Introducing Staunton Innovation Hub
"To have such a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in a small, rural place is incredible." This is a feeling shared among many members of the Proximity Network, including Amy Lessley of Staunton Innovation Hub. Located in Staunton, Virginia, this space is focused on supporting entrepreneurs through an engaged and connected member community. Read on to learn more about Amy's approach to growing her coworking space and supporting entrepreneurial growth in a rural area.
Why did you decide to open a coworking space?
We opened in March 2018 for phase one. Phase two is scheduled to open the first quarter of 2020. I wanted to provide a resource to help innovators at scale and jumpstart the entrepreneurial ecosystem in our area. Our core mission is to reduce barriers to innovation in the many forms that those barriers can take.
Tell us about your space. What kinds of amenities do you have? What makes it special?
Currently, our building measures around 4,000 square feet, but phase two will be 25,000 square feet. We have appreciated the luxury of having a smaller space open first as it has allowed us to iron out some wrinkles and get some things in place before launching the larger space. This will allow us to hit the ground running.
Currently, we offer an aesthetically beautiful space with tons of awesome and supportive people. The feedback we repeatedly receive from members is that the collaboration, support, and creativity generated by being in the space is their favorite thing about being here.
We offer great coffee, wicked fast internet, free black and white printing, a vending system for small eats and quick snacks, two phone booths, a conference room, dry erase boards throughout the facility (with some spaces offering dry erase walls), a huge chalk wall for communication with inspirational quotes, a variety of seating options (standing desks, standard desks, couches, yoga ball seat, etc.), a supply of things you might overlook/forget (charging cables, paper clips, hole punch, paper cutter, random office supplies), music throughout the building, and frequent educational and networking opportunities for Staunton Innovation Hub and community members outside of the space.
One thing that gets attention from the greater coworking world is that we are in a fairly small town compared to other coworking spaces. Staunton, Virginia is such a gorgeous and unique town. It is getting national attention as a great place to visit, retire to, and/or raise a family. That being said, it still maintains that small town, community-minded feel. Our population is less than 25,000 people. To have such a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in such a small, rural place is incredible. We're not in a city, and we love that.
What is your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?
It's the stories of how our space has provided value to our members and the community, and watching the community grow and thrive. We LOVE seeing ideas come to life and anything we can do to speed this up and smooth out that process, the better! We have had so many members who have joined and discovered more than just a place to plug in and work. It's all about relationships and networking. Also, it's really fun watching new visitors come in and say, "WOAH! THIS IS AMAZING!"
What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing about operating a coworking space?
We thought the community would be supportive, but we're really humbled by how supportive, creative, and incredible our community is.
What’s your favorite story about one of your members?
There was a lady who came in to sign up for one of the smallest memberships we have (in terms of time and money). She started her membership and didn't show up for an entire month. The day she finally came in, we were having Professional Development Hours (a service where professionals of different fields volunteer their time in an open office hour type format) that she was able to take advantage of immediately. She has become one of the biggest fans of our space! She increased her membership because she just didn't feel she was spending enough time here. Her marketing game has increased as a direct result of connections made through her membership. Her startup business is branching out because of a suggestion [during] conversation (think water cooler talk) from another member. Every week, she is gaining speed. That type of energy and success is inspiring to her fellow members and to us who run the space. This is not a lady who is just coming in, plugging in and putting her head down to get to work (we have plenty of those members and they're super productive and successful), she is taking full advantage of everything we have to offer while getting work done.
What is your biggest piece of advice for someone wanting to open a space?
Care about the people in your space. That doesn't mean you accommodate every single request, it means you listen, try to get to the root of the issue, and take that feedback to make the space better for everyone. Taking this attitude will build a community that people will want to return to AND increase the positive vibe, allowing abundant networking opportunities and positivity. Don't make decisions solely on the bottom line or on trends, make them based on the needs of the humans in your space. Also, automate as much as possible so you can focus your energy on all the other little details that make it work.
Follow Staunton Innovation Hub on social media: Facebook | Instagram
Introducing Workhouse
Our coworking space is brand new. We are officially opening on September 20th, 2019. We noticed a gap in space options offered in the Tampa area. While larger coworking operators began flooding the market there was a lack of locally-owned and affordable alternatives focused on housing younger companies. In conversations with local startups and startup/tech incubators, we learned that there were no particularly attractive options for these companies as they outgrew their incubator and began looking for workable space options. Our focus is to provide a landing pad for these growing local startups - offering them the collaborative environment and flexibility they are used to with an upgraded amenity package, all at an affordable price point so that they can focus on growing their businesses.
Our space is located in an old warehouse in a traditionally industrial neighborhood of Tampa, FL. That being said, the location is great - just across the river from downtown Tampa, behind the University of Tampa and the School of Entrepreneurship, and in between the two best startup incubators in town. The space totals about 8,000 square feet with 23 private offices and a large double ceiling lobby area with shared workspace, 20-foot ceiling conference room, and a break area. The neighborhood around us has been rapidly transitioning for the past 10 years. We're seeing new apartments and retail replace older industrial properties and we're happy to be part of that mix.
The people and companies I get to deal with on a daily basis. We house a diverse group of young, creative companies that are constantly pushing boundaries. It is fun to be a part of the growth of these companies and feel the energy they bring to the space and the community.
The build out. Construction work at the height of a market is always difficult. Labor is in short supply and everyone is busy. Timelines get extended and opening dates pushed back. It is controlled chaos but at some point, you have to come to terms with this and do your best to enjoy the ride!
Our first member company moved their entire 12-person team over from a premier local startup incubator just after receiving seed funding. They were rapidly outgrowing their space at the incubator and needed a solution. We were ecstatic that they chose our space as their new home. This was a big proof of concept for us and a confirmation that we were filling an important niche in the market.
