Are you one of the huge amount of people who work from home? Maybe you have been working remotely for just the last few years or have been in self-employment, running a business from your home office for over a decade. It could be that you have started your own venture recently and are just getting your footing. Let’s have a look at the benefits of coworking spaces for startups, freelancers, and other self-employed people.
What Is A Coworking Space?
Firstly, we need to look at and establish what exactly a coworking space is. For most people working from home, the only interaction they have daily is by email, on the phone, or via video chat. That isn’t a huge amount of interaction. I can tell you, working by myself for more than 10 years, it can get quite lonely. Creativity can be hampered and things around the house can be distracting. Whilst many of us love the flexibility of working from home, breaking up the week with somewhere to actually go in the morning can be hugely beneficial. You might even be surprised by how much work you can tackle in just a few short hours.
This is what a coworking space is for. Somewhere that individuals can go to and work from, in a flexible manner. This could be for one afternoon a week or perhaps for a fortnight block to focus on a project. You can usually rent a desk at a coworking station for a small amount of money per day. You will likely get discounts if you rent for longer. Some of them include hot drinks, others include meeting room hire. You should be able to find a digital co-working space near you where you can also meet other people.
Huge Benefits For All
That is one of the huge benefits of coworking spaces for startups, freelancers, and the self-employed community. You meet people. You are surrounded by other people just like you would be within a business, however, you don’t have colleagues working on the same projects. The atmosphere and hustle and bustle of an office environment can be enjoyed without the stress. Whilst you might decide to put your earbuds in and focus on your work, you can meet many like-minded people as well. This is one of the standout benefits of working in a coworking space, the other people you will meet!
Everyone knows that starting a business is challenging and having contacts that you can rely on is important. If you need a graphic designer, you might find one at your coworking space. It could be that you need an accountant and there is one working from the same unit as you on Thursdays. This can be a huge benefit of coworking spaces for startups. You might even find that the coworking space plan events or have a virtual working space for those not always renting a desk. This community could be a huge part of your success story.
Setting Up A Coworking Space
What if there isn’t a coworking space near you? There are usually some dotted in cities and big towns but how about setting up a coworking space of your own? et it right and it could easily become one of the best coworking spaces out there.
Think about what you’d want from a coworking space. The price point, the facilities, and the things that are included in the cost. You might want to plan the space so that there is open coworking but also designated areas and rooms for meetings. Individual desks allow for focused work but larger tables are ideal for collaboration. Make sure the space is light and airy and that there are plenty of sockets for charging devices. You should also consider your location, the access and even offer secure bike parking to encourage an eco-friendly commute! You can take it even further and offer the use of a business address, secure mailbox, and even a phone line with call forwarding.
Starting a coworking space business might not be what you thought was on the horizon. However, if you spot a gap in the market it could become a lucrative venture. It could even become a side hustle to your main business, providing another source of income and something to fall back on should you need it.
Coworking Conclusion
I think we’ve established that there are huge benefits of coworking spaces for startups. As well as other individuals who perhaps work from a home office, a coffee shop, or even balance their laptops on the breakfast bar. So many businesses thrive because of the people that are involved. This includes people that the freelancer or business owner might meet. Get yourself along to a coworking space and see how it can enhance your career.
