[Coworking] Re: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
Heather, I imagine this is the toughest nut to crack. Reaching your market/community and selling them on your offering. From most of the coworking user stories I've read here, it appears that joining is a "nice to have" not a "need to have." In this tough economy, the "want to haves" get cut first. Typical stories here seem to be solo workers usually working from home or the cafe where it's no to little cost to them. So I imagine the thought process goes like this: "yeah, that place I read/seen/heard about seems cool, but is it worth the extra $X and some kind of commitment? Hmmm… I don't know. I can probably get the same amount of work done at home as there. Why should I pay money for it?" I think that question can only be answered by getting the person there. So you have 2 tasks. Getting them there and then selling them on the membership. I see 2 reasons someone might go there: taking a flyer and just showing up to cowork, and being there for an event. In the first case, make it as easy as possible to just show up. Perhaps the first 2-5 days are free. Whatever the number is to convince someone they don't just want it but need it. As long as you have room, it doesn't cost you anything. I bet it's better to have a room full of free loaders than only 1 or 2 full members. You might even need an incentive like treats. Everyone like treats. The second option is where this community can really help: Hosting events. There is a wide variety of events that can pull in prospective members, but I think the trick is figuring out which ones best address the coworking market. Also, how to reach out to the groups needing space. OTHER SPACE OWNERS: What events brought in the most interest both in numbers and types of people? What ones were a waste of time? Any wisdom you could share? I expect it's just a numbers game. For each 100 people that come to events in your space, X will show some interest and Y will sign up. I bet those variables are pretty low. My personal concern about this numbers game is this: How dense of an urban environment is required to get those numbers? I imagine there is a limit of how much effort a member will travel to your location. Let's say it's 15 minutes door to door. Let's say 1 in 5000 people want to cowork with you. You need 50 members. Are there 250,000 people with in 15 minutes of you? Can you get your message to those 50 people. I think there is a reason most of the successful space owners are in urban areas. Does anyone else have some input on these numbers? I just made them up, but I bet there can be a good thread about this data. On another note, have your friend that loves her DSLR camera come in and take some nice shots of your place for your website. Prospective members want to see what it's like to be there. I doubt the logo is that important. Look at the blankspaces site. Nice photos. See how they are featured? I'd love to see more people in them, tho. --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
Thanks so much for your thoughts Chris! I really appreciate 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 Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 5:07 PM, Chris Kerins wrote: > > Heather, I imagine this is the toughest nut to crack. Reaching your > market/community and selling them on your offering. From most of the > coworking user stories I've read here, it appears that joining is a > "nice to have" not a "need to have." In this tough economy, the "want > to haves" get cut first. > > Typical stories here seem to be solo workers usually working from home > or the cafe where it's no to little cost to them. So I imagine the > thought process goes like this: "yeah, that place I read/seen/heard > about seems cool, but is it worth the extra $X and some kind of > commitment? Hmmm… I don't know. I can probably get the same amount of > work done at home as there. Why should I pay money for it?" > > I think that question can only be answered by getting the person > there. So you have 2 tasks. Getting them there and then selling them > on the membership. > > I see 2 reasons someone might go there: taking a flyer and just > showing up to cowork, and being there for an event. In the first case, > make it as easy as possible to just show up. Perhaps the first 2-5 > days are free. Whatever the number is to convince someone they don't > just want it but need it. As long as you have room, it doesn't cost > you anything. I bet it's better to have a room full of free loaders > than only 1 or 2 full members. You might even need an incentive like > treats. Everyone like treats. > > The second option is where this community can really help: Hosting > events. There is a wide variety of events that can pull in prospective > members, but I think the trick is figuring out which ones best address > the coworking market. Also, how to reach out to the groups needing > space. > > OTHER SPACE OWNERS: What events brought in the most interest both in > numbers and types of people? What ones were a waste of time? Any > wisdom you could share? > > I expect it's just a numbers game. For each 100 people that come to > events in your space, X will show some interest and Y will sign up. I > bet those variables are pretty low. > > My personal concern about this numbers game is this: How dense of an > urban environment is required to get those numbers? I imagine there is > a limit of how much effort a member will travel to your location. > Let's say it's 15 minutes door to door. Let's say 1 in 5000 people > want to cowork with you. You need 50 members. Are there 250,000 people > with in 15 minutes of you? Can you get your message to those 50 > people. I think there is a reason most of the successful space owners > are in urban areas. > > Does anyone else have some input on these numbers? I just made them > up, but I bet there can be a good thread about this data. > > On another note, have your friend that loves her DSLR camera come in > and take some nice shots of your place for your website. Prospective > members want to see what it's like to be there. I doubt the logo is > that important. Look at the blankspaces site. Nice photos. See how > they are featured? I'd love to see more people in them, tho. > > > --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
Heather, from my perspective of 2 + years, it's all about time. We are still working to build up to a sustainable membership level, though we keep getting closer. And, we are discovering our sales cycle is much longer than we had imagined. We are still getting people coming in and signing up now after having first come in for a tour when we first opened. What we do for give aways is 1 free week to anyone who wants to give us a try. That way, they get a chance to see if it's a good match for them before they sign up. In terms of getting more people through your space, I would suggest hosting computer user groups. That's really built a sense of communityat CubeSpace. Finally, bear in mind that all of the marketing has a very long tail. It's taken over a year to see results from some of the events we hosted, but we have seen enormous returns since then. Patience, which is incredibly hard when the bills are coming due, is a necessity. Finally, I might suggest putting up the website in a simpler system than joomla. We've been on Drupal for the last 3 years or so, and frankly, it is way more powerful than we need, and that power actually makes it harder for us to keep it current. I might check out Wordpress, and see what you can do with that, since Wordpress is really easy to work with. All the best, David -- David Kominsky da...@cubespacepdx.com 503-206-3500 CubeSpace 622 SE Grand Avenue Portland, OR 97214 --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
