[Coworking] Re: Grant application and coworking as theory
Dawn,This google group itself has dozens, if not hundreds, of discussions that cover all of your topics. From city to city, from space to space, from community to community, the goals range across the board. That diversity, and yet our collaborative coexistence, is what makes this place so awesome! Google groups is searchable, so that's the best place to start. Beyond that, asking specific questions is usually the best way to get someone with the appropriate insight to chime in. Welcome! -Alex, IndyHall, Philadelphia. On Fri, May 16, 2008 at 11:11 PM, Dawn Hayes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Howdy All, > I am really interested in the notion of coworking as a tool for > collaborative solution building covering a range of things from affordable > work space and productivity centers to open resources for community > innovation. Any thoughts, resources or general pointers are welcome. > > Cheers, > > Dawn > > > On Tue, May 13, 2008 at 11:27 AM, Matthew Wettergreen < > [EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >> >> Several weeks ago we applied for a Houston Rice Design Alliance grant. >> The RDA provides a forum for thinking about and discussing design and >> the built environment in Houston. They quote "continually seek to >> strengthen the ties between the general community and those trained in >> the various fields of architecture and design." We thought it would be >> perfect to add coworking to that fold. >> >> The grant that we applied for combined a brief plan for coworking at >> Caroline with the inclusion of an abstracted view of work completed by >> another architecture graduate student, Brian Shepherdson. Brian's >> thesis work examines the effect that urban sprawl has had on the >> geographical location of our work locations. Among other things his >> work seeks to show is that coworking is actually a logical result of >> technological progress and the product of the reduction of the >> importance of geography on interaction. We're all pretty excited to >> see what he comes up with; Ned and I have clued him into all of the >> coworking resources available. He is additionally copied on this >> post. >> >> The grant has been posted to the files section for anyone to use/look >> at/whatever. We cribbed quite a bit from the existing coworking >> literature, especially the NYTimes article and Julie Gomoll's quote >> "when we work together we work smarter". >> >> Although the RDA handed out $200,000 this spring, we didn't get the >> grant. Why? We had too much support already with respect to the >> coworking group, a frontpage article in a major paper, a podcast >> interview with an arts organization and Caroline Collective on the >> tips of tongues all throughout the architecture school. They knew that >> Caroline was going to open regardless of contributing to it. No >> worries. We know that the coworking people here are the awesomest >> people we know anyway. >> >> Hopefully this grant app can be used by other people to get startup >> funds for your location or as a think piece for a nice discussion. >> Looking forward to everyone's thoughts on globalization and coworking. >> >> Matthew and Ned >> >> > > > > -- -- - -- - Alex Hillman round(3)media new! ask me about it digital: [EMAIL PROTECTED] visual: www.round3media.com | www.dangerouslyawesome.com local: www.indyhall.org --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to coworking@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Grant application and coworking as theory
Howdy All, I am really interested in the notion of coworking as a tool for collaborative solution building covering a range of things from affordable work space and productivity centers to open resources for community innovation. Any thoughts, resources or general pointers are welcome. Cheers, Dawn On Tue, May 13, 2008 at 11:27 AM, Matthew Wettergreen < [EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Several weeks ago we applied for a Houston Rice Design Alliance grant. > The RDA provides a forum for thinking about and discussing design and > the built environment in Houston. They quote "continually seek to > strengthen the ties between the general community and those trained in > the various fields of architecture and design." We thought it would be > perfect to add coworking to that fold. > > The grant that we applied for combined a brief plan for coworking at > Caroline with the inclusion of an abstracted view of work completed by > another architecture graduate student, Brian Shepherdson. Brian's > thesis work examines the effect that urban sprawl has had on the > geographical location of our work locations. Among other things his > work seeks to show is that coworking is actually a logical result of > technological progress and the product of the reduction of the > importance of geography on interaction. We're all pretty excited to > see what he comes up with; Ned and I have clued him into all of the > coworking resources available. He is additionally copied on this > post. > > The grant has been posted to the files section for anyone to use/look > at/whatever. We cribbed quite a bit from the existing coworking > literature, especially the NYTimes article