How To Find A Coworking Space
Bill Himmelstein, CCIM, CNE
Founder & CEO at Tenant Advisory Group, LLC I Business Adviser I Strategic Connector
There’s a reason that the concept of shared office space is gaining so much traction. Indeed, people invest a great deal of time and effort to ensure that they find a coworking space well suited to their needs.
Basically, coworking space is an increasingly popular trend for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers alike, as it offers an affordable and flexible alternative to the traditional office environment. For those looking for a productive and collaborative work environment, coworking spaces provide a great opportunity to network and build relationships with other professionals.
However, not every shared office space will work for you. There are quite a few factors you will need to consider before you settle for any space to cater to your business needs .
Finding A Coworking Space: Everything You Must Know
A suitable coworking space can make a world of difference to your business. Not only does it provide a comfortable, professional environment for you and your team to work in, but it can also provide amenities that help to grow your business.
From private offices and meeting rooms to high-speed internet and other networking opportunities, a coworking space can help you stay organized and productive. Here’s a look at the factors you should give importance to as you strive to find the right coworking space.
Never Undermine The Importance Of Location
Location is among the most vital factors to consider when selecting a shared office space. It can influence how easy it is to access the space, how close it is to other businesses or clients, and how close it is to public transportation or other amenities.
It can also impact the type of people who frequent the space, the local culture, and the overall atmosphere. Furthermore, it can impact the cost of renting the space, as prices can vary depending on the area.
Keep in mind that your office is not merely a place where you work. It’s also the space that represents your business to your clients. So you must ensure that the location is one that will make your business more credible in view of your clients.
Realize The Value Of Amenities
Finding the right amenities when selecting a coworking space can make a big difference in the overall work experience. These amenities include the likes of coffee, snacks, meeting rooms, and high-speed internet, which can make or break a coworking experience.
?Not only do amenities make the workday more enjoyable, they can also help boost productivity. Having access to a good selection of snacks can provide the energy needed to power through a task, while access to a meeting room can help facilitate collaboration and creativity.
High-speed internet is also a must-have for coworking spaces, as it allows workers to streamline their workflows and complete tasks quickly and efficiently. All in all, it’s not merely four walls that you have to consider when selecting your coworking space. You must pay heed to everything else that the place has to offer too.
Assess Productivity Pitfalls
The key to finding the perfect coworking space is understanding your company’s needs and how they can best be met in the space. While it’s important to consider the overall atmosphere of the space, it’s also essential to take into account the other businesses that are already there.
These businesses could potentially become a distraction for your employees if their work is too loud or intrusive. Before signing a lease, take a look around the space and make sure that the other businesses won’t interfere with your company’s productivity.
Remember that this is the place where your team will be spending all their time carrying out vital operations for your business. If the space makes it difficult for them to focus, how will your business thrive?
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Check Networking Opportunities
Networking is a key component of coworking spaces. Coworking spaces often offer meetups and social events where professionals in the same industry can come together and discuss their work.
This is a great way to make connections, share knowledge, and develop relationships with others in the same field. Furthermore, coworking spaces often house a variety of professionals from different industries, making them a great place to learn about different career paths, trends, and technologies.
When you spend considerable time and share space with professionals from other industries, it has the potential to give a boost to your creativity. You might recognize new opportunities and ideas that can help your company grow by leaps and bounds.
Think About Privacy And Security
Yes, it’s important to socialize and network when you are running a business. But you have to ensure that this does not get in the way of your actual work. At the end of the day, you have to make sure that your day-to-day operations are not compromised. So it might be beneficial to find a coworking space that offers separate offices for each business.
Furthermore, the space should have secure access so that unauthorized people cannot enter. Check to see if the space has an adequate security system to protect your confidential data and documents. Ask questions about the security policies and practices that are in place to ensure your safety and the safety of your belongings.
Try to learn more about the security credentials of the space and any third-party contractors that may be involved. Additionally, look for any privacy policies that may be in place to protect your data and information. After all, this is about the security of your business, so no chances can be taken.
Investigate Growth Potential
As your startup grows, your requirements for your shared office space will evolve too. You will need more than just a desk and a laptop. A great coworking space should offer you the ability to expand as your business grows.
So before you finalize any coworking space, make sure to ask questions about the availability of additional space and the costs associated with it. Additionally, you should find out if there are any benefits or discounts for staying with the same coworking space as your business grows. By taking the time to consider the growth potential of a coworking space, you can ensure that you can stay in the same place as your business expands.
Keep in mind that young companies expand fast. So your selected coworking space should be capable of accommodating your growth until you have enough resources to lease your own office. It’s also advisable to look for a shared office space that fulfills all your needs, like private booths, meeting rooms, printing, and so on.
Don’t Forget About The Budget
You must also factor in your budget while finding a suitable coworking space. Make sure to consider additional costs, the price of equipment and costs of commuting in this too.
Pay Heed To All Relevant Factors To Find A Coworking Space
Coworking spaces offer leases with much shorter terms than traditional office spaces, but that doesn’t mean you should rush in to sign. Before committing to shared office space, it’s important to do your research and make sure it’s the right fit for you.
Request a day pass to check out the space and see how it meets the needs of your business. Make sure that the amenities are up to your standards and that the other tenants are a good fit. Pay special attention to the Wi-Fi reliability and the overall maintenance of the space to make sure it meets your needs.
Create a list of what is essential to the company and verify the space can meet those needs. Selecting a coworking office may seem like an easy decision, but it should be taken seriously, as it can either improve or harm productivity. Taking the time to do research now can save you from unpleasant surprises down the road.
Community Sales Manager @ Office Evolution Hoffman Estates | Sales Coaching, Leadership Development
4 个月Bill Himmelstein, CCIM, CNE Can't wait to connect~