Author: Coworkify Team

What is a Coworking Space?

It’s a  shared office space which also means a vast network, that enables you to get some network outside your company. You wouldn’t meet the same people, you would meet other people from other companies. If you are an entrepreneur looking for a startup office space for rent, then working in a coworking space is the ideal choice.

Moreover, coworking space offers the facilities you would normally get in a normal office, you don’t need to worry about paying for the internet, coffee machine, cleaning services, and other facilities because the coworking space would handle that. It’s an alternative to working from home where people do not feel isolated and can keep away from distractions.

Why choose Coworking Space?

Coworking spaces develop a source of connection among coworkers, they make you feel part of a community. Most members work out of their homes and they need a coworking space that provides all technological requirements that they’re looking for. Having the most up-to-date technology is most important for any business.

Why do we need Technology?

Technology refers to the use of tools, gadgets, and resources that help us control and adapt to our environment. It refers to the knowledge and utilization of tools, techniques, and systems in order to serve a bigger purpose like solving problems or making life easier and better. Its significance on humans is tremendous because it helps them adapt to the environment. Your space cannot be deemed “tech-friendly” without a good dose of special equipment.

List of Basic Technological Needs of a Coworking Space

Reliable Internet Connection

Internet at a coworking space is a crucial factor which can be a make or break decision for the majority of clients. Fast, reliable internet connections are the glue that holds every coworking space together. That connection needs to consistently perform at peak capacity in terms of bandwidth, speed, and security. In a coworking environment, people need quick access to internet services. If you’ve ever been subjected to slow internet in a coworking space, you know the struggle already.

Uninterrupted Electric Supply

Without electricity, your whole business can come to a standstill with no running computers and other electronic devices. Thus, providing an uninterrupted power supply is probably the biggest prerequisite for coworking members. Coworking spaces need a 24/7 power supply to maintain the continuity of operations.

Smart workstation

A smart workstation provides a healthier, safer and happier place to be. From access control to improved lighting and temperature control, from member authentication and online meeting room bookings. There should also be an advance building access control system for members to stop letting anyone enter the work premises. There should be smart door locks for your coworking space. The latest technology allows members to enter coworking spaces with no keys at all. A smart workstation simply means a better workspace with better technology.

Flat screens and Tablets

Flat Screen is designed to save time. When you need high-tech access, just press the button. Screens should be well positioned, starting with the meeting room. Decide the size of the screen or overhead projector based on your budget. Don’t forget to link everything to your network. You can equip your meeting room with tablets and offer them to your coworkers for their presentations and work meetings. Or, install a tablet at the entrance of your space to play the role of a concierge. Anyone who comes for a meeting can report their arrival by a pre-written, intermediary text message indicating precisely what time they entered.  Also, you could set up a digital screen in your meeting rooms to show the daily schedule, and book rooms via smartphone.

Sound Facility

Can you imagine working in a coworking space without a sound facility? Now that you have visuals in place, don’t neglect sound! A good screen is always made complete with powerful speakers, if your budget is too limited to install the latest home theater design. Some are excellently manufactured at very reasonable prices and plug into all kinds of devices. Another option that provides unparalleled sound quality yet maintains quiet in the office: headphones. Why not provide personal headsets with microphones to your members for their phone calls?

Digital Payment Systems

People nowadays no longer carry cash in their pockets. There are digital payment systems that are appropriate for coworking spaces to handle the bookings, billing payments in the most stress-free manner. Go paperless and take your payment system digital.

Final words

There’s a lot of technologies that you can use in your coworking spaces. Find what makes your coworking space efficient and productive for everyone. What are your thoughts? Share your valuable insights with us.

Joining a coworking space can be a great way to have a professional workspace without all of the overhead costs. Choosing a coworking space is no easy task. With thousands of coworking spaces visible around the world, and new spaces opening up all the time, it’d be easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis. How can professionals decide on a workspace that is as unique and fitting as their own personal ambitions? As many says, the environment is everything, and finding the right environment is paramount to creativity, output, and professional fulfillment.

When deciding if a community is a good fit for you, you may want to ask yourself; of what professions are people at this workspace? Are my skills a good fit for this community? Does this space host regular events for members to network with each other? Will this space help drive and hone in my ambitions?

As you join a coworking space, you also join its community. It’s important to understand that being surrounded by other entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and talented independent professionals are one of the biggest benefits of joining a coworking space. Always take extra care when choosing your coworking community. Don’t just choose randomly.

Tips on Finding the Best Coworking Community

Do Research on the Coworking Location

Consider a location that is convenient. Keeping your commute short gives you more time to build your business. Try to stalk on Instagram or other social media platforms and you’ll get a better idea of your preferred coworking space and community. Visit the location and its neighborhood. The coworking space’s location can be a big factor in how much value you get out of your membership. Being located in a prestigious neighborhood can impress potential clients. Also, convenience stores within walking distance is a big plus as well. What kind of location suits you best?

