As the distributed workforce grows, we’re seeing more and more professionals seeking a flexible office space where they can run their business from.
But when you’re looking for a coworking space, it’s crucial to make sure you’re putting yourself and your business in the most beneficial position possible.
That’s why it’s so important to avoid making these six painful mistakes during your search.
1. Making Price Your Only Consideration
When you’re looking for a coworking space, it’s easy to find the cheapest possible option and go for it. But this is a mistake.
Why?
Because there are so many more factors to consider, such as location, building quality, furnishings, the types of amenities the space offers, the level of service you’ll receive, and even the types of members who use the space.
You may pay a bit more for a better space, but it’ll be well worth the added expense in the long run.
2. Failing to Look Into Fellow Members
One of the biggest factors that’s going to impact your day-to-day experience at a coworking space is the members you’ll be sharing the space with.
See, one of the major benefits of working at a coworking space is becoming part of a strong and supportive community of professionals. It allows for knowledge sharing, networking, and even simply socializing.
For example, at The Post, our members get access to our Member Portal which allows you to:
- Create and customize your company and personal member profile
- Upload your business logo and/or a professional headshot as well as add in additional information about what you do or what services or goods your business offers
- Network and connect with other professionals in The Post Member and Community Portal
- Join The Post Workspaces community Slack Group
So, before you sign up for a coworking space, you’re well within your rights to:
- Ask how many members the space has
- Ask what types of businesses work at the space
- Look into reviews on social media or on Google
- Look into things like Member Profiles to get an idea of who works at the space
Make sure you’re going to love–and benefit from–the place you work before you sign on the dotted line.
3. Prioritizing Private Space Over Common Space
There’s no question that private space is important. But just the same way that it’s important to understand who a space’s members are, it’s also important that there’s ample common space where you can interact with fellow members.
This can be things like cafeterias and kitchens and break rooms.
Whether you need to simply step away from your desk for a minute, blow off some steam, unwind, or socialize, these areas will help make your day more enjoyable–and even make it easier to network and build connections.
4. Sacrificing Convenience
One of the reasons many people love working at a flexible office space is the convenience factor. It should make your life easier in every way.
Whether this means being close to home, being close to major freeways, or being close to things like restaurants, shops, and fitness centers, it’s important to understand what your personal convenience factor is.
Then, make sure the coworking space you select offers up the convenience you’re looking for.
5. Signing Up at an Inflexible Workspace
The reality of business is that unexpected changes are common, whether for the better or worse.
For instance, your business may grow and you could need to scale up with new staff. Or, your business could slow down temporarily and you may need to reduce the amount of office space you have.
Whatever the case may be, it’s important to find a coworking space that’s willing to be flexible with you.
The best coworking spaces take a genuine and vested interest in the success of their members and are willing to support them with flexible terms.
For instance, at The Post, offer things like Part-Time Private Office Memberships so that our members can use a private office when they need it without paying for it when they’re not using it. This membership also includes meeting room credits as well as access to our professional community and invitations to our member events. Our goal is to ensure members can get great work done, when and how it’s convenient for them.
Before you sign any contracts, make sure to review the terms and conditions carefully, and don’t feel shy about asking questions pertaining to termination policies and the space’s willingness to be flexible.
6. Neglecting the Need for Great Amenities and Perks
One of the best parts about working at a coworking space is getting access to incredible amenities you wouldn’t have when working from home or from a coffee shop.
For instance, at The Post we offer things like a fully-appointed kitchen, meeting and conference spaces equipped with top-of-the-line AV equipment, and flex space for hosting things like lunch and learns, presentations, or speaking engagements.
We also frequently host COVID-safe member events that help our members get to know each other better.
7. Overlooking the Importance of Security
One thing that’s invaluable in a coworking space is a sense of security. Especially during these challenging times, that word can take on a number of meanings.
This can include ensuring the health and safety of the community and individual members by using things like air purification and filtration systems as well as UV lighting for disinfection. At The Post, we do this twice a day at minimum, as well as conducting disinfecting and sanitizing by onsite janitorial staff. We also offer touchless check-in and touchless door entry.
Security also encompasses safety in the building using things like surveillance cameras and secured door access.
And it also includes digital security as far as internal communications and safeguarding members’ private information including payment details.
When searching for a coworking space, don’t rush. Take your time. Do your research. And make sure you’re finding the right home for your business.
Want to learn why The Post Workspaces can be the perfect flexible office space for your needs?
Get in touch with us or book a tour of The Post today!