[Coworking] Space open..now what?
CollabLab is open, we had our grand opening on wednesday. Two people showed up, which is fine. It was great to have them and both were happy to see a coworking space in the area. I didn't expect to have a full house by any means, and one of the reasons I did this was simply to see if there was a market in this particular area. I still think there is a market, but the word needs to get out. Obviously the biggest draw to a coworking space is the people. But if there are no people to start with, the people won't come. It's a catch 22. Now I remember someone here saying that "if you build it, they will come - in time" so it wasn't completely unexpected. My biggest issue right now is (and, I'll admit, has always been) that I suck at marketing. Twitter has been the biggest marketing channel I've used so far (Thanks Curtis!), I have a craigslist ad up (which isn't doing anything), and I plan to do a flier campaign at the local starbucks among other marketing ideas. But I feel what is really going to draw the crowds (8 will make me happy, lol) are events. From what I can see, a lot of the presentation type events that happen in coworking spaces are presented by people in the coworking space itself. Well, again, need people to get people. I feel like quite the idiot, but I wouldn't even know where to start to try and arrange a presentation by someone. I guess I feel a little "out of the loop", which again, even in my other companies, has been a problem, and one of the prime reasons I wanted to open a coworking space! I've been working in isolation for 8 years..my personal network is dismal. So any input or ideas on where to go from here would be much appreciated. -Mike www.collablab.net --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Space open..now what?
Mike, Why not go to where the people are first instead of insisting that they come to you? Go out into the field, find people at their own events, user groups, meetups, happy hours...and make use of that opportunity to make connections with potential users. *Find out what they do first*. Where they work. How they work. Just remember that you're on their turf, so avoid pitching. When they ask what you do, there's a natural chance to let them know about coworking and your space, and invite them to come by for a day! -Alex, IndyHall -- - -- - Alex Hillman *Build a something that the community needs, not a something that needs the community.* digital: a...@weknowhtml.com helpful: www.unstick.me visual: www.dangerouslyawesome.com local: www.indyhall.org On Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 11:26 AM, turbo2ltr wrote: > > > CollabLab is open, we had our grand opening on wednesday. Two people > showed up, which is fine. It was great to have them and both were > happy to see a coworking space in the area. I didn't expect to have a > full house by any means, and one of the reasons I did this was simply > to see if there was a market in this particular area. I still think > there is a market, but the word needs to get out. > > Obviously the biggest draw to a coworking space is the people. But if > there are no people to start with, the people won't come. It's a > catch 22. Now I remember someone here saying that "if you build it, > they will come - in time" so it wasn't completely unexpected. > > My biggest issue right now is (and, I'll admit, has always been) that > I suck at marketing. Twitter has been the biggest marketing channel > I've used so far (Thanks Curtis!), I have a craigslist ad up (which > isn't doing anything), and I plan to do a flier campaign at the local > starbucks among other marketing ideas. But I feel what is really > going to draw the crowds (8 will make me happy, lol) are events. From > what I can see, a lot of the presentation type events that happen in > coworking spaces are presented by people in the coworking space > itself. Well, again, need people to get people. > > I feel like quite the idiot, but I wouldn't even know where to start > to try and arrange a presentation by someone. I guess I feel a little > "out of the loop", which again, even in my other companies, has been a > problem, and one of the prime reasons I wanted to open a coworking > space! I've been working in isolation for 8 years..my personal > network is dismal. > > So any input or ideas on where to go from here would be much > appreciated. > > -Mike > www.collablab.net > > > --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Space open..now what?