Just go for it. There will be kinks and hurdles and challenges and nothing will come out exactly how you had envisioned it but in the end, when it all comes together and you are able to create value for growing companies and the community, it is all worth it.
Introducing City Office
We're excited to welcome the newest member of the Proximity Network, City Office. Located in Bay City, Michigan, City Office offers its members a game room with a pool table and putting green to help recharge during the workday. We caught up with City Office manager Marjo Morden to learn more about what sets City Office apart in the coworking community.
When did you open your coworking space and what enticed you to do so?
City Office opened in March of 2019. The owners of City Office are members in a coworking community in another state and they were excited to bring the collaborative nature of coworking to Michigan.
Tell us about your space. How big is it? What kinds of amenities do you have? What sort of quirks make it special?
City Office is huge! We have the entire lower level of "The Old JC Penny Building" downtown, roughly 7,500 square feet. Amenities include 100 mailboxes and mail services (we can sign for and store your packages), a print station including every office supply an office nomad might need, a kitchenette with unlimited espresso and coffee, a snack drawer, and hot water on demand for tea. Our office also has 10 fully furnished private office suites, four unique conference rooms for 2-20 people, four phone booths, a game room with pool table and putting green, and networking and social events. We also have free parking and 24/7 keycode access.
What is your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?
The lights! Although we are on the lower level, the atmosphere is warm and vibrant. The lights float from the ceiling and are hexagon-shaped. Truly one-of-a-kind.
What has been the most surprising/unexpected thing about operating a coworking space?
I expected the people working out of our private offices to use the space as their primary office, but very few are actually here three days a week, much less five. Most use the space less frequently than our open coworking members.
What’s your favorite story about one of your members?
When one of our members was looking into our private offices, he asked if he could bring in his monitor. Of course, I said sure. Two hours later the doors of the elevator opened, and our member walked out with a 50-inch monitor!
What is your biggest piece of advice for someone wanting to open a space?
I would recommend creating a good number of small, lockable private offices or dedicated desks, lots of conference rooms, and a big table that is out in the open for collaborative working.
Keep up with City Office on social media: Facebook
Introducing The Oak House
The Proximity Network is continuously expanding, and today we are welcoming The Oak House. Located in Canton, Georgia, The Oak House wanted a way to bring people together and meet the needs of the community. By utilizing a building that sat empty most of the week, they were able to create a coworking space. We caught up with Brian Cain, the director of The Oak House, to learn more about what makes this coworking space so unique.
When did you open your coworking space and what enticed you to do so?
The Oak House opened in September of 2018. The Oak House is a ministry of Oak Leaf Church and serves as the way we use our building between Sundays.
Tell us about your space. How big is it? What kinds of amenities do you have? What sort of quirks make it special?
The Oak House is 4,400 square feet with four meeting rooms, two auditoriums, and a lobby. We have gig internet speed and an unlimited, full-service coffee bar. We renovated a 100-year-old building and turned it into what the community told us they needed; a place to work.
What is your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?
My favorite thing about operating a coworking space is that I get to connect with the community. We do a lot of events in our space and I enjoy getting to know everyone.
What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing about operating a coworking space?
The most unexpected thing about operating a coworking space is finding the hidden communities that exist in your space. We have a large contingent of adoptive parents.
What’s your favorite story about one of your members?
My favorite story about a member would have to be that we have an organization called One Need (http://oneneed.org) and they help to meet monetary needs in the community (think crowdfunding for needs). They have helped dozens of people with thousands of dollars in our local community.
What is your biggest piece of advice for someone wanting to open a space?
Biggest piece of advice is that you HAVE to know your “why” when you open your space. Opening a coworking space just to open one may be financially viable, but it will never be fulfilling.
Keep up with The Oak House on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
The Best Tools to Run Your Coworking Space
If you’ve ever tried to manage a coworking space, you know you can’t do it all by yourself. At Proximity, our goal is to make sure you don’t have to. From the way you communicate to your members, market to prospective leads, manage your projects and events, and track your billing, you’ve got a lot on your plate. In a recent Coworking Community Call, we discussed which platforms and methods are the most helpful in your operations. Here’s a list of the most useful tools to help run your coworking space put together by space owners and operators.
Website and Design
Here’s a look at some of our favorite graphic design tools for designers at all skill levels.
- Adobe Creative Cloud – Photoshop, Illustrator, and more for those willing to spend a bit more for advanced design capabilities.
- Canva – A simplified graphic design tool with drag-and-drop functionality.
- VSCO – A photo editing mobile app.
- Unsplash – Artistic, free stock photos.
Communication
Whether you’re curating leads, emailing members, or updating your community, you’ll need some useful communication tools. It’s often best to use two or more contact methods with your community. Here are some popular tools for keeping your members and prospective leads in the loop.
- MailChimp – An email marketing platform that integrates with Proximity to curate lead audiences, send community newsletters, and more.
- Facebook Groups – A private Facebook group can be used to notify your members of current events, post photos, and publish private events.
- Slack – A popular communication platform for public or private groups and direct messaging.
- Google Groups – Online forums and email-based groups for community conversations.
- Message Boards – A physical message board posted throughout your space is a great way to post flyers and grab your community’s attention.
Event Management
Event management tools are essential for getting the word out, communicating details, and managing tickets and registration. Your events build your database, so regardless of which tool you choose, you want to use something that stores contact information for the people who come to your events. You may even decide to use a couple of these tools to create a systematic funnel.
- Facebook Events – This is a great way to get your event in front of new eyes. Your followers’ connections may find out about your space this way, and you can always put a few dollars behind a “boost” to get the word out even further.
