The best coworking spaces are the ones that have a diverse suite of services and a customer-forward approach. This can mean different things to different owners and clients.
Much of it depends on where you are in the world, what kind of industries you want to cater to, and how you want your business to be known. If you want the best coworking space in town, you’ll need to offer your clients plenty of bells and whistles that they can’t get anywhere else.
If you’ve always wondered what makes a good coworking space or want to know how your business stacks up against the competition, keep reading.
What Makes an Amazing Coworking Space?
A Great Location
The first thing you need to consider when opening a coworking space is the location. It’s important to choose a centrally located spot and easy to get to from major highways and public transportation.
You should also consider the other businesses in the area and make sure you’re not too close to any direct competitors. The last thing you want is your potential clients to think they can just walk next door and get the same services for cheaper.
Have the Best Tech
Your coworking space must have top-of-the-line technology and fast, reliable internet access.
Most businesses require their employees to have constant access to email and the internet, so it’s essential that your space can accommodate that. Ensure you have enough outlets and desks for everyone, and your Wi-Fi is strong enough to handle the demand.
Refreshments Are a Big Plus
Another important consideration for your coworking space is refreshments and food. Many people who work long hours appreciate having a place to grab a quick bite or a cup of coffee.
If you can provide a small kitchen area with a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, that’s ideal. If not, you should at least have a vending machine or a nearby coffee shop that your clients can frequent.
Concierge Service For the Win
Consider offering concierge services if you want your coworking space to be truly unique. This could include anything from dry cleaning and laundry to dog walking and errand running.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to concierge services, so get creative and see what you can offer that will appeal to your target market.
Main Service is Underrated
Mail services are handy for businesses that don’t have a physical office address.
You can provide your clients with a PO Box or even a business mailing address.
You Can Provide a Community
A strong community can make all the difference in your space’s success. Make sure you create a welcoming environment and offer networking and collaboration opportunities.
You should also foster a culture of respect and inclusion. It will make your space more attractive to a broader range of potential clients.
Meeting Rooms Are Essential
Meeting rooms can be a great way to attract new clients and generate additional revenue.
Many businesses are always looking for meeting and event space, which can help you get your foot in the door. Make sure you have a variety of different-sized rooms to accommodate different groups, and that your space is easily accessible and well-equipped.
Offer Private Offices
If you want to attract some bigger fish with deeper pockets, you should consider offering private offices. You will receive a more stable and reliable income and provide your clients with more privacy and amenities.
Make sure you have a variety of different-sized offices to accommodate different companies, and that your space has the latest technology and features.
Develop a Suite of Membership Packages
Depending on your target market, you may want to consider offering both short-term and long-term memberships. This way, you can accommodate businesses of all sizes and needs.
Short-term memberships are best for companies that are just starting out or only occasionally need coworking space. Long-term memberships are better for businesses that want a more permanent presence in your space.
Offering both types of memberships can help you attract a wider range of clients and grow your business.
Seating Arrangements
When planning your coworking space, one important thing to consider is the seating arrangements. You want to make sure you have a variety of different options to accommodate different needs.
For example, some people may prefer to sit at a traditional desk, while others may like to sit in a more relaxed setting, like a lounge chair or couch. Some people may want the ability to chat and network with like-minded people, while introverts probably don’t want to deal with that.
It’s essential to have a variety of seating options available so that everyone feels comfortable and can work in the way that suits them best.
Help Inspire Innovation With Your Decor
Your coworking space should be inspiring and inviting so that people actually want to come and work there.
Choose a color scheme, furniture, and art that all work together to create a cohesive look. It’s also important to ensure your space is well-lit and comfortable so people can focus on their work.
A Positive Atmosphere is Vital
Creating a positive atmosphere is essential for any business, but it’s vital in a coworking space. People will spend a lot of time there, and you want them to feel comfortable and relaxed.
There are a few ways to create a positive atmosphere in your space. First, make sure the room is well-lit and comfortable. Second, choose a color scheme and decor that is calming and inviting.
Third, make sure there are plenty of plants and greenery around, as this has been shown to boost moods and generate positive vibes.
Make Clients Feel Safe
Regarding health and safety, there are a few things you need to consider in your coworking space.
Keep your business clean and clutter-free. No one wants to pick up a nasty cold or covid from your offices. Hire a cleaning service if that’s what you have to do.
You can also install security cameras in your business and parking lot if you have one. Security measures like this work well to deter criminals from trying to do something sketchy on your property and will help your clients feel safe.
Go Green
When it comes to being environmentally conscious, you can do a few things in your coworking space. Plants in your office already got a mention, so we’d like to focus on something a bit different.
Place recycling bins in your business and ask people to use them. Second, use as many recycled and repurposed products as you can. If you’re using a cleaning service, ask them to use environmentally friendly supplies.
Support Inclusion
Diversity is love. And as greedy as this sounds, love is profit. If you put in an effort to support everyone and their business endeavors, you have a much higher chance of funding success.
Offer Networking Opportunities
Meeting new people and forming lasting relationships can be difficult. That’s where coworking spaces come in. By bringing together like-minded individuals in a shared work environment, coworking spaces provide the perfect networking opportunity.