Thanks so much for the feedback. I was expecting a must faster income i guess! We were not planning to open when/where we did, but circumstances happen! Now we just have to figure out how to stay open until it all "pays off!" can you explain the computer user group thing? I'm not really sure what you mean by that. thanks! 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 Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 10:22 PM, David Kominsky wrote: > Heather, from my perspective of 2 + years, it's all about time. We are > still working to build up to a sustainable membership level, though we keep > getting closer. And, we are discovering our sales cycle is much longer than > we had imagined. We are still getting people coming in and signing up now > after having first come in for a tour when we first opened. > > What we do for give aways is 1 free week to anyone who wants to give us a > try. That way, they get a chance to see if it's a good match for them before > they sign up. > > In terms of getting more people through your space, I would suggest hosting > computer user groups. That's really built a sense of communityat CubeSpace. > > Finally, bear in mind that all of the marketing has a very long tail. It's > taken over a year to see results from some of the events we hosted, but we > have seen enormous returns since then. Patience, which is incredibly hard > when the bills are coming due, is a necessity. > > Finally, I might suggest putting up the website in a simpler system than > joomla. We've been on Drupal for the last 3 years or so, and frankly, it is > way more powerful than we need, and that power actually makes it harder for > us to keep it current. I might check out Wordpress, and see what you can do > with that, since Wordpress is really easy to work with. > > All the best, > David > > -- > David Kominsky > da...@cubespacepdx.com > 503-206-3500 > CubeSpace > 622 SE Grand Avenue > Portland, OR 97214 > > > > --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
Computer user groups are groups of individuals who all work with a particular technology (often a programming language) and get together, often once a month, to discuss techniques, show each other what they are working on, and basically talk to people whose eyes won't glaze over when they talk details about their work. User Groups vary in type. Some are very friendly informal groups that will love you forever for anything you do for them (and will try to do lots of things for your to pay you back, which is great), and some come from a place of entitlement, feeling like THEY are doing YOU a favor by consenting to meet in your space. Obviously, you want the former, not the latter, even when the latter seem like a better match for you as customers. Trust me on this one. In portland, we have a thriving open source community, and find some of the open source groups to be among the most welcoming, and they create a great sense of community. Admittedly, all of this takes time (over a year). The payback, however, is that we are the portland tech community clubhouse at this point, which is allowing us to expand our business model somewhat and begin to take on programming jobs that we subcontract out to members of the community, which people trust us to do because they know us, and know that we know the programmers. Hope this is helpful, David On Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 8:33 PM, HeatherO wrote: > Thanks so much for the feedback. > I was expecting a must faster income i guess! > We were not planning to open when/where we did, but circumstances happen! > Now we just have to figure out how to stay open until it all "pays off!" > > can you explain the computer user group thing? > I'm not really sure what you mean by that. > thanks! > > 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 Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 10:22 PM, David Kominsky > wrote: > >> Heather, from my perspective of 2 + years, it's all about time. We are >> still working to build up to a sustainable membership level, though we keep >> getting closer. And, we are discovering our sales cycle is much longer than >> we had imagined. We are still getting people coming in and signing up now >> after having first come in for a tour when we first opened. >> >> What we do for give aways is 1 free week to anyone who wants to give us a >> try. That way, they get a chance to see if it's a good match for them before >> they sign up. >> >> In terms of getting more people through your space, I would suggest >> hosting computer user groups. That's really built a sense of communityat >> CubeSpace. >> >> Finally, bear in mind that all of the marketing has a very long tail. It's >> taken over a year to see results from some of the events we hosted, but we >> have seen enormous returns since then. Patience, which is incredibly hard >> when the bills are coming due, is a necessity. >> >> Finally, I might suggest putting up the website in a simpler system than >> joomla. We've been on Drupal for the last 3 years or so, and frankly, it is >> way more powerful than we need, and that power actually makes it harder for >> us to keep it current. I might check out Wordpress, and see what you can do >> with that, since Wordpress is really easy to work with. >> >> All the best, >> David >> >> -- >> David Kominsky >> da...@cubespacepdx.com >> 503-206-3500 >> CubeSpace >> 622 SE Grand Avenue >> Portland, OR 97214 >> >> >> > > > > -- David Kominsky da...@cubespacepdx.com 503-206-3500 CubeSpace 622 SE Grand Avenue Portland, OR 97214 --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
Thanks David! Now I just have to find these groups! :) 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, Jan 23, 2009 at 2:40 PM, David Kominsky wrote: > Computer user groups are groups of individuals who all work with a > particular technology (often a programming language) and get together, often > once a month, to discuss techniques, show each other what they are working > on, and basically talk to people whose eyes won't glaze over when they talk > details about their work. > > User Groups vary in type. Some are very friendly informal groups that will > love you forever for anything you do for them (and will try to do lots of > things for your to pay you back, which is great), and some come from a place > of entitlement, feeling like THEY are doing YOU a favor by consenting to > meet in your space. Obviously, you want the former, not the latter, even > when the latter seem like a better match for you as customers. Trust me on > this one. > > In portland, we have a thriving open source community, and find some of the > open source groups to be among the most welcoming, and they create a great > sense of community. Admittedly, all of this takes time (over a year). The > payback, however, is that we are the portland tech community clubhouse at > this point, which is allowing us to expand our business model somewhat and > begin to take on programming jobs that we subcontract out to members of the > community, which people trust us to do because they know us, and know that > we know the programmers. > > Hope this is helpful, > David > > On Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 8:33 PM, HeatherO wrote: > >> Thanks so much for the feedback. >> I was expecting a must faster income i guess! >> We were not planning to open when/where we did, but circumstances happen! >> Now we just have to figure out how to stay open until it all "pays off!" >> >> can you explain the computer user group thing? >> I'm not really sure what you mean by that. >> thanks! >> >> 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 Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 10:22 PM, David Kominsky > > wrote: >> >>> Heather, from my perspective of 2 + years, it's all about time. We