What comes to mind when I say “coworking”. How do YOU define it? According to Wikipedia (the world's most credible source) it means “a style of work which involves a shared working environment, sometimes an office, yet independent activity” but it’s much more than that; it is about the energy that people bring into their shared workspace. A recent study shared that Around 2.5 million people searched for “coworking” on Google. Needless to say, it’s a growing trend that doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. For those of you who have not yet ventured into coworking, let’s discuss the intangibles that coworking provides. Sure you get wifi, a desk, and access to a printer but …Coworking spaces are a form of motivation (which entrepreneurs can never get enough of) because everyone around you is working diligently to propel their business/brand. There’s a great quote that says “Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and the thinkers but most of all surround yourself with those who see greatness within you”. I couldn’t think of a more poignant way to summarize coworking; you get to bounce ideas off of people who will not only listen to you but challenge you and offer insights from their perspective, experience, and varying industry. Hera Hub, the premier coworking space for women, members shared their thoughts regarding the benefits of coworking. Stephanie Krieg, the founder of Human Resources Culture Club, said “I think support is the biggest thing. If you work at home alone, you miss the collaboration of others and if you work in Corporate America, you get more whats-in-it-for the-company or whats-in-it-for-your-evil co-worker. Co-working blends the best of both worlds” and Lynda West, founder of UR Charities, commented saying “I absolutely love the camaraderie from everyone at Hera Hub. I’m not sure about other co-working locations, but Hera Hub has changed my whole life. It has changed the way I look at my business, my life, my friendships, everything. The trainings offered at Hera Hub, alone, have made this co-working top notch. The ladies at HH have encouraged me to grow beyond what I imagined (even though I’m still growing)”.
Why is coworking better than going to a café or working from home? Think about the last time you went to Starbucks to “try” and work; remember all the distractions? In the YouTube video TEDxStareMiasto- Milosz Jarosiewicz- goes into detail about many different aspects of not only what coworking is but why it’s better than working at a café or working from home. He mentions that in cafes there is the constant buzz of people around you, people taking phone calls, and the yummy smells of their food. All these elements create a beautiful atmosphere for a…guess what… Coffee Shop but not an office. I am sure there is a glorious vision that pops into your head when I mention “work from home”. I’m sure you are picturing yourself in your 1,000 thread count Egyptian Cotton Sheets, answering emails. The only sounds are of Ella Fitzgerald’s greatest hits wafting through the background. The only smell is the homemade scones you popped in the oven before noon. NOT. We all have the best of intentions when we work from home, our goal is to gain new clients after we bake fresh scones but this rarely happens. That is because, home is often the most distracting place due to, kids, pets, phone calls, and day time Television, you try resisting The young and Restless the next time it comes on…not easy. For those of you that aren’t distracted easily because there aren’t pets, kids, or even cable, the feeling of isolation can not only stunt your professional experience but hinder your work and psyche– “In life you will realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you, and some will teach you. But most important are the ones that bring out the best in you. Those are the ones worth keeping around” simply put one needs, “community”. Many coworkers say that making the transition from working from home/cafe to coworking significantly boosted their productivity. You are in a shared workspace with similar individuals; fellow creative entrepreneurs continuously working and thinking outside of the box. The community provides support, motivation, vs. the isolation that sitting at home provides. As TEDx speaker, Milosz Jarosiewicz supports, “coworking space collects professionals and specialists” in one place! How great is that?! Hera Hub is one of the most dynamic Coworking spaces due to the networking opportunities it creates. Hera Hub hosts events that are held for members and nonmembers: happy hours, Business Buddies program, artist receptions, discussion forums, Movie nights, launch parties, lunches, and GURU hours, which are open office hours hosted by subject matter experts. Perhaps you have already left cubicle nation and are pulling your scones out of the oven as we speak (or read I should say) or possibly you are toying with the idea of creating your own business; whatever your position explore coworking as an option. Worried that you won’t find any outside the United States? Don’t worry! In the article on www.deskwanted.com it states that since 2006 the coworking spaces around the world has doubled each year. During the start of 2012 there was a record of 1200 around the world! So no matter where you are or what industry you are in there is a coworking space for you. Are you a female entrepreneurs, business owner, author, consultant, or freelancer interested in trying out coworking, visit Herahub.com for more information.
