Corporate Social Responsibility

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Corporate Social Responsibility is the practice of companies taking responsibility for their impact on society and the environment, going beyond legal obligations and seeking to make a positive contribution to the general welfare.


CSR covers a wide range of issues, from environmental protection to community involvement and employee well-being. Here are some key aspects to consider when addressing CSR:

  • Ethics and Transparency: Companies must operate ethically and transparently in all their activities. This involves maintaining high standards of integrity in relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
  • Environmental Impact: Reducing the ecological footprint is fundamental in CSR. Companies can implement sustainable practices, such as reducing paper use, managing resources efficiently, and adopting renewable energy.
  • Community Engagement: Companies have a responsibility to contribute to the development of the communities in which they operate. This can include corporate volunteering programmes, donations to local organizations, and community development projects.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment is essential for CSR. Companies can promote equal opportunities, eliminate discrimination, and create policies that support diversity in all its forms.
  • Corporate Governance: Good governance is fundamental to CSR. Companies must establish transparent and accountable governance structures, with a clear separation between management and oversight.

In addition to these aspects, it is crucial for companies to integrate CSR into their organizational culture and throughout their operations. Not only does CSR benefit society and the environment, but it can also have a positive impact on company reputation, customer loyalty, and talent retention.


In short, Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of modern business strategy. By adopting sustainable and ethical practices, companies can make a significant contribution to the well-being of society and the planet, while driving their own long-term success. CSR is not only an ethical choice, but also a smart investment in the future.

Everything you need to know about netwoking

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In today’s business world, networking is an indispensable tool for growth and success. As a Business Center in Badalona committed to business development, at Espai 114 we understand the importance of establishing and maintaining meaningful connections. Here we will tell you everything you need to know about networking and how it can benefit your company.

Networking

These are some of the benefits of networking for your business:

 

  • Transform your contacts into allies: Fostering close relationships with other professionals can open doors to new business opportunities and improve your reputation.
  • Keep up to date: In the constantly evolving business world, networking keeps you connected with the latest trends and customer needs, giving you a competitive advantage.
  • Online visibility: Maintaining an active presence on social networks and other online platforms increases your visibility, making you accessible to both potential partners and potential customers.
  • Information exchange: Networking allows you to obtain valuable information about competitors’ activities, customer needs and new market opportunities.
  • Increase trust: With more information and connections, your security and confidence in business decision making increases, giving you a solid foundation for growth.

 

 

 

Networking

 

 

 

 

Some key strategies to improve your networking:

  • Define your goals: Decide what you hope to achieve with your network of contacts, whether it is looking for new job opportunities, collaborators for specific projects, or simply advice and guidance in your career.
  • Research and choose the right events: Not all networking events are created equal. Choose events that align with your professional interests and goals. This can include conferences, seminars, sector events and local professional meetings.
  • Listen and connect authentically: In networking, it is important to listen as much as talk. Ask interested questions and show genuine interest in the people you meet. Sincerity and authenticity in your interactions can help build trusting relationships.
  • Offer value and help to others: A good networking strategy is not only about looking for what you can get, but also what you can offer. Help others by offering your knowledge, skills and resources.
  • Follow and keep in touch: After meeting someone at an event don’t forget to follow and keep in touch with them. Send a follow-up email or connect with them through social media.
  • Expand your network: Don’t just connect with people in your own field or industry. Expand your network by connecting with professionals from different sectors, areas of interest and levels of experience. This can open you up to fresh new opportunities and prospects that can enrich your career.

Networking

At Espai 114, we are committed to providing a safe and conducive environment for networking and business growth. With our coworking space and services adapted to the needs of companies, we aspire to be your strategic partner on the road to success.

We are the Business Center of Badalona, to give visibility and possibilities to your business. At Espai 114 together we form a team; we want to inspire you and accompany you.

Promote your company

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Today, it is essential to use advertising to promote your company and show what it offers to the market. Both small and large companies adopt this strategy to reach as many people as possible.

To make your company visible in the main communication channels, it is necessary to implement different strategies to make your business visible and attract potential customers. Some of these strategies include:

Digital Content: With the current digitalization, the creation of content on the web, such as web pages or blogs, is crucial to establish an on-line presence that attracts a wide audience.

Promote your company

 

Social networks: Social networking platforms offer a great opportunity to share content related to your company, maintaining your visibility and allowing potential customers to have a first contact with your company.

Promote your company

 

Participation in events: Participation in events increases the visibility of your company, allowing direct contact with clients and other professionals, providing experience and promoting your brand, key to promote your company.

Promote your company

 

Press releases: The creation of press releases reaches audiences that may be far from the on-line world, promoting a more direct and tangible “presence”.

Promote your company

We are the Business Center of Badalona, to give visibility and possibilities to your business. At Espai 114 together we form a team; we want to inspire you and accompany you.

