10 Things You Need To Know About Coworking

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All over the country spaces are launching with the subtext of being collaborative spaces tailored for startups, small businesses, and freelancers (of all varieties). Here’s why working at a coworking space is better than a coffee shop or your couch.


1. YOU GET OUT OF THE HOUSE.

If you have ever worked out of a home office, you know it can get lonely or unproductive. Some people find having a routine or going to a coffee shop work really well but what if you need to take a long meeting or private call? Joining a coworking space gives you the professionalism of an office with meeting rooms and private spaces, but the comfort of a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

2. COMMUNITY IS IMPORTANT

Coworking is about community just as much as it is about space. Most coworking spaces are tailored to different personalities or businesses making it easy to work, learn, and network with likeminded people.

3. THEY’RE SERIOUSLY NOT YOUR HOUSE

Coworking spaces give you the amenities you need to grow and thrive. Whether the couch or your local coffee shop are great places to hang out but if you want to grow your business, you need a space that’s tailored to your needs. Whether it’s phone booths, private meeting rooms, printers, whiteboards, or something as simple as a mailing address – find a space that fit your needs.

4. YOUR CLIENTS WILL NOTICE

There’s a real difference between taking a meeting at crowed coffee shop and taking a meeting in a professional setting. A private room with a whiteboard will definitely let you get down to business and make your meeting productive – that’s definable something your client will notice.

5. COWORKING SPACES HAVE PERSONALITY 

Every coworking space has a different personality. Whether you want an office decked out in Herman Miller furniture or your office to be built entirely by local craftsman – there’s a coworking space out there for you. Check out a couple and go with one that matches your style.

6. THEY KEEP YOU PRODUCTIVE

Being surrounded by likeminded individuals will help keep you focused. If you don’t realize that  you’ve been chatting for an hour, the other person probably will. If you’re surrounded by hard workers it’s bound to rub off… eventually.

7. THEY’RE EVERYWHERE

When you’re choosing a space, make sure you think about the convenience of it. This will be your office, so find a place that is either close to where you live, or in an area that you need/want to spend a lot of time in. Chances there’s a space in every part of your city.

8. BIG BENEFITS

Some coworking spaces are tailored to specific industries and have larger amenities like private offices, a photo studio, event space, or even incubators built inside of them. If there’s something that would help your business grow, seek out a space that has it.

9. TRY IT OUT

This one is simple, try out a space before you commit. Most spaces will offer a trial or day pass for possible new members, just ask. This is going to be a place that you spend most of your day at – spending a day at it is the best way to see if it’s a good fit.

10. DIVE IN

Once you have decided on your coworking space, dive in and get involved. Every space is only as strong as its members so don’t be afraid to come out to events, meet new people, and pull other members in on projects that make sense.

This post originally appeared at Deavor.