My name’s Sean and I’m planning on starting a co-working space for my colleagues and I in a few months. We’re all newly registered migration agents and are hoping to get our own businesses up and running. We’ve been meeting at least once a month, usually at a restaurant, to talk over cases and to catch up but I figure we’d be a lot more productive working together a few days a week.
Through a family connection I’ve managed to secure a premises on Collins Street, which is one of Melbourne CBD’s (Central Business District ie Down town) premier street locations at a very reasonable rental rate. I’ve also negotiated a free period which I’m sure will come in handy.
The office is approx 90m2, has a large open area, 2 decent sizes office rooms, a kitchenette and a small office which can be used as a private room or phone call room. I’ve uploaded a quick floorplan I drew for those interested.
I’ve been doing a lot of research about the movement and am so eager to meet all sorts of different people through the process of having a space, but I’ve got a few beginner questions which I’m hoping can be discussed and answered here.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
Any feedback on the above would be greatly appreciated. I hope to have our co-working space up and running soon!
My name’s Sean and I’m planning on starting a co-working space for my colleagues and I in a few months. We’re all newly registered migration agents and are hoping to get our own businesses up and running. We’ve been meeting at least once a month, usually at a restaurant, to talk over cases and to catch up but I figure we’d be a lot more productive working together a few days a week.
Through a family connection I’ve managed to secure a premises on Collins Street, which is one of Melbourne CBD’s (Central Business District ie Down town) premier street locations at a very reasonable rental rate. I’ve also negotiated a free period which I’m sure will come in handy.
The office is approx 90m2, has a large open area, 2 decent sizes office rooms, a kitchenette and a small office which can be used as a private room or phone call room. I’ve uploaded a quick floorplan I drew for those interested.
I’ve been doing a lot of research about the movement and am so eager to meet all sorts of different people through the process of having a space, but I’ve got a few beginner questions which I’m hoping can be discussed and answered here.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
For a space this small, a combo of your looking up, and your trusting that people will use what they pay for…this should suffice.
Even a quick Google Calendar could work. Or perhaps enlist a SharedDesk/LiquidSpace/etc. and they can check in via that.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
layout the space.
generally, people assume you can sell 2x more memberships than there are seats. I’ve seen higher in my space…I’ve seen lower.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
In my opinion, broad.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
In my opinion, printer. There are many combo units for <$200. Usually, copying isn’t ideal but it can be done. Printing is the core function.
Any feedback on the above would be greatly appreciated. I hope to have our co-working space up and running soon!
My name’s Sean and I’m planning on starting a co-working space for my colleagues and I in a few months. We’re all newly registered migration agents and are hoping to get our own businesses up and running. We’ve been meeting at least once
a month, usually at a restaurant, to talk over cases and to catch up but I figure we’d be a lot more productive working together a few days a week.
Through a family connection I’ve managed to secure a premises on Collins Street, which is one of Melbourne CBD’s (Central Business District ie Down town) premier street locations at a very reasonable rental rate. I’ve also negotiated a
free period which I’m sure will come in handy.
The office is approx 90m2, has a large open area, 2 decent sizes office rooms, a kitchenette and a small office which can be used as a private room or phone call room. I’ve uploaded a quick floorplan I drew for those interested.
I’ve been doing a lot of research about the movement and am so eager to meet all sorts of different people through the process of having a space, but I’ve got a few beginner questions which I’m hoping can be discussed and answered here.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management
software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
For a space this small, a combo of your looking up, and your trusting that people will use what they pay for…this should suffice.
Even a quick Google Calendar could work. Or perhaps enlist a SharedDesk/LiquidSpace/etc. and they can check in via that.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
layout the space.
generally, people assume you can sell 2x more memberships than there are seats. I’ve seen higher in my space…I’ve seen lower.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
In my opinion, broad.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
In my opinion, printer. There are many combo units for <$200. Usually, copying isn’t ideal but it can be done. Printing is the core function.
Any feedback on the above would be greatly appreciated. I hope to have our co-working space up and running soon!
Cheers for the detailed responses. I’ve had a few days to think things over since posting and agree with most of your feedback.
I like the idea of using google calendar to manage things, at least initially. I can have it so that members can access the calendar themselves to book things such as the meeting room correct?
How do space operators usually manage access? Keypad access with individual code for each member? Or Keypass cards where members get a card each?
Btw Blankspaces looks amazing!
Cheers,
Sean
···
On Tuesday, July 23, 2013 7:22:04 AM UTC+10, Jerome wrote:
Hi. See below.
Jerome
BLANKSPACES
“work FOR yourself, not BY yourself”
www.blankspaces.com
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.330.9505 (office)
My name’s Sean and I’m planning on starting a co-working space for my colleagues and I in a few months. We’re all newly registered migration agents and are hoping to get our own businesses up and running. We’ve been meeting at least once a month, usually at a restaurant, to talk over cases and to catch up but I figure we’d be a lot more productive working together a few days a week.
Through a family connection I’ve managed to secure a premises on Collins Street, which is one of Melbourne CBD’s (Central Business District ie Down town) premier street locations at a very reasonable rental rate. I’ve also negotiated a free period which I’m sure will come in handy.
The office is approx 90m2, has a large open area, 2 decent sizes office rooms, a kitchenette and a small office which can be used as a private room or phone call room. I’ve uploaded a quick floorplan I drew for those interested.
I’ve been doing a lot of research about the movement and am so eager to meet all sorts of different people through the process of having a space, but I’ve got a few beginner questions which I’m hoping can be discussed and answered here.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
For a space this small, a combo of your looking up, and your trusting that people will use what they pay for…this should suffice.
Even a quick Google Calendar could work. Or perhaps enlist a SharedDesk/LiquidSpace/etc. and they can check in via that.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
layout the space.
generally, people assume you can sell 2x more memberships than there are seats. I’ve seen higher in my space…I’ve seen lower.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
In my opinion, broad.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
In my opinion, printer. There are many combo units for <$200. Usually, copying isn’t ideal but it can be done. Printing is the core function.
Any feedback on the above would be greatly appreciated. I hope to have our co-working space up and running soon!
I’ve been doing research on access and security options and have come across a range of digital locks made by Samsung. They are called the SHS range.
Has anyone come across these or used them in their place?
The one I’m looking at (SHS-3320) accepts digital pass code, RFID, NFC or key card. It can even accept up to 70 users which will be more than enough for my space.
The only downside I can see so far with this system is that it isn’t networked so it can’t tell me who or when someone has used their keypass to enter the office.
Any other solutions I should look into?
···
On Tuesday, July 23, 2013 12:21:02 PM UTC+10, Sean Qian wrote:
Hi Jerome,
Cheers for the detailed responses. I’ve had a few days to think things over since posting and agree with most of your feedback.
I like the idea of using google calendar to manage things, at least initially. I can have it so that members can access the calendar themselves to book things such as the meeting room correct?
How do space operators usually manage access? Keypad access with individual code for each member? Or Keypass cards where members get a card each?
Btw Blankspaces looks amazing!
Cheers,
Sean
On Tuesday, July 23, 2013 7:22:04 AM UTC+10, Jerome wrote:
Hi. See below.