Along with Alex's great advice, start building your own social circle. Whether it overlaps directly with collablab or not, your ability to connect with people will help you build collablab as well. This can be as simple as inviting a few people over for potluck dinner once a month, which everyone can do. -d On Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 8:33 AM, Alex Hillman wrote: > Mike, > > Why not go to where the people are first instead of insisting that they come > to you? > > Go out into the field, find people at their own events, user groups, > meetups, happy hours...and make use of that opportunity to make connections > with potential users. Find out what they do first. Where they work. How they > work. > > Just remember that you're on their turf, so avoid pitching. > > When they ask what you do, there's a natural chance to let them know about > coworking and your space, and invite them to come by for a day! > > -Alex, IndyHall > > -- > - > -- > - > Alex Hillman > Build a something that the community needs, not a something that needs the > community. > digital: a...@weknowhtml.com > helpful: www.unstick.me > visual: www.dangerouslyawesome.com > local: www.indyhall.org > > > > On Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 11:26 AM, turbo2ltr wrote: >> >> >> CollabLab is open, we had our grand opening on wednesday. Two people >> showed up, which is fine. It was great to have them and both were >> happy to see a coworking space in the area. I didn't expect to have a >> full house by any means, and one of the reasons I did this was simply >> to see if there was a market in this particular area. I still think >> there is a market, but the word needs to get out. >> >> Obviously the biggest draw to a coworking space is the people. But if >> there are no people to start with, the people won't come. It's a >> catch 22. Now I remember someone here saying that "if you build it, >> they will come - in time" so it wasn't completely unexpected. >> >> My biggest issue right now is (and, I'll admit, has always been) that >> I suck at marketing. Twitter has been the biggest marketing channel >> I've used so far (Thanks Curtis!), I have a craigslist ad up (which >> isn't doing anything), and I plan to do a flier campaign at the local >> starbucks among other marketing ideas. But I feel what is really >> going to draw the crowds (8 will make me happy, lol) are events. From >> what I can see, a lot of the presentation type events that happen in >> coworking spaces are presented by people in the coworking space >> itself. Well, again, need people to get people. >> >> I feel like quite the idiot, but I wouldn't even know where to start >> to try and arrange a presentation by someone. I guess I feel a little >> "out of the loop", which again, even in my other companies, has been a >> problem, and one of the prime reasons I wanted to open a coworking >> space! I've been working in isolation for 8 years..my personal >> network is dismal. >> >> So any input or ideas on where to go from here would be much >> appreciated. >> >> -Mike >> www.collablab.net >> > > > > > -- http://tinobox.com/wordpress/ http://twitter.com/doolin --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Space open..now what?
Mike, Before betahouse came into existence, we had been socializing the Coworking idea in our community of web entrepreneurs. We went to every meetup and local event where potential coworkers could be found, and told everyone we met about what we were doing. Many of the people who joined us heard about us second hand from these people. You can reach out to local user groups and meetups--they're always looking for places to host events, and socializing the ideas behind coworking in these groups will help bring you regulars. You might also try hosting events in the space to build your relationship with the local community. Here's some inspiration from my friend Sooz: http://bit.ly/14C0ya Just don't rip off the name of her event--that would be tacky. Another way to win regulars is to invite the interested people you meet to come hang out for a day and see how they like it. Ask visitors to "beta test" the furniture arrangement and wifi, and in exchange for a free day in the space, ask them what they like and what you can do to make it perfect for them. You don't have to go implement all the suggestions, but this is a great way to get people to buy into the concept and feel some ownership. -- Brian Del Vecchio | hybernaut.com | b...