HOW TO TURN NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS INTO PROFESSIONAL SUCCESSES

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The beginning of a new year gives us the opportunity to reflect on what we want to achieve, both personally and professionally. Purpose setting is often common practice, but how can we connect these purposes with our professional lives and make them a reality within the workplace?

Before setting resolutions for the year, it is crucial to do a professional self-assessment. What have been your successes and challenges over the past year? What areas of your work do you want to improve or develop? Identifying these areas will help you establish concrete and realistic purposes for your professional growth.

  1. Set smart goals

The purposes must be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-delimited. For example, instead of simply saying “improve at work”, we could say “developing leadership skills by participating in specific courses during the first six months of the year”.

  1. Work-life balance

One of the most important purposes may be to find a better work-life balance. Establishing clear lines between work and personal time will improve your productivity and your overall well-being.

  1. Continuous professional development

Investing in your professional growth is key. You could include purposes such as learning new skills, participating in professional networks, or seeking growth opportunities in your industry.

  1. Encourage collaboration and communication

It can be a great purpose to improve communication and collaboration within the work environment. This can boost productivity, improve interpersonal relationships and promote a more harmonious work environment.

  1. Celebrate successes and learn from challenges

Don’t forget to celebrate successes, even small ones. This keeps motivation high. It is also important to learn from challenges and failures; These are opportunities to grow and improve.

  1. Follow-up

It is essential to keep track of purposes. Regularly review your goals, adjust them if necessary and make adjustments to continue advancing towards success.

In short, New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be exclusively personal. By connecting them with professional life, they become powerful tools for growth and success in the workplace.

What resolutions do you have in mind for the New Year and how do you plan to incorporate them into your professional life?

We are the Business Center of Badalona, to give visibility and possibilities to your business. At Espai 114 together we form a team; we want to inspire you and accompany you.

We wish you a happy entry into 2024!

HOW TO STAY PRODUCTIVE DURING CHRISTMAS

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The Christmas season comes with a mix of festive joy and potential distractions in the work environment. Between bright decorations, office parties and the excitement of the end of the year, maintaining high levels of productivity can become a challenge. However, with some tips, it is possible to harness the Christmas spirit and remain efficient at work.

  1. Set clear and realistic goals

During the holidays, it is essential to define specific goals to stay on course at work. Set realistic goals for you and your team, breaking tasks into concrete actions that can be addressed effectively.

  1. Manage your time effectively

The calendar can fill up quickly with Christmas events, but it’s crucial to protect time spent at work. Schedule specific moments to fulfill work responsibilities and avoid excessive multitasking, as this can decrease the quality of the work done.

  1. Create a festive and productive workspace

If you’re decorating your workspace for the holidays, make sure these decorations aren’t a distraction. Find a balance to create a pleasant environment that also encourages concentration.

  1. Set boundaries and practice self-control

Parties and social events can be tempting, but it’s important to set boundaries and maintain self-control. Make sure you don’t compromise adequate rest or mental and physical health for excess holiday commitments.

  1. Prioritize and delegate responsibilities

Identify the most important tasks and prioritize them. Also, if possible, delegate responsibilities to distribute the workload equitably among team members, allowing everyone to enjoy the holidays without affecting productivity.

The Christmas season should not be synonymous with a fall in labor productivity. With proper planning, setting clear boundaries and keeping the focus on professional goals, it is possible to enjoy the festive spirit without compromising efficiency at work. The key is to find the right balance between celebration and work performance.

We are the Business Center of Badalona, to give visibility and possibilities to your business. At Espai 114 together we form a team; we want to inspire you and accompany you.

Espai 114 wishes you a Merry Christmas!

SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS FOR OUR COMPANY

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Currently, climate change is one of the main concerns we have as a society. Therefore, as companies, it is important to contribute our grain of sand with a series of sustainable actions that help reduce or slow down this climate emergency.

These actions can be:

  • Save on plastics and paper: The use of plastic is a great inconvenience for our planet due to its long decomposition, therefore, it is important to replace any type of plastic with a more sustainable solution. Although paper is a good substitute at first, we cannot abuse it, so it is advisable to use digital files whenever possible.

  • Committed suppliers: Opting for suppliers committed to the environment can generate multiple benefits for your company. These suppliers often incorporate sustainable practices into their supply chain, which can have a positive impact on your business.
  • Online work: In order not to make daily use of vehicles and avoid the pollution they generate, we can implement online work days in our company.

Actions

  • Manage waste: All companies generate some amount of garbage daily that they will throw away. By recycling properly, we prevent them from becoming waste that can no longer be recovered or reused, and we help to create recyclable materials and products.

  • Education and awareness: Educate your employees about the importance of being sustainable and how everyone can contribute. Organize talks, workshops or activities to raise awareness about environmental protection.