- Eventbrite – This platform allows for event creation, invite services and RSVP functionality, but it’s exceptionally helpful for managing tickets and accepting payment.
- Greenvelope – Send invitations and track RSVPs.
- Proximity – Host event details, manage registrations, and collect contact leads for future messaging.
Project Management
Project management platforms will improve your workflows, help you collaborate with teammates, and give you organization tools to manage your day.
- AirTable – AirTable is a platform that works like a spreadsheet to organize anything and everything. The possibilities are endless, from creating a form, to organizing day-to-day operations, to creating a social media calendar. This is Proximity’s personal favorite project management tool.
- Google Calendar – It may seem obvious, but don’t underestimate this free tool. Scheduling meetings and time-blocking your day are crucial for the management of your own time.
- Trello – A free online platform that syncs well with your phone. It’s great for collaborating on projects and allows you to lose all that excess paper.
- Podio – A workflow management program for teams.
- Zapier – Integrates all of your tools and apps to automate your workflow
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
CRMs provide a central place where businesses can keep track of customer information and track leads through the sales-pipeline.
- Copper CRM – This is a great CRM resource that integrates flawlessly with Gmail and creates a sales pipeline.
- Nutshell – Proximity’s personal favorite CRM. Automate your sales process and keep track of your leads.
Accounting and Financial
Accounting and finance systems are essential for a long-lasting and sustainable business. Here are a few software options that allow your space to manage day-to-day financial operations, from tracking employee time to sending invoices.
- Quickbooks – An accounting software perfect for small to medium-sized businesses. Use Quickbooks to manage or pay bills, create invoices, and do payroll.
- Xero – An online accounting software for small businesses. It shows your cashflow in real-time with a mobile app.
- TSheets – A web-based and mobile time-tracking solution for hourly employees, complete with scheduling functions.
Marketing
Marketing is crucial for driving traffic to your coworking space. Digital marketing plays a significant role in attracting today’s mobile workforce, but traditional marketing is also still a powerful and relevant way to reach new members.
Digital Marketing Tools
- Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn – Social media is today’s most popular way to reach audiences with a variety of content.
- Chat Bots – A simple feature for Facebook Messenger with access to integrate with your website at no cost.
- Google My Business – This one is really important! Google is often the front door for most people to get into your business.
- Buffer or Hootsuite – Social media management and scheduling platforms allowing for content automation and planning.
- Linktree – You only get one link in your Instagram bio. Linktree offers the flexibility for sending traffic to more than one location.
Traditional Marketing
- “One Free Day of Coworking” business cards – A free day pass is a great tactic to drive traffic into your space. Put them in local coffee shops or pass them out at events.
- Rack Cards – Help establish your space and capture a new audience.
- Signage – Attractive signage sparks curiosity and will get new leads through your door.
- Meetup – Reach out to established Meetups by asking to be a cohost by providing your coworking space for free. This is a great way to expand your audience through channel partners.
Other Useful Tools
- Ezeep – A centralized print management software made for easy printing.
- Skillshare – An online learning community with educational videos on topics such as photography, design, writing and more.
- Spotify – A tried and true method for streaming audio. Check out Proximity’s curated playlists with you and your members in mind.
- Bitly – A resource for shortening your links so you don’t run out of characters on your next Tweet.
- Integromat – A vital organization tool for integrating apps .
- Nest and Ring – Smart Google products including thermostats, smoke detectors, and security camera systems.
- Calendly – A helpful scheduling software that simplifies scheduling space tours, calls, and interviews.
- Google – Google offers a whole world full of possibilities to transform your workday. Here are a few examples of its programs; Google Sheets, Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Forms, and Google Cloud Print.
Five Coworking Stories We Love
Co-founder Bobby Wright's favorite story is about helping veterans gain jobs from a tech company that was interested in a flex desk at Percolator Space. By explaining to the tech company that thousands of highly trained veterans were looking for local jobs in the tech sector, Bobby was able to facilitate relationships and encourage the tech company to consider their community as a growth market. Two years later, the tech company now has a full office because Bobby was able to introduce them to quality engineers. The low cost and low commitment of working out of Percolator space, and the support of the local community, allowed the tech firm to generate the business they needed locally and the confidence to stay.
Epicentral Coworking - Colorado Springs, Colorado
Co-captains Courtney and Frank shared one of their favorite stories around Springs Magazine. This lifestyle magazine got its start in Epicentral Coworking by two coworkers; an editor and a publisher. In creating this successful lifestyle magazine they've worked together with photographers, writers, and artists in the coworking space to make Springs Magazine a staple in their city.
WacoWork - Waco, Texas
Space owner Caroline Thorton's favorite story was of a member who had finished her master's degree in social work and joined WacoWork before the space had opened its doors. Once the space opened, this member quickly connected with other coworkers who supported her dream of starting a non-profit that provides resources for caregivers. Other members helped create her logo, website, and even joined her board of directors.
Ketchum Innovation Center - Ketchum, Idaho
Communications director Emmi Buck shared that a local entrepreneur came to her space feeling stuck and not knowing how to move forward with an idea. The member presented this concept and research to the coworking community, and quickly got members of the Ketchum Innovation Center to share his passion for the idea. Having been working on his concept alone, and not having a supportive group of entrepreneurs, he was introduced to people that helped him take his idea to the next level. Together they planned events that discussed funding options and other startup education events. The community worked together and got to see him go from nearly giving up, to full-speed ahead with a supported plan.
The Fellow Coworking - Manhattan, Kansas
Co-founder Josh Hicks from the Fellow Coworking talks about a sub-community of women that formed in his space. One member had moved from New Orleans with her husband and was working remotely until she toured the space and signed up the same day. Over two years later, that same member had her first child, with another member assisting as her doula. Many other female members surrounded her from day one, and they've created a tight-knit group. They go to lunch together, have coffee dates, and continue to support one another in both professional and personal endeavors.
