Thanks, Campbell. You guys are the best. Best,
Rebecca Please forgive insane autofill from my iPhone On Apr 21, 2012, at 1:35 AM, "[email protected]" < [email protected]> wrote: Today's Topic Summary Group: http://groups.google.com/group/coworking/topics - Anthony and Kevin at The Freelancers Union <#group_thread_0> [1 Update] - Participate in first Green startup Accelerator in China<#group_thread_1>[2 Updates] - Launching Classes. This is the start and will update on progress and model <#group_thread_2> [7 Updates] - Liability Insurance Classification <#group_thread_3> [5 Updates] - Seeking advice: Transitioning space from individually to collectively run <#group_thread_4> [3 Updates] - Awesome list: 64 Co-working Spaces For Every Entrepreneur<#group_thread_5>[1 Update] - I Raised Over $1 Million Thanks to Coworking (video testimonial)<#group_thread_6>[1 Update] Anthony and Kevin at The Freelancers Union<http://groups.google.com/group/coworking/t/196f0a054e8fa842> Campbell McKellar <[email protected]> Apr 20 02:18PM -0700 Hi everybody, I hope you are enjoying your Friday and getting ready for a fun and relaxing weekend. Just like many people on this list, we have a dream about a better way of working. Our way may not be the same as yours, and that's OK. The beauty of all this is that (in our own ways) we are making the world a better place for lots of people with lots of different needs. I really appreciate the votes of support we've gotten from the members of this community, on this string and directly. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with you all in the service of this movement. Please reach out to me directly or any member of our team if you have any feedback or questions about our company. Our door is always open. All my best, Campbell @cmckella [email protected] On Apr 19, 4:12 pm, "Veel Hoeden- Where Many Hats Meet!" Participate in first Green startup Accelerator in China<http://groups.google.com/group/coworking/t/20316e11d15f488f> Liu Yan <[email protected]> Apr 20 07:52PM +0200 In collaboration with Grasslands, a sustainability startup community in Shanghai, Xindanwei is launching the first Eco-coworking space + Green startup Accelerator in China. And we are looking for cool and geeky participants worldwide to join this program! See the attached leaflet for more details! Please pass on to any green warriors who are interested to startup in China and don't know how. Thank you! Liu Yan CEO of Xindanwei Liu Yan <[email protected]> Apr 20 08:08PM +0200 Launching Classes. This is the start and will update on progress and model<http://groups.google.com/group/coworking/t/d8b13e071ea9ad1b> Alex Hillman <[email protected]> Apr 20 07:46AM -0400 Of course, my eyes skipped right over that :) thanks Angel. -Alex -- /ah indyhall.org coworking in philadelphia On Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 6:34 PM, Angel Kwiatkowski wrote: Gretchen Baisa <[email protected]> Apr 20 06:42AM -0700 Hey Craig - Giving you a high five for really jumping on setting up the classes (GCUC was just a minute ago!!) and particularly on some stellar community outreach about the program. Keep us posted and congratulations! -Gretchen NextSpace San Jose On Apr 19, 10:18 am, Craig Baute - Creative Density Coworking Toni Hogan <[email protected]> Apr 20 08:03AM -0700 Craig, This is exactly the angle we're taking. We're promoting our space as a community coworking and business resource center. We want most of our classes to be free so we are partnering with local business development programs who already have funding and programs in place. I am also creating a program for new real estate agents. That one will have a fee associated with it but will be priced like one of our membership plans and include benefits of membership. There are many opportunities for coworking that will enhance but not take away from the true experience of community. I am hoping that when/ if we teach prospecting to agents they will go to a workspace or phone room after the class and practice what they've learned. I say IF because my focus is really on the business side of real estate practice. There are a million classes for prospecting...but we'll see. Wishing you the best and looking forward to "hearing" more about CDU! Toni On Apr 19, 12:18 pm, Craig Baute - Creative Density Coworking Craig Baute - Creative Density Coworking <[email protected]> Apr 20 09:47AM -0700 Thanks for the kind words Toni. I decided not to partner with existing programs, like the chamber of commerce, because they generally serve new businesses with the basics of