are >>> still working to build up to a sustainable membership level, though we keep >>> getting closer. And, we are discovering our sales cycle is much longer than >>> we had imagined. We are still getting people coming in and signing up now >>> after having first come in for a tour when we first opened. >>> >>> What we do for give aways is 1 free week to anyone who wants to give us a >>> try. That way, they get a chance to see if it's a good match for them before >>> they sign up. >>> >>> In terms of getting more people through your space, I would suggest >>> hosting computer user groups. That's really built a sense of communityat >>> CubeSpace. >>> >>> Finally, bear in mind that all of the marketing has a very long tail. >>> It's taken over a year to see results from some of the events we hosted, but >>> we have seen enormous returns since then. Patience, which is incredibly hard >>> when the bills are coming due, is a necessity. >>> >>> Finally, I might suggest putting up the website in a simpler system than >>> joomla. We've been on Drupal for the last 3 years or so, and frankly, it is >>> way more powerful than we need, and that power actually makes it harder for >>> us to keep it current. I might check out Wordpress, and see what you can do >>> with that, since Wordpress is really easy to work with. >>> >>> All the best
[Coworking] Re: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
It's more than just finding them...it's about being a part of them. Even if the content that they cover isn't something you are knowledgeable about, go to their events. Meet their members. Don't just "sell" your space as a place for them to have their events, but become a part of their little communities and show them that you want their community to be a part of the larger community...through your space. -Alex, IndyHall -- - -- - Alex Hillman im always developing something digital: a...@weknowhtml.com visual: www.dangerouslyawesome.com local: www.indyhall.org On Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 3:32 PM, HeatherO wrote: > Thanks David! > Now I just have to find these groups! :) > > 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, Jan 23, 2009 at 2:40 PM, David Kominsky > wrote: > >> Computer user groups are groups of individuals who all work with a >> particular technology (often a programming language) and get together, often >> once a month, to discuss techniques, show each other what they are working >> on, and basically talk to people whose eyes won't glaze over when they talk >> details about their work. >> >> User Groups vary in type. Some are very friendly informal groups that will >> love you forever for anything you do for them (and will try to do lots of >> things for your to pay you back, which is great), and some come from a place >> of entitlement, feeling like THEY are doing YOU a favor by consenting to >> meet in your space. Obviously, you want the former, not the latter, even >> when the latter seem like a better match for you as customers. Trust me on >> this one. >> >> In portland, we have a thriving open source community, and find some of >> the open source groups to be among the most welcoming, and they create a >> great sense of community. Admittedly, all of this takes time (over a year). >> The payback, however, is that we are the portland tech community clubhouse >> at this point, which is allowing us to expand our business model somewhat >> and begin to take on programming jobs that we subcontract out to members of >> the community, which people trust us to do because they know us, and know >> that we know the programmers. >> >> Hope this is helpful, >> David >> >> On Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 8:33 PM, HeatherO wrote: >> >>> Thanks so much for the feedback. >>> I was expecting a must faster income i guess! >>> We were not planning to open when/where we did, but circumstances happen! >>> >>> Now we just have to figure out how to stay open until it all "pays off!" >>> >>> can you explain the computer user group thing? >>> I'm not really sure what you mean by that. >>> thanks! >>> >>> 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 Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 10:22 PM, David Kominsky < >>> davidkomin...@gmail.com> wrote: >>> Heather, from my perspective of 2 + years, it's all about time. We are still working to build up to a sustainable membership level, though we keep getting closer. And, we are discovering our sales cycle is much longer than we had imagined. We are still getting people coming in and signing up now after having first come in for a tour when we first opened. What we do for give aways is 1 free week to anyone who wants to give us a try. That way, they get a chance to see if it's a good match for them before they sign up. In terms of getting more p
[Coworking] Re: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
I agree with David on time. I think whoever thought up "build it and they will come" slogan forgot to mention "in time...". It's great that people are loving your space - we heard that for months and still do on occasion, but don't take it as "Love your space, here's my credit card" and don't be sad/offended that they don't sign up. We've also seen some people come back after more than a year. In terms of hosting groups, it helps spread the word, but don't expect any direct conversions from it. We've hosted a ton of groups at Sandbox Suites (computer groups, hackathons, small business, coaching, real estate - all adding up to probably 1000 people total) since Oct. 2007 and have seen 1-2 (!!!) direct conversions. But when we hosted our 1st Birthday party, the conversion rate went thru the roof. My conclusion is that when you host outside groups, they're not there for you and your space. They're busy doing whatever it is that they're doing, networking with others, learning, etc. They may appreciate your space and they will remember it and perhaps mention it to friends, but they're NOT necessarily your customers. When people are there for You, that's when it matters. At least that's been our experience in SF :) Good luck and don't get discouraged. Sasha Vasilyuk Sandbox Suites On Jan 23, 12:36 pm, Alex Hillman wrote: > It's more than just finding them...it's about being a part of them. > > Even if the content that they cover isn't something you are knowledgeable > about, go to their events. Meet their members. Don't just "sell" your space > as a place for them to have their events, but become a part of their little > communities and show them that you want their community to be a part of the > larger community...through your space. > > -Alex, IndyHall > > -- > - > -- > - > Alex Hillman > im always developing something > digital: a...