This is semi-OT to the thread (hence the subject change), but the post from Dusty reminded me... if you're thinking about opening a coworking space, I strongly recommend you put a location in your messages. There are several hundred people on this list, and some of us may be interested in your location, or may know someone who might be interested. So, if you're thinking about opening a space, even if you're nowhere close to ready, it would be great if you could add a location in your email. Heck, put it on the wiki too... there's no shame in saying "I'm interested in opening a coworking space [here], and am looking to meet with others who are interested as well. Please contact me at [blah] and let's talk." I did this for a while before officially opening Simpli as a coworking space, and got several responses from the mailing list and wiki.
-Erica (Simpli Hosting / San Jose, CA) On 10/11/07, Dusty <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Great topic Tony! I've been struggling with this question myself. I'd > also like to open a coworking space. > > I'm not sure how much value I have to add to this topic, but I'll do > my best to push the discussion further. :) > > I think you have to start by considering what separates a cowoking > space from a coffee shop that charges a cover at the door, or a shared > office. I think what makes a coworking space different from those 2 > things is not any type of physical offering, it's actually the intent > of the space and it's patrons (to work and collaborate) and the fact > that the patrons are a community amongst themselves, even outside of > the space. > > So how do you get people interested in your space before you have a > space? > 1) Get involved in the coworking community in your area and if it > doesn't exist start it. > 2) Establish the intent of your space to the community (to facilitate > working and collaboration) > 3) Ask the community if they're interested (Maybe there's a magical > ratio of interested people to actual membership you could use to > measure risk?) > 4) Once the magical ratio is palletable to you, take the leap. > > After you've taken the leap you then you must continuously feed and > nurture the community or risk becoming a shared office or a quiet > coffee shop with a cover charge. > > > > > --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