These stories of growth and support within our coworking communities are perfect examples of why we're in this industry. Sharing ideas, dreams, and coffee are the reasons why coworking is near and dear to our hearts. Do you have a favorite member story? Share it in the comments below.
Introducing Ignite Lab
Ignite Lab is now a part of the growing Proximity Network! Working together to bring an entrepreneurial center to downtown Lebanon, Tennessee, Ignite Lab is a collaboration between Historic Lebanon, Cumberland University, and the city of Lebanon. Ignite Lab is passionate about supporting members to take their business ideas from concept to launch. We caught up with space owner Kim Parks to learn a bit more about her space.
When did you open your coworking space and what enticed you to do so?
Ignite Labs opened in December of 2017. We received a grant from the Tennessee Main Street program to create an entrepreneurial center, and the coworking space is part of that.
Tell us about your space. How big is it? What amenities do you have? What quirks make it special?
The Ignite Lab has approximately 3,800 square feet of space in a historic building in Lebanon’s Public Square area. There is an open 24/7 coworking area, three private offices, a great conference room, kitchen, and lobby. We have fast wifi, a relaxed vibe, and a lot of potential. The building's original freight elevator is still in place.
What's your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?
Supporting entrepreneurs and putting an underutilized historic building back into productive service.
What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing about operating a coworking space?
There were skeptics at first. Our small town wasn’t ready for this type of space, but the community has supported it and we are gaining traction.
What’s your favorite story about one of your members?
The upstairs private office occupant is a Lebanon native. His family has been in the entrepreneurial world for many generations. Our Ignite Lab building is the site of one of his first businesses, a furniture store. He is thrilled to be back in the space.
What is your biggest piece of advice for someone wanting to open a space?
Build your partnerships.
Follow Ignite Labs on social media: Facebook | Instagram
Introducing Huddle x Launch Pad
We're welcoming Huddle x Launch Pad to the Proximity Network! Located in Stockton, California, this modern coworking space is designed for innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives. With three floors of coworking space, Huddle x Launch Pad offers everything from private offices and open community rooms, to kombucha, a nap room, and bike-sharing. We caught up with community manager Matty to learn more about what he loves about coworking.
When did you open your coworking space and what enticed you to do so?
This space opened its doors in 2014! The owners at the time saw an opportunity because nothing like it existed in a city of 300k+. We learned there was a thriving creative community hungry for change and a space to collaborate with like-minded individuals.
Tell us about your space. How big is it?
Located in the heart of downtown Stockton, we take up 3 floors in the historic 1916 Belding Building. With a little over 12k sqft, we offer 27 private offices, two open community rooms, two conference rooms, and phone cubbies.
What kinds of amenities do you have?
[We have] superfast wifi, free coffee, free printing, free use of conference rooms, a friendly front desk concierge, beer and kombucha on tap (soon), bike-sharing, and a nap room.
What sort of quirks make it special?
We believe our members are what make this place special. Take away the walls and we’d still be considered an inspiring place to work. The fact that we’re directly above a local vegan restaurant and microbrewery helps as well!
What is your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?
My favorite thing about this place is the opportunity to genuinely and intentionally help people inside and outside of these walls. One of my favorite questions to ask people is, "What’s your dream?". Once they answer, the wheels in my head start to turn trying to figure out how to help make their dream come true!
What has been the most surprising/unexpected thing about operating a coworking space?
The most surprising thing about this space is how much of a beacon of hope for our community it has turned into. Stocktonians start to believe what our city can become just by experiencing our space for the first time. It truly is inspiring to see people from our community light up with joy during a tour and leave with a sense of pride.
What’s your favorite story about one of your members?
Gosh...too many to choose from! It would have to be watching the local kombucha brewers Martin and Alex from Amor Kombucha take an idea and turn into a Stockton staple. Their hustle and grind is inspiring and is done with 100% LOVE!!!
What is your biggest piece of advice for someone wanting to open a space?
PUT YOUR MEMBERS + STAFF FIRST! Every decision you make must always be about them.
Follow Huddle x Launch Pad on social media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Introducing PARK Coworking
PARK Coworking has joined the Proximity Network! Located in the Wash Park neighborhood of downtown Denver, Colorado, PARK Coworking's mission is to provide an "innovative and collaborative workspace design to cultivate a close-knit coworking community". We love that their motto is, "Live where you work, work where you live". We caught up with Jamal Mangelsen, the community manager, to learn more about this awesome space!
When did you open your coworking space and what enticed you to do so?
Park Coworking opened on April 15th, 2019. Aaron Grant, our founder, saw an opportunity in an area that needed coworking in Washington Park and acquired property to do just that. I work with Aaron on all of his development projects and have been lucky enough to be able to be a part of PARK Coworking as a Community Manager.
Tell us about your space. How big is it? What kinds of amenities do you have? What sort of quirks make it special?
Our space feels just like home and every piece of our interior has been designed. We have phone booths and a rooftop patio.
What is your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?
I love connecting with community members. Travis, a community member of ours, and I go to the gym together weekly and having a community to make friends in, in addition to having a place I work out of has been amazing, it is easily the biggest perk of this space. Connecting with other professionals and building a real network of friends and coworkers. The events we hold here at PARK are my second favorite thing about the space.
What has been the most surprising/unexpected thing about operating a coworking space?
Teamwork makes the dream work. Without a team, we couldn’t do this! Coworking is different than other small business ventures, a small team of two to three people is vital, and boy are we lucky that we have the team we do. Tara, Aaron, and I are an amazing team and I wouldn’t want to be working with anyone else on this project!
