A coworking space is a shared office space where individuals or small companies can rent a desk, chair, and internet access. It gives freelancers and small businesses the opportunity to work in an environment that fosters collaboration and creativity. While you may be looking for a new coworking space because your existing one isn’t cutting it anymore, there are many more reasons why you should consider joining one.

What is a coworking space?

What is co working? A coworking space provides individuals, startups, and small businesses with office facilities. Unlike a conventional office, it doesn’t require you to rent the entire place for yourself. You can share the space with other people and pay only for what you use. In other words, it’s like renting an apartment room in a shared building. You get your bedroom but also have access to shared spaces like the kitchen or living room if needed.

Coworking spaces will typically offer communal areas where members can hold meetings or events, as well as conference rooms, printing services; Wi-Fi connectivity, photocopying machines, administrative support services, break rooms with snacks/drinks, telephones and sometimes even formal conference rooms for rent. Some may also provide access to videoconferencing equipment so that coworking members can meet with clients and colleagues whenever necessary without having to travel near their locations.

Tapping into the community

Once you’ve found a space, the next step is to make sure that your members know about you and how they can find you. After all, one of the most effective ways for a coworking space to attract new members is by tapping into its community.

If you’re lucky enough to be part of an existing community already, use its resources. If not, consider connecting with other businesses in your area (for example local restaurants or retail shops) so that they can refer customers looking for coworking spaces or shared office space directly to yours. You could also participate in local events like festivals or conferences by bringing along some free coffee or food samples—thereby getting yourself noticed while also giving back to the neighborhood at large.

This is also an opportunity for cross-promotion in coworking spaces. For example,  if another company hosts a networking event at their location and/or offers discounts on services such as catering or printing flyers—ask if there’s any way for them to include mention of you when advertising these things online.

Setting up shop

Coworking spaces are popping up in the most unlikely of places, from the hallways of new apartment complexes and old factories to empty storefronts and former strip malls. While it’s important to consider your location carefully, don’t discount any place that you think may work for you. The best coworking spaces have a mix of businesses as well as some physical space for meeting clients or holding events—something that’s not always easy to find in smaller cities or towns.

You’ll need to decide how you want the space to look and feel before you can start looking for a location to work in. You can do so by asking yourself the following questions:

  • Do you want an industrial feel? 
  • Do you prefer more natural light? 
  • Will your office be open plan or divided into private rooms?
  • Is there anything else missing from this list that would make your ideal space complete? 

Once these questions have been answered, it will be easier to narrow down your search by finding locations with those features already incorporated into their design. For example, if one potential spot has large windows opening up onto a patio area but no walls separating individual offices from each other (which means no privacy), then there won’t be much point in keeping them on the list.

Conclusion

With all the resources available in coworking spaces, you can find a place to work and grow your business faster than ever before. In fact, many people use coworking spaces to begin their entrepreneurial journey.