and Julie Gomoll's quote > "when we work together we work smarter". > > Although the RDA handed out $200,000 this spring, we didn't get the > grant. Why? We had too much support already with respect to the > coworking group, a frontpage article in a major paper, a podcast > interview with an arts organization and Caroline Collective on the > tips of tongues all throughout the architecture school. They knew that > Caroline was going to open regardless of contributing to it. No > worries. We know that the coworking people here are the awesomest > people we know anyway. > > Hopefully this grant app can be used by other people to get startup > funds for your location or as a think piece for a nice discussion. > Looking forward to everyone's thoughts on globalization and coworking. > > Matthew and Ned > > > --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to coworking@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Coworking in Media PA
Well, I just wanted to let you all know that The Office of Media PA is almost a reality. I looked at space on Veterans Square within sight of the Media Courthouse and it is a winner, both in price and location. It already is wired for Ethernet and the previous tenant left all their phones! Just an FYI, the proximity to the courthouse is probably going to send a lot of attorneys my way that want to drop in to get some work done. I will send out more information later as this grows. Good luck to all you out there that are doing the same thing! -- Lisa Thompson The Office of Media PA http://www.itstheoffice.com http://socialnetwork.meetup.com/964/ Blog: http://theoffice.blogspot.com Twitter: @lithompson friendfeed: http://friendfeed.com/theoffice --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to coworking@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Indianapolis coworking?
Sure; we should also connect about the last email or two we've swapped about this. d On Fri, May 16, 2008 at 1:16 PM, Nook Share <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Hey Dawn, > > I am still interested in getting a coworking facility started in the > Indianapolis area. I am working on http://www.nookshare.com as a site > to gather interest, but this site is probably better for that. We > could start off by creating a MeetUp.com group for it. What do you > think? Anyone else interested? > > -Erich Stauffer > > On May 6, 1:18 pm, "Dawn Hayes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Howdy Folks, > > > > Sorry if someone posted and I missed it, but is anyone doing coworking or > > interested in starting it in Indianapolis? > > > > Cheers, > > > > Dawn > > > > --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to coworking@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Pink Noise Generators & Direct Telephone Lines...
The upstairs should be a permanent Jelly space. On May 13, 2:41 am, "Tony Bacigalupo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > We're looking at a duplex space now, and are thinking that we might use the > physical separation of the two floors as a way of designating a quiet and a > not-so-quiet floor. --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to coworking@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Has anyone had received any support/benefit from local city government/agencies?
I agree with BrianR about getting to know the community leaders and elected officials. Here¹s another idea for some folks. At least in Washington State and I assume it¹s the same elsewhere there¹s a fair amount of state and local grant money for small business incubators. It¹s not how we¹re positioned as a space as we don¹t offer any sort of business training and don¹t really want to track ³outcomes.² . However, an office building in our area has carved out a small space in its cubicle land as an incubator area for small businesses. This has opened it up to tens of thousands of dollars in grant funding. Just last year it split $250k with a couple other offices. Check with your local CED for details. It may fit into your potential business model. - Derek Young - Suite133 On 5/16/08 8:26 AM, "Jerome Chang" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Good luck on securing funds from the SBA. I spent 4-5 months to conclude that > I basically didn't qualify. Two words: passive income. > > The SBA wants "active" businesses as in people help or service customers > directly. At its core level, coworking is rental property that just collects, > well, rent. Creating a community, as noble as that sounds, facilitating > networking/relationships, etc. does not count if they are not specific > tasks/products/services for which a customers pays. The closest model is a > fitness/gym club. Customers pay a membership fee to get trained. And while > gym members mostly pay for a right to use any set of equipment, coworkers pay > for a right to use a specific desk/office. > > But, the other ideas about gov't funding otherwise sound really resourceful. > I wish I had tried those options. > > > Jerome > > __ > BLANKSPACES > "work wide open" > > 5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) > Los Angeles, CA 90036 > 323.330.9505 > > > On May 16, 2008, at 5:58 AM, BrianR wrote: > >> >> I'm in the final stages of receiving funds