These are small actions that do not require much effort. With these acts we can help our planet effectively, encouraging other companies or people to act in the same way, thus creating a better world among all.

We are the Business Center of Badalona, to give visibility and possibilities to your business. At Espai 114 together we form a team; we want to inspire you and accompany you.

WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR DIGITAL PRESENCE

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Today, having a solid digital presence is essential for the survival of any business. For this reason, we give you some tips to improve your digital presence.

The first tip is to take care of your website, since first impressions are the most important. For many users, the website is the presentation of their brand. If it is well designed, it will capture attention and increase your digital customers.

The second relevant point is to adapt everything for mobile phones, since Google gives priority to this content. For more success, make sure your site is adapted for these devices.

The third tip is to have an SEO strategy. It is one of the best ways to improve your digital presence and make it easier for your customers to find you.

Another important thing is to include a SEM strategy. SEO is essential for customers to find you on search engines, but it can take some time. If you want to be visible immediately, make paid ads on search engines or social networks.

The fifth tip is to create a Google My Business profile for your business, especially if you have a physical store. This will allow you to appear on local search engines and make it easier for potential customers to find you. Make sure you fill in all the details on your file and keep it updated.

Asking for reviews from your customers is also crucial, as this influences your position in Google My Business. Remember that to get good reviews, it is essential to offer an excellent service to your business.

Last but not least, the seventh tip is to promote yourself through social media. These platforms are a great way to increase your online presence as they allow you to increase the number of views on your posts. In addition, thanks to the information that networks have about their users, you can segment your target audience more precisely and create ads focused on your customers.

We are the Business Center of Badalona, to give visibility and possibilities to your business. At Espai 114 together we form a team; we want to inspire you and accompany you.

Protect your business: how to avoid scams in messages and emails

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In the competitive business world, maintaining the security of your personal and banking information is essential. The self-employed and small businesses are often the target of scams and cyber attacks, and that is why today we bring you some effective tricks to avoid falling into the trap of fraudulent messages and emails.

At Espai 114, we care about the security of your company, so we want to share with you these key tips to keep cyber scammers at bay.

  1. Keep your systems updated: One of the most common mistakes is not keeping your operating systems and software up to date. Updates often include security enhancements that protect your information from known vulnerabilities.

  1. Always check senders: Don’t open emails or text messages from senders you don’t recognize. Scammers often pose as banks, service providers, or even colleagues, so always check the sender’s authenticity before clicking on links or downloading attachments.

  1. Do not disclose confidential information: Your bank or service provider will never ask you to share personal or financial information via email. If someone does, be suspicious and communicate directly by phone with the entity in question.

  1. Use two-factor authentication (2FA): Enabling two-factor authentication for online accounts adds an extra layer of security. This means that even if a scammer gets the password, they won’t be able to access your account without a second verification method.

Stay safe

 

  1. Learn to identify phishing signs: Fraudulent messages often contain spelling or grammatical errors, urgent action requests and suspicious links. If something seems strange, feel free to verify its authenticity before moving on.

  1. Use a reliable security solution: Updated antivirus and antimalware software can help you detect and prevent threats before they reach your inbox.

Stay safe

  1. Educate your team: If you have employees, make sure they are informed and trained to identify potential cyber scams. Safety should be a team priority.

In Espai 114, we are committed to protecting your business and your data. Keep cyber scammers at bay by following these tips and ensuring the integrity of your personal and financial information. Your business and your peace of mind are our priorities.

We are the Business Center of Badalona, to give visibility and possibilities to your business. At Espai 114 together we form a team; we want to inspire you and accompany you.

Do you want to set up a coworking?

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According to our experience in Espai114, we want to offer you several tips in the situation that you want to create your own coworking.

First, you must perform a thorough market research according to your area. Studying the current demand for coworking spaces, the competition and the specific needs of those professionals or companies you are going to address.

With this research you will find the existing demand in the chosen location, the competition already implemented or that intends to be created soon, the profile of your target audience, which will vary depending on the location, the pricing Implemented in competitors and their different business models, as well as ideal locations to build your business.

It is important to keep in mind that the location of your coworking It is a fundamental variable to guarantee its success. Look for a central and easily accessible location, preferably close to areas with businesses, universities or centers of business activity with a good public transport connection and sufficient parking.

Design a space useful and attractive that conveys a desire to collaborate and be productive. Consider different types of areas, such as open spaces, meeting rooms, rest areas and private areas with a stable high-speed Internet connection and adequate office supplies. Unless you are an architect, designer or have extensive experience in this field, you should choose the right professional who captures and develops your idea correctly.

You must offer services and amenities to your customers to add value to the development of their activity. These services include: 24-hour assistance, reception service, fully equipped meeting rooms, rest areas with coffee and refreshments, printers and scanners, and housekeeping.

