Hi Erynn- While we don't have an application process, we are somewhat selective in order to make sure that everyone is here for the right reasons. We have found success in having everyone agree to an agreement that includes Community Norms + basic expectations of our coworkers. It is written in very casual language (no legalease) and gets the point across. This gives us the opportunity to refer to the signed agreement in case of any problems. We have only had one problem in the14 months we've been open. And, I find that this sort of approach gives people expectations up front (and, in writing, of course).
Hope that helps. Kelly On Tuesday, September 23, 2014 12:44:27 PM UTC-4, Erynn Lyster wrote: > > Hi Everyone > > I've seen some discussion here about selecting members and being > transparent with your criteria if you are accepting applications, but > I'd like to know how some of you have handled turning down members. > > I know some spaces use the method of self-selecting - ie: anyone can > join and those who don't fit eventually phase out. And I can see the > merits of that. However, we still find that having an application > process works well for us. We have everyone fill out an application and > on their space tour we let them know that we are looking for good > personality fit, similar work styles, community/coworker expectations > and we try and have a wide diversity of businesses. We stress we are a > boutique space so we are small and therefore all of these factors are > even more important in choosing members. > > We cringe a little at all of this because it does sound elitist, but to > be honest almost everyone gets in who wants to be in and those that > don't fit actually realize it themselves on their first visit and don't > pursue membership. > > However, there are a few who don't and I am wondering how others turn > down these people who you know just aren't going to fit, but do it in a > way that is polite and considerate. We find the conversation is just > awkward! However it's necessary as we have found in the past, ignoring > our gut instinct and having them become members isn't very nice in the > long run either ... > > ~Erynn > > -- > -- > Erynn Lyster > The Commons Calgary > a cowork apothecary > > www.thecommonscalgary.com > (403) 399-1716 (cell) or (403) 452-7938 (office) > > -- Visit this forum on the web at http://discuss.coworking.com --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