@weknowhtml.com > visual:www.dangerouslyawesome.com > local:www.indyhall.org > > > > On Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 3:32 PM, HeatherO wrote: > > Thanks David! > > Now I just have to find these groups! :) > > > 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, Jan 23, 2009 at 2:40 PM, David Kominsky > > wrote: > > >> Computer user groups are groups of individuals who all work with a > >> particular technology (often a programming language) and get together, > >> often > >> once a month, to discuss techniques, show each other what they are working > >> on, and basically talk to people whose eyes won't glaze over when they talk > >> details about their work. > > >> User Groups vary in type. Some are very friendly informal groups that will > >> love you forever for anything you do for them (and will try to do lots of > >> things for your to pay you back, which is great), and some come from a > >> place > >> of entitlement, feeling like THEY are doing YOU a favor by consenting to > >> meet in your space. Obviously, you want the former, not the latter, even > >> when the latter seem like a better match for you as customers. Trust me on > >> this one. > > >> In portland, we have a thriving open source community, and find some of > >> the open source groups to be among the most welcoming, and they create a > >> great sense of community. Admittedly, all of this takes time (over a year). > >> The payback, however, is that we are the portland tech community clubhouse > >> at this point, which is allowing us to expand our business model somewhat > >> and begin to take on programming jobs that we subcontract out to members of > >> the community, which people trust us to do because they know us, and know > >> that we know the programmers. > > >> Hope this is helpful, > >> David > > >> On Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 8:33 PM, HeatherO wrote: > > >>> Thanks so much for the feedback. > >>> I was expecting a must faster income i guess! > >>> We were not planning to open when/where we did, but circumstances happen! > > >>> Now we just have to figure out how to stay open until it all "pays off!" > > >>> can you explain the computer user group thing? > >>> I'm not really sure what you mean by that. > >>> thanks! > > >>> At your service, > > >>> Heather O' > > >>> Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Go
[Coworking] Re: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
Heather, Just to be super pragmatic on the computer groups, search barcamp on google and see where that gets you. The programmers come together via "camp", which are "unconference" conferences. See if you have one coming up in your area. For example, we have barcamp, wherecamp, etc. Any events you do have, post on upcoming.yahoo.com. Finally, it's best to be involved with a broad audience at first, but within the first 1-2 years, you'll be able to identify your niche membership. Good luck! It's not easy ;) Julie Duryea owner, souk Portland, Oregon http://www.soukllc.com On Jan 22, 12:28 pm, HeatherO wrote: > Hi all, > We have been open for a few weeks now. We have had 2 social events (another > today at 4). We have gotten great feedback. We have a great location in our > historic downtown just 20minutes from Research Triangle Park/Raleigh/Durham > NC. > Everyone thinks "it's a great idea' and "loves the space" but only 2 people > have actually signed up! Neither are here much so it's a little "lifeless". > Hardly the "energy and interactivity" I am promoting it to be! > > Most have said "they can't afford it right now". I think our pricing is very > competitive and we are the only space in the area (carrboro is in a nearby > town, but not close enough to compete). > > I know that we have a huge tech population here, and the demographics are > right, etc. > > I am torn over free drop in as we need to pay the rent!!! I am offering free > drop ins on Fridays to see how that goes. > > My hubby is struggling to get the website along. We decided to use joomla > which is new to him so it just takes a lot of time. Feel free to visit it > and comment!www.socostudio.biz > > Any suggestions & feedback are appreciated! > > At your service, > > Heather O' > > Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Goal Getter!") > Heather O' Inc. Coaching and Consulting > > 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.comwww.twitter.com/heathero > > www.socostudio.bizwww.twitter.com/socostudio > > Other Sites & > Blogs:www.apexgoodliving.comwww.westwakeliving.comwww.westwakewomenpreneurs.ning.comwww.livejuiced.blogspot.comwww.Heatheroapex.blogspot.comwww.activerain.com/HeatherO --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
Yeah, the secret is getting embedded and involved in the community first. I've been involved in the local barcamp scene for a couple of years and helped organize SocialDevCamp East. It was at the second SocialDevCamp event that we did a session on coworking (again, as part of a barcamp the interest in the session helped prove the concept.) Anyway, we had our first "informal" coworking gathering the Thursday after the DevCamp, and since then we've been meeting every Tuesday and Thursday to help grow the community. We've also been plugged into our local Ignite event (Ignite Baltimore), as well as Refresh Baltimore, Bar Camps, etc. As we have done this over the last three months, our community and reach has grown, and now we're opening our "official" space on February 1 with commitments from enough folks to cover our nut. We also secured enough rent subsidy to give us a bit of a cushion as we ramp up. I think if we just tried to coldboot a space without having first gone through that incubation / inoculation process it would have been an order of magnitude harder if not impossible. That said, a coldboot space can probably work, but it would just take a lot longer to get ramped up. No substitute for community building and relationships, and that takes time; humans only do that stuff so fast. Best, Dave Dave Troy Beehive Baltimore LLC http://beehivebaltimore.org On Jan 23, 4:44 pm, Julie wrote: > Heather, > > Just to be super pragmatic on the computer groups, search barcamp on > google and see where that gets you. The programmers come together via > "camp", which are "unconference" conferences. See if you have one > coming up in your area. For example, we have barcamp, wherecamp, etc. > > Any events you do have, post on upcoming.yahoo.com. > > Finally, it's best to be involved with a broad audience at first, but > within the first 1-2 years, you'll be able to identify your niche > membership. > > Good luck! It's not easy ;) > > Julie Duryea > owner, souk > Portland, Oregonhttp://www.soukllc.com > > On Jan 22, 12:28 pm, HeatherO wrote: > > > Hi all, > > We have been open for a few weeks now. We have had 2 social events (another > > today at 4). We have gotten great feedback. We have a great location in our > > historic downtown just 20minutes from Research Triangle Park/Raleigh/Durham > > NC. > > Everyone thinks "it's a great idea' and "loves the space" but only 2 people > > have actually signed up! Neither are here much so it's a little "lifeless". > > Hardly the "energy and interactivity" I am promoting it to be! > > > Most have said "they can't afford it right now". I think our pricing is very > > competitive and we are the only space in the area (carrboro is in a nearby > > town, but not close enough to compete). > > > I know that we have a huge tech population here, and the demographics are > > right, etc. > > > I am torn over free drop in as we need to pay the rent!!! I am offering free > > drop ins on Fridays to see how that goes. > > > My hubby is struggling to get the website along. We decided to use joomla > > which is new to him so it just takes a lot of time. Feel free to visit it > > and comment!www.socostudio.biz > > > Any suggestions & feedback are appreciated! > > > At your service, > > > Heather O' > > > Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Goal Getter!") > > Heather O' Inc. Coaching and Consulting > > > 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.comwww.twitter.com/heathero > > >www.socostudio.bizwww.twitter.com/socostudio > > > Other Sites & > > Blogs:www.apexgoodliving.comwww.westwakeliving.comwww.westwakewomenpreneurs... --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
