Other challenges are attracting professionals and like
minded entrepreneurs. A small coworking space could start with just 10
coworkers.
Things to consider before starting the business are
financing, type of space, legal, community and sales. To succeed you need to
focus, plan and implement.
You need to properly utilize the space, reduce your workload
and develop an effective marketing strategy.
Consult
People in the Industry
There is nothing wrong in consulting people in the industry.
You would learn some tricks and get important impute to daily operation of such
enterprise.
You have to depend on partnership collaborations and mutual
development. You could also gain knowledge through books, seminars and online
resources.
Startup
Funding
To get startup finds first write a business plan and
approach a commercial bank for loans. There might be provisions for small grants
in your locality or association loans. Try target savings, partnership or borrow
from family.
The cost of opening a coworking space depends on real
estate prices in your locality. Others involve rent, chairs, wireless router,
furniture and trash bins.
More are utility costs, taxes, electricity, office
supplies, cleaning service and waste disposal. Space size could range from 4500
square feet -1800 square feet. You can start the business with a budget of $50,000.
Marketing
Strategy
Your coworking center may depend on local business owners
or different professionals. Make sure you have an effective marketing strategy targeted
at your preferred demography. Use local publications, flyers sign board and
billboards.
Location
The most important aspect of this business is location. The
wrong location equates to total failure and low patronage.
Carefully carry out a feasibility study and survey of
commercial and business districts in your area. Top locations are at popular
destination with lots of vehicular and human traffic. Vacant bank buildings and
strategically located building in commercial areas are also ideal.
Leasehold
The amount you pay as lease should be negotiated. Landlords
tend to ask prevalent prices in the surrounding location.
This might not fit your purpose however old and long vacant
builds might attract slightly less prices. Many landlords are averse to subletting
their property so these are things to consider before signing a lease.
Provide
Utilities
It is important your work space has basic utilities. You could
demarcate into cubicle or use open plan system.
Make sure you put in place utilities such as electric
power, backup generator and high speed internet. The place should be properly
lighted, aerated, waste disposal system and toilet facility. Other things to
consider are simple furniture like desks, table’s chairs and shelves.
- Electric power
- Backup generator
- High speed internet
- Aerated
- Waste disposal system
- Adequate toilet facility
- Furniture
- Desks
- table’s
- Chairs
- Shelves.
Office
Design
Coworking offices are generally contemporary and elegant.
Hire an interior designer to design a simple and functional office environment.
A trendier space will
appeal to prospective professionals. You should work within a budget and spend
as little as possible. Weight the benefits against the cost to arrive at a good
benchmark.
Educate
the Community
The concept of coworking space is new to many areas. So you
need to enlighten professionals in the area on the benefit of such an
arrangement.
Some of the benefits for coworkers include reduced rent,
better resources and cooperation between professionals in the office. Others are
networking and a corporate identity.
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