starting a business, 101 style of courses. We didn't want to be that and wanted to take it up to 200 to 300 level (to keep with the University language). I noticed most of the offerings in Denver serve the low end (free or affordable) to the very technical and high-leve courses for hundreds of dollars and days at a time. I wanted to serve right in that middle that would help most of the coworkers continue their education or expand it beyond the basics. I was able to find to quality instructors (very important to me) that shared my vision and so I set up a plan to share revenue more generously than other venues. The classes are not free for a reason. If the courses are paid for then there isan accountability of quality on the instructor side and allows for me to figuratively slap them if they try to make it a sales pitch. There are plenty of free venues to learn stuff with Meetups and they vary in quality, and the revenue allows me to spend money to ensure a level of quality. It also helps Creative Density sustain itself and keep te coworking movement alive in Denver. Craig Toni Hogan <[email protected]> Apr 20 09:49AM -0700 Most definitely. We will have other offerings as well. However, because of our location we will provide services to the community-at- large. Our membership materials do state that some class offerings will be fee-based. :-) TH On Apr 20, 11:47 am, Craig Baute - Creative Density Coworking Chad Ballantyne <[email protected]> Apr 20 01:19PM -0400 The combination of coworking space and business Centre is great! Makes sense. We've launched our Small Business Success Workshops focusing on that middle ground as Craig calls it. www.thecreativespace.ca/sbs We are also providing similar classes as the Chamber or other city/government funded business support centres, but we are filling a major gap as we see it! The 3 main differentiators are: 1. Our classes are styled to be uber practical offering more hands on learning, interaction, Q&A, tools and tips while the other guys offer pamphlets.(we've heard around town how the other classes put on by the chamber or city funded resource centres are lame) 2. Doing it our Space inspires the "pre-members" ;o) towards coworking and being introduced to businesses at their level or higher. 3. The speakers are mostly members or affiliates and have agreed to be "along-the-way" mentors. The attendees can book a follow up meeting with them if Q&A doesn't cover all their questions. (just one for now - but we're working on a mentorship program for those that want more access to consultation) We did a Blogathon last weekend as part of our Small Business Success extra-ciriuclar events and have a new member already! We'll share more as they roll out. Chad We offer discounts for TCS members. On 2012-04-20, at 12:47 PM, Craig Baute - Creative Density Coworking wrote: > 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. Chad Ballantyne The Creative Space Director (705) 252-2423 www.thecreativespace.ca Toni Hogan <[email protected]> Apr 20 11:03AM -0700 hehe @ "LAME!" We're going to give them a try starting up, but I have no problem "firing" ineffectiveness. :-) TH Liability Insurance Classification<http://groups.google.com/group/coworking/t/7cb3da1ec8d433cd> Toni Hogan <[email protected]> Apr 20 10:06AM -0700 I am getting quotes on liability insurance. My agent is pretty good at matching classifications for new business concepts. She was able to get my policy through underwriting for a hometending business which was as rare as coworking is in Houston. But, I want to get a few other quotes. What classification is typically used for coworking spaces? Someone must know because I am sure you all have insurance. LOL Alex Hillman <[email protected]> Apr 20 01:12PM -0400 We've worked with a local agency to get a policy through The Hartford for our liability. They've been awesome, and helpful in figuring out the ideal classification for a coworking space since we're a little weird. They were able to help us get something that met our landlord requirements, allowed us to do events and other things that we need the flexibility to do. You can contact these fine folks: http://www.preston-patterson.com ( http://www.preston-patterson.com/). Our account manager is Diane, but Stuart is great to work with as well. Let them know that Indy Hall sent you and they can likely help you get oriented. -- /ah indyhall.org coworking in philadelphia On Friday, April 20, 2012 at 1:06 PM, Toni Hogan wrote: Tom Brandt <[email protected]> Apr 20 01:13PM -0400 We are classified as "Clubs - Civic, service or