@hybernaut.com | 617-899-0798 | @hybernaut On Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 11:26 AM, turbo2ltr wrote: > > > CollabLab is open, we had our grand opening on wednesday. Two people > showed up, which is fine. It was great to have them and both were > happy to see a coworking space in the area. I didn't expect to have a > full house by any means, and one of the reasons I did this was simply > to see if there was a market in this particular area. I still think > there is a market, but the word needs to get out. > > Obviously the biggest draw to a coworking space is the people. But if > there are no people to start with, the people won't come. It's a > catch 22. Now I remember someone here saying that "if you build it, > they will come - in time" so it wasn't completely unexpected. > > My biggest issue right now is (and, I'll admit, has always been) that > I suck at marketing. Twitter has been the biggest marketing channel > I've used so far (Thanks Curtis!), I have a craigslist ad up (which > isn't doing anything), and I plan to do a flier campaign at the local > starbucks among other marketing ideas. But I feel what is really > going to draw the crowds (8 will make me happy, lol) are events. From > what I can see, a lot of the presentation type events that happen in > coworking spaces are presented by people in the coworking space > itself. Well, again, need people to get people. > > I feel like quite the idiot, but I wouldn't even know where to start > to try and arrange a presentation by someone. I guess I feel a little > "out of the loop", which again, even in my other companies, has been a > problem, and one of the prime reasons I wanted to open a coworking > space! I've been working in isolation for 8 years..my personal > network is dismal. > > So any input or ideas on where to go from here would be much > appreciated. > > -Mike > www.collablab.net > > > --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Little Hill Jelly --- El Cerrito --- East Bay Wed Feb 25 2009
Hi folks, I'll have a table at http://www.33revolutions.com/ on Wed Feb 25 around 11 am. * Just a couple of blocks from BART. (Ok, 4, but itty bitty blocks, like less than 2 of those monster long SOMA blocks in San Fran.) * Serves French-pressed Ritual Roast coffee. * The owner is very coworking friendly, so anyone in the area stop by anytime and encourage him! I would like to grow enough interest to grow a real coworking space in the future, so if you're in the area and tired of driving or barting all over the Bay, stop by and chat for a bit. Thanks, Dave D -- http://tinobox.com/wordpress/ http://twitter.com/doolin --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Space open..now what?
Hi Mike, where is CollabLab based? I might be able to tap into my personal network to get you speakers/presenters depending on where you are located. On Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 8:26 AM, turbo2ltr wrote: > > > CollabLab is open, we had our grand opening on wednesday. Two people > showed up, which is fine. It was great to have them and both were > happy to see a coworking space in the area. I didn't expect to have a > full house by any means, and one of the reasons I did this was simply > to see if there was a market in this particular area. I still think > there is a market, but the word needs to get out. > > Obviously the biggest draw to a coworking space is the people. But if > there are no people to start with, the people won't come. It's a > catch 22. Now I remember someone here saying that "if you build it, > they will come - in time" so it wasn't completely unexpected. > > My biggest issue right now is (and, I'll admit, has always been) that > I suck at marketing. Twitter has been the biggest marketing channel > I've used so far (Thanks Curtis!), I have a craigslist ad up (which > isn't doing anything), and I plan to do a flier campaign at the local > starbucks among other marketing ideas. But I feel what is really > going to draw the crowds (8 will make me happy, lol) are events. From > what I can see, a lot of the presentation type events that happen in > coworking spaces are presented by people in the coworking space > itself. Well, again, need people to get people. > > I feel like quite the idiot, but I wouldn't even know where to start > to try and arrange a presentation by someone. I guess I feel a little > "out of the loop", which again, even in my other companies, has been a > problem, and one of the prime reasons I wanted to open a coworking > space! I've been working in isolation for 8 years..my personal > network is dismal. > > So any input or ideas on where to go from here would be much > appreciated. > > -Mike > www.collablab.net > > > --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Coworking in the Dallas, TX, area