from my Town. Its not a >> gift but a loan I have to pay back. (Fingers crossed) >> >> First look for your local Small Business Association. In the US you >> can find them here http://www.sba.gov/localresources/index.html. I'm >> working with a local group and they have been INVALUABLE during my >> year and half journey to find funds. They know the options out there. >> >> I think the key is reading local and state economic development plans. >> Find lines that mention things like retaining businesses and jobs, >> increasing available office space, localism, creative class, green >> business, etc. All of these elements are part of Coworking. >> >> Then have coffee with your local Economic Development Director and >> elected officials. If you have a community CoOp in your town talk to >> their Directors &/or Board Members. They have experience with member >> organizations and ways to fund them. Plus ask your nonprofit Executive >> Directors about creative funding. Any successful nonprofit will have >> lots of experience in this area too. Go talk to local banks. I was >> very skeptical about what they could do to help. But at the very least >> you obtain perspective about the funding options. Many local bankers >> are your neighbors and will care about what you're doing. They can >> have great advice too. >> >> See what these folks are trying to do in your community. I bet you can >> find allies. >> >> -BrianR >> Carrboro Creative Coworking >> carrborocoworking.com >> >> On May 15, 2:56 pm, Jay <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> >>> One of my first thoughts was that our local city government would have >>> an interest in a coworking facility here in Louisville, KY since it's >>> all about revitalization and economic development locally. >>> >>> I didn't know if would be possible to get grants or other assistance >>> for this type of start-up. >>> >>> I was wondering if anyone else had gone down this route and what kind >>> of response did you get? >>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to coworking@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Indianapolis coworking?
Hey Dawn, I am still interested in getting a coworking facility started in the Indianapolis area. I am working on http://www.nookshare.com as a site to gather interest, but this site is probably better for that. We could start off by creating a MeetUp.com group for it. What do you think? Anyone else interested? -Erich Stauffer On May 6, 1:18 pm, "Dawn Hayes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Howdy Folks, > > Sorry if someone posted and I missed it, but is anyone doing coworking or > interested in starting it in Indianapolis? > > Cheers, > > Dawn --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to coworking@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Has anyone had received any support/benefit from local city government/agencies?
Good luck on securing funds from the SBA. I spent 4-5 months to conclude that I basically didn't qualify. Two words: passive income. The SBA wants "active" businesses as in people help or service customers directly. At its core level, coworking is rental property that just collects, well, rent. Creating a community, as noble as that sounds, facilitating networking/relationships, etc. does not count if they are not specific tasks/products/services for which a customers pays. The closest model is a fitness/gym club. Customers pay a membership fee to get trained. And while gym members mostly pay for a right to use any set of equipment, coworkers pay for a right to use a specific desk/office. But, the other ideas about gov't funding otherwise sound really resourceful. I wish I had tried those options. Jerome __ BLANKSPACES "work wide open" 5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) Los Angeles, CA 90036 323.330.9505 On May 16, 2008, at 5:58 AM, BrianR wrote: > > I'm in the final stages of receiving funds from my Town. Its not a > gift but a loan I have to pay back. (Fingers crossed) > > First look for your local Small Business Association. In the US you > can find them here http://www.sba.gov/localresources/index.html. I'm > working with a local group and they have been INVALUABLE during my > year and half journey to find funds. They know the options out there. > > I think the key is reading local and state economic development plans. > Find lines that mention things like retaining businesses and jobs, > increasing available office space, localism, creative class, green > business, etc. All of these elements are part of Coworking. > > Then have coffee with your local Economic Development Director and > elected officials. If you have a community CoOp in your town talk to > their Directors &/or Board Members. They have experience with member > organizations and ways to fund them. Plus ask your nonprofit Executive > Directors about creative funding. Any successful nonprofit will have > lots of experience in this area too. Go talk to local banks. I was > very skeptical about what they could do to help. But at the very least > you obtain perspective about the funding options. Many local bankers > are your neighbors and will care about what you're doing. They can > have great advice too. > > See what these folks are trying to do in your community. I bet you can > find allies. > > -BrianR > Carrboro Creative Coworking > carrborocoworking.com > > On May 15, 2:56 pm, Jay <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> One of my first thoughts was that our local city government would >> have >> an interest in a coworking facility here in Louisville, KY since it's >> all about revitalization and economic development locally. >> >> I didn't know if would be possible to get grants or other assistance >> for this type of start-up. >> >> I was wondering if anyone else had gone down this route and what kind >> of response did you get? > > > --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to coworking@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Introduction & Questions