Jerome
BLANKSPACES
“work FOR yourself, not BY yourself”
www.blankspaces.com
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.330.9505 (office)
My name’s Sean and I’m planning on starting a co-working space for my colleagues and I in a few months. We’re all newly registered migration agents and are hoping to get our own businesses up and running. We’ve been meeting at least once a month, usually at a restaurant, to talk over cases and to catch up but I figure we’d be a lot more productive working together a few days a week.
Through a family connection I’ve managed to secure a premises on Collins Street, which is one of Melbourne CBD’s (Central Business District ie Down town) premier street locations at a very reasonable rental rate. I’ve also negotiated a free period which I’m sure will come in handy.
The office is approx 90m2, has a large open area, 2 decent sizes office rooms, a kitchenette and a small office which can be used as a private room or phone call room. I’ve uploaded a quick floorplan I drew for those interested.
I’ve been doing a lot of research about the movement and am so eager to meet all sorts of different people through the process of having a space, but I’ve got a few beginner questions which I’m hoping can be discussed and answered here.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
For a space this small, a combo of your looking up, and your trusting that people will use what they pay for…this should suffice.
Even a quick Google Calendar could work. Or perhaps enlist a SharedDesk/LiquidSpace/etc. and they can check in via that.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
layout the space.
generally, people assume you can sell 2x more memberships than there are seats. I’ve seen higher in my space…I’ve seen lower.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
In my opinion, broad.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
In my opinion, printer. There are many combo units for <$200. Usually, copying isn’t ideal but it can be done. Printing is the core function.
Any feedback on the above would be greatly appreciated. I hope to have our co-working space up and running soon!
I’ve looked at the Samsung locks and considered the deadbolt version for our space (I can’t change the door handle, but can change the deadbolt/nightlatch). It seems pretty versatile and the cost is decent. Unfortunately for us, having a second lock violates fire code, so for now we just give keys to the members with 24/7 access and tell them to keep the deadbolt unlatched when they’re in the building. We adopted Alex’s “Circle of Trust” vetting method which is working well. When we get more 24/7 members, we’ll look at a swipe card solution. I’m leaning towards a Honeywell NetAXS-123 which has a web interface, but it’s rather pricey.
I’ve been doing research on access and security options and have come across a range of digital locks made by Samsung. They are called the SHS range.
Has anyone come across these or used them in their place?
The one I’m looking at (SHS-3320) accepts digital pass code, RFID, NFC or key card. It can even accept up to 70 users which will be more than enough for my space.
The only downside I can see so far with this system is that it isn’t networked so it can’t tell me who or when someone has used their keypass to enter the office.
Any other solutions I should look into?
On Tuesday, July 23, 2013 12:21:02 PM UTC+10, Sean Qian wrote:
Hi Jerome,
Cheers for the detailed responses. I’ve had a few days to think things over since posting and agree with most of your feedback.
I like the idea of using google calendar to manage things, at least initially. I can have it so that members can access the calendar themselves to book things such as the meeting room correct?
How do space operators usually manage access? Keypad access with individual code for each member? Or Keypass cards where members get a card each?
Btw Blankspaces looks amazing!
Cheers,
Sean
On Tuesday, July 23, 2013 7:22:04 AM UTC+10, Jerome wrote:
Hi. See below.
Jerome
BLANKSPACES
“work FOR yourself, not BY yourself”
www.blankspaces.com
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) Los Angeles, CA 90036
My name’s Sean and I’m planning on starting a co-working space for my colleagues and I in a few months. We’re all newly registered migration agents and are hoping to get our own businesses up and running. We’ve been meeting at least once a month, usually at a restaurant, to talk over cases and to catch up but I figure we’d be a lot more productive working together a few days a week.
Through a family connection I’ve managed to secure a premises on Collins Street, which is one of Melbourne CBD’s (Central Business District ie Down town) premier street locations at a very reasonable rental rate. I’ve also negotiated a free period which I’m sure will come in handy.
The office is approx 90m2, has a large open area, 2 decent sizes office rooms, a kitchenette and a small office which can be used as a private room or phone call room. I’ve uploaded a quick floorplan I drew for those interested.
I’ve been doing a lot of research about the movement and am so eager to meet all sorts of different people through the process of having a space, but I’ve got a few beginner questions which I’m hoping can be discussed and answered here.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
For a space this small, a combo of your looking up, and your trusting that people will use what they pay for…this should suffice.
Even a quick Google Calendar could work. Or perhaps enlist a SharedDesk/LiquidSpace/etc. and they can check in via that.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
layout the space.
generally, people assume you can sell 2x more memberships than there are seats. I’ve seen higher in my space…I’ve seen lower.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
In my opinion, broad.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
In my opinion, printer. There are many combo units for <$200. Usually, copying isn’t ideal but it can be done. Printing is the core function.
Any feedback on the above would be greatly appreciated. I hope to have our co-working space up and running soon!
We’ve developed a web app that ties in with an off-the-shelf access system. We really like Paxton at the moment. It’s a battery-powered and wi-fi RFID doorlock w/scanner built in. All you have to do is remove the existing handle on the door, and replace it with this one – no wiring. You do have to use the wired ones for outside doors. We put these on all the conference room and office doors, then the scans are entered into our system to track usage. So you can offer true 24/7 usage and be able to charge for, say, a conference room to a member from 7 - 10 pm without staffing. Our system also includes a full reservation system, automatic renewal billing, reports, self-registration for new members, automatic credit card processing, etc.
Barbara
···
On Wednesday, July 24, 2013 8:39:52 AM UTC-7, Glen Ferguson wrote:
Hi Sean,
I’ve looked at the Samsung locks and considered the deadbolt version for our space (I can’t change the door handle, but can change the deadbolt/nightlatch). It seems pretty versatile and the cost is decent. Unfortunately for us, having a second lock violates fire code, so for now we just give keys to the members with 24/7 access and tell them to keep the deadbolt unlatched when they’re in the building. We adopted Alex’s “Circle of Trust” vetting method which is working well. When we get more 24/7 members, we’ll look at a swipe card solution. I’m leaning towards a Honeywell NetAXS-123 which has a web interface, but it’s rather pricey.
I’ve been doing research on access and security options and have come across a range of digital locks made by Samsung. They are called the SHS range.
Has anyone come across these or used them in their place?
The one I’m looking at (SHS-3320) accepts digital pass code, RFID, NFC or key card. It can even accept up to 70 users which will be more than enough for my space.
The only downside I can see so far with this system is that it isn’t networked so it can’t tell me who or when someone has used their keypass to enter the office.
Any other solutions I should look into?
On Tuesday, July 23, 2013 12:21:02 PM UTC+10, Sean Qian wrote:
Hi Jerome,
Cheers for the detailed responses. I’ve had a few days to think things over since posting and agree with most of your feedback.
I like the idea of using google calendar to manage things, at least initially. I can have it so that members can access the calendar themselves to book things such as the meeting room correct?
How do space operators usually manage access? Keypad access with individual code for each member? Or Keypass cards where members get a card each?
Btw Blankspaces looks amazing!