I am assisting a family that is relocating to the Dallas area. The husband is a software developer working from home and is a little lonely. He is looking for coworking or hotelling opportunities in the area. Do you guys know of any opportunities for shared office spaces or know the resources where I can find opportunities like this? Thanks! --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Coworking Newb looking for "space" in Long Beach
With the economy spinning wildly as it is now, I'm anticipating an impending freelance career. One thing I know for sure is that working from home is not the best option for me because I'll spend all my time watching Oprah and playing Xbox. Coffeehouses are ok, but hectic and mostly uncomfortable and not entirely conducive to collaboration unless you're talking about the complexities of redesigning your Myspace page. An aquaintaince on Twitter recently suggested BLANKSPACE in Los Angeles, which is a really cool space, but a bit out of my way. I'm wondering if anyone has info on spaces closer to the Long Beach area of SoCal. As cool as the MidWilshire district is, I'd rather not drive 30 miles to get there. My Google searches haven't netted any solid results, so any insider info would be great. Thanks. --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Looking for start-up advice
Hello coworkers! I'm Kimberly, a business owner in north central WI. I'm starting a coworking space in my local area, and have been researching dozens of great websites for coworking spaces to learn more about what has been successful. I'm interested in all sorts of ideas, from type of space, to amenities offered, to special programs, to rates, etc. I've even learned from the stories of a few "failed" coworking spaces. If you're willing to share your story with me, I can be reached at deviapublicati...@gmail.com. Thanks for your time! ~Kimberly CEO, Devia Publications, LLC www.top12tees.com --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Hi, my name is [insert name here]
Ok, so I posted twice before in hopes of finding people in the Long Beach area to collaborate with on this coworking area, but since I forgot to include an introduction, I'm wondering if those posts are being held until I tell you all a bit about me. My name is Dave and by day I work as an art director for a automotive enthusiast magazine. I also moonlight as a marketing consultant and social media whore on occassion. My free time is spent either painting large canvases, reading about anything related to art/design/ marketing, hanging with my beautiful wife, tossing a plush doll down the hall for my terrier to fetch pondering an seemingly endless amount of good ideas I've never acted on. That last one needs to change. I had this dream awhile back about having a place to go kind of like my local coffee haus, but a little more structured toward doing business instead of hanging out on Facebook and sipping lattes. I imagined a space where people sat comfortably at desks or large tables and there was a conference room to rent. This was long before I ever heard the idea of coworking and now I think I've found a path to venture forth. We'll see what happens, but maybe it ends with me manning an espresso machine in a creative space while others collaborate in the background. --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Coworking in Long Beach, CA
I just created a coworking page for Long Beach on the PBWiki site. Check it out and if you live near the area, please add to the conversation. https://coworking.pbwiki.com/CoworkingLongBeach --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Space open..now what?
Hi Mike, I'm from Pto de Contato, a coworking space in São Paulo - Brazil, and we started with our first clients in November. The best thing, better than any marketing you can do (and I'm from the marketing area myself!), is getting the word out through the people. Word of mouth is the best advertising there is, because people feel they can trust. So try to find out where your target audience is and go to them. And all the advice everyone here has given you is gold! I wish you all the luck! Carina 2009/2/20 Bradley Neuberg > Hi Mike, where is CollabLab based? I might be able to tap into my personal > network to get you speakers/presenters depending on where you are located. > > > On Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 8:26 AM, turbo2ltr wrote: > >> >> >> CollabLab is open, we had our grand opening on wednesday. Two people >> showed up, which is fine. It was great to have them and both were >> happy to see a coworking space in the area. I didn't expect to have a >> full house by any means, and one of the reasons I did this was simply >> to see if there was a market in this particular area. I still think >> there is a market, but the word needs to get