I definitely agree. I'm definitely planning on launching with multiple partners. It's just a little bit scary to launch multiple ventures at the same time but I do think they would benefit each other tremendously. I'm all about building community. On May 16, 9:21 am, "Alex Hillman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Jay,The number one advice I can give is find a partner (or more than one > partner) to launch with. If you've got the vision, find a partner with > business experience and free time. If you've got the business knack and the > free time, get someone else to drive the vision. Youre going to need a > balance of community leadership, business management experience, and > eventually, space management skills. No sense in trying to be good at all > three if you can spread it out over multiple people, all of whom can also > share risk and contribute at the early stages. > > Being diligent in finding the right partner(s) could be a crucial first > step. > > -Alex > > > > On Fri, May 16, 2008 at 9:10 AM, Jay Lane <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > I guess my main issue is that I'm currently employed full-time. > > There's no way that I could open a coworking facility and keep my job > > as is. I would have to branch out on my own as a consultant and have > > the coworking place at the same time. I'm trying to find out if there > > are people out there that do this for a living (if any). I certainly > > understand doing it for the community but I don't already have an > > established business. I am excited about the possibilities though. > > > On May 16, 8:12 am, davidmoffitt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > As far as altruism - remember, some people do run not-intending-to- > > > profit spaces (not sure if they are true "non for profit / 503c etc). > > > I'm doing it for the "personal" benefit of having more people around, > > > in my eyes thats the whole reason other coworkers will want to > > > (hopefully) come - that's not to say I'm truly not profiting - I hope > > > to do a little better than break even, but I don't care at this point > > > how MUCH more as long as I can cover what it costs me and get other > > > non-financial benefits like access to other peoples' opinions and the > > > energy of having others around. So that leads into an answer for your > > > other question - I have a full time job and this is not meant to be so > > > much "income" for me - I plan to work from the space just like the > > > people I'm expecting to come... > > > > -dm > > > > On May 15, 3:37 am, Jerome Chang <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > > 1. I couldn't find a way to justify more than 1 staff at a time. I > > > > also never figured out how any coworking space can survive on such > > > > low monthly revenues. You'll see my rates are much higher, but I > > > > also have much higher grade desks, equipment, etc. I would not > > > > recommend managing the space yourself since you'll just never get > > > > your own work done otherwise. I never get to do my architecture work > > > > when I'm managing. > > > > > 2. On that note, yes, I still operate as a solo architect to > > > > supplement my income, at least until operations and sales stabilize. > > > > As for your altruistic reasons to "not get rich", I think you > > > > absolutely should maximize your profit; otherwise, you've risked a > > > > lot and exposed yourself to a lot of liability without any real > > > > rewards. Ascertain what your market can bear, and charge > > > > accordingly. In L.A., if I'd charged $200/month, I would've been at > > > > capacity within 30 days before I even opened - guaranteed, but then > > > > operated on zero or negative margins. That's just not sound > > > > business, in my opinion. > > > > > Jerome > > > > __ > > > > BLANKSPACES > > > > "work wide open" > > > > > 5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) > > > > Los Angeles, CA 90036 > > > > 323.330.9505 > > > > > On May 14, 2008, at 4:01 PM, Jay wrote: > > > > > > Hey guys, > > > > > > My name is Jay and I'm thinking of opening a coworking facility later > > > > > this year or early next year in Louisville, KY. Opening my own place > > > > > is something I've thought about doing for a long time (even before I > > > > > heard the term "coworking"). I know a lot of people that run their > > own > > > > > businesses and prefer not to work at home. As far as I know there's > > > > > nothing like this anywhere around here. I've enjoyed reading through > > > > > the posts in this group and checking out many of your Web sites. I'm > > > > > learning a lot. > > > > > > I have some basic questions that I'd like to throw out there: > > > > > > 1) I've read posts about other places having multiple people on staff > > > > > full-time. Is it really possible to bring in that much income to pay > > > > > operating expenses plus staff salaries and make enough for the runs > > > > > actually running the operation? For example, I'm looking at a 2,500 > > > > > square foot sp
