Coworking is more than a work style – it’s a movement. As people tire of stressful traditional offices and the isolation of working from home, they’re seeking communal spaces all over the world to balance connectivity and productivity. This is why coworking has increased by 400 percent just in the last couple of years. If you are a solopreneuer or small business looking for a professional front-end for your business then a coworking workspace might be your answer.
So, if you’re wondering what some of the benefits are, here are some things to think about.
How It Works
If you’ve never been in a coworking environment, picture a mix of open space and private work rooms inside a beautiful building. There’s a snack bar, couches, meeting rooms, office equipment, and plenty of windows for natural light. People chat cheerfully in community areas and focus intently on their laptops at dedicated desks. The overall vibe is upbeat and supportive.
At coworking spaces, people join the community through memberships. You can select a package of options that’s right for your business and work style. Maybe all you need is access to the community space so you can connect with people and discuss new ideas. Or maybe you need long days in a private room to finish big projects. Both can easily happen in a coworking environment.
Connectivity is never an issue. Memberships include secure, high-speed and wireless internet. There’s plenty of access to outlets, scanners, printers, photocopiers, fax machines, and mailing services. It’s a space set up for maximum productivity.
Who’s Coworking?
Coworking fits the needs of all kinds of professionals – salespeople, artists, writers, executives, business owners. Some are locals, and some are commuters who need a place to work while in town. Some are freelancers who arrive periodically to focus on deadline-driven projects. Some are diehard work-from-home professionals who just need a place to get mail and meet clients.
If you’re just starting a business, you’ll enjoy a warm welcome from other entrepreneurs and solopreneurs. Many are finding refuge in the coworking space, away from family distractions and noisy coffee shops.
Joining a Community
A coworking space is a true community, where you can find support and bounce around ideas when you’ve hit a mental wall. Stuck on a logo design? Seek out other designers in the building. Need advice about your business plan? Chat with experienced executives who remember what it’s like to start a business.
In fact, some people join for a break from the loneliness and stress of building a business. Coworking helps them forge deeper connections, find mentors, and explore educational opportunities in a year-round calendar of events.
Business Benefits
Of course, the big question is: Will it really work for me?
In terms of the financial investment, you have to weigh it against the costs of coffee shop hopping, maintaining high-speed connectivity at home, constantly losing focus from interruptions, and even potentially losing clients because you don’t have a professional setup.
If you simply divide the monthly membership fee by the number of days you work each month, you’ll get a day rate. Let’s say your day rate ends up being $16. Compare that to your current costs. How much are you spending at coffee shops and restaurants to sit and use their wifi? How much would you gain from the quiet focus it takes to land a big new client?
Dozens of professionals have shared testimonials about how coworking has helped their business. Here are some highlights:
“I have to give this place a lot of credit for the growth of my business.” – Matt M.
“This is the perfect environment to be productive when you don’t have a need or want to deal with the hassle of having dedicated office space.” -Lloyd S.
“The community leaders completely ROCK when when it comes to innovative ideas for growing a community of business pros.” – Jason W.
“This is a great place to meet and network with other entrepreneurs, to collaborate, to hold each other accountable, to bounce ideas off each other, and to grow your business.” -Jeniffer H.
Curious about coworking? Schedule a tour and see why Victory Workspace is a part of a rapidly growing coworking movement.
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