Big News...
So we've dawned on a new chapter of our lives as the co-founders of Taltopia. You might have heard the rumors circling around your office water coolers, or should we say our office water cooler.
That's right taltopia-ites, don't let your eyes deceive you, I just said our office water cooler. Unknown to many, for the past year and a half, Allen and I have been working out of the following:
1) Starbucks
Pretty much in that order. Our running joke was that we had 6,000 offices all over the world. Let's just say we're happy that joke went out of style...really happy.
So, here are some pictures of the Talopia office with more to come as things develop. But before the break I just wanted to share some thoughts...I'm sure many of you have read these great tips on how to save money as a startup. Just to address a few of his points based on our experience:
For #2 and #10: Lots of people have their own computers. Especially if you are an online company. Although second monitors are great and buying people computers who work from home seems practical, you can just ask that people bring their own computers. I know this one's really cheap. But everyone here has their own computer and has no problem working on it. Yearly savings...lots.
#3: Don't buy people lunch. People need time away from each other, and lunch 4 days a week starts to add up.
#4: Bring whatever you can from home. We brought work tables and chairs from home and family members who were more than willing to give it away. What you don't have, buy cheap. I'm blogging right now on a $50 dollar Ikea desk, 4 legs and a flat surface, thats really all you need. Also, 600 dollar chairs are a bit much, don't skimp out on the chair, but 600 dollars, cmon. What it comes down to is that it's just a desk and chair.
#12: Do not buy a 5,000 dollar expresso machine. No explanation needed. It's freakin 5,000 dollars.
#13: Do put sodas and juice in your fridge. It keeps people happy and costs you almost nothing.
Our own few tips:
1)Hire people who have their own companies. 1099's are the entrepreneurs best friend.
2) Lots of whiteboards.
Here are the pictures I promised....
Doing some "filing":
The Conference Room (excuse the mess):
Anthony's Desk:
Our first dinner in the office (Carl's Junior served on cardboard boxes...classy):
That's right taltopia-ites, don't let your eyes deceive you, I just said our office water cooler. Unknown to many, for the past year and a half, Allen and I have been working out of the following:
1) Starbucks
2) Allen's House
Pretty much in that order. Our running joke was that we had 6,000 offices all over the world. Let's just say we're happy that joke went out of style...really happy.
So, here are some pictures of the Talopia office with more to come as things develop. But before the break I just wanted to share some thoughts...I'm sure many of you have read these great tips on how to save money as a startup. Just to address a few of his points based on our experience:
For #2 and #10: Lots of people have their own computers. Especially if you are an online company. Although second monitors are great and buying people computers who work from home seems practical, you can just ask that people bring their own computers. I know this one's really cheap. But everyone here has their own computer and has no problem working on it. Yearly savings...lots.
#3: Don't buy people lunch. People need time away from each other, and lunch 4 days a week starts to add up.
#4: Bring whatever you can from home. We brought work tables and chairs from home and family members who were more than willing to give it away. What you don't have, buy cheap. I'm blogging right now on a $50 dollar Ikea desk, 4 legs and a flat surface, thats really all you need. Also, 600 dollar chairs are a bit much, don't skimp out on the chair, but 600 dollars, cmon. What it comes down to is that it's just a desk and chair.
#12: Do not buy a 5,000 dollar expresso machine. No explanation needed. It's freakin 5,000 dollars.
#13: Do put sodas and juice in your fridge. It keeps people happy and costs you almost nothing.
Our own few tips:
1)Hire people who have their own companies. 1099's are the entrepreneurs best friend.
2) Lots of whiteboards.
Here are the pictures I promised....
Doing some "filing":
Our first office visitor (we were lacking some chairs):
Allen's desk (did you notice the spotlight rugs?):
The Conference Room (excuse the mess):
Anthony's Desk:
Our first dinner in the office (Carl's Junior served on cardboard boxes...classy):
Labels: Allen Vartazarian, Anthony Zanontian, office, taltopia.com
posted by Anthony Zanontian at
11:39 AM
2 Comments