Cheers,
Sean
On Tuesday, July 23, 2013 7:22:04 AM UTC+10, Jerome wrote:
Hi. See below.
Jerome
BLANKSPACES
“work FOR yourself, not BY yourself”
www.blankspaces.com
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) Los Angeles, CA 90036
My name’s Sean and I’m planning on starting a co-working space for my colleagues and I in a few months. We’re all newly registered migration agents and are hoping to get our own businesses up and running. We’ve been meeting at least once a month, usually at a restaurant, to talk over cases and to catch up but I figure we’d be a lot more productive working together a few days a week.
Through a family connection I’ve managed to secure a premises on Collins Street, which is one of Melbourne CBD’s (Central Business District ie Down town) premier street locations at a very reasonable rental rate. I’ve also negotiated a free period which I’m sure will come in handy.
The office is approx 90m2, has a large open area, 2 decent sizes office rooms, a kitchenette and a small office which can be used as a private room or phone call room. I’ve uploaded a quick floorplan I drew for those interested.
I’ve been doing a lot of research about the movement and am so eager to meet all sorts of different people through the process of having a space, but I’ve got a few beginner questions which I’m hoping can be discussed and answered here.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
For a space this small, a combo of your looking up, and your trusting that people will use what they pay for…this should suffice.
Even a quick Google Calendar could work. Or perhaps enlist a SharedDesk/LiquidSpace/etc. and they can check in via that.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
layout the space.
generally, people assume you can sell 2x more memberships than there are seats. I’ve seen higher in my space…I’ve seen lower.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
In my opinion, broad.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
In my opinion, printer. There are many combo units for <$200. Usually, copying isn’t ideal but it can be done. Printing is the core function.
Any feedback on the above would be greatly appreciated. I hope to have our co-working space up and running soon!
As always, Jerome’s comments are great. I’ve interspersed a few ideas below, too.
Barbara
HI All,
My name’s Sean and I’m planning on starting a co-working space for my colleagues and I in a few months. We’re all newly registered migration agents and are hoping to get our own businesses up and running. We’ve been meeting at least once a month, usually at a restaurant, to talk over cases and to catch up but I figure we’d be a lot more productive working together a few days a week.
Through a family connection I’ve managed to secure a premises on Collins Street, which is one of Melbourne CBD’s (Central Business District ie Down town) premier street locations at a very reasonable rental rate. I’ve also negotiated a free period which I’m sure will come in handy.
The office is approx 90m2, has a large open area, 2 decent sizes office rooms, a kitchenette and a small office which can be used as a private room or phone call room. I’ve uploaded a quick floorplan I drew for those interested.
In this space, you’ll be doing conventional cowork – nice open plan layout with just a few breakout/team room spaces.
I’ve been doing a lot of research about the movement and am so eager to meet all sorts of different people through the process of having a space, but I’ve got a few beginner questions which I’m hoping can be discussed and answered here.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
We found that “days per week” made people feel like they didn’t have enough flexibility. We changed it to “days per month”, and used “up to…” . I like both Nexudus and Cobot. Our software, however, uses an RFID access card tied to the web app to track usage.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall? (Sorry I’m talking English instead of metric) Figure 50 - 100 s.f. per person that can be in the space at any one time. You can sell 3 x that calculation, roughly, for memberships, since you won’t have very many people in full time.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad? We believe in being more broad – why limit the market? We feel the thread between people is that they’ve chosen to live (or work in) a particular area. There will also be a certain type of person who likes your environment. In our spaces, our members range from startups to financial consultants to writers to teachers to counselors to grad students to web developers…I better stop…
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans. We like the Sharp MX series printer/copier/fax/scanner. Easy to use. And we can program in codes for each person. Then we enter the usage at the end of each month for billing. Pretty simple. Fast, reliable broadband with failover is the main thing you need! We also have a VoIP phone system. So we can add a new person on the fly, change plans, etc. Really flexible, but you need a good one.
Let me know if we can help in any other way!
Barbara
···
On Saturday, July 20, 2013 3:50:25 AM UTC-7, Sean Qian wrote:
Any feedback on the above would be greatly appreciated. I hope to have our co-working space up and running soon!
I’ve just placed an order for the SHS-3320. I’ll update here on how it goes. There’s a good installation video on youtube which I’m glad to discover.
Starting off there will only be 5 of us and we’re all friends. I’m going to give them all discounted rates to use the space any time they want during business hours. Less admin for me whilst the space gets going.
Where can I learn more about Alex’s Circle of trust? It sounds interesting.
···
On Thursday, July 25, 2013 1:39:52 AM UTC+10, Glen Ferguson wrote:
Hi Sean,
I’ve looked at the Samsung locks and considered the deadbolt version for our space (I can’t change the door handle, but can change the deadbolt/nightlatch). It seems pretty versatile and the cost is decent. Unfortunately for us, having a second lock violates fire code, so for now we just give keys to the members with 24/7 access and tell them to keep the deadbolt unlatched when they’re in the building. We adopted Alex’s “Circle of Trust” vetting method which is working well. When we get more 24/7 members, we’ll look at a swipe card solution. I’m leaning towards a Honeywell NetAXS-123 which has a web interface, but it’s rather pricey.
I’ve been doing research on access and security options and have come across a range of digital locks made by Samsung. They are called the SHS range.
Has anyone come across these or used them in their place?
The one I’m looking at (SHS-3320) accepts digital pass code, RFID, NFC or key card. It can even accept up to 70 users which will be more than enough for my space.
The only downside I can see so far with this system is that it isn’t networked so it can’t tell me who or when someone has used their keypass to enter the office.
Any other solutions I should look into?
On Tuesday, July 23, 2013 12:21:02 PM UTC+10, Sean Qian wrote:
Hi Jerome,
Cheers for the detailed responses. I’ve had a few days to think things over since posting and agree with most of your feedback.
I like the idea of using google calendar to manage things, at least initially. I can have it so that members can access the calendar themselves to book things such as the meeting room correct?
How do space operators usually manage access? Keypad access with individual code for each member? Or Keypass cards where members get a card each?
Btw Blankspaces looks amazing!
Cheers,
Sean
On Tuesday, July 23, 2013 7:22:04 AM UTC+10, Jerome wrote:
Hi. See below.
Jerome
BLANKSPACES
“work FOR yourself, not BY yourself”
www.blankspaces.com
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) Los Angeles, CA 90036
My name’s Sean and I’m planning on starting a co-working space for my colleagues and I in a few months. We’re all newly registered migration agents and are hoping to get our own businesses up and running. We’ve been meeting at least once a month, usually at a restaurant, to talk over cases and to catch up but I figure we’d be a lot more productive working together a few days a week.
Through a family connection I’ve managed to secure a premises on Collins Street, which is one of Melbourne CBD’s (Central Business District ie Down town) premier street locations at a very reasonable rental rate. I’ve also negotiated a free period which I’m sure will come in handy.
The office is approx 90m2, has a large open area, 2 decent sizes office rooms, a kitchenette and a small office which can be used as a private room or phone call room. I’ve uploaded a quick floorplan I drew for those interested.