out. >> >> Obviously the biggest draw to a coworking space is the people. But if >> there are no people to start with, the people won't come. It's a >> catch 22. Now I remember someone here saying that "if you build it, >> they will come - in time" so it wasn't completely unexpected. >> >> My biggest issue right now is (and, I'll admit, has always been) that >> I suck at marketing. Twitter has been the biggest marketing channel >> I've used so far (Thanks Curtis!), I have a craigslist ad up (which >> isn't doing anything), and I plan to do a flier campaign at the local >> starbucks among other marketing ideas. But I feel what is really >> going to draw the crowds (8 will make me happy, lol) are events. From >> what I can see, a lot of the presentation type events that happen in >> coworking spaces are presented by people in the coworking space >> itself. Well, again, need people to get people. >> >> I feel like quite the idiot, but I wouldn't even know where to start >> to try and arrange a presentation by someone. I guess I feel a little >> "out of the loop", which again, even in my other companies, has been a >> problem, and one of the prime reasons I wanted to open a coworking >> space! I've been working in isolation for 8 years..my personal >> network is dismal. >> >> So any input or ideas on where to go from here would be much >> appreciated. >> >> -Mike >> www.collablab.net >> >> > > > > --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Hi, my name is [insert name here]
Dave, this just arrived in my inbox... You may want to try hosting a few Jelly workshops to get going: http://workatjelly.com/ Jelly is casual coworking, and a great way to get the ball rolling in your neighborhood. -dave d On Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 1:44 PM, daveconrey wrote: > > Ok, so I posted twice before in hopes of finding people in the Long > Beach area to collaborate with on this coworking area, but since I > forgot to include an introduction, I'm wondering if those posts are > being held until I tell you all a bit about me. > > My name is Dave and by day I work as an art director for a automotive > enthusiast magazine. I also moonlight as a marketing consultant and > social media whore on occassion. My free time is spent either painting > large canvases, reading about anything related to art/design/ > marketing, hanging with my beautiful wife, tossing a plush doll down > the hall for my terrier to fetch pondering an seemingly endless amount > of good ideas I've never acted on. That last one needs to change. > > I had this dream awhile back about having a place to go kind of like > my local coffee haus, but a little more structured toward doing > business instead of hanging out on Facebook and sipping lattes. I > imagined a space where people sat comfortably at desks or large tables > and there was a conference room to rent. This was long before I ever > heard the idea of coworking and now I think I've found a path to > venture forth. We'll see what happens, but maybe it ends with me > manning an espresso machine in a creative space while others > collaborate in the background. > > > > -- http://tinobox.com/wordpress/ http://twitter.com/doolin --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Coworking in the Dallas, TX, area
Yes there is. Big in Japan has a coworking space. I am actully hanging out here for passed 2 days. http://www.biggu.com/ -- Bart Mroz bartm...@gmail.com 215.605.9779 twitter @bartmroz On Feb 18, 2009, at 5:35 PM, Heather wrote: > > I am assisting a family that is relocating to the Dallas area. The > husband is a software developer working from home and is a little > lonely. He is looking for coworking or hotelling opportunities in the > area. Do you guys know of any opportunities for shared office spaces > or know the resources where I can find opportunities like this? > Thanks! > > > --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Coworking in the Dallas, TX, area
On Wed, Feb 18, 2009 at 5:35 PM, Heather wrote: > > I am assisting a family that is relocating to the Dallas area. The > husband is a software developer working from home and is a little > lonely. He is looking for coworking or hotelling opportunities in the > area. Do you guys know of any opportunities for shared office spaces > or know the resources where I can find opportunities like this? Thanks! > I work out of CoHabitat: http://cohabitat.us/ http://artofsystems.blogspot.com/2009/01/cohabitat-in-90-seconds.html and @cohabitat on twitter. I think the i...@cohabitat.us email goes to Blake Burris, one of the founders. -cks -- Christopher St. John http://praxisbridge.com --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Space open..now what?
