I had a shot in the arm today. A good shot. I was offered cubicles and filing cabinets for free! That is one financial worry off my back and I can allocate more resources for furniture. Things are starting to come together..
Tue 08 Apr∞ Permalink
Ok, this is worth watching every second of. 2008 TED prize winner David Eggers’ brilliance in reaching out to students by creating a collaborative environment is inspiring and extremely funny. Welcome to Once Upon a School…
Sun 06 Apr∞ Permalink
Nothing illustrates the new resurgence of community better then what happened yesterday in Philadelphia. Over 12,000 volunteers took to the city streets to act upon the brilliant idea of Mayor Nutter - with the goal in mind to gather up one million pounds of trash.
I was there helping to represent Indyhall, and it was absolutely amazing. Normally silent streetwalkers thanked you every step of the way. Of course none of these thanks were needed. It was a job you could feel good about. Each of us need to make sure that we don’t forget to do our part, even in this time of national uncertainty.
A lot of discussion on the coworking groups are centered lately on business. More specifically the interchange of funds between coworker and co-owner. It’s a fine line we have to draw - but there are a few factors that are in play here.
First of all, we have to consider client needs. Our aim has to provide an environment that serves multiple needs. We have our sales professional. His goal is sales. He needs a local base of operations that serves form and function.
We have our computer professional. He needs the quiet space to focus and preferable people around that compliment and contribute to his projects.
We have a home based worker. She has finally come to the conclusion that working alone has a detrimental affect on her business. Also, she has no ability to leave her job because it is at home. One’s home is their sanctuary; our refuge from the storm of life’s challenges.
There are other markets we must consider and that has to be based on demographics. For instance, my space will be in Media, PA. Media is a very creative pro art, pro fair trade town. One thing they do have due to the proximity of the county courthouse is lawyers. Lots and lots of lawyers. Yet another potential client. Lawyers need conference space, a locking file cabinet, preferable an onsite notary and a legal size copier.
So, as you can see - barring the danger of trying to please too many people - there is a certain amount of flexibility that we must have to successfully run a coworking establishment. The charges for this service must be commensurate with the geographical area and, of course, service provided, but not be so high as to prevent the up and coming small business owner to take full advantage of the services offered and be able to increase their profitability.
I will keep going with this.. email me with comments!
Gary Vaynerchuk’s thank you. A message that we should all take to heart, don’t forget the people who take interest, who take time out of their lives to listen to what you have to say. I am posting this as a thank you to Gary for his inspiration and good will.