have everything that men do.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Being generous. Doing what you can for others has always brought me more business.
What advice would you give your younger self?
That is a tough one because I wouldn’t be who I am today without the mistakes I made in the past that lead me to where I am now. But, I would have focused more on school, maybe I could have accomplished so much more and made less mistakes… but then again maybe I wouldn’t have.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
True love and romance still exists!
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Keep in touch with as many people as you can. Relationships help move business even when you aren’t trying.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Recording all my contacts. This is before I even knew what I was doing. I somehow figured this out since my first job. I have thousands of contacts in my iphone just for that reason.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Not charging enough and taking on too much work. My first business was SWOT Project. My partner and I had no problem accumulating accounts…and going the extra mile but we needed to charge higher retainers considering the number of hours we were putting in to each client.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Public transportation outside of uber. I would love to see more bike rental stations outside of Miami Beach.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
3 bikinis for $100 with free shipping. Less time in the mall, means more time at home relaxing. Thanks IG! I can never have enough bathing suits.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
TRELLO!! I love how my team can collaborate and prioritize on one online board.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Think and Grow Rich
What is your favorite quote?
Just do it. -Nike
Key Learnings:
- Not only do well but do good in the world.
- The women’s empowerment climate is creating amazing changes in the workforce, like BizNest’s child friendly workspaces.
- You can’t have enough contacts and bikinis in Miami.
Connect:
BizNest on Instagram: @biznestmia
Monica Sarduy on Instagram: @moski83
BizNest on Facebook:
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.