David, Heather, You both are giving so much information to others. Thanks. This will help me get a small group started. Lois R. Hofmann Instant Office 2939 Broadway Everett, WA 98201-3639 www.instantoffice.us.com instant.off...@yahoo.com 425-512-9458 From: David Kominsky To: coworking@googlegroups.com Sent: Friday, January 23, 2009 11:40:02 AM Subject: [Coworking] Re: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?! Computer user groups are groups of individuals who all work with a particular technology (often a programming language) and get together, often once a month, to discuss techniques, show each other what they are working on, and basically talk to people whose eyes won't glaze over when they talk details about their work. User Groups vary in type. Some are very friendly informal groups that will love you forever for anything you do for them (and will try to do lots of things for your to pay you back, which is great), and some come from a place of entitlement, feeling like THEY are doing YOU a favor by consenting to meet in your space. Obviously, you want the former, not the latter, even when the latter seem like a better match for you as customers. Trust me on this one. In portland, we have a thriving open source community, and find some of the open source groups to be among the most welcoming, and they create a great sense of community. Admittedly, all of this takes time (over a year). The payback, however, is that we are the portland tech community clubhouse at this point, which is allowing us to expand our business model somewhat and begin to take on programming jobs that we subcontract out to members of the community, which people trust us to do because they know us, and know that we know the programmers. Hope this is helpful, David On Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 8:33 PM, HeatherO wrote: Thanks so much for the feedback. I was expecting a must faster income i guess! We were not planning to open when/where we did, but circumstances happen! Now we just have to figure out how to stay open until it all "pays off!" can you explain the computer user group thing? I'm not really sure what you mean by that. thanks! 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 Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 10:22 PM, David Kominsky wrote: Heather, from my perspective of 2 + years, it's all about time. We are still working to build up to a sustainable membership level, though we keep getting closer. And, we are discovering our sales cycle is much longer than we had imagined. We are still getting people coming in and signing up now after having first come in for a tour when we first opened. What we do for give aways is 1 free week to anyone who wants to give us a try. That way, they get a chance to see if it's a good match for them before they sign up. In terms of getting more people through your space, I would suggest hosting computer user groups. That's really built a sense of communityat CubeSpace. Finally, bear in mind that all of the marketing has a very long tail. It's taken over a year to see results from some of the events we hosted, but we have seen enormous returns since then. Patience, which is incredibly hard when the bills are coming due, is a necessity. Finally, I might suggest putting up the website in a simpler system than joomla. We've been on Drupal for the last 3 years or so, and frankly, it is way more powerful than we need, and that power actually makes it harder for us to keep it current. I might check out Wordpress, and see what you can do with that, since Wordpress is really easy to work with. All the best, David -- David Kominsky da...@cubespacepdx.com 503-206-3500 CubeSpace 622 SE Grand Avenue Portland, OR 97214 -- David Kominsky da...@cubespacepdx.com 503-206-3500 CubeSpace 622 SE Grand Avenue Portland, OR 97214 --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
Good point! I am in a lot of networking groups with different people. But not in any "tech" groups. Thanks for that perspective. At your service, Heather O' Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Goal Getter!") Heather O' Inc. Coaching and Consulting "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, Jan 23, 2009 at 3:36 PM, Alex Hillman wrote: > It's more than just finding them...it's about being a part of them. > > Even if the content that they cover isn't something you are knowledgeable > about, go to their events. Meet their members. Don't just "sell" your space > as a place for them to have their events, but become a part of their little > communities and show them that you want their community to be a part of the > larger community...through your space. > > -Alex, IndyHall > > -- > - > -- > - > Alex Hillman > im always developing something > digital: a...@weknowhtml.com > visual: www.dangerouslyawesome.com > local: www.indyhall.org > > > > > On Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 3:32 PM, HeatherO wrote: > >> Thanks David! >> Now I just have to find these groups! :) >> >> 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, Jan 23, 2009 at 2:40 PM, David Kominsky >> wrote: >> >>> Computer user groups are groups of individuals who all work with a >>> particular technology (often a programming language) and get together, often >>> once a month, to discuss techniques, show each other what they are working >>> on, and basically talk to people whose eyes won't glaze over when they talk >>> details about their work. >>> >>> User Groups vary in type. Some are very friendly informal groups that >>> will love you forever for anything you do for them (and will try to do lots >>> of things for your to pay you back, which is great), and some come from a >>> place of entitlement, feeling like THEY are doing YOU a favor by consenting >>> to meet in your space. Obviously, you want the former, not the latter, even >>> when the latter seem like a better match for you as customers. Trust me on >>> this one. >>> >>> In portland, we have a thriving open source community, and find some of >>> the open source groups to be among the most welcoming, and they create a >>> great sense of community. Admittedly, all of this takes time (over a year). >>> The payback, however, is that we are the portland tech community clubhouse >>> at this point, which is allowing us to expand our business model somewhat >>> and begin to take on programming jobs that we subcontract out to members of >>> the community, which people trust us to do because they know us, and know >>> that we know the programmers. >>> >>> Hope this is helpful, >>> David >>> >>> On Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 8:33 PM, HeatherO wrote: >>> Thanks so much for the feedback. I was expecting a must faster income i guess! We were not planning to open when/where we did, but circumstances happen! Now we just have to figure out how to stay open until it all "pays off!" can you explain the computer user group thing? I'm not really sure what you mean by that. thanks! 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 ww
[Coworking] Re: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
Heather, Like Alex said, user groups can be nice, but go to their turf during a regular meeting, email the organizer of the event before, congratulate him (or her) on his hard work - and give a the people in the group a specific time to come to your space - if Fridays are free, then invite them down on the next Friday. At CoLab in Orlando, we just had a big party in the space this week, then invited people down on Friday. We promised to go to lunch and then out for a beer at the end of the day - we had a total of 10 people, plus the girl who works for the building - the most people I've seen in CoLab on a single day since it opened in November. One guy signed up based on that day, and 3 of us were already paying members. The others seemed very positive about their experience - they like being downtown, the social aspects and the lack of pressure to buy coffee and sandwiches. Also, becoming friends with newspaper reporters, bloggers, and people who work for the Economic Development Commission can't hurt either. You could hold a "Creative Cities" event - that might draw some of those types, and people who care about building something larger than themselves. Good luck! Peace, Ryan Price Orlando, FL - CoLab rpr...