[Coworking] Re: How to market to non-office needing coworkers?
Kevin, As with the first video, I greatly appreciate the time you put into thinking through this and making this for me. Very humbling. I appreciate and agree with your insight. The only thing about your comments in regard to the tabs and layout is that our site is through Nexudus, so it's a little more difficult to edit certain things. I'm actually a web designer myself, and so we could just have our own site (and we did for a long time, previously), but the nice thing about the Nexudus site is how it integrates with our system, etc. I'll see if I can figure out a workaround. Thanks again! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Re: How to market to non-office needing coworkers?
Since this original post, we've taken all of the feedback from all of you to heart, and we've made significant changes. You'll be glad to know that we've narrowed our membership options down to 3. It was hard, but I think it was needed and will be fruitful. I'm still curious about those of you who have been successful in selling those "in-between"/hot desk memberships. What's been a strategy that has worked to promote that? Who have you specifically targeted and how have you targeted them? Is there a specific niche or industry you've noticed are most interested in this kind of membership? Thanks! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Do you have an broad age mix of members?
Youngest members are in their early 30s. Oldest members are in their mid to late 60s. -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Vaping in the space
Would love to have as many of you as possible weigh in with what your personal policies are. It's honestly not something I even thought about until I found out what of our members had been vaping in their office. I have never smoked and know very little about vaping, so I don't want to be reactionary. Thanks in advance! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Re: Member access when ownership/management is not there
Thanks all! We definitely feel better about moving forward with allowing 24/7 access to all. It helped to be reassured by those of you who have walked down that road. Input appreciated! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] When to expand?
Thanks, Alex. Incredibly helpful as always! We've definitely tried to take your advice every step of the way, especially in regard to building with your community. About a month ago, we noticed our conference rooms weren't getting a ton of use, but we did fill up our offices quickly, and had more people wanting offices as well. So we kicked around the idea of converting the upstairs larger conference room into another office, and then we'd still have a conference room downstairs, and we'd be upping our income by adding another office member. My partner wanted to just do it. I pushed back and said we should really involve the community in the decision. So after going back and forth a bit, we decided to let our members know what we were considering and asked for their input. They responded quickly and fairly passionately, and they were clearly not in favor of the idea. (They all were concerned that a few months from now, it would cause a bottleneck as far as meeting space, and they also liked the idea of having a larger meeting space if it was needed.) We decided to leave things alone, and I feel like it earned us a lot of rapport and credibility with our members. It was an opportunity to show them that we weren't just BSing when we said they were owners with us and that we truly wanted to build something that met their needs, not our own. So, I feel like your advice was really helpful in that scenario. Wanted you to know I'm listening. :) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] When to expand?
To those of you who either moved from your first location to a newer, bigger location, or you opened a second location, how did you know when the time was right, and how did it work out for you? We are currently not maxed out, and honestly, we're still not even profitable, so I don't think the time is now. However, all our private offices are full and we've started a waitlist. Input appreciated. :) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Member access when ownership/management is not there
Thanks, Jeannine. You confirmed what I was already feeling. We decided that we're going to just make sure we have an in-depth interview with everyone who signs up moving forward (more detailed than we have been), and we'll rely on the security cameras, the other members and our guts. We have lability insurance, and honestly, we don't have a ton of money invested (very much bootstrapping), so there isn't a ton anyone could steal that we couldn't replace in short order. It's just all new to us. Thanks again for the advice. It's truly helpful to hear from those who have walked the road we're just starting to walk. -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Member access when ownership/management is not there
Hey guys! So, Cowork Gloucester VA is rolling along, and we're doing great so far (open since November and have 3 private offices leased, 1 dedicated desk, 2 part-time members, and 6 community members). However, we're still very green and have a lot to learn. The main thing I am hoping you can give me feedback on is the issue of member access when you or a community manager is not on-site. Because we're so new and don't really have capital behind us, we haven't been able to (and still cannot) afford hiring anyone to be a receptionist or community manager. This leaves me to have to be there pretty much every day from 9 to 5. We allow our Private Office members to have the keypad combo and to come and go as they please, 24/7. Even that is somewhat of a risk, but we felt like we needed to limit liability in not giving that same unfettered access to the lower rungs of membership. Are we being overcautious? Is there another way we could/should approach this? How do you handle it at your space? Thanks in advance! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Re: How to market to non-office needing coworkers?
Kevin: I'm actually kind of blown away that you took the time to go through and be so thorough and to even make the video that you did. I'm genuinely humbled. Your feedback was/is tremendously valuable and it's given me much to think about it. Thank you very much! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Re: How to market to non-office needing coworkers?