Thanks for the shout-out about my Free Agent Jungle project, Brian. Mike/CollabLab: I am interested in collaborating with people in cities beyond Boston about hosting Free Agent Jungle events. If you (or anyone else) is interested in talking about this, let me know. The Boston lunch happens once a month and I'm also hosting Free Agent Jungle Office Hours -- a Friday afternoon coworking meetup that's starting out at Blue Shirt Cafe in Somerville/Davis Square. There's more info about that here: http://freeagentjungle-officehours.eventbrite.com/ Cheers, Sooz www.sooz.com + www.freeagentjungle.com On Feb 20, 12:04 pm, Brian Del Vecchio wrote: > Mike, > > Before betahouse came into existence, we had been socializing the > Coworking idea in our community of web entrepreneurs. We went to every > meetup and local event where potential coworkers could be found, and > told everyone we met about what we were doing. Many of the people who > joined us heard about us second hand from these people. > > You can reach out to local user groups and meetups--they're always > looking for places to host events, and socializing the ideas behind > coworking in these groups will help bring you regulars. > > You might also try hosting events in the space to build your > relationship with the local community. Here's some inspiration from > my friend Sooz:http://bit.ly/14C0ya > > Just don't rip off the name of her event--that would be tacky. > > Another way to win regulars is to invite the interested people you > meet to come hang out for a day and see how they like it. Ask visitors > to "beta test" the furniture arrangement and wifi, and in exchange for > a free day in the space, ask them what they like and what you can do > to make it perfect for them. You don't have to go implement all the > suggestions, but this is a great way to get people to buy into the > concept and feel some ownership. > > -- > Brian Del Vecchio | hybernaut.com | b...@hybernaut.com | > 617-899-0798 | @hybernautOn Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 11:26 AM, turbo2ltr > wrote: > > > CollabLab is open, we had our grand opening on wednesday. Two people > > showed up, which is fine. It was great to have them and both were > > happy to see a coworking space in the area. I didn't expect to have a > > full house by any means, and one of the reasons I did this was simply > > to see if there was a market in this particular area. I still think > > there is a market, but the word needs to get out. > > > Obviously the biggest draw to a coworking space is the people. But if > > there are no people to start with, the people won't come. It's a > > catch 22. Now I remember someone here saying that "if you build it, > > they will come - in time" so it wasn't completely unexpected. > > > My biggest issue right now is (and, I'll admit, has always been) that > > I suck at marketing. Twitter has been the biggest marketing channel > > I've used so far (Thanks Curtis!), I have a craigslist ad up (which > > isn't doing anything), and I plan to do a flier campaign at the local > > starbucks among other marketing ideas. But I feel what is really > > going to draw the crowds (8 will make me happy, lol) are events. From > > what I can see, a lot of the presentation type events that happen in > > coworking spaces are presented by people in the coworking space > > itself. Well, again, need people to get people. > > > I feel like quite the idiot, but I wouldn't even know where to start > > to try and arrange a presentation by someone. I guess I feel a little > > "out of the loop", which again, even in my other companies, has been a > > problem, and one of the prime reasons I wanted to open a coworking > > space! I've been working in isolation for 8 years..my personal > > network is dismal. > > > So any input or ideas on where to go from here would be much > > appreciated. > > > -Mike > >www.collablab.net --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] I'm Outta Here! - Book about coworking
Hey everybody! As many of you know, I've been working with Todd Sundsted and Drew Jones on a book that centers on the coworking concept. I'm happy to say that, after over a year of researching, writing, rewriting, editing, laying out, and editing some more, we're ready to share the book with you all! The book is called *I'm Outta Here: How coworking is making the office obsolete*, and you can get it here: http://imouttaherethebook.com It's meant to be a relatively simple introduction to the coworking concept and an exploration into its significance in the overall workplace. Each page is a short vignette that describes one aspect, whether a coworking space, or an individual, or a short story. In addition to the actual book, we've created pages on our site that correspond to each page in the book, where you will be able to find more information and references corresponding to each piece. We also want to use each of these pages so get readers' feedback and comments, so the site can act as a bridge between the book and the rest of the great stuff that's happening online. While we cover a lot of spaces and people, there's so much more out there that we'd love to include in the future, so we're hoping that with your feedback, we can release an updated version of the book at some point in the future. Researching for the book has been an incredibly eye-opening experience, and I have to say that the more I learn about this wonderful movement, the more I believe that coworking is an important part of a fundamental shift that's taking place in the way we think about the way we work and live, and this change is all for the better. I count myself lucky that Drew and Todd asked me to join them on this journey, and I'm excited to be sharing our work with you now. Much more as we go! Cheers, Tony --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Space open..now what?
Thank you everyone for your most valuable input! I definitely have my work cut out for me... -Mike --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Space open..now what?
