Make the Commitment to Cowork: A Short Guide on How to Begin Coworking

So you’ve read our article, “What is Coworking and Why You Should Try It”, and you’re ready to make the commitment to cowork. Here’s a follow-up guide to get you started.

Choosing a coworking space:

If you live in a big city like Chicago, chances are there are plenty of coworking spaces to choose from. You can narrow your choice down with these parameters:

• Location: How close is the coworking space to your house? How easy is it to get to by public transportation, car, or bike? Is it in a good neighborhood? Is the neighborhood and surrounding area quiet enough for you to get work done? Are there good coffee shops and restaurants nearby?

• Price: At which coworking space can you get the most bang for your buck? Which has a membership package you can afford and benefit from?

• Amenities: Which space offers everything you need? I.e. a printer, scanner, coffee, a specific type of office, access to a conference room, the option to get a virtual office?

• Atmosphere: The only way to get a feel of a coworking space is to go there. Give yourself a shopping period to test out different spaces and see which one feels the best to you. Many coworking spaces offer a Day Pass or even the odd free day a month.

Membership level:

Your membership is probably the most important component of making the commitment to cowork because it will determine how much time you spend in the space and how you’ll use it. Most coworking spaces offer a variety of membership levels to suit their coworkers’ specific needs. It’s up to you to determine which one is the best fit.

If you can work remotely (and focus) from home but only need the coworking space for the occasional meeting, uninterrupted conference, printer, or community, then you might choose a part-time option. If you’re starting a small tech company with a few other employees and you’re using the space as your main office, you choose an option with unlimited visits and a reserved desk and storage. Check out Free Range Office’s website to get an idea of the many types of membership levels a coworking space can offer.

Plan:

Making any kind of commitment means making a plan. To make the most of your membership and maximize your time, here’s what you should ask yourself when creating your plan and coworking schedule:

• What days a week will I go there? What time?

• What do I need to do there? Meeting, specific work, faxing, etc.

• Are there any networking or educational events going on that I should attend?

• What should I bring to get the most work done? (special computer stand, headphones, etc.)

Now you’ve sketched out a plan, you're ready to embark on your coworking journey! The final step will be to stick to your commitment. But once you find a space and schedule that works for you, that shouldn’t be a problem. Just make it a routine, seal the deal with your first payment, and you’ll have even more of an incentive to get the most out of your membership.