Hi all! Really great input and the feedback is much appreciated! To those of you who found our pricing/membership options confusing or overwhelming, I'm wondering if coworkgloucesterva.com was where you found this info? I'm working on actually transferring everything over to where our Nexudus Spaces site is the hub for everything, and we would just forward our domain there when ready. It's just cleaner to have it all in one place. With that in mind, I wonder if those of you who found the pricing to be confusing at our main domain would mind checking it out on our Spaces site at: http://coworkgloucesterva.spaces.nexudus.com/en#priceplans. I think it's a little cleaner there, as the price tiers are wrapped in tabs. After viewing there, I'd love your feedback on whether or not you still find it to be too much. Thanks! ~Kevin -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] How to market to non-office needing coworkers?
At the beginning of November, Cowork Gloucester VA officially launched (in Gloucester, Virginia -- 30 min from Williamsburg and an hour from Va Beach) and we hit ground the running with no looking back! So far, we've been extremely blessed to have already rented out all three of our private offices. We also have secured two part-time members ($90/month for 10 days of access to the shared workspace and conference/meeting rooms) and six community members (access to consulting, network of members, online resources + one day per month of access to the coworking space for $30/month). That said, we are not getting any day pass or conference room rentals, and we're having a hard time selling memberships to the in-between levels (not introductory/community, but not private office either -- the in-between). I'd be interested in hearing from any of you who have had success with this sort of problem as far as what you did and how you approached it. Wisdom appreciated. P.S. I'm hugely thankful for this group. Without it, and without the input of many of you, we likely never would have launched. Best Google Group ever! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Router Advice
Cowork Gloucester VA opens the doors officially on November 1st! We just had the Internet installed today, and now we need a router that will do the trick. I know we will eventually need access points (and I've been reading up on that in this forum), but starting off, we don't much of a budget to work with, and we don't have enough members to really justify a robust setup. For right now, we will have everyone in one floor (which is roughly 1000-1200sqft), with two private offices, a conference room, and a shared lounge/coworking area. I don't anticipate there being a ton of bandwidth used, and right now, there are only 5 members (plus several others who will be popping in part time). Can anyone make a suggestion for a router that can handle this kind of traffic? We can upgrade later when the traffic justifies doing so. We just need something for getting started that does a good job but isn't too costly. Thanks! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] How do you take payments?
Cowork Gloucester VA still does not have a building, but we've decided to launch our community anyway. We have formed a board of advisors comprised of local and regional business experts, and we plan to offer the following to our members: - Free access to events & classes - Members and their business will be featured on our website - Annual professional headshots - Annual business card design - Access to 30-minute, one-on-one coaching with our advisors (monthly) - Access to our network of fellow local entrepreneurs - Access to online resources from our advisors We plan to eventually use Nexudus once we have our venue, so my question is this: Should we just start using it now to take community membership payments to make assimilation easier later, or is there another way of accepting payments you'd recommend? Thanks! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Re: Update on Coworking in Gloucester, VA
there...@gmail.com *KEVIN HAGGERTY* *OWNER/OPERATOR KR GRAPHIX <http://www.krgraphix.com>* *CO-OWNER COWORK GLOUCESTER VA <http://www.coworkgloucesterva.com>* On Wed, May 17, 2017 at 12:52 PM, Theresa Hoskins <there...@gmail.com> wrote: > > > On Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 11:17:50 AM UTC-4, Kevin Haggerty wrote: >> >> Hi, Theresa! Just sent you an email. Nice to meet you! > > Hi Kevin, which email address did it go to? > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the > Google Groups "Coworking" group. > To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/ > topic/coworking/Ggx61dcS0W4/unsubscribe. > To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to > coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. > -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Welcome packets
I recently noticed this welcome kit on Pinterest and thought it was really cool: https://pinterest.com/pin/225180050100626414/ How many of you do something similar? Just curious how well its done for you, and also curious if any of you started to do something like this but stopped for whatever reason. -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Coworking in Small Towns - Discussion Group?