What’s your favorite story about one of your members?
Trafalagar, a film releasing agency that offices out of PARK, has regular chats with Shakira and other famous musicians. Which I think is AMAZING.
What is your biggest piece of advice for someone wanting to open a space?
Get a good team of people that you can trust and hold accountable.
Follow PARK Coworking on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Introducing Percolator Space
We're excited to welcome Percolator Space to the Proximity Network! With four locations in downtown Norfolk, Virginia, Percolator Space offers workspaces for teams of all sizes, as well as local perks like a free gym membership and discounts to neighborhood businesses. Passionate about taking away the financial risk of yearly leasing that many entrepreneurs and startups deal with, Percolator is helping bring the focus back to growth and creativity. We caught up with co-owner Bobby Wright to discuss what its been like bringing coworking to Norfolk!
When did you open your coworking space and what enticed you to do so?
We are approaching our third birthday. As a developer of commercial real estate in the local area, I noticed that many of the creative class, entrepreneurs, and freelancers were developing great ideas and starting new companies, but the founder and team were not connected to a supportive community. They were prone to leave the area looking for relationships, mentors, talent and staffing, money and just plain support, especially at the top with the CEOs. As you know entrepreneurship can be very lonely, and if you don’t have a supportive community and team, you can find yourself second-guessing your ideas and your abilities. With this in mind, Percolator was birthed. It also didn’t hurt that as a developer of real estate, I was in numerous real estate partnerships and some of the buildings had vacancies and I felt that we needed to fill those spaces in a different way because the world is changing and the brick and mortar footprint is reducing for most companies. I discussed my idea for a collaborative/innovative coworking community growing within our partnerships, and quickly my partners agreed that it was a great idea. Today, we have expanded to include properties like MacArthur Center in our network of downtown campuses.
Tell us about your space. How big is it?
Percolator campuses are Granby campus 10,000 ft.², Monticello campus 20,000 ft.², MacArthur campus 5000 ft.², and Ford Campus 5000 ft.² with a large outdoor patio.
What kinds of amenities do you have?
We have five collaboration rooms that will accommodate up to 15+ people each, and one training room which will accommodate up to 70 people. Audio/visual accommodations are available with every collaboration/training room. High-speed fiber internet, new Xerox copiers, membership privileges including classes at the contiguous gym downtown (our sister company). B2B discounts with some of downtown’s best restaurants and retailers. Of course, we offer free coffee, tea, and snacks (both healthy and not so healthy).
What sort of quirks make it special?
Our number one goal is to ”facilitate relationships“. We work very diligently and purposefully to get to know our members on as many levels as they will allow so that we can connect them with other members and relationships outside of Percolator. Our openness to share our Rolodex and be a family benefits our members and guests individually and corporately. We really do try to be very much like family which is difficult as we continue to grow, but it is our commitment to "facilitate relationships".
What is your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?
I’ve always loved working with different people, businesses and “dipping my toe” into their world for a day or two as a commercial real estate broker. I love people and I celebrate their success so creating an environment that is attractive to others and finding like-minded people has been easier than I expected. Every day is different and most days are so fulfilling, I literally thank God for Percolator...it is my calling.
Follow Percolator Space on social media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Introducing Old Town Headquarters
We're excited to welcome Old Town Headquarters into the Proximity Network! Located in Lewisville, Texas, north of DFW, Old Town Headquarters is a coworking hub for freelancers, creatives, and transient professionals. They offer meeting rooms, conference rooms, and enough coffee to get you through the workday. Take a step inside and learn more about Old Town Headquarters!
When did you open your coworking space and what enticed you to do so?
We opened in late May of 2019. The owners are Lewisville locals and wanted to give back to the community by providing a place for engagement, collaboration, and improvement.
Tell us about your space. How big is it? What kinds of amenities do you have? What sort of quirks make it special?
The space is around 2500 sqft. With two small offices, one large office and an open-concept shared workspace. We have one large conference room all of which feature obscured-glass walls to add a modern flair. Otherwise, the space is furnished with vintage industrial furniture and fixtures.
What is your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?
We like the energy it provides. When the space is buzzing, it creates a work environment we love! It creates a real sense of community and togetherness you wouldn’t get otherwise when working a job from home.
What has been the most surprising/unexpected thing about operating a coworking space?
The most surprising thing for us was how quickly we are going through coffee. But hey, you gotta have the work fuel - and we don’t mind providing!
Follow Old Town Headquarters on social media: Facebook | Instagram
Ambassadors at Green Spaces
Green Spaces in Denver's RiNo Arts District, has found a new synergy between memberships and community operations. How did they do this? With their successful Ambassador Program that's been running strong for the past six years.
"The Ambassador Program is set up as a work-trade program. In exchange for one full day of work per week, the ambassador receives a free full-time Lounge Membership," explains Amanda Piela, Community Coordinator for Green Spaces. There are six ambassador positions, one for each day of the week and one "floating" ambassador who fills in for anyone who can't work their assigned shift.
Green Space's ambassadors essentially act as space managers for the day! They unlock the doors, take care of dishes, make that ever-important coffee, tidy the meeting spaces, and keep the restrooms stocked. The Lounge Membership that they receive in exchange for their work includes 24/7 access to the space, conference room time, and unlimited printing/scanning. It also gives them the ability to host two free events per year and access to all Green Spaces events.
"The ambassador program began as a way to give people who wouldn't necessarily join a coworking space on their own accord a chance to join a brand new community and try it out, no strings attached. Although the commitment is low at first, we find that our ambassadors take ownership and pride over the space and their work very quickly," says Piela. "Our ambassadors are crucial to making the space run smoothly on a day-to-day basis -- with the ambassador program flourishing for the past 6 years, we could not imagine running Green Spaces without them."