However, if you can’t visit the place physically, most spaces have their own website. These sites have information like pricing, prices, and features. Do basic research and do a comparison of the different coworking spaces by looking online or calling.

Check out the Amenities

Who wants an office with just the basics? A better-equipped workplace means a better performing team. That’s why it’s essential to consider amenities when choosing a shared office space. Apart from a work environment that allows you to focus, it is also important to find a coworking space that gives you everything else you need to maximize your work experience. So check out their amenities and see whether they have cafes for food and coffee? Or do you prefer a coworking space with a kitchen? The kitchen area paves way for members a chance to introduce themselves to people they haven’t met before, catch up with those they have, and connect with the community in a relaxed, homely environment that doesn’t suffer the conversation-stultifying tag of ‘networking’. Or does the coworking space have a communal area to gather?

Here are some suggested amenities that you should keep in mind when you’re searching for your perfect coworking space:

• Parking Space
• Mail Service
• Coffee and Snacks
• Events
• Printing
• Conference rooms
• Technology ( i.e., projectors, sound system)

Read the Blogs and Reviews

Reading the blogs and reviews on their site gives an idea of how much they care. Remember to cross-check member reviews on Coworkers, Facebook, and local blogs for a wise decision. Oftentimes, you can find a list of best coworking spaces in a specific city through local blogs.

Visit the Coworking Space

Finally, when evaluating a coworking space your best bet is to visit the location in person. Don’t be afraid to drop-in before committing. You can request a day pass or a tour. This allows you to explore the culture of the coworking space and also a great opportunity to you ask probing questions to see if this is the right coworking space for your business or not.

Conclusion

A strong community means that connections happen organically with coworkers. The community that you want to belong will always be your choice. Community is all about belongingness, find the tribe that you can be part of. To know more on finding the right coworking space that fits to your needs, visit our blog here.

Coworking spaces are essentially shared workspaces. They offer affordable office space for those looking to escape the isolation of a home office or coffee shop. Also, a feeling of community is created for those that would otherwise be forced to work alone at home or a coffee shop. The core concept of the project is the creation of a comfortable environment for small companies and start-ups. It is very important to give a perfect tour of your coworking space. Through this, one can easily get an idea about your business, and it will be an opportunity to gain new onboarding members of your space.

Everyone is busy nowadays and things can fall through the cracks; including a tour of your workspace. It’s imperative to use any means possible which is to remind your prospect of the upcoming tour. The last thing you want is a ‘no-show’ – no one has time for that and definitely no one would like that. Schedule a reminder via SMS, email, make a personal phone call, and offer an option to reschedule if the original time is no longer convenient. Everything should be a point to point while promoting your workspace.

Ways on How to Promote your Coworking Space

Whether you’re new to the industry or you already know the ropes, you can use these tips to improve efficiency, define your brand and strengthen your space’s community. Prepare a calendar invite to your prospects and be sure to include your site address and the floor number to avoid confusion.

Prepare a checklist
Prepare a checklist before a tour because readiness is important especially to the prospects. They will know if you have prepared beforehand for the tour or not. In the checklist, you can include:

• Description of your Space
• Admin Meetings
• Introduce your Team
• Detail about the facilities you are providing

Some prospects will ask questions during the tour, being knowledgeable about the coworking space will be highly useful.
Some questions from potential customers are:

• How big is this office?
• Will this space represent my business well?
• What additional monthly costs, if any, can I expect?
• Will my budget cover everything I need?

Website
Your website should be your main focus and should generate demand for your site. With the demand of coworking space increasing, workspace operators must respond to the competition. It will be best to include photos of meeting rooms, suites, co-working areas, the kitchen/coffee station, and other facilities to capture and manage leads.

In order to strike a healthy balance on your site, provide the most relevant information a prospect may be looking for without overloading them with information and making them click through an endless maze of pages before getting to what they’re looking for.

Virtual tour
Adding a virtual tour on your business page may look simple at a glance, but it would take a good effort to take some attractive 360-degree images that present your business well.
Here are some ways to add content like:

• Your website: add your link so people can get there in one click
• Posts:  social media updates and offers
• Photos: interior and exterior + team members

So, if your location has beautiful fixtures, great art and amazing wall, a coffee shop, and a cool atmosphere. How do you describe that instantly? With 360-degree photos!

Conclusion

This tour of your business will allow your customers to experience your coworking space. In addition, if you have an email list, you can re-engage with your past clients by sending a link to your new virtual tour. As coworking gets more media attention, make the first impression to your prospects worthwhile and worth sharing to others as well. Are you ready now to give a tour on your coworking space?