I'd be interested in this too! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Closet Phone Booth
Thanks for the feedback, Jerome. That all makes sense. I'm clear on what you think we should not do as a solution to give our members space to have phone calls and video conferences, but any recommendations on what we should do? Going outside would be cumbersome as we are on the second floor. We just don't have the budget for one or multiple prefab models (Zenbooth, Framery, etc). We also don't have enough space to be able to afford giving up a room for this purpose. I appreciate the input! :) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Closet Phone Booth
As we start to map out how we're going to layout and organize our space, something we're looking at now is how to provide spaces for phone calls. This is a little tricky because we're upstairs, and also, we don't have a lot of room to work with. That said, we do have several closets that we don't really need for storage, and were playing with the idea of converting them into phone booths. The thought is to replace the doors with ones that have a glass panel, so to create the illusion of more space (less claustrophobic), and to add an aesthetically pleasing hanging light, a stool or stoop seat that doesn't take up much space, a small floating shelf for laptop/phone, an outlet to plug in devices, and some soundproofing panels to help deaden the sound. Have any of you ever tried anything like this? Any thoughts one way or the other? -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Name protection
Wow, Alex. I think you nailed it. I hadn't totally committed to just moving on and ignoring them, and I think you justifiably brought attention to that. I sincerely do appreciate it. I'd been lying to myself (or trying to) about the lack of hurt or anger I was feeling. I'm a very trusting person, and these kind of ordeals mess me up a little. I just don't understand being or thinking that way. I'll do my best to truly move on and focus on the mission and the community. We're being interviewed by the local paper today, and we sign our lease tomorrow. There are many positive things going on right now, and I'll make that my focus. I appreciate the encouragement and tough love. -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Name protection
So, for those of you who have been following, some of this is repeat info, but the short summary is this: We were working with landlords who pretended to believe in our idea to bring coworking to our community, jacked up the rent to an unbelievable amount they knew we couldn't pay so we have to walk away, and are now trying to do the space without us -- which we now suspect was they plan all along. Additionally, I've gotten wind that they even intend to try and use the name we'd been using for the movement, Cowork Gloucester VA. I own and have always owned the domain (www.coworkGloucesterVA.com), as well as the Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts with the same namesake. Yesterday, we created our LLC with the same name, filed our trade name paperwork with the County, got our business license with that name, and, I think, checked all of those boxes. Additionally, I also filed for the trademark online, and here's where my question comes in: In order to finalize the trademark, I need to pay another $275 for the filing fee. I'd rather not so that if I don't have to. Do you think the trademark is overkill, or is it necessary? With all the other things I've squared away, even without the trademark, wouldn't infringement be easy to prove if they try and use our name? Thanks! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Update on Coworking in Gloucester, VA
It's just so slimy. I can't imagine operating that way. Oh well. All I can do is operate the right way and with integrity. :) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Update on Coworking in Gloucester, VA
Oh I plan to be nice, and to smile, but if they try and use my trade name, theyz gonna get sued. ;) On Tue, May 9, 2017 at 4:09 PM, Angel Kwiatkowski <fccowork...@gmail.com> wrote: > Oh brother! and looks like my crystal ball still works :) In such a small > town, you'll want to keep an olive branch firmly extended even if you have > to grit your teeth a little. > > angel > > > On Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 12:26:02 PM UTC-6, Kevin Haggerty wrote: >> >> Angel, >> >> Thanks, and good suggestion! We're actually looking to open up >> fundraising in the next few days, and one of the things we're hoping to do >> is offer discounted memberships for those who sign up in advance (as many >> of you have done). >> >> Additionally, I got some "fun" news this morning. Apparently, the >> landlords of the place we were looking at previously are now planning to >> still try and do a coworking spaced out of the property, and they plan to >> call it Cowork Gloucester VA. >> >> My plan was never to call the venue that, but it was always the brand >> used to promote the movement, so they're definitely infringing and >> potentially adding market confusion. >> >> I now believe my suspicions have been confirmed and that they intended to >> push me out with an outrageous offer and attempt to do it without me. >> >> As soon as I heard the news, I went online and trademarked the name, >> Cowork Gloucester VA. I also own the website, and all the social networking >> accounts. Next, I plan to go down to the county and register there. So, >> weird strategy on their part, but if they move forward, they may end up >> funding my coworking space. :) >> >> -- > Visit this forum on the web at http://discuss.coworking.com > --- > You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the > Google Groups "Coworking" group. > To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/ > topic/coworking/WWy8mg1_Kto/unsubscribe. > To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to > coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. > -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Update on Coworking in Gloucester, VA
