You're tired of working from home and dealing with the constant distractions. The isolation is getting to you and your productivity has taken a major hit. It's time for a change of scenery. Have you considered co-working spaces? These shared work environments are designed for freelancers, remote workers, and small business owners like yourself. They provide an affordable alternative to the coffee shop and a chance to connect with like-minded people. Studies show co-working can increase your productivity, creativity, and work satisfaction. You'll have a dedicated space to focus, fast Wi-Fi, and an energizing community experience. So pack up your laptop, grab your headphones, and head to your nearest co-working spot. Your most productive self will thank you.
Finding the right co-working space for you is key to boosting your productivity. With so many options out there, how do you choose?
First, determine what kind of environment you work best in. Do you prefer open spaces with lots of collaboration or private offices for focus? Co-working spaces run the gamut from open-plan shared tables to dedicated private office.
Next, think about the amenities that are most important to you. Must-haves like high speed WiFi and coffee are standard, but maybe you also want access to a gym, showers, or event space. Some co-working spaces offer perks like childcare, yoga classes or mentorship programs.
Location and price are also major factors. Co-working spaces in city centers or trendy neighborhoods often come at a premium. Look for spaces near public transit or with parking options if driving. And consider part-time or flexible membership options which can save you money, especially when getting started.
Once you find some appealing choices, schedule tours to get a feel for the culture and community. Talk to current members to make sure it’s the right vibe for you. A good co-working space should motivate and inspire you, not drain your energy.
With the perfect co-working space in place, you’ll find yourself more productive, creative, and connected. You might even build new professional relationships and collaborations that take your business or career to the next level. The opportunities for growth are endless when you tap into the power of shared work environments.
Co-working spaces are all about community. Tap into it and you'll experience huge productivity gains.
Meet fellow co-workers. Strike up conversations, grab coffee together, share ideas. You never know who might become a new client, collaborator or friend. Networking is one of the biggest benefits of co-working.
Learn from more experienced co-workers. Many spaces attract a mix of entrepreneurs, freelancers and remote workers in a variety of fields. Don't be afraid to ask questions about anything from marketing strategies to project management tools. People are usually happy to share their insights.
Find accountability partners. Tell a few co-workers about your goals and ask them to check-in on your progress. Having a support system that understands the challenges of working for yourself can help keep you on track.
Join member events. Most spaces offer events like lunch and learns, workshops, meetups and speaker series. Attending is a chance to gain new skills, get inspired and connect with your fellow co-workers outside of your usual routine.
Collaborate on new ideas. Co-working spaces are breeding grounds for innovation. Look for opportunities to team up with others on new products, services or business ventures. Combining your talents and expertise can lead to exciting new possibilities.
Take advantage of everything a co-working space has to offer. Tap into the community and you'll be well on your way to greater productivity and success. The connections you make can benefit you for years to come, both personally and professionally. Isn't that the power of co-working?
A dedicated co-working space can increase your productivity in several ways:
At home, it’s easy to become distracted by chores, errands, pets, loved ones, and leisure activities like watching TV. In a co-working space, you’re surrounded by others focused on work, helping you avoid diversions and stay on task. The separation of work and personal life also helps you be fully present in each area.
Seeing others working hard at their own projects in a co-working space creates a sense of accountability that spurs you on to achieve more. You may even find an informal “accountability buddy” to check-in with, set goals together and support each other’s progress. Some co-working spaces also offer more formal programs to increase accountability and productivity.
Co-working with others in similar or related fields exposes you to valuable networking opportunities. You never know when a new connection could lead to a collaboration, client, resource, or other mutually beneficial relationship. Strike up conversations with others, ask thoughtful questions about their work, and look for ways to support them too.
For remote workers and freelancers in particular, it can be difficult to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. A co-working space gives you a dedicated work environment separate from your living space. This helps create mental separation so you can fully recharge when not working. Some co-working spaces also offer additional amenities like showers, gyms, nap rooms and community events to further support work-life balance.
Using a co-working space, even if just a few times a week, enables you to gain these productivity benefits while still enjoying the flexibility of working remotely. For your most important work that requires intense focus, a co-working space may be just what you need to achieve peak productivity. Give it a try and see how much more you’re able to accomplish!
Co-working spaces offer flexibility and significant cost savings compared to traditional office space.
Co-working spaces typically offer month-to-month memberships, allowing you to scale up or downsize your space as needed. If your team expands or contracts, or if you need to accommodate seasonal workload changes, a co-working space can adapt. You're not locked into a multi-year lease like with an office.
Co-working spaces share resources and costs across members, allowing them to offer desk space and amenities at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated office. You'll save on expenses like rent, Wi-Fi, printing, coffee and snacks, meeting rooms, and office equipment. The co-working space handles all the operational costs, allowing you to focus your spending on your actual business.
Most co-working spaces come equipped with everything you need to run your business. We're talking high speed internet, printers, scanners, conference rooms, private phone booths, kitchen facilities, and more. Some even offer showers, gyms, childcare, and concierge services. You get access to all these amenities for a single monthly fee, without the responsibility of managing any of it.
Co-working spaces are hubs of entrepreneurial activity, putting you in close proximity to other freelancers, startups, and small businesses. Grab coffee in the kitchen, strike up a conversation, or attend networking events to make valuable connections, find new clients, or even collaborate. Surrounding yourself with other motivated individuals can help boost your own productivity and motivation.
The flexibility, low cost, extensive amenities, and networking potential of co-working spaces provide major benefits for solopreneurs, startups, and small businesses looking to scale. Give up the home office or coffee shop and find a co-working space—your productivity will thank you.
Co-working spaces are hubs of activity, collaboration and networking. Surrounding yourself with other professionals and small business owners can lead to new opportunities and connections.
Co-working spaces attract people from a variety of industries, but with a common drive to build their own businesses or freelance careers. Strike up a conversation with someone in the lounge or kitchen area and you may find you share similar goals and challenges. These casual interactions can blossom into mentorships, collaborations or new friends.
Look for ways to support other co-workers through cross-promotion on social media, reviewing their services, or teaming up on a short-term project. When you help boost the success of those around you, they will likely return the favor. These mutually beneficial relationships are the foundation of co-working communities.
Most co-working spaces host industry meetups, lunch and learns, and skills workshops. Take advantage of these opportunities to strengthen your network, gain new knowledge, and raise your visibility. If you have expertise to share, pitch the space managers on leading an event. Teaching a workshop is a great way to position yourself as an authority in your field.
With constant interaction and events, co-working spaces facilitate business matchmaking. A casual introduction may lead to a discovery that you have services or products that could benefit each other. Look for companies that serve the same target customers or work in complementary industries. A strategic partnership or client referral from within your co-working community can be very valuable.
Making connections and building relationships are keys to success for entrepreneurs and small businesses. An investment in a co-working space membership provides access to a built-in community and ecosystem to help your business thrive. The networking possibilities are endless if you participate fully in the space and foster mutually supportive co-working relationships.
back to blog listing