@ryanpricemedia.com floridacreatives.com @liberatr On Jan 23, 2009, at 9:56 PM, HeatherO wrote: > Good point! I am in a lot of networking groups with different > people. But not in any "tech" groups. > Thanks for that perspective. > > At your service, > > Heather O' > > Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Goal Getter!") > Heather O' Inc. Coaching and Consulting > > "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, Jan 23, 2009 at 3:36 PM, Alex Hillman > wrote: > It's more than just finding them...it's about being a part of them. > > Even if the content that they cover isn't something you are > knowledgeable about, go to their events. Meet their members. Don't > just "sell" your space as a place for them to have their events, but > become a part of their little communities and show them that you > want their community to be a part of the larger community...through > your space. > > -Alex, IndyHall > > -- > - > -- > - > Alex Hillman > im always developing something > digital: a...@weknowhtml.com > visual: www.dangerouslyawesome.com > local: www.indyhall.org > > > > > On Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 3:32 PM, HeatherO > wrote: > Thanks David! > Now I just have to find these groups! :) > > > 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, Jan 23, 2009 at 2:40 PM, David Kominsky > wrote: > Computer user groups are groups of individuals who all work with a > particular technology (often a programming language) and get > together, often once a month, to discuss techniques, show each other > what they are working on, and basically talk to people whose eyes > won't glaze over when they talk details about their work. > > User Groups vary in type. Some are very friendly informal groups > that will love you forever for anything you do for them (and will > try to do lots of things for your to pay you back, which is great), > and some come from a place of entitlement, feeling like THEY are > doing YOU a favor by consenting to meet in your space. Obviously, > you want the former, not the latter, even when the latter seem like > a better match for you as customers. Trust me on this one. > > In portland, we have a thriving open source community, and find some > of the open source groups to be among the most welcoming, and they > create a great sense of community. Admittedly, all of this takes > time (over a year). The payback, however, is that we are
[Coworking] Re: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
Great ideas! Thanks so much! At your service, Heather O' Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Goal Getter!") Heather O' Inc. Coaching and Consulting 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 Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 7:59 AM, Ryan Price wrote: > Heather, > Like Alex said, user groups can be nice, but go to their turf during a > regular meeting, email the organizer of the event before, congratulate him > (or her) on his hard work - and give a the people in the group a specific > time to come to your space - if Fridays are free, then invite them down on > the next Friday. > > At CoLab in Orlando, we just had a big party in the space this week, then > invited people down on Friday. We promised to go to lunch and then out for a > beer at the end of the day - we had a total of 10 people, plus the girl who > works for the building - the most people I've seen in CoLab on a single day > since it opened in November. One guy signed up based on that day, and 3 of > us were already paying members. The others seemed very positive about their > experience - they like being downtown, the social aspects and the lack of > pressure to buy coffee and sandwiches. > > Also, becoming friends with newspaper reporters, bloggers, and people who > work for the Economic Development Commission can't hurt either. You could > hold a "Creative Cities" event - that might draw some of those types, and > people who care about building something larger than themselves. > > Good luck! > > Peace, > Ryan Price > Orlando, FL - CoLab > rpr...@ryanpricemedia.com > floridacreatives.com > @liberatr > > > On Jan 23, 2009, at 9:56 PM, HeatherO wrote: > > Good point! I am in a lot of networking groups with different people. But > not in any "tech" groups. > Thanks for that perspective. > > At your service, > > Heather O' > > Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Goal Getter!") > Heather O' Inc. Coaching and Consulting > > "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, Jan 23, 2009 at 3:36 PM, Alex Hillman < > dangerouslyawes...@gmail.com> wrote: > >> It's more than just finding them...it's about being a part of them. >> >> Even if the content that they cover isn't something you are knowledgeable >> about, go to their events. Meet their members. Don't just "sell" your space >> as a place for them to have their events, but become a part of their little >> communities and show them that you want their community to be a part of the >> larger community...through your space. >> >> -Alex, IndyHall >> >> -- >> - >> -- >> - >> Alex Hillman >> im always developing something >> digital: a...@weknowhtml.com >> visual: www.dangerouslyawesome.com >> local: www.indyhall.org >> >> >> >> >> On Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 3:32 PM, HeatherO wrote: >> >>> Thanks David! >>> Now I just have to find these groups! :) >>> >>> 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, Jan 23, 2009 at 2:40 PM, David Kominsky >> > wrote: >>> Computer user groups are groups of individuals who all work with a particular technology (often a programming language) and get together, often once a month, to discuss techniques, show each other what they are working on, and basically talk to people whose eyes won't glaze over
[Coworking] Re: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
I agree with Alex. It is very important to get out there and meet your target market. Very key is asking questions about what they do, how they work, and if it is a good fit inviting them to come in and check out the space. Critical mass is both hard and crucial. The more people you can constantly get walking into your space. the more people talking about it, the faster you will fill up. Get out to networking events and introduce yourself. If possible, get speaking or writing as a guest in entrepreneurial settings. The more exposure the better. And in terms of sign up, you have to get people in and really to see the value. What do they get beyond the local coffee shop? Is it community? If you don't have people then that may not be what you have yet. Is it cool events? That can be a big draw. Use community calendars and social networking to promote your events. Good luck and keep us posted. All the best, Felicity Cubes&Crayons www.cubesandcrayons.com cubes.typepad.blog/com On Jan 24, 5:03 am, HeatherO wrote: > Great ideas! Thanks so much! > > At your service, > > Heather O' > > Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Goal Getter!") > Heather O' Inc. Coaching and Consulting > > 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.comwww.twitter.com/heathero > > www.socostudio.bizwww.twitter.com/socostudio > > Other Sites & > Blogs:www.apexgoodliving.comwww.westwakeliving.comwww.westwakewomenpreneurs.ning.comwww.livejuiced.blogspot.comwww.Heatheroapex.blogspot.comwww.activerain.com/HeatherO > > On Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 7:59 AM, Ryan Price wrote: > > Heather, > > Like Alex said, user groups can be nice, but go to their turf during a > > regular meeting, email the organizer of the event before, congratulate him > > (or her) on his hard work - and give a the people in the group a specific > > time to come to your space - if Fridays are free, then invite them down on > > the next Friday. > > > At CoLab in Orlando, we just had a big party in the space this week, then > > invited people down on Friday. We promised to go to lunch and then out for a > > beer at the end of the day - we had a total of 10 people, plus the girl who > > works for the building - the most people I've seen in CoLab on a single day > > since it opened in November. One guy signed up based on that day, and 3 of > > us were already paying members. The others seemed very positive about their > > experience - they like being downtown, the social aspects and the lack of > > pressure to buy coffee and sandwiches. > > > Also, becoming friends with newspaper reporters, bloggers, and people who > > work for the Economic Development Commission can't hurt either. You could > > hold a "Creative Cities" event - that might draw some of those types, and > > people who care about building something larger than themselves. > > > Good luck! > > > Peace, > > Ryan Price > > Orlando, FL - CoLab > > rpr...