Welcome to Business Un-Usual

1. TAG Technology Summit- March 28th at the Signia Hotel for a day celebrating Innovation in the SouthThe Georgia Technology Summit (GTS) brings together and engages more than 1,200 prominent technology, business and thought leaders centered around the most prominent and relevant trends that are sparking, disrupting and driving innovation today through the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) — one of the country’s largest technology associations with 30,000+ members.? Register today: https://georgiatechnologysummit.com/register/
2. TiE Monthly Meeting - Growing Your Team & Tech Talent on April 10th, 2024, 6-8:30 P.M. at Perimeter Center, AC Hotel by Marriott Atlanta.?TiE Atlanta’s monthly meetings are open panel discussions where founders and executives share their expertise and experiences in regard to the subject of the meeting. Post-panel attendees transition into structured and open networking.Visit the site for more information and registration: https://events.tie.org/TiEAtlanta/TiEATL-Monthly-Meeting-Growing-your-Team-and-Tech-Talent
3. GT + ATDC Entrepreneur Spotlight Panel - Atlanta Intown April 18th, 2024 5-7 p.m. at the ATDC Headquarters (FREE EVENT)Whether you are thinking about launching your own venture, wanting to get more involved with the Atlanta startup community, seeking ideas for innovation, or simply want to learn from an incredible panel of seasoned and successful entrepreneurial leaders, this event is for you! You can expect an evening including networking with other alumni and members of ATDC (Advanced Technology Development Center), as well as a moderated panel discussion led by ATDC FinTech Catalyst Robert E. Daniel. Cost: Free. Light drinks and appetizers will be provided. Attire: Business Casual. Please sign in when you arrive.Register here: https://www.gtalumni.org/s/1481/alumni/19/interior.aspx?sid=1481&gid=21&pgid=24592&crid=0&calpgid=645&calcid=39638#gsc.tab=0

What are ways to build team unity during this month? Q1 just ended and whether you are bringing on new hires or trying to maintain a high team morale, finding ways to bond in the office is important to overall success.?

A recent article on Unexpected Atlanta provided some interesting ideas for teams to do. Here are some of our personal favorites:?

1. Tour Martin Luther King Sites. Learning alongside your coworkers promotes conversations, empathy and can spark important bonds that can help you understand each other even better.?
2. Leave the office early and head to The Painted Duck. It is one of the most distinguished game halls in Atl and will spark camaraderie, competition and fun among your team.?
3. Dedicate time to Volunteer together. Take a friday morning off and go with your team to give back to the community. Visit Hands on Atlanta, Atlanta’s volunteer hub, to learn about opportunities near you and connect directly with organizations.?
4. For the more active team, plan a hike! This could be a flatter park stroll or a more intense trek in the mountains. There are many spots to walk including Chastain Park, Addison-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve in StoneCrest, or even a classic belt line walk.?

To find more ideas read the rest of the article here: https://unexpectedatlanta.com/fun-team-building-activities-atlanta/

Talking with each other vs. at each other: Successful leadership and how active listening and collaboration will make you more effective in any role.

How many times have we seen email, text, or slack threads get a little out of hand or turn into dumpster fires? How many times have you seen someone give directions that aren't optimal because they are working with partial information/experience? While electronic communication is faster, it often limits what can be accomplished with face to face communication (live or virtual). I can't tell you how many times a quick, humbly approached call has avoided drama or created opportunities those involved never realized were there. I'm not suggesting every interaction needs to be live, but the positive impact from intentionally putting effort into communicating over the phone and in person is immeasurable. Its impact includes the quality of work produced, the engagement and growth of employees, the stickiness of customers, the avoidance of problems and mistakes, and the continued growth of your company and profits. Here's the catch. The best way to build this within your organization is for you to start this. regardless of whether you are the CEO or an individual contributor. Your communication or lack thereof has an impact on everyone and everything around you.?

Who is Anik Khan??

Anik Khan is the Co-Founder and CEO of MaxRewards, a company aimed at helping credit card holders maximize their rewards. He has a background as a Business Strategy Consultant in the Life Sciences sector at Accenture. He earned his BSBA in Finance from Georgia Tech in 2013.?

Anik's professional journey began with his work as a strategy consultant at Accenture, where he primarily served clients in life sciences. It was during this time that he was introduced to credit card rewards by his manager, leading him to optimize his card usage and accumulate over $16,000 in rewards over four years. This experience inspired him to found MaxRewards, with the aim of assisting the vast number of credit card holders in the US in unlocking the value of their cards. This past week MaxRewards won the Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab Atlanta Pitch Competition!

In terms of leadership style, Anik emphasizes shared goals, encourages open debate within his team, and prioritizes decision-making without being paralyzed by indecision. He focuses on aligning the company's culture with its values and mission, ensuring that the team acts consistently with these values. Anik also places importance on transparency with stakeholders, sharing company numbers openly to justify decisions and encourage input.

Outside of work, Anik prioritizes his personal fitness, aiming to work out consistently at the gym around 4-5 times a week. During weekends, he spends time with friends and family, explores new restaurants, goes on hikes, and enjoys watching shows or movies. Anik's personal philosophy involves managing stress by recognizing privilege and purpose, alongside engaging in activities such as reading, socializing, and prioritizing sleep.

Anik Khan is a driven entrepreneur with a focus on optimizing credit card rewards, leading a company with a strong emphasis on transparency, collaboration, and innovation. His personal and professional experiences have shaped his leadership style and approach to business, with a commitment to making a positive impact and fostering a balanced lifestyle.