Find out what has been happening here at ThinkLab and what offers we have. http://eepurl.com/cGR4ov

Introducing Rik Jones, architect at Zone 8 Projects. Rik has over 25 years experience in the design and construction industry, including educational, residential and commercial buildings. Rik promises a high standard of management, design & delivery. Check out Zone 8's website at www.zone8projects.com.

Now onto our interview with Rik!

What attracted you to become a resident at ThinkLab?

An opportunity to work close to home and the ability to use shared services.

Who inspires you?

Richard Hawkins is inspirational in that he has risen above the limitations of his broken body to achieve the highest outcomes in physics and pure thought. Every time you're down about the increasing limitations of your own body, you can think of him (and others of course!)

Why does a coworking community appeal to you?

The opportunity to share and barter skills with others in a small environment.

What do you see as the positives of a coworking environment?

Shared costs and refreshingly, working in an environment that has others with mindsets outside your own sphere of expertise.

Professionally, what has been your proudest moment?

Designing & project managing the delivery of a number of educational buildings at Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory. I felt I achieved most of what I consider essential in my profession on those projects. As my previous boss (in his seventies) said,..."I feel like I'm just getting the hang of the business and now its time to retire." You never stop learning!

What advice would you give to someone looking to make the leap from leaving their stable job to becoming an entrepreneur and business owner?

It takes a leap of faith and confidence in your abilities....don't leave it to long to have a bash. However make sure you seek good mentors early on so you actually know what you're doing before you make the leap.

Do some small business courses, talk to your accountant and importantly don't go into business with family or friends! If you're silly enough to do that, make sure you have a financial exit plan written up by a solicitor AND agreed to by both parties.

As I said before....You never stop learning or looking for good advice.

ThinkLab hosted 2 events today as part of the NT Business 'October Business Month'. Darwin photographer Baz Ledwidge took professional photographs for people to use on things like LinkedIn, as Michelle Hanton ran a workshop on LinkedIn - showing people the tricks of the trade on how to promote yourself better on LinkedIn.

Both were a great success, and we raised almost $500 for Camp Quality.

Today was the first ThinkLab Bake-Off, with Residents each bringing a sweet treat to share. Guest Judge was Alastair. On offer for the Residents to enjoy was Rocky Road, Impossible Pie with fresh cream and strawberries; two Nigella treats - strawberry and almond crumble and chocolate pistachio fudge. Winner was Andrea Wicking with the strawberry and almond crumble and we are all on sugar highs!

Good news - next Bake-Off Friday 7 October!

Check out what we have been up to this month...

http://shoutout.wix.com/so/eLOBAdX_#/main

Introducing Kerri Thomas from Breakthrough Psychology, who has established her private practice at ThinkLab.

Q: Growing up in the Territory, you left to pursue studies and a successful career in Melbourne. What drew you back to Darwin and convinced you to establish your practice here?

A: I have always been drawn to the tropical climate and lifestyle. I grew up in Nhulunbuy, which was a wonderful upbringing in a small town. I then moved to Melbourne for the better part of 10 years (Sydney for 2 yrs in there also). I love Melbourne and do miss it, but I don't miss the weather and I hated winter with a baby. I know there is a need for good quality mental healthcare in Darwin, so it seemed logical to establish my private practice here.

Q: What do you love about Darwin?

A: The weather, the aircon :-), the accessibility to Litchfield and Kakadu and further afield. The proximity to Asia and cheap flights. The ability to 'dress' my babies in a nappy that doubles as shorts. The people - it's a friendly, open, vibrant community with lots to see and do. Darwin offers unique personal and professional opportunities.

Q: When and where did you first use a coworking space and why does coworking appeal to you?

A: I started working from coworking spaces three years ago. My husband and I shared an office space and childcare, so when I was working he was with our baby and when I was at home, he was using our office. We have always worked from coworking spaces, as it makes the most sense when self-employed in terms of community and social engagement and professional development. It's nice to have people to chat to over the course of a work day.

Q: What does community mean to you?

A: Community means being connected with others who are like-minded or have similar attributes. It's nice working with others who are also in the small business sector to bounce ideas off and have fellowship with. The socialisation in community is so important but often neglected when self-employed. It can quickly become very lonely when you're working long days on your own. A quick 'hello' in the office is all it takes to not feel so isolated.

Q: What are some tips you have for maintaining a healthy mindset?

A: In a nutshell, surrounding yourself with positive encouraging people, having very clear goals personally and professionally, self-care, regularly taking stock of where you're at emotionally, nurturing those around you, doing things you love, and exercise.

http://www.breakthroughpsychology.com.au/

ThinkLab is proud to be supporting Camp Quality's Radio Auction.

