Five Factors to Consider Before Joining or Creating a Coworking Space.

Interview with Bernie J Mitchel

Episode description

Are you feeling drained and struggling to focus while working from home with kids in tow? You’re not alone.

Working remotely can be challenging, especially without the social energy and support from a coworking community.

In today’s episode, we have a special guest who will unveil five factors to consider before joining or creating a coworking space.

We are thrilled to welcome Bernie J Mitchel, a passionate Coworking Advocate, Blogger, and Podcaster, who has collaborated with coworking spaces in London and Europe since 2010.

Bernie believes that coworking spaces are the heartbeat of the local economy, providing freelancers, creators, and small businesses with a platform to network, grow, and connect with the community.

Collaboration over competition

“For me the big one is collaboration over competition which I think is when businesses go after each other, it creates a very it creates distance that creates destruction. It creates, you know, a lot of negative energy, and when people collaborate with each other, um, things come out of that that you never knew would happen…

The real layer of conversation

…You know it was a really really good group of people but then some people would go off to work and then others would sit in the restaurant or cafe or in meeting room in a hotel and get their laptops out and then that’s when the real layer of conversation happened. It’s a bit like with a podcast you know you interview people and then after the interview’s done, everyone relaxes and they they just start talking normally and something really deep and meaningful comes up.”

Five factors to consider before joining or creating a coworking space.

During the conversation, Bernie shares valuable insights that shed light on the significance of coworking spaces and how they can transform your work experience. Here’s a summary of the key points discussed:

  1. Build a community before investing in a building: 

    Bernie emphasizes cultivating a strong community before setting up a physical coworking space. By building connections and relationships with like-minded individuals, you can ensure a supportive and collaborative environment.
  2. Selling offices is key to consistent revenue:
    Bernie highlights the financial aspect of coworking spaces and explains how selling offices within the space can provide a stable source of income. This approach helps sustain the coworking ecosystem while offering flexibility to members.
  3. Encourage meaningful interactions among coworkers: 

    Creating opportunities for meaningful interactions is crucial for a thriving coworking environment. Bernie suggests organizing events, workshops, and networking sessions that foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among coworkers.
  4. Engage with the local community: 

    Coworking spaces have the potential to contribute to the local economy and foster a sense of belonging. Bernie encourages space owners to engage with the local community by partnering with nearby businesses, supporting local initiatives, and hosting community-focused events.
  5. Connect with other coworking space owners: 

    Networking and learning from other coworking space owners can provide valuable insights and guidance. Bernie advises reaching out to fellow coworking enthusiasts, attending industry conferences, and participating in online communities to expand your knowledge and stay updated on the latest trends.

Remember, if you’re feeling mentally exhausted from working at home and struggling to maintain focus, coworking spaces can provide a refreshing change of scenery and a supportive community to help you thrive.

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