Introducing Epicentral Coworking
We'd like to give a warm welcome to Epicentral Coworking! They've just joined the Proximity Network from Colorado Springs, CO and are planning to open their second location in September. They offer some incredible amenities, including beer, tech supplies, and a community bike. We caught up with Co-Captains Courtney and Frank to learn more about them and to hear what they love about coworking!
When did you open your coworking space and what enticed you to do so?
Epicentral was founded with the mission of becoming the local epicenter of entrepreneurship, business, and creativity in downtown Colorado Springs. Our aim was to create a space where risk was applauded, failure embraced, and success celebrated. We set out to build a local network of startups, mentors, and investors in the hopes of making the culture of our city one of openness, pride, innovation, and support. And with this vision, co-founders Lisa Tessarowicz and Hannah Parsons opened the doors to our first space in December 2011.
Tell us about your space. How big is it? What kinds of amenities do you have? What sort of quirks make it special?
Our current space is 10k square feet spanning 3 levels. We have 22 offices, 8 dedicated desks, 7 phone booths, 5 conference rooms, and roughly 40 hot desks. The space is functional and playful at the same time. It's equipped with all the standard amenities down to the locally roasted coffee and locally brewed beer. Its access to downtown makes it ideal for the emerging networkers in this town.
What is your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?
The people. Every day I grow relationships that I know will last far past my time as a manager here. You get to know the “why” behind each member and what they do. Those connections are a privilege.
What has been the most surprising/unexpected thing about operating a coworking space?
The ignorance of it in the face of the stark need for it. The Colorado Springs coworking market is newly tapped. We were recently named one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities for startups, yet the population largely chooses to work from home. When you see people light up during a tour you know that you have not only hit a nerve but met a need. That feeling never ceases to inspire me.
What’s your favorite story about one of your members?
One of my favorite stories is about Springs Magazine. Springs was started in our space by two members who met here, one was an editor the other was in publishing. One day they decided Colorado Springs needed a local lifestyle magazine, so they joined forces and started one. The coolest thing about the magazine is that it uses a lot of the talents of other members in our space like photographers, writers, and artists. It is really a great example of the collaboration that can happen in coworking spaces.
What is your biggest piece of advice for someone wanting to open a space?
Plan, scale, adjust, repeat. You will never have the perfect space. You will have very few lifetime members. But if you know why you are there then you won’t cease to have a business. You’re not for everyone, find your tribe and work together to achieve great things.
Follow Epicentral on Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
How to Foster a Community of Productivity
The strong community that you’ve built is what keeps your members coming back, but productivity is why they showed up in the first place. We’ve talked about how to increase productivity through the senses, as well as the importance of creating a culture of wellness. Now we’ll dive into other ways you can help members feel more productive. While the first step for a lot of people in coworking is just putting on pants and leaving the house, there are other important ways you can encourage your members to be more productive!
Optimize Your Work Environments
Whatever your task for the day, big or small, your environment plays a critical roll in how quickly you work through your to-do list. Sometimes these tasks require all of your attention, and even the smallest distractions can throw you off. There are days when a bustling open space may be too distracting, and a quiet booth may be more effective. Because of this, it’s important to offer a range of work areas or desk options to give your members the space to move around and find the right environment for what they need to accomplish. These can be quiet spaces, communal areas, outdoor spaces, or private offices. Providing different environments throughout your coworking space will help your members find what works for them, and encourages mobility throughout the day. Movement throughout the day is great for improving health and has been shown to help improve productivity in the workplace!
Offer Some Extras
Say someone is looking into coworking and they love the community and opportunity to network, but they need absolute quiet to get work done. Think about offering a borrowing program where members can borrow noise-canceling headphones for those days when other people’s sniffles and conversations are a little too distracting. You could have endless options, including laptop chargers, blankets, or phone chargers. On top of this, you can also create a community Spotify account where you have playlists that encourage different moods. To see a list of our favorite playlists for coworking, check our Coworking Playlists.
Break Half-Day Habits
Why do people leave coworking spaces before they finish work for the day? While we all love a good half-day, it’s easier to be less accountable in coworking spaces. When you think about a regular office, people leave for doctor appointments, childcare, or even lunch. These commitments don’t disappear with coworking but there are ways you can encourage members to return after. To help keep productivity up, look into offering childcare within your space, or bring in flu shots and free doctor visits to members. Another great idea to keep members around during lunch is to offer rotating food truck options throughout the week. No one likes working while hangry after all. These simple changes may stop members from ending their workday early because of other commitments or needs!
Create Dedicated Social Time
Consider the wellness of your members and how that impacts productivity. Having a community manager that is passionate about breaking up the monotonous weekday routine can help to make your coworking space more exciting and therefore more productive for members! While socializing and networking are an important part of coworking, they also take away productivity and can be distracting to some members. Offering a dedicated lunchtime can help foster a fun environment during a natural break time that encourages networking, asking questions, bouncing ideas back and forth, and socialization.
What are some things you have done in your coworking space to help increase productivity in members? We would love to hear your ideas!
Introducing Ts117
We're welcoming Ts117 to the Proximity Network! Based out of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, this 40,000 square foot coworking space opened in the spring of 2019 and offers everything from fully furnished offices to an amphitheater to foster collaboration among coworkers. We caught up with community manager Daniel, to see how opening a coworking space in a "heartland"-centric community has allowed them to sit one-on-one with local community members, and get to the basics of how coworking can help keep their members connected to a community "larger than themselves"!
When did you open your coworking space and what enticed you to do so?