Angel, Thanks, and good suggestion! We're actually looking to open up fundraising in the next few days, and one of the things we're hoping to do is offer discounted memberships for those who sign up in advance (as many of you have done). Additionally, I got some "fun" news this morning. Apparently, the landlords of the place we were looking at previously are now planning to still try and do a coworking spaced out of the property, and they plan to call it Cowork Gloucester VA. My plan was never to call the venue that, but it was always the brand used to promote the movement, so they're definitely infringing and potentially adding market confusion. I now believe my suspicions have been confirmed and that they intended to push me out with an outrageous offer and attempt to do it without me. As soon as I heard the news, I went online and trademarked the name, Cowork Gloucester VA. I also own the website, and all the social networking accounts. Next, I plan to go down to the county and register there. So, weird strategy on their part, but if they move forward, they may end up funding my coworking space. :) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Update on Coworking in Gloucester, VA
Yesterday, we met with a potential new landlord who has the upstairs of a building she is currently not using. She's leasing it out for very little ($550/month + electric). It's a no-brainer, as the lease is an amount my partner and I could handle ourselves if things went south, so there's very little rent. We hope to sign the lease this week. Very exciting! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Re: Update on Coworking in Gloucester, VA
Hi, Theresa! Just sent you an email. Nice to meet you! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Update on Coworking in Gloucester, VA
I just wanted to write an update for those of you who have been following along with our progress in Gloucester, VA -- in particular to those of you who have helped and given valuable input along the way. If you recall, the situation has been fairly unique, in that the landlords (husband & wife) of the building we were looking to use were approaching things from a benevolent approach/perspective, and had chosen to focus on their desire to support the business and less about the agreement and our roles. Several of you (rightly) had apprehension over that, and in response to your advice of the advice of other mentors, I have been making firm efforts to nail them down on some kind of agreement over the past two weeks. (It hasn't been easy.) Long story as short as I can make it - the results have been disappointing. When I finally got them to give me some hard numbers, their proposal was $17.40/sq ft for the lease. To give frame of reference, commercial real estate in the area typically leases for anywhere from $6/sq ft up to $16/sq ft on the high end. So, we suddenly went from them being invested in the vision and wanting to help foster that to it being very cut and dry and them essentially making me a business offer that I'd have to be foolish to accept. The good news is that we got this out on the table now versus later. I did not respond to their offer right away (it was made during a meeting last Tuesday), as I wanted to have time to process and do research. I'm scheduled to meet with them this evening, where I will tell them I cannot accept their terms and see where the conversation goes. It's likely I'll need to walk away, which is totally ok, because I know it isn't about a building. :) Additionally, I've recently taken on a partner. She is a young lady who was looking to start a local small business incubator, and we both felt our similar interests and what we bring to the table would complement the other well. So, the focus has shifted a little, and the plan is now to create a coworking space that would also have a small business incubator built in, including an advisory board of mentors who are local business owners and entrepreneurs who have expertise and experience to share. Our group of interested coworkers continues to grow, and we're now up to about 20 people who have said they want in when the doors open. I also got an email from the local newspaper this morning, and they're looking to do an article on what we're trying to do. This afternoon, my partner and I are going to look at the upstairs of a local building as a possible alternative location. It's old and needs a lot of TLC, but the rent/lease is about 25% of what the other landlords were asking. The thought is that we could get our feet wet there and learn about running the space, and we could even just go cheap on the furniture by getting thrift store stuff, building certain aspects (floating wall desks), and just trying to operate n a shoestring budget until things take off. We've also found a local accountant who is going to help us make sure we're doing things by the book in that regard, and she will be on retainer for $150/month (which we think is pretty cheap). We're thinking about just going ahead and launching presales and doing some crowdfunding to help with upfront costs, but our fear is that people won't buy into that without a building/location. I'd love to hear from any of you who have been successful in similar circumstances. As always, I appreciate all feedback and support. More to come. ~Kevin -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Re: Room scheduling
Thanks, Andy. -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Re: Room scheduling
Thanks, Adrian. This sounds like exactly what we need. -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Room scheduling
Do any of you use any kind of digital marquee or display for tracking room use/scheduling? I was thinking of getting a couple of tablets and setting them up outside our meeting rooms. Does Nexudus support anything like this? I'd basically like it to show what slots are full, but also allow people to sign up for slots there too. Input appreciated! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Re: Determining capacity
I'm hugely appreciative of all who have weighed in. I know you are all very busy, so it means a lot to me. Angel: I went ahead and picked up your cashflow spreadsheet. I can read through it while I'm listening to Alex's audiobook! :) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Re: Determining capacity
Thanks, Angel! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Re: Determining capacity
