Coworking spaces have become increasingly popular among freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs. If you’ve heard about coworking but have never tried it, you may be wondering how to get started. In this blog post, I’ll discuss three important steps in depth to help you get started with coworking.
Find a suitable coworking space
The first step is to thoroughly research coworking spaces to find options that suit your needs. Look for spaces within your budget that offer the amenities you want, such as fast Wi-Fi, printing, coffee and snacks, event space, lounge areas, etc. Some coworking spaces cater to specific industries or types of workers, so keep that in mind. Spend time visiting the websites of coworking spaces in your area and check their prices, options, photos, and reviews. Make a list of spaces that interest you to explore further.
When you visit coworking space websites, here are some things to consider:
- Price: Coworking spaces offer a range of price points based on the amenities and workspace options. Look for spaces that fit your budget.
- Amenities: Consider what amenities are most important to you, such as Wi-Fi speed, kitchen access, event space, etc. Look for spaces that offer the amenities you need.
- Workspace options: Many coworking spaces offer both shared coworking desks as well as dedicated desks and private offices. Choose the option that suits your needs.
- Community: Some coworking spaces curate their community around specific industries, career stages, or work styles. See if any spaces cater to people like you.
- Community: Some coworking spaces curate their community around specific industries, career stages, or work styles. See if any spaces cater to people like you.
- Location: Look for spaces located conveniently for your commute that are in an area you want to work in.
- Environment: Check photos and reviews to get a sense of the overall look and feel of the space to make sure it provides the ambience you want.
- Events and networking: Look for spaces that offer opportunities to socialize and collaborate with other members through coffee hours, lunches, or other events.
- Reviews: See what other members say about the space, staff, amenities, location, and overall experience. Look for mostly positive reviews.
Once you have a list of coworking spaces that interest you based on their websites, you’re ready for the next step.
Visit the space and ask questions
he best way to determine if a coworking space is right for you is to visit in person. Reach out to spaces on your list and ask to tour the facility and see the available workspaces and amenities. This will give you a much better sense of the environment and options than browsing a website alone.
When you visit each space, here are some key things to assess:
- Workspace options: See what options are available and if they meet your needs. Ask about availability and pricing for different options.
- Amenities: Check if the space has the amenities that are important to you, such as a kitchen, lounge, event space, etc. See if the Wi-Fi speed and quality are sufficient.
- Noise level: Pay attention to the noise level to make sure it suits your preferences for a work environment. Some spaces have more separation between work areas while others are more open.
- Staff: Meet the staff at the space and ask them any questions you have about membership, amenities, events, and the community. Friendly, helpful staff is a good sign.
- Members: Try to get a sense of the type of members at the space. See if they seem like people you would want to interact and potentially collaborate with.
- Overall ambience: Determine if you feel comfortable and productive in the environment. The ambience of a space has a big impact on your experience coworking.
- Cost and options: Ask about membership options, costs, and any fees in addition to the membership dues. Inquire about short-term or trial memberships you can try before committing long-term.
- Events and community: Ask about opportunities to socialize and network with other members. See if the space hosts any community events or programs.
Visiting coworking spaces and asking questions will provide insights that help you find a space where you will thrive. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you’re ready for the next step.
Get familiar with the rules and culture
Before you sign up for a coworking space membership, take time to thoroughly understand their rules, policies, and culture. Most coworking spaces have policies about things like noise, guests, availability of amenities, and more. The culture can also vary in different spaces in terms of how collaborative or independent members tend to be.
Familiarizing yourself with the rules and culture of a space will help ensure it’s the right fit for your working style and needs. Here are some things to explore:
- Space policies: Review the written policies about things like noise levels, guests, kitchen use, printing, conference room reservations, and any other rules. Make sure you fully understand and are comfortable with them.
- Member handbook: Many coworking spaces provide a member handbook with guidelines for using the space. Read through the handbook before joining.
- Staff onboarding: When you sign up, ask to go through an onboarding process where the staff can walk you through how to use the space and answer any questions.
- Culture: Try to get a sense of the overall culture of the space and how members tend to interact. More collaborative spaces may have more social events while independent spaces give members more privacy. Choose what fits your preferences.
- Member profiles: If available, look at profiles of other members to learn more about the type of people in the space. See if they seem like a community you want to join.
- Events: If possible, attend some of the events at the space to experience the environment and interact with members. This can provide insights into the community and culture.
- Reviews: Look for more reviews of the space, especially any that mention the rules, culture, community, or environment. Make sure the aspects mentioned align with what you’re looking for in a coworking space.
Getting familiar with the rules and culture of a coworking space before joining will set you up for a successful experience. You’ll choose a space where you understand and fit in with the community, leading to a more productive and satisfying coworking experience overall.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting started with coworking involves finding a suitable space, visiting in person, and learning about the rules and culture. Coworking spaces provide wonderful opportunities to work alongside others, but making sure the space fits your needs is key to having a productive and enjoyable experience.
With thorough research, asking the right questions, and exploring the rules and culture, you can find a great coworking space to call your office away from home office. While the process may take time, finding the coworking space that’s the best fit for you will make the effort worthwhile. You’ll be able to settle into a space where you can do your best work surrounded by a like-minded community. The benefits of coworking are well worth the initial investment to get started.
Follow these tips to choose a coworking space where you will thrive and do your most meaningful work. Here’s to a successful start to your coworking experience!