social - no buildings or premises - other". -- twb member, Workantile <http://workantile.com/> @twbrandt Mike Pihlman <[email protected]> Apr 20 10:16AM -0700 We are very happy with Preston-Patterson as Alex mentioned. We are in CA... Mike -- Mike Pihlman AltamontCowork / ForCarol.com, Inc. 95 W. 11th Street, Suite 203 Tracy, CA 95376 Phone: 209-757-8862 Web: http://AltamontCowork.com <http://altamontcowork.com/> Twitter: @AltamontCowork Facebook: http://Facebook.com/AltamontCowork< http://facebook.com/AltamontCowork> Drive Safe! Never Forget http://ForCarol.com <http://forcarol.com/> Toni Hogan <[email protected]> Apr 20 10:59AM -0700 Thanks! I'll give them a holler! TH On Apr 20, 12:12 pm, Alex Hillman <[email protected]> wrote: Seeking advice: Transitioning space from individually to collectively run<http://groups.google.com/group/coworking/t/8b7ec0704b5964c9> davis work shop <[email protected]> Apr 20 10:12AM -0700 Hi, This is an open request for stories, advice, warnings, inspirations, etc. on transitioning an individually-owned/managed coworking space to a collectively-owned and managed space. I opened The Work Shop, a modest (in size and complexity) coworking space in downtown Davis, CA exactly 5 weeks ago, and it has been a huge success.... on a tiny scale: 7 fantastic people plus drop-ins, breaking even on monthly costs, lots of community interest/curiosity, we're a stop on the downtown art tour, and lots of future project ideas from the group. Part of the success is that what I hoped for has happened: People who have joined the project are excited about shaping its future, and are willing to share in the risks and responsibilities of owning and managing the space. Anyone have experience with exactly this process, or something like it, and have some wisdom to share? My concerns include: 1. losing some of the integrity/coherence of the physical space that come from one person's vision for how it should look and feel 2. finances... is there a fair way for me to be compensated, at least in part, for some of the time I put into setting the space up and getting it going - I took this on as a very bare-bones project with just the basics, but still it has been a huge time investment finding the right location, choosing a space with the right feeling, procuring desks, table, chairs, wi-fi, printer, scanner, water, fridge, microwave, doing some light carpentry, painting, and doing a lot of negotiating on the rent, outreach, answering questions, etc.). 3. making sure that people can join the space without a requirement that they take on coworking as another time-consuming project (people for whom coworking is first and foremost a reliable work space, away from other demands) Thanks! Vinci Daro daviscoworking.blogspot.com Alex Hillman <[email protected]> Apr 20 01:32PM -0400 Congrats on the successes so far! > 1. losing some of the integrity/coherence of the physical space that > come from one person's vision for how it should look and feel There's a difference between making it a free-for-all and encouraging people to contribute. There's also a continuum of contributions - from people making suggestions to people simply "doing things" and everything in between. No matter what, though, it requires leadership. This is different from saying "yes do that" and "no, don't do that" but instead, the ability to help people understand why or why not so that they may start making those decisions on their own with some alignment to your intentions. Most people will want to do things for themselves. Your job is to remind them that the things they want to do need to benefit everyone. That takes some time to sink in, but pays off big time. The hard part, of course, is communicating your intentions. For yourself, try going through an exercise like this: http://dangerouslyawesome.com/2012/04/the-virtues-of-indy-hall/ Share the results of that exercise with your members so they can get to understand, too. Have them contribute their own ideas as well, it'll help you trust their intentions and give you comfort in giving them some more freedom to create in the space. Finally, when you do have to say no (which will happen), try to make it a "no" that could become a "yes" if they aligned their efforts better with your values and virtues. Often times, when I tell someone why their idea wouldn't be good for Indy Hall, they can alter it in a way that it can be good for Indy Hall. > desks, table, chairs, wi-fi, printer, scanner, water, fridge, > microwave, doing some light carpentry, painting, and doing a lot of > negotiating on the rent, outreach, answering