A couple of friends and I started a monthly weekend intensive web/entreprenuerial workshop we're calling "Stirfry Startups." We're getting a lot done: http://stirfrystartups.com/ Not really ready to "public" yet, but it's very organic, so why not? I'm not sure if my neighborhood will support a coworking space, so between Stirfry and the ~biweekly Jelly I am committed to, I should be able to find out. Lot's of very cool activity in this space. Momentum continues to grow. -d On Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 12:57 PM, Sooz wrote: > > Thanks for the shout-out about my Free Agent Jungle project, Brian. > > Mike/CollabLab: I am interested in collaborating with people in cities > beyond Boston about hosting Free Agent Jungle events. If you (or > anyone else) is interested in talking about this, let me know. > > The Boston lunch happens once a month and I'm also hosting Free Agent > Jungle Office Hours -- a Friday afternoon coworking meetup that's > starting out at Blue Shirt Cafe in Somerville/Davis Square. There's > more info about that here: http://freeagentjungle-officehours.eventbrite.com/ > > Cheers, > > Sooz > www.sooz.com + www.freeagentjungle.com -- http://tinobox.com/wordpress/ http://twitter.com/doolin --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: I'm Outta Here! - Book about coworking
2009/2/21 Tony Bacigalupo > Hey everybody! > > As many of you know, I've been working with Todd Sundsted and Drew Jones on > a book that centers on the coworking concept. > > I'm happy to say that, after over a year of researching, writing, > rewriting, editing, laying out, and editing some more, we're ready to share > the book with you all! > > The book is called *I'm Outta Here: How coworking is making the office > obsolete*, and you can get it here: http://imouttaherethebook.com > I see on the blog you mention maybe soft copy. I checked out and found slow post was going to be nearly $10 US for postage. Making the book about one weeks worth of coworking usage at AltSpace :-) See little point in shipping dead tree all the way over the pacific when we already have dead trees here! -- Steven Heath Director, Foxbane Consulting Founder, AltSpace www.foxbane.co.nz Cell: +64 21 706-067 AltSpace: Shared office space in Wellington for home based workers, freelancers, or nimble companies --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: I'm Outta Here! - Book about coworking
Hey Tony, I just saw an early copy of it this afternoon and it looks amazing! Can't wait to get my own copy in the mail next week. Great work and congratulations to you, Todd & Drew! Cheers, Sean On Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 2:57 PM, Steven Heath wrote: > > > 2009/2/21 Tony Bacigalupo >> >> Hey everybody! >> >> As many of you know, I've been working with Todd Sundsted and Drew Jones >> on a book that centers on the coworking concept. >> >> I'm happy to say that, after over a year of researching, writing, >> rewriting, editing, laying out, and editing some more, we're ready to share >> the book with you all! >> >> The book is called I'm Outta Here: How coworking is making the office >> obsolete, and you can get it here: http://imouttaherethebook.com > > I see on the blog you mention maybe soft copy. > I checked out and found slow post was going to be nearly $10 US for postage. > Making the book about one weeks worth of coworking usage at AltSpace :-) > See little point in shipping dead tree all the way over the pacific when > we already have dead trees here! > -- > Steven Heath > Director, Foxbane Consulting > Founder, AltSpace > www.foxbane.co.nz > Cell: +64 21 706-067 > > AltSpace: Shared office space in Wellington for home based workers, > freelancers, or nimble companies > > > > --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 coworking+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[Coworking] Re: Space open..now what?
Hi Mike,
I can completely empathize! We were exactly where you are a month ago! We
still have a long way to go, but I will offer a few lessons that i have very
recently learned!
We know that coworking is cool. THEY DON'T! Most of them don't even know how
to spell it! Much less "why should i pay to work there when i can work in my
jammies or the coffee shop for free!" which leads me to...
Packaging is everything...add value!
We offer at least 1 class/wk, 1 evening social event/mo at present.
We are getting ready to launch:
"Get Motivated Mondays"
which will be kind of like the Monday morning sales mtg many had in their
corp life w/o the boring/negative stuff! It will be a 30min "get motivated"
pep rally if you will followed by 30 min of coffee/conversation to jump
start your week!