Alex, Thank you! This is hugely helpful too! Totally hear you on adding value beyond the space. I've recently begun to talk to another local entrepreneur who had previously been interested in starting a local small business incubator. A mutual friend of ours (who acts as a mentor for us both) put us in contact with each other a few days ago, and we really hit it off. Turns out, we both had a similar vision, which was to help small businesses and entrepreneurs in Gloucester, VA to be successful -- we just were pursuing it in different ways. Moreover, we both felt (and feel) that our different strengths and connections complement the others', and it just seemed like it made more sense to collaborate than to compete against each other with such similar ideas and visions. So, we decided that we are going to partner together to create what will be a coworking space that also happens to be a small business incubator. We're working to establish an advisory of local businesspeople who would essentially act as mentors. The mentors all would come from diverse fields (local business owners, accountants, lawyers, marketers, and various other consultants who will bring value), and they'd be asked to donate an hour a month of consulting/advising for the members. The advisors will also be asked / have the opportunity to lead classes and workshops which will give them opportunity to pour into the members, but also to advertise their services, so it's reciprocal value, hopefully. We know that the incubator aspect will not appeal to all, but that is true of the coffee, the printer, the meeting room, and even the coworking space to an extent, right? :) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Re: Determining capacity
Thank you, Jen. This was very helpful. :) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Determining capacity
Yes, we agree on that point. :) However, the people who I'm talking to about funding want to know what my plan is for when I'm NOT far, far away from overbooking, and they also want to know what metrics I'll be using to determine when I'm close to that point. I was certain most of you have faced this, and so was hoping for input in relation to your experiences. Thanks! :) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Determining capacity
Thanks, Ramon. Anyone else have any input? I guess if I can communicate more clearly, here's what I'm trying to reason through: We're looking to have four different tiers of access: 1) Day Pass 2) Part-Time (only needs access 3-5 days/month) 3) Full-Time (access 5 days a week, 9am-6pm) 4) Owner Status (24/7, unlimited access) How can we determine what the cap would be on each level of access since they'll be there at different times? For example. Let's say someone has a Part-Time membership. They CAN be there 3-5 days a month, but I don't know which days they'll be there, and I don't want to force people to indicate that as I think it would be restrictive. So, how do we avoid overbooking? I know some of you will probably look at this and say, "Geez! This guy is worried about overbooking and he hasn't even opened yet? Cocky much?!" I get that. And you'd be right to feel that way ordinarily, but here's the thing -- I'm meeting with a County official today at noon to discuss our possibly receiving funding, and this is one of the things he wants to know. They want to see a very solid and well-outlined business plan and operating agreement, or they won't have anything to do with us. So, if anyone can give me input before noon, that would rock! (Input after noon still very much appreciated!) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Determining capacity
How did you guys determine where to cap number of memberships, etc, since the building is used at different times by different people? Hope my question makes sense. :) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Re: Update on Coworking in Gloucester, VA
Hey Alex, I just purchased your audiobook and plan to listen to it today. I'm excited about it! Here's the deal with my situation. I had been posting on FB for a while about coworking, when a person I've known for a few years messaged me and asked if we could meet. She and her husband (I've known them both for several years.) had bought a house on Main St that used to be a law office building. They'd been kind of sitting on it more or less for a few months not really having much of an idea what to do with it. Then, they saw my posts, and thought it was an interesting idea. So we met at the house and started walking through. I told them my thoughts, and I even started to give specifics on potential layout. This all transitioned to a meeting where they suggested allowing me to have the run of the first floor for coworking. They would pay for all the upfitting and furnishing and even get the exact furniture I specified on. They would pay for the networking of the building, security, insurance, maintenance and landscaping, and even the monthly internet bill. This all sounded great to me because I have little to no capital right now, and it allowed me the opportunity to get started right away without having to fundraise, etc. They seem really excited about the idea, about working with me, and how it could be positive for our community. They've even said they will be limiting the upstairs tenants to one-year leases so that if the coworking space takes off, we can have the upstairs too for expansion. I've tried a couple times to bring up what our lease agreement would be, as well as what our business relationship would be, specifically. So far, all they have said is that they want to give the space the best chance to succeed, so instead of giving a hard number or specific lease, they would just take a percentage of what comes in at first as we get on our feet. There's been no discussion beyond that. I wasn't really anxious about it until a week or so ago when multiple mentors in my life advised me to get things nailed down. Here's what I'm proposing. (I would LOVE your feedback!): - I will go ahead and incorporate under an LLC for the coworking business so I'm protected. - I will pay for the internet for the downstairs to keep things neater. - I'll also have my own insurance/liability policy for the downstairs and my business. - I will suggest that if they are indeed paying for 100% of the upfit, they will get 100% of what comes in, minus my monthly bills/expenses (internet, insurance, coffee/amenities, Nexudus subscription, maintenance), until they recoup all of their expenses for upfit. (I run my own web/graphic design company, and I do not intend for the coworking space to be a source of revenue for me at first. I hear that a lot of spaces are not profitable for the first year anyway, so it seems this would work out.) - If the space fails (don't want to think that way but things happen) my company and I would not be on the hook for the rest of the expenses, but we also would not get to keep anything. They bought it. They keep it. - Once they've recouped everything, we'd convert to a standard lease agreement and negotiate at that point as to what the terms would be. I understand that puts me a little more at their mercy when it comes to the negotiating later down the road because if the space really takes off, they could ask an arm and a leg for rent. However, it allows me to start without capital, and to really get the model on its feet with no overhead or debt, and then if they do end up being unreasonable about the rent amount, I still own the business and can take it elsewhere as an attractive commodity. I'm pretty much begging for input. :) Thanks! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Re: Update on Coworking in Gloucester, VA
Erica, Thanks for responding and for sharing about your journey. I appreciate your support, and I'll be rooting for you too! A tidbit I'll share with you that ay or may not be helpful: I'm not sure if you plan to spearhead this yourself or if you have or are seeking partners. However, if your situation is anything like mine because it's such a new idea and in a community that badly needs it, people may start to gravitate to you as they are now doing so with me. I fully admit that I didn't go to school for business and that isn't really my forte. I'm super trusting of people and their intentions, and sometimes that gets me in trouble. I ay all that to say this: Be careful/wary of people who would come in and want to partner. I hate to say that because this movement is so about collaboration and sharing, but it's really important to spell out intentions and the numbers early on. I allowed myself to be in a situation where we kind of breezed past that, and now the situation is awkward. I wish I'd been firm on that early on, and I hope to let you (and anyone else reading this) learn from my mistake. I like the Honeycomb suggestion! Even if we don't use that, it gets me pointed in a new creative direction. Thanks! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Re: Promotion for new coworking space
Guess who's an idiot, has two thumbs, and definitely didn't realize this post was six years old. Yep. You guessed it. It's me. -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Re: Promotion for new coworking space
South End Coworking -- Your website is still down. Probably not great for promotion. Not trying to be a jerk, just sincerely wanted to make sure you knew. -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Coming soon signs
Hey all, I know I just posted a second ago. Forgive me. I have zeal. So, so much zeal. I'm working on designing a sign for in front of our currently unopened cowork space. We have a 3ft by 4ft frame I can use, so the sign needs to be portrait oriented. I want the sign to essentially pique interest and also give people a little info about what's coming. Do you have any examples of signs that you've used to do this? Any suggestions for what it should say? Thanks! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Update on Coworking in Gloucester, VA
So, in advance, this is going to be long. If you TLDR; this, I will understand. That said, I know there are many in this group who love coworking as a whole, enjoy cultivating it globally, and care enough to hear the stories and give the advice. So here goes. If you've been keeping up with me, you know that I felt the call a little over a month ago to begin the very first coworking space in Gloucester, Virginia. Gloucester is a tiny town of 30,000 people, located between Williamsburg and Virginia Beach. We're growing, and the dynamic and culture are shifting and moving in a very cool direction. I've always loved Gloucester, but it has been a town for older folks, most of whom are very blue-collared, who work in industrial and labor specific jobs. The young people have traditionally either gone to college and moved away, moved somewhere else for jobs, or stayed here and followed in the family business footsteps. Tech jobs and entrepreneurship did not have a place here 10 years ago. But that is changing and doing so rapidly. It started for me the way it started for many of you. I worked for myself and needed a better place to get stuff done. And though I'm pretty introverted, I did miss opportunities to share and collaborate. At that point, I was completely unaware of what coworking even was. (I live in Gloucester, remember? :) ) So, I started Googling for solutions, and that's when I found it. I feel like my life will never be the same. I Googled more. I found this group and voraciously read as many posts as I could. I read entire books. I watched hours of YouTube videos. (I believe I've seen almost every video on YouTube that has anything to do with Coworking, and I'm not kidding at all.) I've read/studied business plans, had conversations with other space owners, and tried to learn as much in a little amount of time as possible. I focused on finding "my people," heeding the wisdom of Alex and the many others who said the same. I started a FB group for local entrepreneurs. I started having regular conversations and meetings with local business owners and people who work for themselves. After a couple of weeks, it became clear that there was a need for a coworking space in this community, and that it appeared it would be well received. So, I created a second FB page -- this time one just for the coworking idea/space. Not all in the entrepreneurs group were interested in or needed a coworking space, so I wanted to go further and isolate on the target market I wanted without cluttering a channel for those who did not want/need it. A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by some long-time friends of mine who had recently purchased a building on Main