It's the hottest thing since hanging out at Starbucks -- only quieter. Co-working spaces have been opening up across the country since the mid 2000s.
For solopreneurs or small businesses starting to add employees, these homes-away-from-home can offer some real advantages. They can also offer loads of distractions and add to your overhead.
Dave Lifson, the CEO of social-media management platform Postling, has his company set up at New York City coworking space General Assembly. Why does Lifson like co-working?
"Early stage startups are so fragile, where even the slightest misstep can lead to bankruptcy," Lifson says. "Surrounding yourself with others who are solving the same problems as you reduces risk because you can see what works and what doesn't before you stick your neck out and commit to a particular strategy or idea."
Is a coworking space right for your business? Here are some tips on how to make coworking work from Adam Neary, CEO of the six-person business-planning firm Profitably, which also runs his business out of General Assembly.
- Buy headphones. Letting your computer's email alert beeps and video playbacks disturb others isn't good co-working etiquette. Headphones also allow you to listen to music without bothering neighbors.
- Use the private space. Most co-working spaces have conference rooms of various sizes. Sign up for one if you're planning a long call or virtual meeting. Neary recommends using the cellphone for serious or private calls, so you can walk outside if you need more privacy.
- Keep it neat. Neary tries to keep the Profitably space tidy to be courteous. It's also a good idea because in a shared office, you never know when reporters or an influential bigwig might drop by to visit one of your neighbors and give you an opportunity to connect.
- Don't be a blowhard. Don't think that carrying on top-volume conversations about your business's greatness is going to impress your roommates. "Don't force people to actively tune you out so they can get stuff done," he says. "It's called co-working, not co-lounging."
- Network after hours. In a big company, popping into a co-worker's cubicle to chat is OK. But it doesn't fly when the people around you working for different businesses. Remember, you don't know your suitemates' deadlines. Instead of impromptu chats, set a coffee or lunch date to get acquainted, and take advantage of networking events at the co-working space.
Have you used a co-working space? Leave a comment and give us your tips for getting the best out of shared office space.
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Comments:
Nice Post! Co working spaces creates more work oriented workforce. Social gathering while still working independently, also sharing values and getting more experience of working with experienced person are the great benefits of co working.
All this great advice is illustrated vividly in a new book on coworking titled, "Working in the UnOffice" (look for it on Amazon or iTunes store). More than 30 entrepreneurs and startups were interviewed and they explain with context how to work better at a coworking space. I think this list is great but if you want to read about real-life applications, this book is great. Another great book is "I'm Outta Here".
Great article Carol! I own a coworking space in San Diego, designed specifically for female entrepreneurs – www.HeraHub.com While the majority of the space is an open / collaborative environment, we've also found that "escape space" is imperative for phone calls and impromptu meetings between members. We currently have 3 locations to facilitate this activity but are considering adding a phone booth as we fill up. We strongly feel that the "community" is more important than the space itself. We launched 10 weeks ago and are proud to say we have over eighty women owned companies utilizing the space on a monthly basis. It seems our members really enjoy the fact that the environment is very comfortable... somewhat spa-like - soft music, nice lighting, candles, cucumber/lemon water, etc. http://herahub.com/about/testimonials/Felena Hanson | Hera Hub 9710 Scranton Rd. Suite 160, San Diego, CA 92121 (across from Karl Strauss in Sorrento Valley)herahub.com | facebook.com/herahub | twitter.com/herahub | LinkedIn.com
I run a coworking (we prefer to lose the hyphen in coworking :) space in Lancaster, PA called The Candy Factory. Online at: http://www.candyissweet.com and on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/candyissweet We always make sure to tell new members to have headphones ready, there is always a bit of noise and some of us are better at filtering that out. I never need headphones but some wear them all the time. We provide spaces to hold more private phone calls, one space is called the phone booth and it's used all the time. We also encourage our members to really get to know other members so if someone is being loud another member can chat with them about it. We suggest to always be a good neighbor. It's a fantastic work environment and the community is what makes it! Thanks for sharing the coworking love. Cheers, Anne The Candy Factory Where working together is sweet!
make me crackup Leon - yes...i have also lived at boot.hk for a while..... Its all about building up steam...getting things going......idea sharing....so much better than working alone in my apartment, or in your own office with staff that don't understand your pressures like other small business owners do.
Nice piece, Carol! I think co-working spaces are a great way for businesses to get off the ground without adding startup costs. It’s definitely important for startups and newer companies to manage expenses and set-up support systems. Finding the correct resources to help with funding, office spaces or general help in business management is pertinent for companies to sustain, especially when it’s time to expand into a traditional office. - Jana Hocker, group product manager at Intuit Website: http://www.intuitloanfinder.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SBloanfinder Twitter: @sbloanfinder
Nice tips are posted. Thank you. These are many useful for the co-working people.
Really appreciate the comments and insights here. I started my business just a week ago and today spent time talking with a colleague who is offering me space at his office. We worked really well together some years ago, but your tips and experiences will be a big help. Thanks!
If Guys responsible than no need to worry so they no what he/she must do. Do not irritate to the person give full free only work related stuff that is also once in day reporting nt always becaeu if u spend more time on meeting so it will get board and the meaning of meeting will nothing in that case. For This u must higher the the right Guys .
I was working from home during 5months and it worked fine, but after that period felt the need to find a shared space, which I have been using for 6months now. I am really happy, it gives you the feeling of being around people, not home alone all day, you have someone to talk to in a small break and you can always be aware of their business problems. It is also a great support whenever you need some IT, phone line or copy help. The problems are the same as in a normal office, AC "fights" and a bit noisy sometimes, but if people have respect for each other it works 90% of the time.
I "lived" in Boot.HK coworking space in Hong Kong for a few months. The best perks are: Being able to sleep at your desk Not worrying about leaving your precious MacBook (everyone has a MacBook in coworking spaces!) when you need to pee 24 hr access to reliable internet New one in southern China, SZTeam.com is VERY well done and a haven for anyone passing through or setting up shop in Shenzhen.
Coworking Spaces are the best there's no worry of getting kicked out of the coffee shop, you can't fall asleep on the couch or bed and best of all your mom can't call you all day to talk about nothing!
Exactly Tricia, More and more people are moving over to this new way of working. The amount of spaces around the workd has doubles in the last year alone. And another great thing is that most of them offer a free trial day to see if you like it there, which I definitely recomomend to anyone who wants to try coworking out for the first time.
If I were to run a business out of my home I would probably want something like a coworking space, at least to use once or twice a week. Having a planned time and place gives me more direction and would keep me focused even when I wasn't at home. It's also better for networking than just a regular coffee shop or library and has fewer distractions. Even a private office at home can have its own distractions. I like the idea.