@ryanpricemedia.com > > floridacreatives.com > > @liberatr > > > On Jan 23, 2009, at 9:56 PM, HeatherO wrote: > > > Good point! I am in a lot of networking groups with different people. But > > not in any "tech" groups. > > Thanks for that perspective. > > > At your service, > > > Heather O' > > > Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Goal Getter!") > > Heather O' Inc. Coaching and Consulting > > > "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, Jan 23, 2009 at 3:36 PM, Alex Hillman < > > dangerouslyawes...@gmail.com> wrote: > > >> It's more than just finding them...it's about being a part of them. > > >> Even if the content that they cover isn't something you are knowledgeable > >> about, go to their events. Meet their members. Don't just "sell" your space > >> as a place for them to have their events, but become a part of their little > >> communities and show them that you want their community to be a part of the > >> larger community...through your space. > > >> -Alex, IndyHall > > >> -- > >> - > >> -- > >> - > >> Alex Hillman > >> im always developing something > >> digital: a...@weknowhtml.com > >> visual:www.dangerouslyawesome.com > >> local:www.indyhall.org > > >> On Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 3:32 PM, HeatherO wrote: > > >>> Thanks David! > >>> Now I just have to find these groups! :) > > >>> At your service, > > >>> Heather O' > > >>> Heather O'Sullivan Cann
[Coworking] Re: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
thanks so much to you, and everyone who has taken the time to offer input! It is greatly appreciated! At your service, Heather O' Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Goal Getter!") Heather O' Inc. Coaching and Consulting 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 Sun, Jan 25, 2009 at 11:56 AM, felicity at cubes < felicity.chap...@gmail.com> wrote: > > I agree with Alex. It is very important to get out there and meet > your target market. Very key is asking questions about what they > do, how they work, and if it is a good fit inviting them to come > in and check out the space. Critical mass is both hard and crucial. > The more people you can constantly get walking into your space. the > more > people talking about it, the faster you will fill up. Get out to > networking events > and introduce yourself. If possible, get speaking or writing as a > guest > in entrepreneurial settings. The more exposure the better. > > And in terms of sign up, you have to get people in and really to > see the value. What do they get beyond the local coffee shop? > Is it community? If you don't have people then that may not be > what you have yet. Is it cool events? That can be a big draw. > Use community calendars and social networking to promote your > events. > > Good luck and keep us posted. > > All the best, > Felicity > > Cubes&Crayons > www.cubesandcrayons.com > cubes.typepad.blog/com > > > On Jan 24, 5:03 am, HeatherO wrote: > > Great ideas! Thanks so much! > > > > At your service, > > > > Heather O' > > > > Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Goal Getter!") > > Heather O' Inc. Coaching and Consulting > > > > 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.comwww.twitter.com/heathero > > > > www.socostudio.bizwww.twitter.com/socostudio > > > > Other Sites & Blogs: > www.apexgoodliving.comwww.westwakeliving.comwww.westwakewomenpreneurs.ning.comwww.livejuiced.blogspot.comwww.Heatheroapex.blogspot.comwww.activerain.com/HeatherO > > > > On Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 7:59 AM, Ryan Price > wrote: > > > Heather, > > > Like Alex said, user groups can be nice, but go to their turf during a > > > regular meeting, email the organizer of the event before, congratulate > him > > > (or her) on his hard work - and give a the people in the group a > specific > > > time to come to your space - if Fridays are free, then invite them down > on > > > the next Friday. > > > > > At CoLab in Orlando, we just had a big party in the space this week, > then > > > invited people down on Friday. We promised to go to lunch and then out > for a > > > beer at the end of the day - we had a total of 10 people, plus the girl > who > > > works for the building - the most people I've seen in CoLab on a single > day > > > since it opened in November. One guy signed up based on that day, and 3 > of > > > us were already paying members. The others seemed very positive about > their > > > experience - they like being downtown, the social aspects and the lack > of > > > pressure to buy coffee and sandwiches. > > > > > Also, becoming friends with newspaper reporters, bloggers, and people > who > > > work for the Economic Development Commission can't hurt either. You > could > > > hold a "Creative Cities" event - that might draw some of those types, > and > > > people who care about building something larger than themselves. > > > > > Good luck! > > > > > Peace, > > > Ryan Price > > > Orlando, FL - CoLab > > > rpr...@ryanpricemedia.com > > > floridacreatives.com > > > @liberatr > > > > > On Jan 23, 2009, at 9:56 PM, HeatherO wrote: > > > > > Good point! I am in a lot of networking groups with different people. > But > > > not in any "tech" groups. > > > Thanks for that perspective. > > > > > At your service, > > > > > Heather O' > > > > > Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Goal Getter!") > > > Heather O' Inc. Coaching and Consulting > > > > > "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
[Coworking] Re: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
One last plug for "refresh" groups. I recently traveled down to Austin to meet with Cesar at Conjunctured and Julie and Team at LaunchPad, then was a guest at Refresh Austin. They had at least 50 people in attendance, and we made several very good contacts that are running other coworking spots. We were considering at some point putting together our own "Refresh Charlottesville." I'm finding it's helpful to link out to coworking groups in other cities, both personally and through web links...it helps show that it's a legitimate and definitely growing environment concept. Nikki On Jan 25, 2:40 pm, HeatherO wrote: > thanks so much to you, and everyone who has taken the time to offer input! > It is greatly appreciated! > > At your service, > > Heather O' > > Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Goal Getter!") > Heather O' Inc. Coaching and Consulting > > 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.comwww.twitter.com/heathero > > www.socostudio.bizwww.twitter.com/socostudio > > Other Sites & > Blogs:www.apexgoodliving.comwww.westwakeliving.comwww.westwakewomenpreneurs.ning.comwww.livejuiced.blogspot.comwww.Heatheroapex.blogspot.comwww.activerain.com/HeatherO > > On Sun, Jan 25, 2009 at 11:56 AM, felicity at cubes < > > felicity.chap...