Street in the heart of our County's downtown area. They purchased it in November and had kind of been in a quandary over how to use it. They had seen my posts on FB and were interested in the idea. After a few days of talking/thinking it over, we were sold on working together, and they decided they wanted to let me use the first floor of their two-story building for coworking. They have committed to doing all of the furnishing and upfitting, based on my recommendations. They are going to be leasing the second story out to tenants who need office space, and that will operate separately from the first-floor coworking space. With that said, they have also said that they are only going to allow one-year, max leases for upstairs because they want to leave the possibility open for the coworking space to blow up and end up needing to take over the second story as well. This would be great because it would give us a chance to grow, get our feet wet, and then in a year, we can offer private offices too, plus another large room for more coworking. But that, of course, depends on us doing a good job and the community rallying around this. The space is currently being renovated, and the plan is that when we get it looking fit enough for viewing (finish up painting, get all the walls patched and presentable, etc), we will host a meet and greet/walkthrough for the community. We will promote it on our website, FB, our email list, and also through the local newspaper and radio (I have connections at both media resources and get this advertising for free). I've recently reached out to the ones who have expressed the most serious interest in the space (my email list -- 13 of them to be exact) and have asked them for their input on several items -- most important of those being the name of the space and the pricing of the membership tiers. So far, "The Hive" has been the overwhelming favorite. I know. There are a ton of coworking spaces with that name. I've heard you guys loud and clear on that. However, I have not pushed for it. The community wants it. Beehives have a very specific significance in this area, and I'm not even sure I could talk them out of it at this point. I know I can call it whatever I want, but
Re: [Coworking] Coworking space name
Good point. :) In addition to my last post, I should add that I've spent a ton of time I've the past couple of weeks networking and making friends with County officials and key individuals in the county who have major sway (influential business owners, leaders in local business organizations, etc), and I've found it to be hugely effective in carrying the momentum. They've all joined in by sharing our posts on Facebook and encouraging their friends to check us out. The entire county is interested, and we've been getting a lot of traffic. I just don't want you (Alex) to think I'm not paying attention to your advice about building community. I have a ton of respect for you, and I pay close attention to everything you say! Thanks for caring! :) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Coworking space name
Alex, Thanks for your input. I value it as always. I may have been unclear. We actually already have a building. I've been blessed with a unique opportunity, in that some friends of mine recently bought a building on Main St, and they are letting us set up shop on the first floor. I've been working vigorously on creating community, mainly online, and I've had many express interest. I'm close to having ten people who have said they are on board and will sign up as soon as we launch. Obviously we cannot count those chickens until they sign contracts, but I feel like it's a big positive. We have a Facebook page where there's been a lot of going back and forth, and I've been speaking directly to the people I view as my core on a regular basis. I've met with a couple and have more physical meetings scheduled for next week. The plan is to get the space a little more ready to be seen (Paint, other minor renovations), and then in a week or two, we will have an interest meeting at the location and invite the entire community to visit, see/hear what we're about, and to be able to buy in. I'm not in any way in favor of forgoing the creation and cultivating of the community and core members. In fact, I've been working very hard on that. Coming up with a name is, in my opinion, now not a luxury. It will actually be very necessary soon, as we have our location and may be launching in a month or two. Again, I appreciate all your input, and I'm listening, I promise. :) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Coworking space name
You mean including Main Street in the title and playing off that? Definitely considered that. But nothing creative yet. Also, I'm probably getting way ahead of myself (I do that), but I'm already thinking about a couple other locations, and my thought was to use a name that wasn't Main Street specific for that reason. :) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Coworking space name
We are still searching for a name for our coworking space in Gloucester, VA, and I had an idea I wanted to run by this group for feedback. I'm thinking either "Pulse" or "The Pulse." I did a quick Google search and didn't see any other cowork spaces with this name (are there any?), and I like the idea of our space representing the heartbeat of the community. We're on our community's main street, so we're basically in the heart of Gloucester. What do you guys think? -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Promotion for new coworking space
Gotcha. Sorry for confusion, Barbara. I was not responding to you about the website. Was responding to OP. Not sure if it still is, but their website was down. -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Promotion for new coworking space
Just a heads up that your website isn't working. If you already knew, ignore. :) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] LinkedIn
Thanks, Alex. Where might I find your audiobook? -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] LinkedIn
To those of you who started coworking spaces: Have any of you been successful in using LinkedIn to find locals from specific industries who might be interested in what you're providing? If yes, please share. If not, any other tips on doing so? Thanks! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Re: Unique Name for Coworking Spot