Normally, the coworker wants to have freedom of decision and flexibility. To do this, it provides different membership options and Flexible rental plans to be able to adapt to all the needs of your customers. You can offer monthly, daily, or even hourly memberships, depending on what your target market demands. This will help you adapt to their different situations, obtaining greater opportunities for your business.

If being a facilitator and manager of coworking you do not have more activities and you can focus all your attention on the management of the area with full dedication, encourage interaction and networking among your team members, organizing events, workshops and activities that promote collaboration and knowledge sharing. This will help create a more community and attractive environment for other professionals.

Design a marketing strategy Effective and safe to promote your coworking. With the use of channels such as social networks, online ads, collaborations with other local companies and commercial events to be able to show your space to other people. To do this, you have at your disposal payment tools, such as Adwords or specific campaigns on social networks and multiple free channels. Whenever you have the opportunity to promote yourself, do it.

Make sure you have solid financial planning. To get it, calculate all your initial costs, such as the rent of the premises, furniture, utilities and marketing. Also remember to consider expected revenue based on memberships and other additional services. If you offer flexible hiring plans, you will cause your income to be not stable. It is important to take this into account, as it is fundamental for the sector. Finishing with the planning, look for additional services that you will discover during your market research, which provide economic stability.

Provide excellent customer service. Listen to your customers’ needs and try to find ways to satisfy them. It responds quickly to queries and offers solutions that work to problems that may arise. Although, to give this good service, you have to have specific training and experience, total availability and customer orientation can be of great help.

Once the business is up and running, keep abreast of market developments and professional demands. Make adjustments and improvements to your space and company services as needed to remain competitive and be able to please your customers with the changes made.

We are the Business Center of Badalona, to give visibility and possibilities to your business. In Espai 114 together we are a team; we want to inspire you and accompany you.

 

Do I become self-employed or form a company?

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The choice between becoming self-employed or incorporating a company depends on several factors.

Here I will provide you with an overview of both options so you can make an informed decision.

Being self-employed means working independently and being solely responsible for your business. Some advantages of being self-employed include:

Ease of establishment: Registering as a self-employed is a relatively simple and fast process. In a few days it can be processed correctly, although we advise you to do it with the help of a qualified advisor, such as Lladó Consulting Group.

Total control: You will have full control over your business and decision-making.

Fewer legal requirements: Self-employed have fewer legal obligations and requirements than companies. They depend on several factors, and not all self-employed workers have the same obligations to public institutions. You must be well informed before registering.

Tax benefits: some expenses related to their professional activity can be deducted from the tax return.

However, there are also some disadvantages:

Unlimited liability: As a self-employed worker, you are personally responsible for all debts and obligations incurred by your business. Unlimited liability can be an important factor to consider when deciding whether to become self-employed or incorporate a company. If you value protecting your personal assets and separating your personal finances from your company, it may be preferable to form a partnership.

Growth limitations: Being self-employed can make it difficult to get financing to expand your business. Limited economic resources. Limited investment capacity. Time and capacity limitations. Market and competition limitations.

On the other hand, incorporating a company implies creating a legal entity separate from the partners. Some of the advantages of setting up a company are:

Limited liability: In a company it implies that the partners or shareholders are not personally responsible for the debts and obligations of the company, limiting their liability to the capital or shares that have been invested in it. This protects your personal assets in case of financial difficulties of the company.

Greater financing capacity: It is easier to get financing for a company through loans or sale of shares. There are financial institutions that have specific financing products for incipient projects, which meet some requirements.

Growth and expansion: A company offers more opportunities for growth and expansion compared to a self-employed professional. The image of a company is characterised by a more formal and complex organisational structure, with the participation of multiple partners or shareholders, a clear division of responsibilities and a greater capacity for financing and business growth. On the other hand, the image of a self-employed person shows a person working autonomously, assuming all the responsibility for their business and with a simpler structure, but with less capacity for growth and less protection of their personal assets.

However, there are also some disadvantages:

Greater administrative complexity: Companies have more legal and accounting requirements, which implies more paperwork and associated costs. Constitutional procedures. Accounting and tax obligations. Government bodies. Modifications and changes in society.

Increased supervision and regulation: Companies are subject to stricter regulations and audits.

It is important to assess your specific needs, goals, and circumstances before making a decision. In addition, it is advisable to seek the advice of a professional, such as a lawyer or a tax advisor, to obtain a more precise and personalized guide depending on your situation.

From Espai 114 we support you when starting your company by offering you entrepreneurial tools, business domicile and professional activities, financial solutions, consultancy, coworking space…

We are the Badalona’s Business Center, to give visibility and possibilities to your business. At Espai 114 together we form a team; we want to inspire you and accompany you.