For too many home-based entrepreneurs, being in business for themselves also means spending too much time by themselves. While they may enjoy the challenges and rewards that come with running their company, the lack of contact with other people is a definite disadvantage. Coworking will take you to a brick-and-mortar location and give you the advantage of being less isolated during your workday. Whether you have decided to rent shared office space in San Francisco or Bakersfield, an official shared office space provider can help you increase your network of business connections and help increase productivity.
Shared Office Space is a model where business owners can use the workspace they need and share amenities like meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, a lounge, and the services of a live receptionist. The tenants may have their own private office, or choose to “cowork” in a room with several desks set up in an open-concept plan. The atmosphere can be very casual, with no assigned seating, or tenants can choose to rent a dedicated shared office space.
If you have been trying to juggle working from home and running a business, you know how difficult it is to wear both hats well. Working from home has the advantage of being economical, but you are subjected to many distractions during the day, either from family members or chores that need to be done. Choosing to work in a shared office space, even on a part-time basis, will make it easier for you to get down to business when you need to, and then attend to your home-life when you leave the office.
Once you have made the decision to work at a shared office space, it’s best to make the most of the opportunity to meet other tenants. Find out what you have in common. Spend time in the lounge area or the kitchen when you have a few minutes and ask the other tenants about their business. Find out what mixers or business seminars the business center sponsors – and be sure to attend! This type of informal networking is a wonderful way for residents of shared office space to get to know each other. You may be able to refer some business to one or more of your fellow coworkers, and they may be able to do the same for you.
Working in shared office space solves a lot of the problems of working on your own, without the long-term commitment of a traditional office space. Why not find a shared office space in your area and give it a try?
Courtney Ramirez
Research Analyst, Pacific Business Centers (rebranded as Pacific Workplaces)
Courtney’s research focuses on tracking emerging business trends and best practices – with an emphasis on how they affect business operations, technology, and virtual office trends.