We opened Ts117 Coworking in early spring 2019 with a soft launch, followed by an open house at the beginning of April, but the idea had been welling up long before. R&R Properties has been providing property management and commercial real estate services to the East Tennessee region for nearly 50 years and in that time, we’ve developed a pretty keen understanding of the local CRE “pulse,” while paying close attention to trends developing nationally. In the last decade, we’ve noticed evolving demands of our office space and started to see more and more tenants opting for shorter lease terms in favor of more flexibility. That, coupled with the rise of the concept of coworking (community workspace) and the introduction of “flexspace,” helped us see the need for taking action on the pattern and begin researching how we could serve the specialized workforce in Oak Ridge.
Tell us about your space. How big is it? What kinds of amenities do you have? What sort of quirks make it special?
Ts117 now occupies 40,000SF of an 80,000SF facility, taking up most of the first and second floors. From the point of entry, the space emphasizes the rich modernist history of Oak Ridge while integrating functional and forward-thinking efficiency measures and technology to enrich the interface between our physical and virtual interfaces. Our amenities now include 7 conference rooms (large, medium, small, and a specially-outfitted proposal center), an 80-person Amphitheater with stepped seating, hot desks, and private offices. We feature phone rooms, a mail center with virtual addresses, a healthy Canteen market, and a large kitchen and lounge space adjacent to our covered outdoor seating. Beyond that, we’re the only space in the area to feature truly GIG-speed internet (one of the perks of being right across the street from the largest National Laboratory), wireless printing, and high-security access control and soundproofing features to provide for the needs of the government contractors occupying our space. Lastly, we make sure food trucks are outside in their designated spot daily for lunch!
What is your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?
The people. It sounds funny, but the History Channel’s “Pawn Shop” show with the line, “you never know who’s going to walk through that door,” rings true day after day. All walks of life, professions, and types of folks come through daily to utilize meeting space, get lunch, attend training or professional development events, and generally to check out a facility unlike any other in the region. Being more “heartland”-centric, coworking hasn’t propagated as a concept within the local community to any great extent. But we’re excited for the work we’re doing to highlight the real benefits of membership and being connected to a community larger than yourself.
What has been the most surprising/unexpected thing about operating a coworking space?
Tough question! There have been many surprises along the way, chief of which is probably the direction of how we spread awareness and situate ourselves in our local community. Because there’s not a tried and true method for growing coworking communities in rural areas, we’ve been A/B testing a lot of outreach strategies. What we didn’t realize was that treating our space as a Community Center of mid-century America would end up being the strategy with (so far) the best response!
What’s your favorite story about one of your members?
Xavier moved to Tennessee from Colorado with his wife and now works remotely. Xavier called one morning to schedule a tour of our facility. He scheduled the appointment, giving himself a 45 minute-1 hour commute, only to arrive in less than 30 minutes...Win #1. After giving Xavier a tour of the facility, I (as Community Manager) could see his eyes light up and I knew he had found his “new office”. We talked for a bit and he then told me that he had been looking at coworking facilities in the surrounding areas and could not find the “coworking feel”, he was accustomed to until he arrived at Ts117! He became a member that day and arrived the very next morning ready for work! He loves the hot desk option as well as having a private office for flexibility. He has met so many new people he would have never made contact with from his “basement office”. He is the PERFECT example of why Coworking is growing with leaps and bounds, and here at Ts117, we plan to grow with it!
What is your biggest piece of advice for someone wanting to open a space?
Become overly familiar with your local community. Start walking into coffee shops and fast-casual places where folks are working and see if you can have a moment of their time. Get connected to the lifeblood of the small business community and find out how you can serve their needs, spread awareness about their businesses, and provide them a place to collaborate, network, and share ideas.
Find Ts117 on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Introducing R Space
We love having R Space in the Proximity Network! Located in Durango, Colorado next to the Rochester Hotel, R Space is a community-driven coworking space that features flex desks, meeting rooms, and highspeed internet. We caught up with Kirk Komick, founder of R Space to hear about their coworking space and the community they foster in downtown Durango!
When did you open your coworking space and what enticed you to do so?
We opened R Space on November 1, 2017. We evaluated the highest and best use of rental space next to our hotel, The Rochester Hotel in Durango. We wanted to provide service to our awesome Second Avenue and to our frequent business travelers at the hotel. R Space is a great compliment to our business, and it is a fun concept to bring to Durango!
Tell us about your space. How big is it? What kinds of amenities do you have? What sort of quirks make it special?
R Space is approximately 2,500 square feet. We offer an abundance of space for coworking, dedicated desks (cubicles with a locking drawer and file cabinet), a variety of meeting rooms, and a classroom/training room that fits up to 25 people. We have high-speed internet and high-speed coffee from local roaster Desert Sun, healthy snacks, and lots of candy (cinnamon bears are our mascot). We offer Rochester Bikes to cruise around town when you need fresh air, and our members love working in our beautiful Secret Garden. Wednesday’s we focus on R Space Meet-Ups for health/wellness/life-balance etc. We invite our community members and promote to locals. We offer a Wednesday Happy Hour to guests and members. And, we offer Yoga once a week, free to members. We are fortunate to be on Second Avenue in Durango – a great street off the beaten path – within walking distance to Main Avenue restaurants, bars, shops and more. We have the luxury of being next door to the Rochester Hotel with additional meeting rooms, breakout space in the Secret Garden or lobby bar area, and discounted hotel rooms for Nomads and travelers. Arrangements can be made to offer breakfast to our members at the Rochester Hotel.
What is your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?
My favorite part of operating R Space is getting to meet people from our community who work across the world in all sorts of industries. We love to be able to support entrepreneurs and start-ups with reasonable space, which increases their chance of success. Building a community within R Space is fascinating.
What has been the most surprising/unexpected thing about operating a coworking space?
