Co-working spaces is a trend that is taking hold in a big way. Starting up a new business venture is often a lonesome and secluded process. This is particularly evident when you are dealing with all aspects of the business on your own in the beginning. Working from your home, library or the local coffee shop all day by yourself often breeds uncertainty and depression. Renting a spot in a co-working space could be the perfect solution.
The choices are abundant each offering their distinctive personalities, services, industries and people. Starting up in one of these co-working spaces means you will be in the company of compatible entrepreneur's that can be a distinct advantage to you in the big picture.
Studies show that individuals who opt to work in co-working spaces are more likely to be driven and inspired due to increased levels of interaction with like-minded people.
Here are 4 reasons why you should consider co-working space.
1. Evading seclusion
Working at home or Starbucks promotes isolation. Doing so inhibits exposure to the outside world. Being cut off from everyone provides no long term benefits.
Interacting with other people regularly is healthy and productive. Co-working space is a great way to accomplish this. It stimulates the creative process and leads to a higher level of success.
The reason is simple. You will meet different types of entrepreneur's in a co-working environment. It will be a an opportunity to test ideas. You are certain to meet interesting people with the same mindset which does not happen if you stay in the home office or coffee shop.
2. The cost to benefit ratio is compelling
In comparison to the economics involved in leasing office space in the traditional manner, co-working spaces is a bargain. You won't be locked into a long term lease. You will be able to find spaces that offer hourly, daily and monthly rates. No long term commitments translating to optimum flexibility which is an awesome situation for a startup.
Co-working spaces offer access to printers, fax machines, internet access and more. Most have coffee bars, providing an opportunity to step away from work and converse with others. It's the water cooler effect found in offices, and a good way to meet interesting people while taking a break.You won't have to worry about all those little details.
3. Networking
When you're in the entrepreneurial business who you know is more important than what you know. This is the true value of co-working space in its essence. Everyone that walks through the door of a co-working space is a professional. As one of those professionals you have the opportunity to make connections that could potentially catapult your new business venture. This would be accomplished by creating alliances, bouncing ideas off of co-workers, sharing insights, investing opportunities and even finding your business partner.
4. Talent
Co-working space is packed with talented people.
Co-working spaces appeal to a full spectrum of people from all industries. In all likelihood if you need help with some aspect of your business you will find someone in the co-working space that has the solution.
You will be surprised by the level of skill and knowledge the people you meet in a co-working environment will possess and how those people can benefit you and your business.
Selecting an appropriate co-working space
Not all co-working spaces are the same. Be sure to evaluate the choices before you commit. Reputable co-working companies will let you tour first and work a day or two at no charge. Take them up on this so you can get a sense of the atmosphere.
People and community are the life blood of co-working spaces. Not every co-working space will provide you with the same support. They can range from incubator space with large levels of support usually in return for equity to shared office space with no sense of community and the full spectrum in between.
Ask yourself how you feel when you first visit the space? What events does the space regularly run? How does the space currently support their existing startups? Are the facilities well taken care of? Does the address evoke the image and branding you are looking for?
Locating co-working spaces
A quick Google search will bring up co-working spaces in the areas you are most interested in. The right co-working spaces will host weekly events such as seminars and networking gatherings. These events are a great way to meet new people and learn new things. You will get a good feel for the space and community so try to go to one of these events before selecting the co-working space you will ultimately set up shop in.
Co-working is not for everyone but before writing it off it is worth seeing if you like it.
