You might be thinking of branching out from your home office or cubicle and into a coworking space. Wondering what you should know before committing to one? Look through our comprehensive guide below, which covers the most important things we think are worth knowing before making such an investment in yourself!
What is the Pricing Structure?
When choosing the perfect workspace for your office, consider what you need and want. Do you have 5 or 10 employees? Perhaps all of them are freelancers who can’t afford to be in a coworking space with amenities that they don't use. Don’t sacrifice one thing just because it doesn’t match another; see if there is anything on their price tier list that does fit your needs-or will at least do so until something else comes up!
When deciding which type of workspace best suits your company's needs, always take things like pricing into account--is this an established business with 25+ employees? Or maybe you're still starting out and only employ 2 people but expect growth soon enough (and you want the space to reflect that).
What are the other companies?
The other businesses in a coworking space play a large part in building and developing your own professional network. While competition between similar companies is something to be taken lightly, the major concern should be how these other businesses contribute to our community as a whole. Some spaces have more niche communities than others. Coworking communities can either be targeted toward specialized groups like artists, developers, or scientists but they might not necessarily brand themselves as an "Artist" or "Tech." It's important that you analyze what type of company it may pertain to because this will give you some insight into your potential professional network.
What do space's culture and community look like?
A great community is one where members are engaged and take advantage of networking opportunities. This helps cultivate a warm, welcoming environment that benefits all involved!
Do you have access to a meeting room?
Meetings are an integral part of many businesses, but it can be challenging to find a good space for them. Conference rooms provide the perfect solution; not only do they have plenty of room and technology that will make your meetings efficient, you also won't ever need to worry about reserving in advance!
How do community members and the community manager communicate with one another?
Some spaces use software like slack while others have an in-person approach. Your choice of the community should provide ample tools for networking and communication to align with that. Choosing a community without adequate or even any channels can lead to inhibiting member experience - bad news if you're looking for support from your peers!
Are Co-working Spaces a Good Alternative?
If you need dedicated office space, co-working spaces can be an excellent alternative. They will give you the opportunity to work alongside other professionals in your industry and sponsor events that are relevant to what you do-all all while still being flexible enough for when your needs change!
What's the best way to get in touch with a co-working space?
The best way is by giving them a call and talking to their team. It’s always nice when they answer, but don't be afraid if you need help! Most of these companies have email addresses and contact information posted on their website or Facebook page that can also assist you. Once they know what type of layout you're looking for, it will make your search much more manageable and easier to find too.
What's the best way to get in touch with a co-working space?
The best way is by giving them a call and talking to their team. It’s always nice when they answer, but don't be afraid if you need help! Most of these companies have email addresses and contact information posted on their website or Facebook page that can also assist you. Once they know what type of layout you're looking for, it will make your search much more manageable and easier to find too.
If you’ve made it this far, we hope that the information on our website has been helpful. We want to make sure your time here is as enjoyable and productive as possible so please share any thoughts or questions with us! You can always call (or come by) during office hours for a tour of the space and chat about how pricing structures work at other co-working spaces around town. One thing worth mentioning is that there are plenty of opportunities to collaborate on projects thanks to all of those available meeting rooms--so if you're looking for an excuse to get out of your home office more often, this may be just what you need!
Are You Ready to Find Your New Coworking Space?
Victory Workspace has been serving professionals in the Walnut Creek, California area for over ten years, and even after the Covid 19 Shelter in Place is over we will be here for you. We offer a large variety of coworking spaces, short-term office rentals, meeting rooms, and welcoming event space with plenty of free parking for you or your guests. All that while providing our clients with daily opportunities to network with other business-minded professionals just like you! To learn more, set up your free tour, or inquire about which one of the services might be right for you, reach out to one of our amazing Community Guides at Victory Workspace for more information.