Bidding opens next Friday and funds raised through the 2016 Camp Quality Radio Auction support children and their families going through the cancer journey.

Auction site - https://galabid.com/auction/radio

Thanks Dojo Bali for showing us around your amazing coworking space yesterday. Great vibe and buzzing with activity, loving Dojo Events covering many different topics of interest.

Join ThinkLab and it's residents, Dragon Sisters and Salty Plum Events on National Networking Day, Monday 29 August from 7.30am.

RSVP - hello@think-lab.com.au

Introducing Michelle Hanton from Dragon Sisters, who shares with us a little about her business and herself.

Q: Can you share with us a little about business?

A: Dragon Sisters helps you to kick start and activate results for your business through strategic positioning, content creation, marketing and business development support. We show you how create and maximise opportunities by taking strategic action steps that are easy and most important – effective. Our signature Smarketing program teaches you the skills required to get your message heard by your target audience.

Q: What attracted you to become a resident at ThinkLab?

A: The convenient location, the fact that it’s all set up with the IT that I need and is a nice, calm and refreshing space in which to work.

Q: How do you stay motivated?

A: I always focus on how far I have come, never on how much remains to be done! I enjoy being challenged and the nature of my business means that each day is different, so it’s never boring. I love my work because I am helping others to achieve positive outcomes – it’s very fulfilling.

Q: Why does a coworking community appeal to you?

A: The coworking space means that I have “colleagues” even though I am working for myself. It provides stimulation and breaks up the isolation that can accompany working alone for long periods.

Q: What do you see as the positives of a coworking environment?

A: The positives are the fact that all costs are known upfront, no need to worry about the bills for internet, power, cleaning, etc. You can just walk it, sit down and get on with the job at hand. If you want someone to talk to, or need a hand, there is a wide variety of expertise to tap into within that space. It’s a great way to work, and the location of ThinkLab in Nightcliff means easy parking!

Q: Any advice on how to remain focused when working for yourself?

A: I’ve got a blog post with my tips on this here -http://www.thedragonsisters.com/…/my-7-top-tips-for-maximi…/. In a nutshell, you need to minimise distractions and to hold yourself accountable at the end of each working day/week.

ThinkLab has been featured as one of the 10 coolest coworking spaces in Australia! http://www.citizensoftheworld.cc/citizens-of-the-world-blo…/

ThinkLab is part of the NBN Australia business network, offering super-charged wifi as part of the coworking package.

We offer flexible residencies to suit people who need anything from a casual one-off visit through to a full time, 24/7 package.

Local photographer, Olga Biriukova Photography, recently photographed ThinkLab as part of a series promoting key innovative businesses already using the NBN.

Contact us on 1300 45 70 25 or via hello@think-lab.com.au for a tour or more details about how you can join our community.

The ThinkLab coworking community has a great boardroom available for half day, full day or after hours' hire. The room comes with a whiteboard and depending on the layout you are looking for, we can accommodate up to 15 people for a workshop or presentation.

Located in a modern office with disabled access, ample off street parking and fast wifi. Catering can be arranged along with a number of other services. With all of this covered, you can focus on your workshop or presentation. Contact us on 1300 45 70 25 or via email at hello@think-lab.com.au.

Located on the boundary of Nightcliff and Rapid Creek, ThinkLab has a unique wall paper in its reception area. Covering off the community where we are based, it makes a great talking point for residents and guests alike.

Why people thrive in coworking spaces https://hbr.org/2015/…/why-people-thrive-in-coworking-spaces

Some great tips for working in a coworking space http://au.pcmag.com/…/get-organized-5-tips-for-working-in-a…

We were very pleased to welcome Shane McCorkell (Business Development Officer), Michael Williams (Manager Innovation & Science), and Chris Howard (Executive Director Training) from the NT Government through ThinkLab today. Look forward to collaborating with the Department of Business,

moving forward!

We are open and showing people around our new coworking space. The first of this kind in Darwin! We have offices, a boardroom, and ample coworking space for small businesses, startups, or anyone wanting to work in a collaborative, friendly, and professional environment. We are super flexible and fun! Contact us via PM, phone, or shoot through an email if you'd like to check us out. See more on our website www.think-lab.com.au

After a few delays, we have finally opened! How exciting! We are Darwin's FIRST (everyone wants to be #1 - right?)! We have a few things to get finished off, but it's just cosmetic, and some of these things take a bit longer to get sorted... So - we have a boardroom, offices AND the awesome coworking area! Photos to come!