Office nomads unite in 'coworking' offices
Have you tried out a shared coworking space? What did you think?
From Sandy Skees, Santa Cruz CA As a NextSpace member (www.nextspace.us) and their PR/Marketing agency, I am amazed at the first 100 days' accomplishments:
NextSpace has seen new businesses formed, deals done, products launched, investments made, and partnerships created as a result of the NextSpace economic engine.
78 members have joined representing green tech, software design, social media, mobile broadband applications, digital animation, video production, intellectual property law, sustainability communications, and more.
UserVoice and 12Seconds launched their social media and online video companies, representing the first two NextSpace innovation introductions.
Regional events to foster economic innovation and collaboration included Public Media Camp, “What’s Next for Santa Cruz” Lego® brainstorming event, Santa Cruz New Technology Alliance MeetUp, and architecture salon with the Santa Criuz Design + Innovation Center.
The NextSpace Investors Forum convened investors and innovators to review business cases ranging from algae biofuel to low-power data storage. Experienced venture advisors were impressed with the range of potentially commercial ideas coming from the concentration of UCSC incubated companies at NextSpace.
Groups like Amgen Tour of California Professional Bicycle Race and Save Shakespeare Santa Cruz have taken over NextSpace conference rooms and facilities for organizing and fundraising meetings.
Creating virtual and physical community with New Technology MeetUps, Friday afternoon pizza and networking and a website that features business profiles, ability to chat and connect with all members.
NextSpace is an entrepreneurial catalyst for collaborative, growth-minded companies and individuals who create products, services and solutions for the global marketplace. Located in Santa Cruz, California, NextSpace is a physical and virtual community that gives members premiere office space and amenities, business/social networking with flourishing new economy companies, access to thought leaders, and business formation consulting and capital.
From Riaz Virani I just read your article on CNN Money titled, "Nomads unite in 'coworking' spaces," and I found it really interesting. I currently work for a company called "Affinity Lab" in Washington DC, which is a collaborative co-working space. We primarily work with small green organizations, nonprofits, and new media professionals. Also we focus heavily on fostering a very entrepreneurial, positive, and collaborative environment. And yes, we're listed as a coworking space on the wiki.
I'm contacting you because we are in the midst of planning a major expansion and concurrently redesigning our whole business model. I was researching other coworking spaces when I came across your article. If you can spare a few minutes, please get in touch with me. I'd be really interested to learn a bit more about your work in the area. If you'd like more information about Affinity Lab, please check out http://www.affinitylab.com .
Sincerely,
Riaz Virani
Affinity Lab
From Dave J. (Scoop0901) I left the corporate world — voluntarily — in late 1995. At that time, state-of-the-art desktop computers were 386 boxes running Windows 95. The 486 came out shortly afterward, with the first 586 hitting shelves at the Big Box stores in mid-1996 or so.
A laptop was far too much of a convenience for most freelance workers, such as freelance writers and photographers. Because I had spent a career (16 years) jotting everything of importance in a notebook, scribbling thoughts and ideas in margins of business profit-and-loss statements and meeting agendas, not to mention using a pocket calculator to do quick math during meetings, I was set.
I did freelance writing (and reporting) for several newspapers and magazines over the years, never feeling a need to get a laptop. I carried a set of 35mm cameras, an arsenal of film (black-and-white and color, in various speeds, as well as a couple flash units, batteries, and other items), and was ready for anything.
Spot news was no problem. In fact, that's how I made most of my money: being out of an office, driving about, looking for people, places, and ideas. I'd stop in at all the local restaurants to get people familiar with me, but to get them talking. Everyone I met also got at least one of my business cards which listed my phone number, voicemail, ICQ #, and pager number.
I knew the deadline for every publication I dealt with, obviously, and many times I'd call in to a publication with a story, giving dictation to someone in the newsroom when a deadline was pressing and I was too far from the office or home.
Most times, though, I'd drive about the area, putting on about 200 miles a day on my car. I'd spend about $10 a day on coffee and small munchies in the restaurants I'd visit, which were all good investments.
At the end of the week, having spent about $70 to $80 out-of-pocket, I'd bring in checks that made me smile. For regular assignments, such as school board meetings, city council and county board meetings, I'd get paid mileage. Other assignments often brought a mileage payment, too, at 30.5 cents per mile. Though it wasn't going to make me rich, it always added a little extra to the check. But to ensure I got the most out of each mile, I'd get places early, stay late, and talk with anyone who would talk with me. Or let me buy them a coffee.
At the end of most days, I'd head home, drop off my film at a one-hour shop, and begin writing. Around 8 p.m., I'd leave my desk at home, pick up the photos, and head to a diner or restaurant for an evening meal. By 9:30 p.m., I was back home, writing until midnight to 2 a.m., which is when I would send all my copy to the newspapers via modem.
Somewhere around 8:30 to 9 a.m. the next morning, some editor would call, ask if I had names for everyone in the pictures, and I'd say the same thing I said every day: "Look for PhotoID in the system", then roll over and go back to sleep.
Around 10 a.m., I'd get up, start my day all over with a shower.
Working for yourself or working from home doesn't always mean you need to actually lock yourself in the house. Make it a fun deal, if possible. If you can't, make sure you have a specific work location — and avoid it during non-work hours.
From Erica, Windsor Canada I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to work in a place called the Coffee Office. They are springing up in cities across North America and what a fantastic way to do business. No matter what city I'm in, with my registration fees, I can use the office space, conferencing areas, communications and still get a great sandwich or my favorite juice.
I get so much more done without the kids messing up my desk and I have all the equipment I need right there.
TheCoffeeOffice.com
I believe that they are franchising them as well to those that are interested in an investment opportunity. I love going to work everyday!
From Julie Gomoll, Austin TX Coworking is coming to Austin, TX soon, too. LaunchPad Coworking has a different model. It'll have individual spaces and meeting rooms available by the hour, and there's a cafe attached, so you can order your latte from your desk. It meets very much the same needs as the other coworking spots. It's a place to escape the isolation of working alone, or the craziness of an overcrowded office. Much more suitable for work than a coffe shop, though.
From Alex Linsker, New York, NY I'm excited to see coworking in Fortune Small Business.
Last summer I found out about casual coworking at Jelly http://www.workatjelly.com — and since September I've been on the governance committee of cooperBricolage http://www.coobric.com Both are free in New York City, and both have upped my love of work and insights from coworkers — who have become friends.
From suzice I'm so excited to see coworking getting more and more press. I'm an indie myself from the 'burbs in Connecticut. Recently, I brought the idea of coworking to a business in Simsbury, CT who was looking to fill an empty level in their building that was putting them in the red every month. They have 2,500 square feet of space that they are now transforming into anchor and floater work areas, a video-equipped conference room, a laptop lounge, mailroom/high tech equipment work space, art displayed and for sale by locals, kitchen, shower and reception area for admin support down the road.
Even though we're not city-central, we've already received a ton of interest from local consultants, road warriors, IT guys and creatives. I think it will be really interesting to see how our community develops in the mixed-use space. The business climate would appear sleepy in this area due to the typical burbian nature, but it is actually quite bustling and active.
The space is called Group88: A Business Collaborative and will be located at 88 Hopmeadow in Simsbury, CT. We open at the end of January with a launch party. Can't wait!
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Coworking is coming to the downtown business district of Chattanooga, TN. We are currently setting this up in conjuction with our office suites. Coworking provides a creative & more affordable alternative for some professionals. Meet new people, collabrate on projects & network in an atmosphere other than a traditional office setting or coffee shop. Jellies are being held every other Friday. info@theconciergelevel.com or find us on Twitter & Facebook.