questions, etc.). There's nothing wrong with making money from your coworking space. Your members most likely don't expect you do be doing charity work for them. If you have to start making compromises to the community in order for you to draw money, though, you might end up with a murkier situation. It's still early, so it sounds like you've got a chance to get this figured out. Don't wait. If you want to make money for your time, build it in to your model - don't expect it to magically happen on its own. > that they take on coworking as another time-consuming project (people > for whom coworking is first and foremost a reliable work space, away > from other demands) It's always about choice. If you're setting up your space in a way that expects community members to contribute, make that clear up front and let people choose it for themselves - don't spring it on them later. If you make contributions part of the culture, rather than a requirement to join, you'll likely end up with stronger, longer-lasting contributions. At the end of the day, you can still call the shots while giving people the opportunity to contribute to the direction you're taking things. Don't dilute your own vision, share it with them and invite them in. For more ideas on how that works, check out this model: http://dangerouslyawesome.com/2008/12/a-roadmap-for-community-organization-and-mobilization-harvey-milk/ Good luck!! -Alex Tom Brandt <[email protected]> Apr 20 01:40PM -0400 These are some of the issues we faced when we (myself and two others) bought Workantile. Our situation is little different - there are only three co-owners while it sounds like you going for more of a co-op model. We found that having the several of us, with input from community members, helped with the look and feel of our space. Talking through the aesthetics with others helped improve the way Workantile looks. The compensation for prior work is a tough issue to work out. The way we approached it was to have the previous owner come up with a number for the amount of money he put into the space. This number was backed up by receipts and other documentation. Other people had put time and effort into it as well. We also asked those people for a number backed by documentation. Once we had those numbers, we executed an excess revenue sharing agreement, whereby once cash reserves reached the point where we could cover three month's of expenses, the revenue over operating costs would be split among the previous owner and the others. This guaranteed that the business would not be starved of income by the demands of the previous owner, but the previous owner would be compensated for the time he put assuming the business is successful. Sharing the workload is another tough issue. The approach we are taking is to figure those tasks that need to be done, ask for volunteers to handle them, and recruit if necessary. We are very careful to not overload people. I hope all this helps. -- twb member, Workantile <http://workantile.com/> @twbrandt Awesome list: 64 Co-working Spaces For Every Entrepreneur<http://groups.google.com/group/coworking/t/4f9a850b291cddb3> "Volkan DULKADİROĞLU" <[email protected]> Apr 20 06:05PM +0300 That' s great, thanks for it... I Raised Over $1 Million Thanks to Coworking (video testimonial)<http://groups.google.com/group/coworking/t/1aa0f208978d6535> "Ramon Suarez (Betagroup Coworking Brussels)" <[email protected]> Apr 20 04:40PM +0200 The best video testimonial we could have gotten to give us a push :) http://coworking.betagroup.be/davy-kestens-shares-his-journey-to-the-usa-from-twitspark-startup-idea-to-raising-e1-million-in-just-9-months/ Got a spike of tryouts and signups after this, suddendly a lot more people are aware about our coworking space in all levels :) 146 members and growing! Enjoy the weekend, Ramón Suárez *Phone*: +3227376769 *Skype*: ramonsuarez *Twitter*: http://twitter.com/ramonsuarez *Blog*: http://ramonsuarez.com [image: Working at home sucks: try coworking in Brussels]< http://coworking.betagroup.be/free-coworking-tryout/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=468x60_banner&utm_content=girl-home&utm_campaign=ramon-signature > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Group coworking. You can post via email <[email protected]>. To unsubscribe from this group, send<[email protected]>an empty message. For more options, visit <http://groups.google.com/group/coworking/topics>this group. -- 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. -- 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.
