The work-from-home trend has created a new list of challenges for business professionals to overcome. While most activities are great to perform from home, certain tasks, such as in-person meetings are much better held in an office. Whether you’re meeting with a prospective client, auditor, or group of associates, having a professional and well-equipped environment is key. Many work-from-home employees resort to holding these types of meetings at an empty table in a coffee shop or restaurant. Neither of which are appropriate for productivity and communication. They are often loud and busy, and constant interruptions will undoubtedly cause some level of frustration for the parties involved.
Coworking Space versus Coffee Shops
Coworking Locations Offer Convenient Locations Compared to Coffee Shops
Finding a centrally located coworking space within your town should be fairly straightforward. There are a number of locations in major cities and smaller towns that offer locations. Using the same location frequently will give you a “headquarters” type feel without having to maintain permanent office space. Coffee shops are often available in central areas, however, space is at a premium and many of them have limited seating or may confine you to a counter or outdoor setting.
Availability of Coworking Spaces versus Coffee Shops
Coworking spaces offer availability for private offices or meeting space during peak hours. Finding available seating in a coffee shop during the lunch or mid day rush could force you to sit in undesireable locations or get to the location early to find appropriate seating. Many professionals attempt to hold meetings in these off-peak times in order to avoid this issue in coffee shops. Coworking spaces offer available time slots throughout the work day.
Brand Perception
Startups, growing companies, and even well-established organizations want to keep up an image of professionalism and quality. Meeting prospective clients at a local coffee shop could give the wrong impression. Especially with higher cost services customers tend to expect that businesses charging more have more professional accommodations. It gives the perception that your business is established, that you have longevity and that you will be around long enough to get the the job done and for future business. Office spaces, like coworking spaces, make a better impression on prospective and existing clients than meeting at coffee shops.
Cost of Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces can be highly cost effective, but will cost more than the cup of coffee you had to purchase at a coffee shop. They are far more cost effective than traditional office spaces.
Convenience
The most dramatic difference between using coffee shops and a coworking space is the convenience. With a coworking space you have the opportunity to reserve on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly basis a general use space, private office, or even conference room space. There will be space for you and your guests to use during your allotted time. At coffee shops you have a number of concerns regarding space and availability.
Industries Utilizing Coworking Spaces
- Entrepreneurs
- Attorneys
- Freelancers
- Writers & Editors
- Software Developers
- Implementation Specialists
- Executives & Directors