[Coworking] Re: Introduction & Questions
Jay,The number one advice I can give is find a partner (or more than one partner) to launch with. If you've got the vision, find a partner with business experience and free time. If you've got the business knack and the free time, get someone else to drive the vision. Youre going to need a balance of community leadership, business management experience, and eventually, space management skills. No sense in trying to be good at all three if you can spread it out over multiple people, all of whom can also share risk and contribute at the early stages. Being diligent in finding the right partner(s) could be a crucial first step. -Alex On Fri, May 16, 2008 at 9:10 AM, Jay Lane <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I guess my main issue is that I'm currently employed full-time. > There's no way that I could open a coworking facility and keep my job > as is. I would have to branch out on my own as a consultant and have > the coworking place at the same time. I'm trying to find out if there > are people out there that do this for a living (if any). I certainly > understand doing it for the community but I don't already have an > established business. I am excited about the possibilities though. > > > > On May 16, 8:12 am, davidmoffitt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > As far as altruism - remember, some people do run not-intending-to- > > profit spaces (not sure if they are true "non for profit / 503c etc). > > I'm doing it for the "personal" benefit of having more people around, > > in my eyes thats the whole reason other coworkers will want to > > (hopefully) come - that's not to say I'm truly not profiting - I hope > > to do a little better than break even, but I don't care at this point > > how MUCH more as long as I can cover what it costs me and get other > > non-financial benefits like access to other peoples' opinions and the > > energy of having others around. So that leads into an answer for your > > other question - I have a full time job and this is not meant to be so > > much "income" for me - I plan to work from the space just like the > > people I'm expecting to come... > > > > -dm > > > > On May 15, 3:37 am, Jerome Chang <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > > 1. I couldn't find a way to justify more than 1 staff at a time. I > > > also never figured out how any coworking space can survive on such > > > low monthly revenues. You'll see my rates are much higher, but I > > > also have much higher grade desks, equipment, etc. I would not > > > recommend managing the space yourself since you'll just never get > > > your own work done otherwise. I never get to do my architecture work > > > when I'm managing. > > > > > 2. On that note, yes, I still operate as a solo architect to > > > supplement my income, at least until operations and sales stabilize. > > > As for your altruistic reasons to "not get rich", I think you > > > absolutely should maximize your profit; otherwise, you've risked a > > > lot and exposed yourself to a lot of liability without any real > > > rewards. Ascertain what your market can bear, and charge > > > accordingly. In L.A., if I'd charged $200/month, I would've been at > > > capacity within 30 days before I even opened - guaranteed, but then > > > operated on zero or negative margins. That's just not sound > > > business, in my opinion. > > > > > Jerome > > > __ > > > BLANKSPACES > > > "work wide open" > > > > > 5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) > > > Los Angeles, CA 90036 > > > 323.330.9505 > > > > > On May 14, 2008, at 4:01 PM, Jay wrote: > > > > > > Hey guys, > > > > > > My name is Jay and I'm thinking of opening a coworking facility later > > > > this year or early next year in Louisville, KY. Opening my own place > > > > is something I've thought about doing for a long time (even before I > > > > heard the term "coworking"). I know a lot of people that run their > own > > > > businesses and prefer not to work at home. As far as I know there's > > > > nothing like this anywhere around here. I've enjoyed reading through > > > > the posts in this group and checking out many of your Web sites. I'm > > > > learning a lot. > > > > > > I have some basic questions that I'd like to throw out there: > > > > > > 1) I've read posts about other places having multiple people on staff > > > > full-time. Is it really possible to bring in that much income to pay > > > > operating expenses plus staff salaries and make enough for the runs > > > > actually running the operation? For example, I'm looking at a 2,500 > > > > square foot space. Based on the formulas I've seen on here, I should > > > > be able to accommodate approximately 25 people comfortably. If I can > > > > get $200 a month from 25 people, that would bring in around $5000. > > > > That would probably cover most of my operating expenses but > definitely > > > > not staff. I guess I'm trying to get a feel for what percentage of > > > > total income comes from memberships vs. things like conference room > > >