I’ve been doing a lot of research about the movement and am so eager to meet all sorts of different people through the process of having a space, but I’ve got a few beginner questions which I’m hoping can be discussed and answered here.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
For a space this small, a combo of your looking up, and your trusting that people will use what they pay for…this should suffice.
Even a quick Google Calendar could work. Or perhaps enlist a SharedDesk/LiquidSpace/etc. and they can check in via that.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
layout the space.
generally, people assume you can sell 2x more memberships than there are seats. I’ve seen higher in my space…I’ve seen lower.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
In my opinion, broad.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
In my opinion, printer. There are many combo units for <$200. Usually, copying isn’t ideal but it can be done. Printing is the core function.
Any feedback on the above would be greatly appreciated. I hope to have our co-working space up and running soon!
Completely agree with your first 2 pointers. I will be offering days per month and not putting a restriction on which days members can choose to come in. I’ve also been playing around with different layouts and I think the best way to utilise the space in the middle of the room is to have 3 stations which can accommodate 5 people each. This gives each member 1200cm X 60cm of desk space which is quite comfortable. I’m also thinking about putting a couple of couches in that space to the right of the first office.
Most of the feedback I’ve been receiving is to allow a broad range of people to utilise the space. I tend to think this is a good idea now too. Why limit the market indeed, especially if other people from different industries will make the place more vibrant.
I was thinking along the lines of a multi function printer/scanner/copier as well for the office. Good to know Sharp offer a solution which can assigned members. That’s very helpful to know. Thank you.
Cheers again for your reply it’s been very helpful!
···
On Thursday, July 25, 2013 10:57:07 AM UTC+10, Barbara Sprenger wrote:
Sean,
As always, Jerome’s comments are great. I’ve interspersed a few ideas below, too.
Barbara
On Saturday, July 20, 2013 3:50:25 AM UTC-7, Sean Qian wrote:
HI All,
My name’s Sean and I’m planning on starting a co-working space for my colleagues and I in a few months. We’re all newly registered migration agents and are hoping to get our own businesses up and running. We’ve been meeting at least once a month, usually at a restaurant, to talk over cases and to catch up but I figure we’d be a lot more productive working together a few days a week.
Through a family connection I’ve managed to secure a premises on Collins Street, which is one of Melbourne CBD’s (Central Business District ie Down town) premier street locations at a very reasonable rental rate. I’ve also negotiated a free period which I’m sure will come in handy.
The office is approx 90m2, has a large open area, 2 decent sizes office rooms, a kitchenette and a small office which can be used as a private room or phone call room. I’ve uploaded a quick floorplan I drew for those interested.
In this space, you’ll be doing conventional cowork – nice open plan layout with just a few breakout/team room spaces.
I’ve been doing a lot of research about the movement and am so eager to meet all sorts of different people through the process of having a space, but I’ve got a few beginner questions which I’m hoping can be discussed and answered here.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
We found that “days per week” made people feel like they didn’t have enough flexibility. We changed it to “days per month”, and used “up to…” . I like both Nexudus and Cobot. Our software, however, uses an RFID access card tied to the web app to track usage.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall? (Sorry I’m talking English instead of metric) Figure 50 - 100 s.f. per person that can be in the space at any one time. You can sell 3 x that calculation, roughly, for memberships, since you won’t have very many people in full time.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad? We believe in being more broad – why limit the market? We feel the thread between people is that they’ve chosen to live (or work in) a particular area. There will also be a certain type of person who likes your environment. In our spaces, our members range from startups to financial consultants to writers to teachers to counselors to grad students to web developers…I better stop…
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans. We like the Sharp MX series printer/copier/fax/scanner. Easy to use. And we can program in codes for each person. Then we enter the usage at the end of each month for billing. Pretty simple. Fast, reliable broadband with failover is the main thing you need! We also have a VoIP phone system. So we can add a new person on the fly, change plans, etc. Really flexible, but you need a good one.
Let me know if we can help in any other way!
Barbara
Any feedback on the above would be greatly appreciated. I hope to have our co-working space up and running soon!
I’m so glad, Sean!
The Sharp can be put on a lease – in fact it’s advisable. It becomes a monthly cost/profit center, and you just turn it over to a new one in 5 years – or get a great deal on keeping it. We get them able to take ledger size for architects/drafters/accountants on bypass. Not used a lot, but it doesn’t cost much and good selling feature.
Be sure you have power down the 5 person tables to plug in laptops/other devices. (We sometimes use 22" wide tables and attach them with a power strip down the middle if you don’t have purpose made ones.)
Barbara Sprenger
Completely agree with your first 2 pointers. I will be offering days per month and not putting a restriction on which days members can choose to come in. I’ve also been playing around with different layouts and I think the best way to utilise the space in the middle of the room is to have 3 stations which can accommodate 5 people each. This gives each member 1200cm X 60cm of desk space which is quite comfortable. I’m also thinking about putting a couple of couches in that space to the right of the first office.
Most of the feedback I’ve been receiving is to allow a broad range of people to utilise the space. I tend to think this is a good idea now too. Why limit the market indeed, especially if other people from different industries will make the place more vibrant.
I was thinking along the lines of a multi function printer/scanner/copier as well for the office. Good to know Sharp offer a solution which can assigned members. That’s very helpful to know. Thank you.
Cheers again for your reply it’s been very helpful!
On Thursday, July 25, 2013 10:57:07 AM UTC+10, Barbara Sprenger wrote:
Sean,
As always, Jerome’s comments are great. I’ve interspersed a few ideas below, too.
Barbara
On Saturday, July 20, 2013 3:50:25 AM UTC-7, Sean Qian wrote:
HI All,
My name’s Sean and I’m planning on starting a co-working space for my colleagues and I in a few months. We’re all newly registered migration agents and are hoping to get our own businesses up and running. We’ve been meeting at least once a month, usually at a restaurant, to talk over cases and to catch up but I figure we’d be a lot more productive working together a few days a week.
Through a family connection I’ve managed to secure a premises on Collins Street, which is one of Melbourne CBD’s (Central Business District ie Down town) premier street locations at a very reasonable rental rate. I’ve also negotiated a free period which I’m sure will come in handy.
The office is approx 90m2, has a large open area, 2 decent sizes office rooms, a kitchenette and a small office which can be used as a private room or phone call room. I’ve uploaded a quick floorplan I drew for those interested.
In this space, you’ll be doing conventional cowork – nice open plan layout with just a few breakout/team room spaces.
I’ve been doing a lot of research about the movement and am so eager to meet all sorts of different people through the process of having a space, but I’ve got a few beginner questions which I’m hoping can be discussed and answered here.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
We found that “days per week” made people feel like they didn’t have enough flexibility. We changed it to “days per month”, and used “up to…” . I like both Nexudus and Cobot. Our software, however, uses an RFID access card tied to the web app to track usage.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall? (Sorry I’m talking English instead of metric) Figure 50 - 100 s.f. per person that can be in the space at any one time. You can sell 3 x that calculation, roughly, for memberships, since you won’t have very many people in full time.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad? We believe in being more broad – why limit the market? We feel the thread between people is that they’ve chosen to live (or work in) a particular area. There will also be a certain type of person who likes your environment. In our spaces, our members range from startups to financial consultants to writers to teachers to counselors to grad students to web developers…I better stop…
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans. We like the Sharp MX series printer/copier/fax/scanner. Easy to use. And we can program in codes for each person. Then we enter the usage at the end of each month for billing. Pretty simple. Fast, reliable broadband with failover is the main thing you need! We also have a VoIP phone system. So we can add a new person on the fly, change plans, etc. Really flexible, but you need a good one.
