Coworking spaces is a way of working that is not only an opportunity for bootstrapping a start-up, but also for overcoming the entrepreneur’s blues. It’s an inexpensive means of support and office space.
Sharing space and talent
Coworking spaces is an emerging trend for a new pattern for working. As well as entrepreneurs, work-at-home professionals or independent contractors, or people who travel frequently end up working in relative isolation. Coworking spaces is the social gathering of a group of people, who are still working independently, but who share values and who are interested in the synergy that can happen from working with talented people in the same space.
Some coworking spaces were developed by nomadic internet entrepreneurs seeking an alternative to working in coffee shops and cafes, or to isolation in independent or home offices. The ‘movement’ is spreading and more spaces are opening across the US and in many countries round the world.
Coworking is growing fast
Estimates suggest there were some 760 coworking places in the US in 2011, up nearly 90% over the year before. The rise in coworking places is due to technologies like cloud computing and more women and freelancers in the workforce, as well as start-ups.
Different coworking spaces have slightly different takes
Coworking is not a desk rental business. It’s not about the printers or the conference rooms. Coworking is about people. Coworking spaces bring together independent workers and provides them with a space in which they can work alongside one another in community.
Coworking Spaces in NYC say pretty much the same: “We’re the gathering spot for a community of like-minded individuals who need somewhere to work that’s both creative and social, and professional and conducive to working. We’re not an office space. We don’t rent desks. There are lots of businesses in NYC that offer those services; in fact we’re part of a coalition of them. Instead of renting desks, we offer memberships.”
For people on the move, coworking spaces exist all over
Coworking Spaces an lead to new jobs, partnerships, referrals, and friendships. Coworking spaces can be had on all kinds of different pricing plans. Some are based on monthly arrangements and vary by intensity of use. Then there are often rentals on an ‘as needed’ basis, by the day or week, or it could be just for the use of a conference room. Additional services may also be available- such as printing, copying, a mailing address or storage locker. Deals generally include the use of coffee. Sage Workspace, the managed office space company, a subscription service with membership.