[Coworking] Re: Introduction & Questions
I guess my main issue is that I'm currently employed full-time. There's no way that I could open a coworking facility and keep my job as is. I would have to branch out on my own as a consultant and have the coworking place at the same time. I'm trying to find out if there are people out there that do this for a living (if any). I certainly understand doing it for the community but I don't already have an established business. I am excited about the possibilities though. On May 16, 8:12 am, davidmoffitt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > As far as altruism - remember, some people do run not-intending-to- > profit spaces (not sure if they are true "non for profit / 503c etc). > I'm doing it for the "personal" benefit of having more people around, > in my eyes thats the whole reason other coworkers will want to > (hopefully) come - that's not to say I'm truly not profiting - I hope > to do a little better than break even, but I don't care at this point > how MUCH more as long as I can cover what it costs me and get other > non-financial benefits like access to other peoples' opinions and the > energy of having others around. So that leads into an answer for your > other question - I have a full time job and this is not meant to be so > much "income" for me - I plan to work from the space just like the > people I'm expecting to come... > > -dm > > On May 15, 3:37 am, Jerome Chang <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > 1. I couldn't find a way to justify more than 1 staff at a time. I > > also never figured out how any coworking space can survive on such > > low monthly revenues. You'll see my rates are much higher, but I > > also have much higher grade desks, equipment, etc. I would not > > recommend managing the space yourself since you'll just never get > > your own work done otherwise. I never get to do my architecture work > > when I'm managing. > > > 2. On that note, yes, I still operate as a solo architect to > > supplement my income, at least until operations and sales stabilize. > > As for your altruistic reasons to "not get rich", I think you > > absolutely should maximize your profit; otherwise, you've risked a > > lot and exposed yourself to a lot of liability without any real > > rewards. Ascertain what your market can bear, and charge > > accordingly. In L.A., if I'd charged $200/month, I would've been at > > capacity within 30 days before I even opened - guaranteed, but then > > operated on zero or negative margins. That's just not sound > > business, in my opinion. > > > Jerome > > __ > > BLANKSPACES > > "work wide open" > > > 5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) > > Los Angeles, CA 90036 > > 323.330.9505 > > > On May 14, 2008, at 4:01 PM, Jay wrote: > > > > Hey guys, > > > > My name is Jay and I'm thinking of opening a coworking facility later > > > this year or early next year in Louisville, KY. Opening my own place > > > is something I've thought about doing for a long time (even before I > > > heard the term "coworking"). I know a lot of people that run their own > > > businesses and prefer not to work at home. As far as I know there's > > > nothing like this anywhere around here. I've enjoyed reading through > > > the posts in this group and checking out many of your Web sites. I'm > > > learning a lot. > > > > I have some basic questions that I'd like to throw out there: > > > > 1) I've read posts about other places having multiple people on staff > > > full-time. Is it really possible to bring in that much income to pay > > > operating expenses plus staff salaries and make enough for the runs > > > actually running the operation? For example, I'm looking at a 2,500 > > > square foot space. Based on the formulas I've seen on here, I should > > > be able to accommodate approximately 25 people comfortably. If I can > > > get $200 a month from 25 people, that would bring in around $5000. > > > That would probably cover most of my operating expenses but definitely > > > not staff. I guess I'm trying to get a feel for what percentage of > > > total income comes from memberships vs. things like conference room > > > rental, cafe, events, etc. My plan is to have a couple of partners > > > involved in the business to help cover the workload. > > > > 2) Do most of you that run your own coworking facilities have other > > > businesses on the side to supplement the income? I'm trying to figure > > > out if this would be a way for me to make a living or if I need to > > > have a consulting business focusing on other things. > > > > I realize I'm being kind of broad in my questions. I'm just trying to > > > make sure that I'm considering opportunities for revenue. I'm not > > > looking for a way to get rich or anything. I just want to be able to > > > support my family and control my own destiny so-to-speak. > > > > Any feedback or advice would be GREATLY appreciated. > > > > Thanks so much! > > > > Jay --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message