Let me know if we can help in any other way!
Barbara
Any feedback on the above would be greatly appreciated. I hope to have our co-working space up and running soon!
Not wanting to sidetrack the discussion, but here’s the gist of the peer-based vetting from a discussion you can find in this group archives. This is what Alex had to say:
“All that said, we’ve had two thefts take place inside of 4 years, with over 100 members and thousands of people through our doors. Both were “inside jobs”, and we responded by improving our social awareness instead of locking things down. In the most recent case, we instituted a “three signature rule” for new full time members. After 1 month of “waiting period”, a new member needs to get 3 signatures from existing full time members that they trust them with a key. This creates a simple structure for getting to know each other a bit better over lunch, drinks, coffee, etc.”
Somebody called it the Circle of Trust, a reference to the Ben Stiller / Robert De Niro movie “Meet The Parents” and it stuck, at least for some of us.
Tying this back to security, we liked this approach and so do our members, plus it’s simple and inexpensive to implement.
We like to keep our systems simple and use them until they no longer meet our needs. For example, we don’t meter printing because we don’t have any heavy users. The few that are moderate users are balanced by those that never print anything. If there comes a time when printer use grows, then we’ll turn on the per user metering in the printer (we’re using a Canon D1350 multifunction printer, by the way).
I’ve just placed an order for the SHS-3320. I’ll update here on how it goes. There’s a good installation video on youtube which I’m glad to discover.
Starting off there will only be 5 of us and we’re all friends. I’m going to give them all discounted rates to use the space any time they want during business hours. Less admin for me whilst the space gets going.
Where can I learn more about Alex’s Circle of trust? It sounds interesting.
On Thursday, July 25, 2013 1:39:52 AM UTC+10, Glen Ferguson wrote:
Hi Sean,
I’ve looked at the Samsung locks and considered the deadbolt version for our space (I can’t change the door handle, but can change the deadbolt/nightlatch). It seems pretty versatile and the cost is decent. Unfortunately for us, having a second lock violates fire code, so for now we just give keys to the members with 24/7 access and tell them to keep the deadbolt unlatched when they’re in the building. We adopted Alex’s “Circle of Trust” vetting method which is working well. When we get more 24/7 members, we’ll look at a swipe card solution. I’m leaning towards a Honeywell NetAXS-123 which has a web interface, but it’s rather pricey.
I’ve been doing research on access and security options and have come across a range of digital locks made by Samsung. They are called the SHS range.
Has anyone come across these or used them in their place?
The one I’m looking at (SHS-3320) accepts digital pass code, RFID, NFC or key card. It can even accept up to 70 users which will be more than enough for my space.
The only downside I can see so far with this system is that it isn’t networked so it can’t tell me who or when someone has used their keypass to enter the office.
Any other solutions I should look into?
On Tuesday, July 23, 2013 12:21:02 PM UTC+10, Sean Qian wrote:
Hi Jerome,
Cheers for the detailed responses. I’ve had a few days to think things over since posting and agree with most of your feedback.
I like the idea of using google calendar to manage things, at least initially. I can have it so that members can access the calendar themselves to book things such as the meeting room correct?
How do space operators usually manage access? Keypad access with individual code for each member? Or Keypass cards where members get a card each?
Btw Blankspaces looks amazing!
Cheers,
Sean
On Tuesday, July 23, 2013 7:22:04 AM UTC+10, Jerome wrote:
Hi. See below.
Jerome
BLANKSPACES
“work FOR yourself, not BY yourself”
www.blankspaces.com
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) Los Angeles, CA 90036
My name’s Sean and I’m planning on starting a co-working space for my colleagues and I in a few months. We’re all newly registered migration agents and are hoping to get our own businesses up and running. We’ve been meeting at least once a month, usually at a restaurant, to talk over cases and to catch up but I figure we’d be a lot more productive working together a few days a week.
Through a family connection I’ve managed to secure a premises on Collins Street, which is one of Melbourne CBD’s (Central Business District ie Down town) premier street locations at a very reasonable rental rate. I’ve also negotiated a free period which I’m sure will come in handy.
The office is approx 90m2, has a large open area, 2 decent sizes office rooms, a kitchenette and a small office which can be used as a private room or phone call room. I’ve uploaded a quick floorplan I drew for those interested.
I’ve been doing a lot of research about the movement and am so eager to meet all sorts of different people through the process of having a space, but I’ve got a few beginner questions which I’m hoping can be discussed and answered here.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
For a space this small, a combo of your looking up, and your trusting that people will use what they pay for…this should suffice.
Even a quick Google Calendar could work. Or perhaps enlist a SharedDesk/LiquidSpace/etc. and they can check in via that.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
layout the space.
generally, people assume you can sell 2x more memberships than there are seats. I’ve seen higher in my space…I’ve seen lower.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
In my opinion, broad.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
In my opinion, printer. There are many combo units for <$200. Usually, copying isn’t ideal but it can be done. Printing is the core function.
Any feedback on the above would be greatly appreciated. I hope to have our co-working space up and running soon!
I also have a small space and started in an even smaller one.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
I use Google Calendar, it works very well. For folks who are less savvy I do the bookings for them, they just send me an email. Otherwise they just send me an invitation for the booking and I accept it or don’t, to confirm availablity.
I have a strippenkaart, it’s what the Dutch used to use for the bus. They pay in advance for 8 or 10 visits, and these can be used whenever. It ranks in booking after people with a regular booking, so they can’t cancel folks who always come on Tuesday or what have you. But that has not yet been a problem. A lot of writers, programmers,a dn other people who work on project basis like it a lot, they can come every day for a week and then not again for awhile. I don’t have a time limit on mine, in a larger space that might be necessary.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
I played it by ear. You can in a small space. At about 50% occupancy I went looking for a bigger space.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
Go broad, it’s more fun. Nothing like sharing office space with a circus or a theater group. Yes, really.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
Thanks for all the responses. Everyone has be so helpful and insightful!
I get more and more excited about opening up the space every day.
There are a lot of renovation plans I want to implement at the place before I open it to the public but in the meantime my core group of friends want to start using it asap.
I’ve decided to go ahead with a ‘soft’ launch with them. They’ll receive significantly discounted rates with the understanding that the place will be “evolving” as they’re in there.
This is my to do checklist for getting the place up and running:
Power points for each workstation
Wifi internet connection
Some lockers or lockable filing cabinets
Coat of fresh paint
Digital door lock
Fridge
Chairs
Lighting
Website
Printer/Scanner
Google calendar
Thing I already have:
Desks
Power + Water
Kettle + Microwave
Anything I’ve missed?
