Co-working 101
Without co-working, I wouldn’t be sitting here excited about coming to work every day here at Leapin’ Lizard Labels.
Cohere, LLC. is a co-working space here in Fort Collins, CO. It not only has all the attributes that co-working spaces have- desk space, coffee, great people- it has more than that. It’s a community. There is always something going on. From doughnut days and night co-working to PB & J sandwich parties and big salad potlucks, there is always a chance to join in on some fun.
On a particular Friday morning as all the members gathered around with a coffee in one hand and a mouthwatering doughnut in the other, I asked the question that had been weighing on my mind for months, “Does anyone know of any job openings in the marketing field?” Fast-forward to now, and I have an awesome job that would not have come to fruition had it not been for co-working.
As an entrepreneur, whether you are just starting out or have been established for a while, joining a co-working space is so much more than the free coffee it boasts, it’s a place to co-exist with other like-minded people.
1. Get Out and Meet People
As an entrepreneur life can get lonely sitting at home each and every day, plugging away at your computer. It can isolate you and before you know it, the friends that you always had plans with slowly start to disappear. Snap out of that routine and mingle with others. Co-working spaces allow you to meet others, and because they are also in the co-working space you at least have one thing in common.
2. Make Connections and Network
Entrepreneurs seek connections. It’s an important aspect of starting a business. Recently at Cohere, I overheard someone talking today about starting his business and figuring out his clientele. A wonderful, free aspect about co-working spaces is that it’s a hodge-podge of people working different jobs in different industries. Meeting all these other small business owners can open your opportunities as well.
3. Collaboration
Instead of bouncing ideas of the four walls of your room, or talking to Siri hoping she is going to give you the bright idea you are looking for, co-working spaces allow you to bounce ideas off of real human beings. This can give you new perspective as a small business owner that you may not have thought of otherwise.
4. Productivity
Sure, sitting around in your pajamas and slippers all day can be relaxing, until you realize you are spending time doing your dishes, washing your clothes, and mopping the floors. Before you know it half the day is gone and you haven’t gotten around to reading your email. Co-working spaces force you out of your comfy home and drive your production levels through the roof.
5. Work-Life Balance
It’s hard to separate your work from your personal life when you are at home. Work is always on your mind. And don’t get me wrong, even when you do have a space to go to, as an entrepreneur your life is your work. However, being able to leave work at your work space and come home to your life is a freeing feeling. Co-working spaces allow this to happen.
With all of the positives of co-working, why not give it a try? Check out co-working spaces near you today. As always, count on Leapin’ Lizard Labels for custom labels, stickers, and banners — regardless of where you work!
