HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CO-WORKING SPACE
9 FACTORS TO TAKE IN CONSIDERATION
Since the advent of Cowoking spaces in 2006, the popularity and availability has grown in a real big way.
The Global Coworking Unconference Conference (GCUC) forecasts a whopping 30,432 new spaces opening their doors and over 5.1 million people becoming coworking members by 2022.
Once upon a time, it was common practice to lease a 500-square-foot office space to call headquarters home for your company. Times have certainly changed. Coworking offers the flexibility of working remotely, with the added bonus of being part of a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Now with so many coworking space options, the trick is to find a space that works perfect for you. Finding the right space is as big a decision..some would say just as big as finding a new business partner.
If you’re ready to join the coworking movement, but aren’t too sure which place is right for you or your business, check out these top 10 questions to ask when visiting your new potential work space.
1. WHAT ARE THE SEATING OPTIONS?
Most coworking spaces offer a variety of seating and membership options. Finding the right coworking space begins by asking yourself what you need to do business effectively and efficiently. MINDS offer a wide variety of membership plans tailored to fit a broad scope of services starting from a “virtual office” where members can use the MINDS address for their business and receive a two-day pass per month to use the on-site amenities. Now more those of you who are looking for four walls and a door to closed behind you, Private office memberships may be the move. This option can be shared for up to six people. MINDS open floor plan also features “flexible desks,” open work stations based on a first come, first serve basis, as well as 37 “dedicated desks,” which are semi-private. And for that next big meeting, MINDS also has fully loaded Conference rooms that can be booked in advance for an entire business day.
When choosing a seating option, it's important to think about what you’ll need to work effectively. While a hot desk may be ideal for someone who just wants to pull up a chair and get to it, this for example, may not be a wise choice for graphic designer who needs multiple monitors or has a lot of equipment. In this case, a dedicated desk may be just what the doctor ordered! Who wants to drag around all their stuff on a daily basis? Especially when you can have a dedicated space where you can spread out and call your own. Make sure to draft a list of the things you need to work and check them off as you go on your tour.
2. WHAT ELSE DO I GET WITH MY DESK?
Most coworking spaces offer free Wi-Fi and complimentary coffee and tea. Many coworking spaces will also offer a monthly allowance for printing and photocopying, access to conference rooms, or soundproof phone booths for private phone calls. Some spaces also host free events for their members.
MINDS cowork has kicked it up a notch by offering a state-of-the-art photo studio and a podcast recording booth. Members will also have first-hand access to the exclusive 3,200 square foot (1,600 sq. feet indoor and 1,600 sq. feet outdoor) private event space, which is ideal for new product launches, presentations, cocktail parties, networking mixers, moderated panels, etc.
While a coworking space may have a lot of fancy bells and whistles, if these “extras” aren’t important to you, than you may be paying too much for amenities that you will never use.
3. WHO ARE THE OTHER MEMBERS?
The best coworking spaces are the ones with a diverse population. One of the great advantages of a coworking space is that you get a group of people who have skills that you may not have such easy access to when you’re working out of your home office.
The reason this works so well is due to the fact that coworking spaces is a place where you wrk and create. It’s not like a mall where you’ll find businesses next to each other competing for clients. When you understand that it’s not a place where you’re selling, it’s just a place where you’re doing your work, it doesn’t feel like a conflict of interest at all. So in turn, people feel more inclined to share contacts and skills sets. A Big win win!
At MINDS, “connection” is at the forefront of it all, which is reflected in the unique open floor plan design to assure that members are able to build relationships with other creative members in the space, all while manifesting a family-like, modern collaborative environment.
4. WHAT’S THE VIBE LIKE?
Every coworking space has a different vibe, its own authentic personality. Take your time to visit different spaces and look for one that suits your brand and your personal style the best.
MINDS vision is to cultivate and nurture an innovative community where local artists and creative entrepreneurs can expand and develop their ideas into successful business endeavors.
5. WHAT KIND OF EVENTS DOES THE SPACE OFFER?
Many coworking spaces offer free or paid events, workshops, networking mixers, and happy hours for their members. Ask to see a calendar of events and see if they speak to your interests and needs. Does the space have too many events? Are they hyper focused on socializing as opposed to productively getting things done?
Keeping in line with their mission to provide members with useful vital tools needed to take their business to that next level, MINDS will host weekly and monthly networking events and workshops featuring various guest speakers and moderators consisting of local business leaders, key influencers and mentors.
6. DO YOU NEED A TRIAL PERIOD?
Most coworking spaces offer a trial period for new potential members. While the standard is a one-day free pass, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for more. Many coworking spaces have seats to spare and are willing to offer you more than what their official website says to try it out. Some coworking spaces will offer up to a week to help new potential members feel more secure with the idea of coworking..and well sealing the deal!
7. HOW IS THE WI-FI CONNECTION?
Free Wi-Fi is a must in a coworking space, and most, if not all, coworking spaces offer free unlimited Wi-Fi. Be sure to ask how much bandwidth the space’s Wi-Fi can handle.
8. WHAT TYPE OF FURNITURE IS PROVIDED?
This may sound petty, but for many entrepreneurs, being comfortable can make or break their work day. Most coworking spaces provide ergonomic furniture. But if you want to be one step ahead, you might want to try MINDS we offer high-end ergonomic furniture specially designed to fit creative eye as well as needs.
9. WHAT’S THE COMMUNITY LIKE?
Does the space have a strong sense of community? Too many coworking spaces just put just about anyone in seats to cover costs. Social events as well as the layout of the space, such as an open concept, can help to cultivate the feeling of a working community.
It may take you some time to find your ideal coworking space. But remember, the space you choose to work in is an extension of your business, so take your time to find the one that will feels like you’ve arrived home.