···
On Friday, July 26, 2013 4:34:32 AM UTC+10, Jeannine wrote:
I also have a small space and started in an even smaller one.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
I use Google Calendar, it works very well. For folks who are less savvy I do the bookings for them, they just send me an email. Otherwise they just send me an invitation for the booking and I accept it or don’t, to confirm availablity.
I have a strippenkaart, it’s what the Dutch used to use for the bus. They pay in advance for 8 or 10 visits, and these can be used whenever. It ranks in booking after people with a regular booking, so they can’t cancel folks who always come on Tuesday or what have you. But that has not yet been a problem. A lot of writers, programmers,a dn other people who work on project basis like it a lot, they can come every day for a week and then not again for awhile. I don’t have a time limit on mine, in a larger space that might be necessary.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
I played it by ear. You can in a small space. At about 50% occupancy I went looking for a bigger space.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
Go broad, it’s more fun. Nothing like sharing office space with a circus or a theater group. Yes, really.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
Thanks for all the responses. Everyone has be so helpful and insightful!
I get more and more excited about opening up the space every day.
There are a lot of renovation plans I want to implement at the place before I open it to the public but in the meantime my core group of friends want to start using it asap.
I’ve decided to go ahead with a ‘soft’ launch with them. They’ll receive significantly discounted rates with the understanding that the place will be “evolving” as they’re in there.
This is my to do checklist for getting the place up and running:
Power points for each workstation
Wifi internet connection
Some lockers or lockable filing cabinets
Coat of fresh paint
Digital door lock
Fridge
Chairs
Lighting
Website
Printer/Scanner
Google calendar
Thing I already have:
Desks
Power + Water
Kettle + Microwave
Anything I’ve missed?
On Friday, July 26, 2013 4:34:32 AM UTC+10, Jeannine wrote:
I also have a small space and started in an even smaller one.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
I use Google Calendar, it works very well. For folks who are less savvy I do the bookings for them, they just send me an email. Otherwise they just send me an invitation for the booking and I accept it or don’t, to confirm availablity.
I have a strippenkaart, it’s what the Dutch used to use for the bus. They pay in advance for 8 or 10 visits, and these can be used whenever. It ranks in booking after people with a regular booking, so they can’t cancel folks who always come on Tuesday or what have you. But that has not yet been a problem. A lot of writers, programmers,a dn other people who work on project basis like it a lot, they can come every day for a week and then not again for awhile. I don’t have a time limit on mine, in a larger space that might be necessary.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
I played it by ear. You can in a small space. At about 50% occupancy I went looking for a bigger space.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
Go broad, it’s more fun. Nothing like sharing office space with a circus or a theater group. Yes, really.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
One of the best things I did when we moved to the second space was to open while it looked like this:
Yes, I know, the tragedy of child labor, terrible, isn’t it?
Aaanyway. I didn’t do this because I was so clever, I did it because we needed to keep running. So the members I already had worked around it. And told their friends and put it on their Facebook and you know, more people came to help. Many did not become members, but they did become supporters and some of them are still hanging around. Don’t limit yourself to recruiting new members, the power of working together is not in who you know, it is in who they know, the second circle if you like.
Going through transitions together makes for a stronger bond.
But without a coffee maker you are totally lost, my friend. During construction a keg or a crate depending on local taste does not come amiss. Throw a couple of construction parties
Cheers,
Jeannine
···
On Friday, July 26, 2013 7:10:48 AM UTC+2, Sean Qian wrote:
Thanks for all the responses. Everyone has be so helpful and insightful!
I get more and more excited about opening up the space every day.
There are a lot of renovation plans I want to implement at the place before I open it to the public but in the meantime my core group of friends want to start using it asap.
I’ve decided to go ahead with a ‘soft’ launch with them. They’ll receive significantly discounted rates with the understanding that the place will be “evolving” as they’re in there.
This is my to do checklist for getting the place up and running:
Power points for each workstation
Wifi internet connection
Some lockers or lockable filing cabinets
Coat of fresh paint
Digital door lock
Fridge
Chairs
Lighting
Website
Printer/Scanner
Google calendar
Thing I already have:
Desks
Power + Water
Kettle + Microwave
Anything I’ve missed?
On Friday, July 26, 2013 4:34:32 AM UTC+10, Jeannine wrote:
I also have a small space and started in an even smaller one.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
I use Google Calendar, it works very well. For folks who are less savvy I do the bookings for them, they just send me an email. Otherwise they just send me an invitation for the booking and I accept it or don’t, to confirm availablity.
I have a strippenkaart, it’s what the Dutch used to use for the bus. They pay in advance for 8 or 10 visits, and these can be used whenever. It ranks in booking after people with a regular booking, so they can’t cancel folks who always come on Tuesday or what have you. But that has not yet been a problem. A lot of writers, programmers,a dn other people who work on project basis like it a lot, they can come every day for a week and then not again for awhile. I don’t have a time limit on mine, in a larger space that might be necessary.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
I played it by ear. You can in a small space. At about 50% occupancy I went looking for a bigger space.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
Go broad, it’s more fun. Nothing like sharing office space with a circus or a theater group. Yes, really.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
Alex beat me to saying members, but I would also add whiteboards and markers, a coffee pot, cups/glasses/spoons, coffee/tea/beer, sugar/milk/cream. If there’s room in your budget, consider also adding a few plants and some art, though you might find local artists wanting to display their art for sale on your walls.
You might be able to forgo the lockers and possibly the lockable filing cabinets (until you see members actually need them), and maybe even delay the digital door lock, depending on how secure your building is.
Thanks for all the responses. Everyone has be so helpful and insightful!
I get more and more excited about opening up the space every day.
There are a lot of renovation plans I want to implement at the place before I open it to the public but in the meantime my core group of friends want to start using it asap.
I’ve decided to go ahead with a ‘soft’ launch with them. They’ll receive significantly discounted rates with the understanding that the place will be “evolving” as they’re in there.
This is my to do checklist for getting the place up and running:
Power points for each workstation
Wifi internet connection
Some lockers or lockable filing cabinets
Coat of fresh paint
Digital door lock
Fridge
Chairs
Lighting
Website
Printer/Scanner
Google calendar
Thing I already have:
Desks
Power + Water
Kettle + Microwave
Anything I’ve missed?
On Friday, July 26, 2013 4:34:32 AM UTC+10, Jeannine wrote:
I also have a small space and started in an even smaller one.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
I use Google Calendar, it works very well. For folks who are less savvy I do the bookings for them, they just send me an email. Otherwise they just send me an invitation for the booking and I accept it or don’t, to confirm availablity.
I have a strippenkaart, it’s what the Dutch used to use for the bus. They pay in advance for 8 or 10 visits, and these can be used whenever. It ranks in booking after people with a regular booking, so they can’t cancel folks who always come on Tuesday or what have you. But that has not yet been a problem. A lot of writers, programmers,a dn other people who work on project basis like it a lot, they can come every day for a week and then not again for awhile. I don’t have a time limit on mine, in a larger space that might be necessary.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
I played it by ear. You can in a small space. At about 50% occupancy I went looking for a bigger space.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
Go broad, it’s more fun. Nothing like sharing office space with a circus or a theater group. Yes, really.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
I’m so glad Jeannine posted this. It may seem simple, but this co-creation process is powerful.