I have been impressed with our ability to offer space for multi-day retreats and to sell room blocks [in the hotel] to accommodate their needs. I have also been pleased with being able to help companies with offsite meetings and seeing how happy they are with their productivity.
What’s your favorite story about one of your members?
A member who was a coworker for 6 months stays connected by sending photos of his new “working digs”, which include shots of bears and buffalo! He even still contacts our staff for technical assistance.
What is your biggest piece of advice for someone wanting to open a space?
Opening a space is very exciting and fulfilling. Post opening requires a lot of follow-through, patience, and flexibility. Creating the desired culture takes a bit of work and time. And, it is challenging to maintain a balance between selling memberships, and community donations.
Follow R Space on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Introducing the Indie Alley
We’re excited to introduce to you The Indie Alley, a female-focused coworking space in Fairfax, California. The Indie Alley offers private offices, open coworking spaces, and fosters a community that focuses on offering support to women through all stages of life. Take a step inside and hear what the collective group of women who run the Indie Alley have to say about their space!
When did you open your coworking space and what enticed you to do so?
We opened our space on International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2018.
Tell us about your space. How big is it? What kinds of amenities do you have?
We are a stand-alone building in the lovely town of Fairfax in Marin County, CA. We have 2,400 square feet of space where we have private offices and two open coworking spaces, a conference room as well as outdoor space. We also have a fully stocked kitchen - coffee, tea, snacks, hard and soft drinks.
What sort of quirks make it special?
The Indie Alley is handcrafted. We use pieces that inspire a feeling of home and togetherness (without the laundry and dishes). There is nothing cookie-cutter about the space - most pieces are upcycled and while nothing really matches, it just works!
What is your favorite thing about operating a coworking space?
The favorite thing by far is the people and the community that we've fostered so naturally. Because the space is so unique, people will self-select and you can really find the folks who want to be a part of what we are doing here.
What has been the most surprising/unexpected thing about operating a coworking space?
Man is it ever hard to get the word out! We find that word-of-mouth is our best marketing tool. We use a lot of social media platforms, but the discovery process once somebody walks in the door on a recommendation is really a beautiful thing to witness.
What’s your favorite story about one of your members?
We had a member who was here for what she believed to be a temporary period of time. We all fell in love with her and she became the heartbeat of our community. When the time came for her to leave, she decided she just didn’t want to, so she moved her permanent office into The Indie Alley and her spirit and loving nature really makes a difference here.
What is your biggest piece of advice for someone wanting to open a space?
The margins are really small until your programming takes off if you are running a small establishment. The best thing I personally did was to purchase the building and make the investment into the property as opposed to renting and covering somebody else’s mortgage while barely covering the monthly nut. At least at the end of the day, I know I have made a decision that will be fruitful for my family’s future.
Check out the Indie Alley on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Mistakes Every Coworking Space Shouldn't Make
Starting and operating a coworking space can be challenging, like setting off on a long race. Sometimes it's hard to know what's the best course of action and if it will have the desired results. The end goal is, of course, a happy, healthy and busy coworking space, so we've compiled some great things you definitely shouldn't do so you can be successful.
Not Having a WHY
As you're building your community and getting ready to open your space, make sure you have a good WHY! Be able to communicate WHY you’re opening your space and the potential impact it will have on your community. A WHY is more important than anything else, and people will get behind you immediately if you have a mission that really can benefit them and the place they live.
Starting Without a Plan
You wouldn’t hike up Mount Everest without a plan; don’t open a coworking space without one either! There will be plenty of hurdles along the way, and you want to be ready for them. Try interviewing people in your community who might be interested in your space, and get feedback from peers and friends. Try to find out what kind of space would be perfect for your community; whether or not there should be a focus on open space or private offices, for example. Do a business model canvas, and map out your business plan! Think about who your customers are going to be and what they want. This is also a great way to start marketing and community building long before you even open.
Overcomplicating Membership Types
Often the idea of a coworking space is unfamiliar to most people and most communities. If your membership types are too complicated, people aren’t going to understand. Keep it simple and keep it easy, especially at the beginning. Make it clean, clear, and not overcomplicated.
Waiting to Open Before Building Your Community
The best time to build your community was yesterday, and the second best time is today. You don’t want to open your space and have it be completely empty! Throw parties, host meetups, and create a newsletter before you even open the doors to your space. Have people register for a newsletter during each event, and try to get some local groundwork in before you open.
Trying to Do Everything Yourself
As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to think you have to do everything yourself. You don’t! Finding a good partner (or partners) can be extremely helpful. Even just reaching out to peers and friends for occasional favors can make all the difference. Try to find people who have different skills than you do, who you really get along with. Work out trades for services, and empower your members to lend a helping hand!
Taking Photos of Furniture Instead of People
It’s easy, especially after putting so much work into creating your space, to only advertise your furniture and decor! A lot of creators and space managers want to show off the cool perks and desks that they have in their space, but they forget that the most alluring part of a coworking space is the people. Try to take pictures of the individuals in your space working together and market the connections you can help create, not the space itself.
Dismissing the Importance of Design
Remember that you should avoid trying to do everything yourself! Spend the money to have someone talented build you a logo and brand guidelines. Know that design elements are just as important as branding and need a lot of attention. Place that focus within the building, too. Take time to design the space. Know who your audience is, and make the space a great place for them to work!
Losing Sight of Your Vision
As an entrepreneur, it’s really easy to lose sight of what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. Make sure you take the time to remind yourself of and refresh your mission; Why are you doing this? What’s the point? Focus on that, and make sure your members don’t lose sight of it either.
What did we miss? What are some mistakes you made at the beginning that you want to help others avoid?
We recently discussed this topic with some of our coworking friends, for more on this topic watch our last Coworking Community Call here! You can also join Proximity Connect for future calls and events.