5 Signs Coworking Is (and Isn't) Right for You
Some entrepreneurs love having an office space to work in. Others find it comforting to work in their own home. Others still enjoy the ambiance of a coffee shop. But did you know that there is a place to work where you can achieve the effect of all three work places? It's called a coworking space; where you receive the benefits of collaboration, creativity, organization, and freedom without the expensive price of a leased office.
But how do you know if coworking is right for you? We have narrowed down the top 5 reasons that entrepreneurs should consider a coworking space. Additionally, we have determined 3 types of people and startups that should not cowork. So take our test and see if coworking is right for you!
1. You should cowork if...you haven't changed out of your pajamas in a week
If you have found that you have not changed out of your pajamas in over a week, it may be time to explore the benefits of coworking. Coworking spaces allows for you to get out of the house and experience new surroundings and environments. Coworking spaces are usually extremely inspirational and allow for creative thinking and innovation. Additionally, being around other entrepreneurs and innovators who are working hard will help you get into the work groove as well. So change out of flannel pants, and tighten up your tie—it's time to cowork!
2. You should cowork if...you loathe networking events, but need to network
Many people despise attending networking events, but they know that they need to get out there and meet other business leaders and entrepreneurs in the community. What if we told you that instead of attending events, you can network while you're at work? That's the beauty of coworking. Working alongside other professionals can help you develop meaningful connections with hardly any effort. This also provides you the opportunity to actually show others (not only tell) what you're working on—and vice versa.
3. You should cowork if...you're not good at everything
One of the hardest parts of starting up a company is wearing every hat of the business—you have to be the accountant, the marketing guru, and sometimes, even the janitor. One of the greatest benefits of using a coworking space is that it allows you to use the people around you as valuable business resources. Coworking spaces encourage tenants to trade services and collaborate with one another on projects. Additionally, many of the people within a coworking space will be in completely different fields—this allows for you to meet people that you normally would never have the opportunity of meeting.
4. You should cowork if...there are never enough electrical outlets at Starbucks
There is nothing more frustrating than driving to a Starbucks, a Panera, or even the local library and finding every seat and table taken. There are a lot of problems and inconveniences that occur when working from a café: you have to pack up everything when you go to the bathroom, it's usually loud, and there is always major competition for space. Coworking spaces, on the other hand, are made to provide resources and services for everyone that walk in its doors. Coworking environments always provide desk space, outlets, printers, and fast Wi-Fi.
5. You should cowork if...you have nowhere to meet your clients
It can get pretty awkward if you plan to hold a client meeting at home and find yourself wiping crumbs off of the table or shushing the barking dog outside. Meetings in the home give an unprofessional vibe. Coworking spaces provide a solution to this problem with meeting rooms and resources such as white boards and printers for all of your meeting needs.
And finally, who should NOT cowork?
1. You should NOT cowork if...you aren't a small business
Coworking is meant for businesses of 10 or less. When a business has more than 10 people, it's difficult for each individual to integrate with the rest of the community. The best time to cowork is when your company is made up of anywhere from one to three people.
2. You should NOT cowork if...you love your privacy
If you are a private person, coworking is not for you. For example, lawyers who deal with confidential documents would not want to be overheard on the phone in a coworking area. Evaluate what type of business you are running to determine if it can function in a coworking environment. Additionally, make sure that you, as an individual, value collaboration and find it to be more important than privacy.
3. You should NOT cowork if...you're not a people person
One bad seed can ruin an effective coworking environment. So, if you are not a people-person, don't cowork. A coffee shop or your home may be a better fit for you.
So what's the word, entrepreneurs? Are you a fan of coworking or do you function better from an office, a Panera, or your own home? Whatever the case may be—we hope that your work surroundings greatly contribute to the success of your new business, whether it be coworking or not!