In addition to providing a place to work, coworking spaces often host events and workshops that allow members to share their skills and ideas.
They can also be a great way to meet potential collaborators for future projects. For businesses of all sizes, coworking spaces offer a unique opportunity to network and grow.
Curate Your Community
As the coworking movement continues to grow, so too does the need for experienced community curators. A community curator is responsible for creating and maintaining a supportive and collaborative environment within a coworking space.
Curating involves everything from developing programming and events that promote networking and skill-sharing to mediating conflict and promoting inclusivity. In many ways, a community curator is the heart of a coworking space, ensuring it is a thriving hub of activity and creativity.
Event Offerings Are a Must
Most coworking spaces offer a variety of events and programming that members can use to meet new clients and make new friends. These events promote networking and skill-sharing, and range from workshops and seminars to meetups and happy hours.
By offering a variety of events, coworking spaces allow members to learn new skills, meet new people, and grow their businesses. For businesses of all sizes, coworking spaces offer a unique opportunity to network and grow.
The Tools You Need to Succeed
1. Be Corporate-Friendly
As the modern workforce continues to evolve, more and more businesses are looking for coworking spaces that can accommodate their needs. Some companies need to hire but don’t have room in their office for a new workforce. You can plug that hole.
2. You’re in the Real Estate Business Now
Coworking spaces need to be strategic about their real estate choices to succeed. Look for buildings that are centrally located and easily accessible. You should also look for facilities with various amenities nearby, such as restaurants and cafes.
3. Embrace the Tech
Technology is changing how we work, and coworking spaces need to embrace it to succeed. Offer members access to high-speed internet, printer and scanner rentals, and a variety of software applications.
4. What’s Your Specialty?
In order to stand out from the competition, coworking spaces need to specialize in something. A specialization can be anything from offering childcare services to hosting events for businesses in specific industries. By specializing in a particular sector or catering to them, you’ll be able to attract a more targeted group of members.
5. You Need to be Sustainable
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, coworking spaces also need to start thinking about it. There are a number of ways to make your space more sustainable, such as using recycled materials and energy-efficient appliances. You should also encourage members to carpool or use public transportation when possible.
6. There Is Money in Wellness
As the world becomes more and more stressful, people are looking for ways to improve their wellness. Coworking spaces can offer a variety of wellness-focused amenities, such as yoga and meditation classes, on-site massage therapists, and healthy snacks.
You should encourage members to take breaks throughout the day and get some fresh air with group walks or other activities.
7. Design Will Be Attractive to Potential Clients
The design of your coworking space can say a lot about your brand. Invest in high-quality furniture and ensure that your area is well-lit and comfortable. You should also consider using bold colors and patterns to create a more engaging environment.
8. Expand to New Locations
If you want to expand your business, you should consider opening multiple locations. This will allow you to reach a wider audience and attract more members. On top of that, you’ll become just as much a real estate business as a coworking brand, which can lead to some exciting opportunities.
Types of Coworking Spaces
Open
The most common type of coworking space is the open workspace. This is a large room with a variety of desks and chairs, where members can come and go as they please. Open workspaces are usually the most affordable option.
Private
Private workspaces are also available for businesses that need a little more privacy. These are usually enclosed rooms with desks and chairs, where members can work without being disturbed. Private workspaces can demand an additional cost.
Industry Specific
There are also industry-specific coworking spaces designed for businesses in specific industries. These spaces usually have various amenities and services tailored to the needs of the companies in that industry.
Incubators
Venture capitalists and incubators are another type of coworking space. These spaces cater to startups and small businesses. They usually have various resources and services available, such as mentorship programs and funding opportunities.
The People Who Need Your Business
Freelancers
The freelancer or remote worker is the most common type of person using coworking spaces. These people don’t have a traditional 9-5 job and work on various projects from home or anywhere else they can find an internet connection. Coworking spaces provide them with a place to work outside of their homes and also allow them to interact with other people.
SMBs
Small businesses are another common type of business using coworking spaces. These businesses usually have a team of 2-10 people and don’t have their own office space. Coworking spaces provide them with a place to work, as well as the opportunity to network with other businesses.
Corporations
While enterprises are not as common, some still use coworking spaces. These businesses usually have a large team of employees and need a place to work outside their traditional office space.
Non-Profs
Non-profits are another type of organization that uses coworking spaces. These organizations usually don’t have their own office space and need a place to work. They have the tightest budgets and will likely go with whoever can give them the best deal.
Alternatives
Coffee Shops
Working from coffee shops is one of the most popular remote work alternatives. Coffee shops provide workers with a place to sit and work, as well as the opportunity to purchase food and drink. However, coffee shops can be noisy and distracting and don’t always have the best working environment.
Restaurants
Working from restaurants is another popular remote work alternative. Restaurants usually have comfortable seating, much more so than coffee shops. However, neither one really desire to have entrepreneurs and freelancers freeloading on their Wi-Fi.
Corporate Suites offers furnished offices spaces, virtual offices & conference rooms in several prestigious locations across New York City and Philadelphia.
