1.27 million people worked in co-working spaces in 2017. With more people searching for shared office space, the development of virtual offices continues to rise.
If you’ve thought about using shared office spaces, you should know that not all office sharing experiences are created equally. If you choose the wrong space, you could find yourself trying desperately to get out of a contract.
Continue reading this article as we share must-know information about choosing your ideal co-working space.
Finding the Best Shared Office Space and Avoiding the Worst
Sharing space with other professionals can save you a lot of money. Some spaces are also part of networks which will give you access to offices all around the world. As you find out more, you will see many benefits from using this shared offices spaces, and you may warm up to the idea even further.
If you make the wrong decision and use a company that doesn’t offer the functions and access you need, you may never try shared spaces again. Don’t give yourself a bad taste for this working model. Do your due diligence to avoid a bad experience.
Let’s get into the tips to keep you from making major mistakes when choosing a shared office.
1. Check for Limitations
Most shared office spaces have different packages and access levels you can buy. If you plan on using these spaces a lot, you need to make sure you will have enough access with the package you have. There often are packages for every type of business need when you find a good company.
Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure to get an itemized list of all benefits that come with your package. See if there are limits to the number of days you can use the space in a row or if there is a certain number of hours you can be there per day.
If there is an unlimited option, it could be rather pricey so make sure to ask for a quote for unlimited access to see if that is feasible for your needs.
2. Evaluate the Culture
Every shared office space is going to have a different culture and feel. You should visit each of your potential choices to see how you feel when you enter. If you are a friendly person, you most likely want an environment where the other people are friendly, and the opposite is true if you are an introvert.
If the culture of the space doesn’t fit you, keep looking until you find the right place.
3. Check for Amenities
While you are used to checking for available amenities when you are checking into a hotel, you might not think about asking what amenities are available in a shared office space.
A major advantage of co-working is that you don’t have to take care of the space. You need to make sure to pick up any trash or debris you bring into the space, but you don’t have to hire a cleaning crew. All maintenance is taken care of for you.
Find out if the space you are considering offers high-speed WiFi, complimentary beverages, kitchens, mail distribution, privacy nooks, free printing and scanning, meeting rooms or any other perks for being a member.
Check with each of the spaces you are considering so you can decide which one is the best option for you.
4. Minimal Distractions
When you look for a co-working space, make sure there is a place where you can go if you need to make an important phone call or have a video meeting. Some shared spaces are just a bunch of tables where you are working nose to nose like a coffee shop and have too many distractions.
5. Look at Regulations
If there are regulations, make sure you know what they are before you sign. Don’t assume everything will work out and that you will be able to abide by the rules. Knowing what you agree to before you get involved is key.
6. Networking Opportunities
You will be working in a space with many other people, so there could be opportunities for networking. A structured networking event is one way to network, and you should ask if these opportunities are provided. You don’t want to interrupt people throughout their workdays, so having a structured event is helpful.
7. Look for Education Opportunities
Some shared workspaces offer education opportunities on topics like marketing, sales, networking and more. See if the space you are considering has structured programs in place or if they have affiliations with companies that offer education programs.
Educational opportunities are also great places to network and find other people that are interested in growing their business and skills.
Should You Use A Shared Working Space?
Now you know what to look for so you can avoid a shared office space disaster. While there are great options, you might not know if working in a shared space is right for you and your business.
If you need a space to work away from home and have access to professional services, this solution might be exactly what you are looking for. Having access to high-speed WiFi in a place other than a coffee shop and the ability to meet with potential clients often attracts business owners to this option.
Many places will allow you to do a short trial to see if their services are right for what you need. Talk to the companies you are interested in using and see what trials they offer so you can test their space’s function for what you need.
Find the Best Products and Services for Your Business.
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Whether you are looking for a shared office space or if you need other products or services, browse our providers to find what you need. We bring the best of the best together so you can get the job done.