Thanks, Alex. Great input as always. You guys have convinced me. Down with the hive. Ha. -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Re: Unique Name for Coworking Spot
Solid feedback. Thanks!! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Re: Noob intro
Thanks so much, Angel. I just spent the last hour or so downloading and reading/consuming resources on your site. Very helpful! -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Unique Name for Coworking Spot
As I continue to gear up for our "one day" launch, one of the items I kick around is the name of the space. Right now, I'm leaning towards calling it The Hive. My reason is twofold: 1) I love the picture it creates -- the hive mentality. Everyone coming together to get work done in a community. 2) The beehive is a symbol of historical significance here in Gloucester, VA, and has been dating back to the 1800s, used as a picture of unity in the colony. It is common to see beehives used as decorations in this area quite often. So, I feel like it would be a name that resonates with the community. Coworking is completely foreign here, so I want to do my best to work with the culture and not against it. All of this being said, in aware of at least a couple other coworking spaces (globally) with this same moniker. Am I being unoriginal? Am I breaking any unwritten Coworking rules by doing this? I really like the name, and the people in the community in bounced it off of really like it as well. I just want to make sure I'm being respectful to those who have gone before me and paved the way. Thanks! P.S. I really love this community. You've been so gracious and open. It's humbling. -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Re: [Coworking] Noob intro
Thank you both for your input. I know you're both incredibly busy, and it means a lot to me that you took the time to share your wisdom as experience. It was very helpful! :) -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] What does everyone use for checking users in?
Do none of you use Cobot? I've heard a lot about it and surprised to see no one mention it here. -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
[Coworking] Noob intro
Hey group! My name is Kevin Haggerty. I'm 37 years old and live in Gloucester, Virginia. Our city has approximately 30k people in it, and it is located between Williamsburg and Virginia Beach. A month ago, after five years in the ministry, and for a variety of reasons I won't go into here, I stepped down as Executive Pastor of a church. My background actually isn't in ministry, rather, it is in web and graphic design. So, after stepping down, I went back to what I know, which is designing websites. I started off working from home, but I have two toddlers and a newborn at home, so, yeah, no go. I tried the library, Starbucks, etc, etc, and you all have obviously been down that road which is what led you here. A month ago, I'd never even heard of coworking. Now, in fairly obsessed with the idea of it. My community doesn't have a coworking space. The closest one is 45 minutes away. I think it'd be great for our community, but I just am not totally sure how to go about it. I've ravenously digested Alex's blog posts and videos. I've watched every video on the CoHo YouTube channel. I've watched and listened to hours of Jerome talking about coworking space and arrangement. I've read just about every post on this group forum (which is amazing, btw). I've amassed at least 100 hours of research, just in the last month. I started a Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/coworkGloucesterVA) to generate interest. So far, I have six people who have said they'd be serious about joining, and I've added them to an email list. I'm working on planning a meetup soon where we can all get to know each other and talk possibilities. Additionally, I've begun scouting locations. Here is the rundown: - There is an old historic house on our Main Street that was recently purchased by some friends of mine. It's two stories, and they are interested in renting out the top story for dedicated office space and letting me operate a coworking space on the first floor. The first floor has a small kitchen, a bathroom, a small office, a room that could be a conference room, a 10x30 room that would be good for open coworking, then a smaller 10x20 room that could work for more partitioned and quieter space. There's also decent parking out back, and the building is in the thick of downtown, so lots to do nearby. The owners are interested in essentially charging me a percentage based on how many I have in the building, and not a set rent rate. They'd also help with the build-out costs, if not incur them entirely. It's less risky, but it means I still essentially work for syndrome and don't really have ownership, and there also isn't much room to grow. - There is a 3600 sqft unit in a nearby shopping center. It is pretty much a blank slate, and I could do a lot with it. The shopping center it resides in is growing and would be a good place to be. The lease is $2100/month, which is cheap considering the space, but I don't have any capital, and I haven't had time to do any fundraising yet. - There are a couple other spaces simular to the one mentioned above. - I've also spoken to a man with the local economic development foundation, and he's told me about an old historic, 4500 sqft building on Main Street that used to be a law office. He was unclear as to really why he brought it up and if he thinks we'd be able to use it. What he was clear on was that he needs to see a financial plan from me. I have a business plan, but a financial plan on a coworking space seems difficult to me. All I can think to do is give him my pricing model and some different scenarios based on how full the building is and what types of memberships could theoretically be purchased. I've led organizations before and am comfortable leading. I think this idea is a good one and something our community needs. I just don't know what to do next, and I could really use some direction. I'm sorry for the novel. I appreciate the feedback in advance. Thanks! -Kevin -- 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