Lemme give you a peek into your potential futures:
In future one, you fill up your new room with all of the “stuff” we’ve suggested I’m this thread, and announce “come to my new Coworking space!”
A week or two pass, and you come back to this list and post like many others, “where do I find members? How do I get them to understand Coworking?”
In future two, you announce “I’m opening a new Coworking space and need help! Come by at X times to help with painting/building furniture/etc etc. I’ll supply some food and drink for while we work together”
As Jeannine suggested, the people who show up may not become members (yet) but they become invested. This helps in two ways:
-when they describe it to people who might be members, they won’t just focus on the stuff, they’ll talk about it as the experience they had with you co-creating it, they people they met, etc this is an important virtuous cycle to kickstart EARLY because it gets harder later
-it starts to shifts YOUR brain from “me” to “we” which will pay off long term
There’s a hidden benefit in here, too: if you can’t get anybody to show up and help paint or put desks together…your gonna have an even harder time getting people to join with paying memberships. Consider this participatory soft launch a litmus test for if you have people who actually want the thing you’ve set out to create.
Most importantly, though…this stuff is fun. Making things is rewarding. Making things other is 10x rewarding. Don’t forget to have a good time.
One of the best things I did when we moved to the second space was to open while it looked like this:
Yes, I know, the tragedy of child labor, terrible, isn’t it?
Aaanyway. I didn’t do this because I was so clever, I did it because we needed to keep running. So the members I already had worked around it. And told their friends and put it on their Facebook and you know, more people came to help. Many did not become members, but they did become supporters and some of them are still hanging around. Don’t limit yourself to recruiting new members, the power of working together is not in who you know, it is in who they know, the second circle if you like.
Going through transitions together makes for a stronger bond.
But without a coffee maker you are totally lost, my friend. During construction a keg or a crate depending on local taste does not come amiss. Throw a couple of construction parties
Cheers,
Jeannine
On Friday, July 26, 2013 7:10:48 AM UTC+2, Sean Qian wrote:
Thanks for all the responses. Everyone has be so helpful and insightful!
I get more and more excited about opening up the space every day.
There are a lot of renovation plans I want to implement at the place before I open it to the public but in the meantime my core group of friends want to start using it asap.
I’ve decided to go ahead with a ‘soft’ launch with them. They’ll receive significantly discounted rates with the understanding that the place will be “evolving” as they’re in there.
This is my to do checklist for getting the place up and running:
Power points for each workstation
Wifi internet connection
Some lockers or lockable filing cabinets
Coat of fresh paint
Digital door lock
Fridge
Chairs
Lighting
Website
Printer/Scanner
Google calendar
Thing I already have:
Desks
Power + Water
Kettle + Microwave
Anything I’ve missed?
On Friday, July 26, 2013 4:34:32 AM UTC+10, Jeannine wrote:
I also have a small space and started in an even smaller one.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
I use Google Calendar, it works very well. For folks who are less savvy I do the bookings for them, they just send me an email. Otherwise they just send me an invitation for the booking and I accept it or don’t, to confirm availablity.
I have a strippenkaart, it’s what the Dutch used to use for the bus. They pay in advance for 8 or 10 visits, and these can be used whenever. It ranks in booking after people with a regular booking, so they can’t cancel folks who always come on Tuesday or what have you. But that has not yet been a problem. A lot of writers, programmers,a dn other people who work on project basis like it a lot, they can come every day for a week and then not again for awhile. I don’t have a time limit on mine, in a larger space that might be necessary.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
I played it by ear. You can in a small space. At about 50% occupancy I went looking for a bigger space.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
Go broad, it’s more fun. Nothing like sharing office space with a circus or a theater group. Yes, really.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
Thanks again for all the helpful posts Alex, Jeannine and Rachel. Getting friends and potential members to come help in the transformation is a brilliant idea!
I love having lots of green in offices so will definitely be investing in some indoor plants. I’m also considering covering half a wall in fake turf but that may be going overboard…
Anyway here is my draft mockup of how I envision the space if anyone is interested in having a look. The furniture in there is only to provide scale and layout. The hotdesks in the middle of the space 150cmX60cm each.
On Friday, July 26, 2013 11:42:31 PM UTC+10, Alex Hillman wrote:
I’m so glad Jeannine posted this. It may seem simple, but this co-creation process is powerful.
Lemme give you a peek into your potential futures:
In future one, you fill up your new room with all of the “stuff” we’ve suggested I’m this thread, and announce “come to my new Coworking space!”
A week or two pass, and you come back to this list and post like many others, “where do I find members? How do I get them to understand Coworking?”
In future two, you announce “I’m opening a new Coworking space and need help! Come by at X times to help with painting/building furniture/etc etc. I’ll supply some food and drink for while we work together”
As Jeannine suggested, the people who show up may not become members (yet) but they become invested. This helps in two ways:
-when they describe it to people who might be members, they won’t just focus on the stuff, they’ll talk about it as the experience they had with you co-creating it, they people they met, etc this is an important virtuous cycle to kickstart EARLY because it gets harder later
-it starts to shifts YOUR brain from “me” to “we” which will pay off long term
There’s a hidden benefit in here, too: if you can’t get anybody to show up and help paint or put desks together…your gonna have an even harder time getting people to join with paying memberships. Consider this participatory soft launch a litmus test for if you have people who actually want the thing you’ve set out to create.
Most importantly, though…this stuff is fun. Making things is rewarding. Making things other is 10x rewarding. Don’t forget to have a good time.
One of the best things I did when we moved to the second space was to open while it looked like this:
Yes, I know, the tragedy of child labor, terrible, isn’t it?
Aaanyway. I didn’t do this because I was so clever, I did it because we needed to keep running. So the members I already had worked around it. And told their friends and put it on their Facebook and you know, more people came to help. Many did not become members, but they did become supporters and some of them are still hanging around. Don’t limit yourself to recruiting new members, the power of working together is not in who you know, it is in who they know, the second circle if you like.
Going through transitions together makes for a stronger bond.
But without a coffee maker you are totally lost, my friend. During construction a keg or a crate depending on local taste does not come amiss. Throw a couple of construction parties
Cheers,
Jeannine
On Friday, July 26, 2013 7:10:48 AM UTC+2, Sean Qian wrote:
Thanks for all the responses. Everyone has be so helpful and insightful!
I get more and more excited about opening up the space every day.
There are a lot of renovation plans I want to implement at the place before I open it to the public but in the meantime my core group of friends want to start using it asap.
I’ve decided to go ahead with a ‘soft’ launch with them. They’ll receive significantly discounted rates with the understanding that the place will be “evolving” as they’re in there.
This is my to do checklist for getting the place up and running:
Power points for each workstation
Wifi internet connection
Some lockers or lockable filing cabinets
Coat of fresh paint
Digital door lock
Fridge
Chairs
Lighting
Website
Printer/Scanner
Google calendar
Thing I already have:
Desks
Power + Water
Kettle + Microwave
Anything I’ve missed?
