When someone makes a decision to sign-up for co-working space in one of our business centres, their reasons often have something to do with needing somewhere where they can escape distraction without feeling isolated.
For the freelancer, these are common considerations. It’s what bring them to The Workstation as co-workers – but it’s the opportunities that co-working offers small businesses which convinces them to stay.
Here are 5 ways co-working is good for business.
1) Potential Clients are Everywhere
Perhaps the most obvious way that co-working can benefit business is how easy it is to connect with other businesses. Now we’re not saying that when you join The Workstation community you should immediately start spamming every single tenant with your business cards, leaflets and backlog of marketing material – but what we are saying is that you should open yourself up to the possibility of new business relationships developing organically in this environment. For example, an informal chat with the person sitting next to you can lead you to share information about your business and show them what you’re working on in an informal and relaxed way – without a pitch or poster in sight.
2) Word Travels Fast in Small Communities
If you’re working in a small community of entrepreneurs and you’re good at what you do, word travels fast. Reputation and recommendations are key the success of a small set-up and earning new clients this way is also a great boost of confidence for you and your business.
3) Potential Employees are Everywhere
Just as there’s potential to gain new clients in co-working office spaces, there’s also great potential to recruit. We’re not talking about poaching employees from other small businesses as that might not go down so well within the community. But co-working can provide a great opportunity to scout for new talent and freelancers who offer the services and skills that your business lacks.
4) Startups Support Each Other
To say ‘setting up your own business is hard’ is quite the understatement. It takes time, money, it can even take the colour from your hair. But it’s not all bad. One of the most refreshing things about being a startup, especially in a co-working environment, is the camaraderie between new businesses. Whether you’re looking for feedback on an idea, promotion through social media, or word-of-mouth recommendations like the ones mentioned above, most startups are willing to share in return for payment in kind.
5) Co-working Encourages Productivity
Anyone who has worked from home knows the temptation to sleep in an extra 1o minutes or to not get dressed until midday. And although these things aren’t too much of a big deal if you don’t need to battle an early morning commute or interact with anyone other the postman, they can be counter-productive for your business. Co-working isn’t strict by anyone’s standards; tenants come and go when they please and can work to a schedule that doesn’t fit the normal working week. So it’s strange that from our experience with the co-working community that there seems to be a sort of self-imposed commitment to show up, catch-up with other tenants and ultimately get stuff done. Why? Well, we have a theory: Co-working works because it offers the routine of office life without the structures that hinder productivity.
Find out more about what’s included when you become a co-working tenant at The Workstation here or call us on 01727 260 177 or email info@theworkstation.co.uk