Want to produce like Edison? Then tap that nearby know-how
If you could get four extra brains by sharing your own brain, would you?
What if you’d quadruple your energy in the process? Would you share your brainpower then?
Elena Tsinman and Jim Mermis have their answer. It’s a resounding yes, and they’re backing it with their own bucks.
They’ve launched a co-working workspace called ION. Based in Columbus, Ohio, it’s for solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independents who are tired of working by themselves. ION is filled with offices of all types, conference rooms, conferencing technology, open space, a lounge, and a kitchenette — so people who’ve previously worked in isolation can now get extra ideas, energy, and community from others who share the space.
As the minds behind ION, Elena and Jim bring a get-in-done orientation to their work. Elena leads a translation company that she built and grew after moving to the United States from Russia. Jim co-leads a government relations and business development firm.
I’ve known Jim since the 1990s. Whenever we get together, he brings something significant to the table: an interesting story, a worthy quotation, a new angle on an old challenge, a bright idea. The guy gets me to think.
With ION, he and Elena are getting me to think yet again — about what works best when it comes to working smart.
What about you? You know that two heads are better than one, but are you turning that important adage into action?
Do you work in an ION-like environment where you can mingle with many other people? Are you seeking out and taking in the knowledge and expertise that your co-workers bring to work each day? Are you sharing your own know-how? Are you drawing energy from others and building community with all?
If you’re a solo practitioner (and that’s a lot of people nowadays), are you reaching out to meet and learn from other people? Do you have a network that can regularly recharge your battery with ideas, insights, and inspiration? Are you getting perspective from a truth squad that can give you objective input?
Long before Elena and Jim opened ION, Thomas Edison built his “invention factory” in New Jersey. He filled it with people who brought diverse sets of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds. It may have been his greatest invention: the world’s first research and development lab. The incandescent lamp first flickered in this workspace. The first recorded sound bounced off its wooden walls.
Edison knew a thing or two about bringing people together to create great things. So do Elena and Jim. Are you working in your own invention factory?
If you live in Columbus, Ohio, and are looking for a great workspace, check out IONcoworking.com, or visit in person at 4889 Sawmill Road. Feel free to contact Jim Mermis at jmermis@ioncoworking.com.