@gmail.com> wrote: > > > I agree with Alex. It is very important to get out there and meet > > your target market. Very key is asking questions about what they > > do, how they work, and if it is a good fit inviting them to come > > in and check out the space. Critical mass is both hard and crucial. > > The more people you can constantly get walking into your space. the > > more > > people talking about it, the faster you will fill up. Get out to > > networking events > > and introduce yourself. If possible, get speaking or writing as a > > guest > > in entrepreneurial settings. The more exposure the better. > > > And in terms of sign up, you have to get people in and really to > > see the value. What do they get beyond the local coffee shop? > > Is it community? If you don't have people then that may not be > > what you have yet. Is it cool events? That can be a big draw. > > Use community calendars and social networking to promote your > > events. > > > Good luck and keep us posted. > > > All the best, > > Felicity > > > Cubes&Crayons > >www.cubesandcrayons.com > > cubes.typepad.blog/com > > > On Jan 24, 5:03 am, HeatherO wrote: > > > Great ideas! Thanks so much! > > > > At your service, > > > > Heather O' > > > > Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Goal Getter!") > > > Heather O' Inc. Coaching and Consulting > > > > 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.comwww.twitter.com/heathero > > > >www.socostudio.bizwww.twitter.com/socostudio > > > > Other Sites & Blogs: > >www.apexgoodliving.comwww.westwakeliving.comwww.westwakewomenpreneurs... > > > > On Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 7:59 AM, Ryan Price > > wrote: > > > > Heather, > > > > Like Alex said, user groups can be nice, but go to their turf during a > > > > regular meeting, email the organizer of the event before, congratulate > > him > > > > (or her) on his hard work - and give a the people in the group a > > specific > > > > time to come to your space - if Fridays are free, then invite them down > > on > > > > the next Friday. > > > > > At CoLab in Orlando, we just had a big party in the space this week, > > then > > > > invited people down on Friday. We promised to go to lunch and then out > > for a > > > > beer at the end of the day - we had a total of 10 people, plus the girl > > who > > > > works for the building - the most people I've seen in CoLab on a single > > day > > > > since it opened in November. One guy signed up based on that day, and 3 > > of > > > > us were already paying members. The others seemed very positive about > > their > > > > experience - they like being downtown, the social aspects and the lack > > of > > > > pressure to buy coffee and sandwiches. > > > > > Also, becoming friends with newspaper reporters, bloggers, and people > > who > > > > work for the Economic Development Commission can't hurt either. You > > could > > > > hold a "Creative Cities" event - that might draw some of those types, > > and > > > > people who care about building something larger than themselves. > > > > > Good luck! > > > > > Peace, > > > > Ryan Price > > > > Orlando, FL - CoLab > > > > rpr...@ryanpricemedia.com > > > > floridacreatives.com > > > > @liberatr > > > > > On Jan 23, 2009, at 9:56 PM, HeatherO wrote: > > > > > Good point! I am in a lot of networking groups with different people. > > But > > > > not in any "tech" groups. > > > > Thanks for that perspective. > > > > > At your service, >
[Coworking] Re: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?!
Yes, the things we learn the hard way. Now, we will get involved with groups, hosting Everett Small Business Group, and our community, Everett, WA. We joined the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Everett Association and the Navy Affairs Committee. Hope it all helps, somewhat. Lois R. Hofmann Instant Office 2939 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201 www.instantoffice.us.com instant.off...@yahoo.com From: Dave Troy To: Coworking Sent: Friday, January 23, 2009 2:01:32 PM Subject: [Coworking] Re: helpful hints on getting people to actually sign up!?! Yeah, the secret is getting embedded and involved in the community first. I've been involved in the local barcamp scene for a couple of years and helped organize SocialDevCamp East. It was at the second SocialDevCamp event that we did a session on coworking (again, as part of a barcamp the interest in the session helped prove the concept.) Anyway, we had our first "informal" coworking gathering the Thursday after the DevCamp, and since then we've been meeting every Tuesday and Thursday to help grow the community. We've also been plugged into our local Ignite event (Ignite Baltimore), as well as Refresh Baltimore, Bar Camps, etc. As we have done this over the last three months, our community and reach has grown, and now we're opening our "official" space on February 1 with commitments from enough folks to cover our nut. We also secured enough rent subsidy to give us a bit of a cushion as we ramp up. I think if we just tried to coldboot a space without having first gone through that incubation / inoculation process it would have been an order of magnitude harder if not impossible. That said, a coldboot space can probably work, but it would just take a lot longer to get ramped up. No substitute for community building and relationships, and that takes time; humans only do that stuff so fast. Best, Dave Dave Troy Beehive Baltimore LLC http://beehivebaltimore.org On Jan 23, 4:44 pm, Julie wrote: > Heather, > > Just to be super pragmatic on the computer groups, search barcamp on > google and see where that gets you. The programmers come together via > "camp", which are "unconference" conferences. See if you have one > coming up in your area. For example, we have barcamp, wherecamp, etc. > > Any events you do have, post on upcoming.yahoo.com. > > Finally, it's best to be involved with a broad audience at first, but > within the first 1-2 years, you'll be able to identify your niche > membership. > > Good luck! It's not easy ;) > > Julie Duryea > owner, souk > Portland, Oregonhttp://www.soukllc.com > > On Jan 22, 12:28 pm, HeatherO wrote: > > > Hi all, > > We have been open for a few weeks now. We have had 2 social events (another > > today at 4). We have gotten great feedback. We have a great location in our > > historic downtown just 20minutes from Research Triangle Park/Raleigh/Durham > > NC. > > Everyone thinks "it's a great idea' and "loves the space" but only 2 people > > have actually signed up! Neither are here much so it's a little "lifeless". > > Hardly the "energy and interactivity" I am promoting it to be! > > > Most have said "they can't afford it right now". I think our pricing is very > > competitive and we are the only space in the area (carrboro is in a nearby > > town, but not close enough to compete). > > > I know that we have a huge tech population here, and the demographics are > > right, etc. > > > I am torn over free drop in as we need to pay the rent!!! I am offering free > > drop ins on Fridays to see how that goes. > > > My hubby is struggling to get the website along. We decided to use joomla > > which is new to him so it just takes a lot of time. Feel free to visit it > > and comment!www.socostudio.biz > > > Any suggestions & feedback are appreciated! > > > At your service, > > > Heather O' > > > Heather O'Sullivan Canney, BA, CSP, CGG ("Chief Goal Getter!") > > Heather O' Inc. Coaching and Consulting > > > 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.comwww.twitter.com/heathero > > >www.socostudio.bizwww.twitter.com/socostudio > > > Other Sites & > > Blogs:www.apexgoodliving.comwww.westwakeliving.comwww.westwakewomenpreneurs... --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ 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 -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---