[Coworking] Re: Introduction & Questions
David's point about the corollary benefits of having a coworking community are very, very important to us. Our operating overhead is kept low because we can and would likely exist as a community with or without the space. The space itself helps keep things cohesive and gelled, and while we run the space like a business, but the 'not-intending-to-profit' model has let us keep the focus that we had coming into it, generating and extending a sense of civic entrepreneurship into a wider community, while making sure our bills are paid. If you could quantify the non-monetary 'profit' we've made, it's massive. We -- the community, not simply the partners of the LLC that operate the space -- have become an example for city-wide communities that are now being evaluated on the city level, leading to the possibility of things like becoming official 'opportunity zones' with tax benefits, etc. If nothing else, we're a go-to for city officials and institutional leaders when they are trying to tap into grassroots creative human-power. At a recent city council hearing discussing city support of some economic development plans that focus on the creative workforce, IndyHall represented in a very big way, along with 2 other powerhouse grassroots communities with slightly different, but overlapping, audiences (Philly Startup Leaders, and The Hacktory). We caused a stir, and now have city council and a number of other institutions knocking on our door and saying, in not so few words, "we're not entirely sure how you've done all of this in so little time but...we'd like to help or collaborate if we can". That's leading to some other interesting initiatives, but I won't get ahead of myself. None of this is to say that our checking account is empty and our social capital bank account is full. Ultimately, we strive for balance, recognizing the strength in the opportunity we've created together. This is a business. Period. As far as jobs go, "I'm not just a founder, I'm a client" holds true here too. IndyHall was started out of my own need to have a better way to get my work done. I continue to benefit from my own business, which itself has morphed over the last 10 months due to my participation in IndyHall. And regarding full time staffing, we have someone who will be joining us as sort of an "admin-for-hire", but also helping manage the space some. In the mean time, over the last 10 months, our community members have stepped up in every way we could have thought of (and many we couldn't have) to help make sure things run smoothly. They recognize the corollary benefits as well, and want to see them stick around. I hope this sheds some light on the methods to our madness! -Alex, IndyHall, Philadelphia On Fri, May 16, 2008 at 8:12 AM, davidmoffitt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > As far as altruism - remember, some people do run not-intending-to- > profit spaces (not sure if they are true "non for profit / 503c etc). > I'm doing it for the "personal" benefit of having more people around, > in my eyes thats the whole reason other coworkers will want to > (hopefully) come - that's not to say I'm truly not profiting - I hope > to do a little better than break even, but I don't care at this point > how MUCH more as long as I can cover what it costs me and get other > non-financial benefits like access to other peoples' opinions and the > energy of having others around. So that leads into an answer for your > other question - I have a full time job and this is not meant to be so > much "income" for me - I plan to work from the space just like the > people I'm expecting to come... > > -dm > > On May 15, 3:37 am, Jerome Chang <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > 1. I couldn't find a way to justify more than 1 staff at a time. I > > also never figured out how any coworking space can survive on such > > low monthly revenues. You'll see my rates are much higher, but I > > also have much higher grade desks, equipment, etc. I would not > > recommend managing the space yourself since you'll just never get > > your own work done otherwise. I never get to do my architecture work > > when I'm managing. > > > > 2. On that note, yes, I still operate as a solo architect to > > supplement my income, at least until operations and sales stabilize. > > As for your altruistic reasons to "not get rich", I think you > > absolutely should maximize your profit; otherwise, you've risked a > > lot and exposed yourself to a lot of liability without any real > > rewards. Ascertain what your market can bear, and charge > > accordingly. In L.A., if I'd charged $200/month, I would've been at > > capacity within 30 days before I even opened - guaranteed, but then > > operated on zero or negative margins. That's just not sound > > business, in my opinion. > > > > Jerome > > __ > > BLANKSPACES > > "work wide open" > > > > 5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) > > Los Angeles, CA 90036 > > 323.330.9505 > > > > On May 14, 2008, at 4:01 PM, Jay w
[Coworking] Re: Has anyone had received any support/benefit from local city government/agencies?