Weds. Workshops
Weekly workshops geared toward (but not exclusive to) the new
entrepreneur/those considering entrepreneurship post layoff! Anything
related to what folks need to know to run a biz.
We have a Life Coach, Marketing Coach, and are working on an acct., atty.,
and someone who can speak abt how to build a consulting biz
Free Fridays! Come on down, it's free! (we have had NO ONE come for this
yet! just fyi - ppl don't value what they don't pay for perhaps?)
Our BIGGEST, BEST group of supporters is a local social networking group
called inside919.com. i have been in mktg and networking grps for 15yrs as a
realtor and this is the BEST group that i have ever been a part of! Pat (the
founder) just launched ALL 268 area codes in the US! So yours should be up.
It'll be new & small, but jump in, reach out and be a promoter! The one here
had 1200 members in 6mos! I would encourage everyone to join the one in
their area code!
*go to www.insideareacodes.com!*
Marketing is TOTALLY my thing! so, please feel free to email me directly.
I'll be happy to help however I can! I will gladly share whatever we are
doing, etc.
Remember: A strong, consistent brand will greatly reduce the need/cost of a
lot of marketing! (my specialty-marketing on a budget! :)
Lastly (sorry to be so long winded!) i know we all need "local" folks, but
it can't hurt if you reach out to all of us on twitter. I can't speak for
everyone, but if you will send @heathero and @socostudio (so I'll be sure to
see it!) I will be happy to RT you and I'm sure others will too! In fact, we
could all be doing that for each other!
good luck, and keep the faith! if it was easy, everybody would be doing it:)
At your service,
Heather O'
Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Goal Getter!")
Heather O' Inc. Coaching and Consulting
Specializing in Small Business, Real Estate, PR/Marketing/Social Media
Organizational Systems
"Creating the Mindset, Marketing, Systems & Surroundings that support your
goals"
Soco Studio - A Place for Social Coworking (Seminars, Workshops & group
meetings too!)
104-B N. Salem St.
Apex, NC 27502
919-387-0408
877-GoheatherO
www.HeatherO.com
www.twitter.com/heathero
www.socostudio.biz
www.twitter.com/socostudio
Other Sites & Blogs:
www.apexgoodliving.com
www.westwakeliving.com
www.westwakewomenpreneurs.ning.com
www.livejuiced.blogspot.com
www.Heatheroapex.blogspot.com
www.activerain.com/HeatherO
On Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 11:26 AM, turbo2ltr wrote:
>
>
> CollabLab is open, we had our grand opening on wednesday. Two people
> showed up, which is fine. It was great to have them and both were
> happy to see a coworking space in the area. I didn't expect to have a
> full house by any means, and one of the reasons I did this was simply
> to see if there was a market in this particular area. I still think
> there is a market, but the word needs to get out.
>
> Obviously the biggest draw to a coworking space is the people. But if
> there are no people to start with, the people won't come. It's a
> catch 22. Now I remember someone here saying that "if you build it,
> they will come - in time" so it wasn't completely unexpected.
>
> My biggest issue right now is (and, I'll admit, has always been) that
> I suck at marketing. Twitter has been the biggest marketing channel
> I've used so far (Thanks Curtis!), I have a craigslist ad up (which
> isn't doing anything), and I plan to do a flier campaign at the local
> starbucks among other marketing ideas. But I feel what is really
> going to draw the crowds (8 will make me happy, lol) are events. From
> what I can see, a lot of the presentation type events that happen in
> coworking spaces are presented by people in the coworking space
> itself. Well, again, need people to get people.
>
> I feel like quite the idiot, but I wouldn't even know where to start
> to try and arrange a presentation by someone. I guess I feel a little
> "out of the loop", which again, even in my other companies, has been a
> problem, and one of the prime reasons I wanted to open a coworking
> space! I've been working in isolation for 8 years..my personal
> network is dismal.
>
> So any input or ideas on where t
