There are plenty of reasons that coworking spaces have become such popular options for entrepreneurs looking to start their own business or find new opportunities; they're an environment where people who share values come together, fostering innovation and creativity while encouraging collaboration without sacrificing privacy! As there are so many different types of places out there it can be hard to choose which is best suited for what you need - but fear not because we've put together this list as a guide on what questions should help steer you towards the one that's perfect for you.
- Atmosphere
When you walk into space, does it feel welcoming? What's your first impression of the room? Is it stiff and impersonal or warm and human in nature? Does space make you want to stay there for hours on end without feeling uncomfortable because this is where home feels like when you're away from home?
- A Sense of Community
Is the atmosphere of this space a good fit for you? Do people seem engaged and interested in what's happening around them or is it eerie, quiet, and uninviting?
- Levels of Noise
Some coworking spaces have background music playing, some have white noise and some are extremely quiet. Which of these do you prefer? If noisy environments distract your focus or make you uncomfortable then it's important to find a space that has the right soundscape for your needs - keep in mind that most offices will change their tone throughout the day so ask what is quieter when there aren't many people around.
- Special Event Packages
If you're looking for an innovative environment to grow your community and take advantage of all the opportunities before you, coworking spaces are a great place. They promote interactions that can lead to new ideas or partnerships in various ways such as happy hours, workshops, presentations, hackathons, and more. Check out what events they offer so see if anything speaks towards getting ahead with skills development or personal interests; then make sure not just one but many different days will be a good fit!
- Seating Options
The top coworking spaces offer a choice of seating options to suit diverse tastes and requirements. If you like to work at a communal table, an individual workstation, or a standing desk, be sure the area offers such options.
- Community Curator
Is there someone on hand to ensure that everything goes smoothly, to answer questions, to introduce new individuals to members, to actively engage the space, to deal with difficulties, and to connect people? They may be referred to as a host, community curator, cultivator, or any number of other titles, but having someone on staff who is focused on building community can make the difference between a mediocre coworking space and one that is exceptional.
- Internet Connection
You can do analog work while coworking, but one of the essentials is a reliable internet connection. Not only does spotty wifi make it frustrating to work online; you will not be able to stream or have video calls at all! It’s best if you ask someone working there about their experience with the service before committing long-term.
The ideal way for coworkers to succeed and collaborate virtually in person is by having a fast and dependable internet connection available 24/7 - no matter how hard people try they cannot replicate that same feeling of synergy when using just Skype or FaceTime alone as these services are often unreliable for streaming high-quality audio on top of being very limited in terms of use cases due to their dependence on an always-on, stable internet connection.
- Kitchen/Coffee
Some spaces have a kitchen where you can store your own food and drink; others provide coffee, tea, or water. Either way is fine as long as space has what you need to stay healthy and replenished throughout the day.
- Common Areas for Taking Breaks/Collaborating with Others
This is one of the most important factors when considering which coworking environment to join! One of my favorite aspects of joining such an office was that I had access to meeting rooms on-demand without having to worry about booking them in advance - this allowed me to hold interviews and team meetings whenever necessary too (which helped us build our client base).
- Inclusive Community Building Activities
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with the community when you work in a coworking space, including hosting startup meetups and developing your skills via workshops.
Coworking spaces are no longer just for founders and freelancers, but for the vast majority of people in today's workforce. The desire to learn new skills, network with like-minded entrepreneurs, or find a mentor has never been higher - so if you're looking for an office space that supports your goals while also making it possible to collaborate outside of traditional bounds, coworking is perfect!
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.