On Friday, July 26, 2013 4:34:32 AM UTC+10, Jeannine wrote:
I also have a small space and started in an even smaller one.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
I use Google Calendar, it works very well. For folks who are less savvy I do the bookings for them, they just send me an email. Otherwise they just send me an invitation for the booking and I accept it or don’t, to confirm availablity.
I have a strippenkaart, it’s what the Dutch used to use for the bus. They pay in advance for 8 or 10 visits, and these can be used whenever. It ranks in booking after people with a regular booking, so they can’t cancel folks who always come on Tuesday or what have you. But that has not yet been a problem. A lot of writers, programmers,a dn other people who work on project basis like it a lot, they can come every day for a week and then not again for awhile. I don’t have a time limit on mine, in a larger space that might be necessary.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
I played it by ear. You can in a small space. At about 50% occupancy I went looking for a bigger space.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
Go broad, it’s more fun. Nothing like sharing office space with a circus or a theater group. Yes, really.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
For some reason I cannot find my pictures of the setup with folding chairs for classes. In any event, the furniture was built to be able to be pushed into various places and make the large room suitable for workshops or classes or other kinds of events. That’s where we have yoga and mindfulness classes and so forth.
The high tables have an up and a downside: people love them for workshops but they are not popular for working at a laptop. I think it isn’t the tables but the bar stools, I got some high chairs with backs recently to see if that is it. But mostly folks with the laptops walk right through that room and work in the garden out back.
Anyway, in my checkered past I worked in theater and the back room is like a set: its atmosphere can be changed at will, it breaks down and transforms in about 20 minutes. Those tables look massive but they are built hollow and weigh nothing.
All of my desks and tables throughout the space are moveable and people can bring in their own furniture and accessories if they like. This does require making an inventory when they come in but otherwise it isn’t hard. Allowing people to decorate the space just as they like when they are there makes them want to come back and also increases their investment in the space. If you can do it, I do recommend it.
Second Rachel’s idea of having local artists hang their stuff on the walls, I have a painter’s club in the space and they hang unfinished paintings to dry. The rest of the members get to see works in progress and they like it very well.
Cheers,
Jeannine
···
On Sunday, July 28, 2013 10:03:17 AM UTC+2, Sean Qian wrote:
Thanks again for all the helpful posts Alex, Jeannine and Rachel. Getting friends and potential members to come help in the transformation is a brilliant idea!
I love having lots of green in offices so will definitely be investing in some indoor plants. I’m also considering covering half a wall in fake turf but that may be going overboard…
Anyway here is my draft mockup of how I envision the space if anyone is interested in having a look. The furniture in there is only to provide scale and layout. The hotdesks in the middle of the space 150cmX60cm each.
Sean
On Friday, July 26, 2013 11:42:31 PM UTC+10, Alex Hillman wrote:
I’m so glad Jeannine posted this. It may seem simple, but this co-creation process is powerful.
Lemme give you a peek into your potential futures:
In future one, you fill up your new room with all of the “stuff” we’ve suggested I’m this thread, and announce “come to my new Coworking space!”
A week or two pass, and you come back to this list and post like many others, “where do I find members? How do I get them to understand Coworking?”
In future two, you announce “I’m opening a new Coworking space and need help! Come by at X times to help with painting/building furniture/etc etc. I’ll supply some food and drink for while we work together”
As Jeannine suggested, the people who show up may not become members (yet) but they become invested. This helps in two ways:
-when they describe it to people who might be members, they won’t just focus on the stuff, they’ll talk about it as the experience they had with you co-creating it, they people they met, etc this is an important virtuous cycle to kickstart EARLY because it gets harder later
-it starts to shifts YOUR brain from “me” to “we” which will pay off long term
There’s a hidden benefit in here, too: if you can’t get anybody to show up and help paint or put desks together…your gonna have an even harder time getting people to join with paying memberships. Consider this participatory soft launch a litmus test for if you have people who actually want the thing you’ve set out to create.
Most importantly, though…this stuff is fun. Making things is rewarding. Making things other is 10x rewarding. Don’t forget to have a good time.
One of the best things I did when we moved to the second space was to open while it looked like this:
Yes, I know, the tragedy of child labor, terrible, isn’t it?
Aaanyway. I didn’t do this because I was so clever, I did it because we needed to keep running. So the members I already had worked around it. And told their friends and put it on their Facebook and you know, more people came to help. Many did not become members, but they did become supporters and some of them are still hanging around. Don’t limit yourself to recruiting new members, the power of working together is not in who you know, it is in who they know, the second circle if you like.
Going through transitions together makes for a stronger bond.
But without a coffee maker you are totally lost, my friend. During construction a keg or a crate depending on local taste does not come amiss. Throw a couple of construction parties
Cheers,
Jeannine
On Friday, July 26, 2013 7:10:48 AM UTC+2, Sean Qian wrote:
Thanks for all the responses. Everyone has be so helpful and insightful!
I get more and more excited about opening up the space every day.
There are a lot of renovation plans I want to implement at the place before I open it to the public but in the meantime my core group of friends want to start using it asap.
I’ve decided to go ahead with a ‘soft’ launch with them. They’ll receive significantly discounted rates with the understanding that the place will be “evolving” as they’re in there.
This is my to do checklist for getting the place up and running:
Power points for each workstation
Wifi internet connection
Some lockers or lockable filing cabinets
Coat of fresh paint
Digital door lock
Fridge
Chairs
Lighting
Website
Printer/Scanner
Google calendar
Thing I already have:
Desks
Power + Water
Kettle + Microwave
Anything I’ve missed?
On Friday, July 26, 2013 4:34:32 AM UTC+10, Jeannine wrote:
I also have a small space and started in an even smaller one.
So far, I think I’m going to have 3 membership packages - an all access pass, 3 days a week, and the casual 1 day a week. How can I keep a track of who comes in and when? Is the only solution to purchase/create some kind of management software like Nexudus or Cobot? I’d like to not have to sit at the front desk all the time.
I use Google Calendar, it works very well. For folks who are less savvy I do the bookings for them, they just send me an email. Otherwise they just send me an invitation for the booking and I accept it or don’t, to confirm availablity.
I have a strippenkaart, it’s what the Dutch used to use for the bus. They pay in advance for 8 or 10 visits, and these can be used whenever. It ranks in booking after people with a regular booking, so they can’t cancel folks who always come on Tuesday or what have you. But that has not yet been a problem. A lot of writers, programmers,a dn other people who work on project basis like it a lot, they can come every day for a week and then not again for awhile. I don’t have a time limit on mine, in a larger space that might be necessary.
Let’s say the office has 85m2 of usable workstation space after the kitchenette is taken out, how should I calculate how many members I can there at any one time, and how many members I can have there overall?
I played it by ear. You can in a small space. At about 50% occupancy I went looking for a bigger space.
Should I concentrate my advertising/marketing towards other migration agents or similar professionals or be more broad?
Go broad, it’s more fun. Nothing like sharing office space with a circus or a theater group. Yes, really.
What are some must have things? Photocopier/Printer? Couches? Water tank? I will supply a small fridge, microwave. coffee machine, kettle, tea and coffee beans.