I'm in the final stages of receiving funds from my Town. Its not a gift but a loan I have to pay back. (Fingers crossed) First look for your local Small Business Association. In the US you can find them here http://www.sba.gov/localresources/index.html. I'm working with a local group and they have been INVALUABLE during my year and half journey to find funds. They know the options out there. I think the key is reading local and state economic development plans. Find lines that mention things like retaining businesses and jobs, increasing available office space, localism, creative class, green business, etc. All of these elements are part of Coworking. Then have coffee with your local Economic Development Director and elected officials. If you have a community CoOp in your town talk to their Directors &/or Board Members. They have experience with member organizations and ways to fund them. Plus ask your nonprofit Executive Directors about creative funding. Any successful nonprofit will have lots of experience in this area too. Go talk to local banks. I was very skeptical about what they could do to help. But at the very least you obtain perspective about the funding options. Many local bankers are your neighbors and will care about what you're doing. They can have great advice too. See what these folks are trying to do in your community. I bet you can find allies. -BrianR Carrboro Creative Coworking carrborocoworking.com On May 15, 2:56 pm, Jay <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > One of my first thoughts was that our local city government would have > an interest in a coworking facility here in Louisville, KY since it's > all about revitalization and economic development locally. > > I didn't know if would be possible to get grants or other assistance > for this type of start-up. > > I was wondering if anyone else had gone down this route and what kind > of response did you get? --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to coworking@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Introduction & Questions
As far as altruism - remember, some people do run not-intending-to- profit spaces (not sure if they are true "non for profit / 503c etc). I'm doing it for the "personal" benefit of having more people around, in my eyes thats the whole reason other coworkers will want to (hopefully) come - that's not to say I'm truly not profiting - I hope to do a little better than break even, but I don't care at this point how MUCH more as long as I can cover what it costs me and get other non-financial benefits like access to other peoples' opinions and the energy of having others around. So that leads into an answer for your other question - I have a full time job and this is not meant to be so much "income" for me - I plan to work from the space just like the people I'm expecting to come... -dm On May 15, 3:37 am, Jerome Chang <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > 1. I couldn't find a way to justify more than 1 staff at a time. I > also never figured out how any coworking space can survive on such > low monthly revenues. You'll see my rates are much higher, but I > also have much higher grade desks, equipment, etc. I would not > recommend managing the space yourself since you'll just never get > your own work done otherwise. I never get to do my architecture work > when I'm managing. > > 2. On that note, yes, I still operate as a solo architect to > supplement my income, at least until operations and sales stabilize. > As for your altruistic reasons to "not get rich", I think you > absolutely should maximize your profit; otherwise, you've risked a > lot and exposed yourself to a lot of liability without any real > rewards. Ascertain what your market can bear, and charge > accordingly. In L.A., if I'd charged $200/month, I would've been at > capacity within 30 days before I even opened - guaranteed, but then > operated on zero or negative margins. That's just not sound > business, in my opinion. > > Jerome > __ > BLANKSPACES > "work wide open" > > 5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) > Los Angeles, CA 90036 > 323.330.9505 > > On May 14, 2008, at 4:01 PM, Jay wrote: > > > > > Hey guys, > > > My name is Jay and I'm thinking of opening a coworking facility later > > this year or early next year in Louisville, KY. Opening my own place > > is something I've thought about doing for a long time (even before I > > heard the term "coworking"). I know a lot of people that run their own > > businesses and prefer not to work at home. As far as I know there's > > nothing like this anywhere around here. I've enjoyed reading through > > the posts in this group and checking out many of your Web sites. I'm > > learning a lot. > > > I have some basic questions that I'd like to throw out there: > > > 1) I've read posts about other places having multiple people on staff > > full-time. Is it really possible to bring in that much income to pay > > operating expenses plus staff salaries and make enough for the runs > > actually running the operation? For example, I'm looking at a 2,500 > > square foot space. Based on the formulas I've seen on here, I should > > be able to accommodate approximately 25 people comfortably. If I can > > get $200 a month from 25 people, that would bring in around $5000. > > That would probably cover most of my operating expenses but definitely > > not staff. I guess I'm trying to get a feel for what percentage of > > total income comes from memberships vs. things like conference room > > rental, cafe, events, etc. My plan is to have a couple of partners > > involved in the business to help cover the workload. > > > 2) Do most of you that run your own coworking facilities have other > > businesses on the side to supplement the income? I'm trying to figure > > out if this would be a way for me to make a living or if I need to > > have a consulting business focusing on other things. > > > I realize I'm being kind of broad in my questions. I'm just trying to > > make sure that I'm considering opportunities for revenue. I'm not > > looking for a way to get rich or anything. I just want to be able to > > support my family and control my own destiny so-to-speak. > > > Any feedback or advice would be GREATLY appreciated. > > > Thanks so much! > > > Jay --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to coworking@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
