Read our inspiring blogs about coworking!
Why you should choose a coworking space
while being self-employed or a starter!
Many start-ups choose to run their business from home.
However the question is whether a home office is the right environment in the long run
when you want to expand your professional activities.
How do you make the right impression if you want to bring new people on board or meet clients? Is your kitchen table a suitable place? How do you make the distinction between work and private life when your office is also your home? Aren't you more likely to burn out if you can't separate the two properly? What about social contacts? Aren't you too isolated at home? Are you sufficiently stimulated without consulting others (colleagues but also other like-minded people)?
All start-up entrepreneurs ask themselves these and many other questions, but at the same time they also know that a local coffee shop will not offer a way out in the long run and a classical office will be a too financially heavy impact. But what is the best solution? We advise all self-employed people and start-ups to consider the possibilities of coworking !
A coworking space brings self-employed people, freelancers and employees of small companies together in a shared working environment. The main benefit of coworking spaces is flexibility. Each coworking space has a different layout and includes shared workstations, small private offices, relaxation areas and meeting rooms.
You can choose a "hot desk" (a workspace in a shared space) or, for a small extra charge, a small private office. You can also book meeting rooms and register a business address. Whatever your plans, you share an office space, the associated facilities and the common areas with others. Coworking spaces are flexible in their pricing structure and rental period. In most cases, you can rent a space on a monthly, weekly or even daily basis.
You can also look for a specific coworking community to increase your chances of success. For example, some coworking spaces are run alongside incubators, where you get resources and services to accelerate the development of your business. Other spaces focus on specific sectors, such as technology or creative pursuits. However, in most coworking spaces everyone is welcome!
Of course, there are many advantages and disadvantages to coworking spaces. For example, if your start-up needs a lot of privacy, a traditional office space might be a better option. But if you don't mind sharing office facilities with other entrepreneurs, coworking is the right solution for your business.
4 Reasons to choose coworking:
1. A coworking space offers a professional environment and useful facilities
Let's face it : A home office or a local coffee shop are not ideal in the long run, nor do they offer a solution for all possible working conditions. Coworking spaces have everything you need to get your work done. Plenty of sockets, functional furniture, plenty of desk space and fast Wi-Fi connection, printing facilities and importantly, great coffee.
You can choose to plug in your laptop in a shared environment where you're surrounded by like-minded people or use a quieter spot when you need some 'me time' and silence. You can also use the meeting rooms to meet your clients.
2. Coworking offers a flexible and cost-efficient solution
Renting traditional office space can be a solution, but it generally requires a long-term financial commitment. Coworking, on the other hand, makes your business nimble as it grows and changes.
You can use the space when you need it, from day to day or month to month. You can also rent the meeting rooms when needed.
Coworking is also generally cheaper than renting an office. Monthly subscriptions start on average at EUR 295.- and per day you pay around EUR 30.-.
3. Networking on another level
Coworking spaces are used by a community of freelancers, entrepreneurs and small businesses, so there are plenty of opportunities to network with people who are also trying to build their professional business.
The great thing about coworking is sharing experiences with others. Being an entrepreneur is a learning curve and the speed of your success is limited to how fast you can learn. It's important to be surrounded by people with whom you can share your daily challenges.
Coworking spaces often offer networking spaces, where a conversation at the coffee machine or a game at the pool table can quickly turn into a collaboration or partnership.
Some coworking spaces also offer their community opportunities to meet colleagues and the entire business community. Whether it's a few free beers on a Friday, a yoga class, a learning session on useful skills or an info session on an interesting topic, you often get the chance to learn something new and meet new people.
Many places also encourage their members to organise their own community events to showcase their skills and promote their business. In most cases a community manager will be on hand to help you with everything you need to organise a successful event.
4. A workplace in a coworking space grows with your business
Another advantage of the flexibility of a coworking space is that you can easily scale up your workspace when needed.
Whether you suddenly need more space to meet a peak of requests or to hire more staff, it is clear that a coworking space will be more agile and flexible than a traditional office.
Moreover, your employees will feel good in a coworking environment. Research shows that employees feel they are much more productive, their work is more meaningful, and they appreciate the community feel of coworking.
So what are you waiting for?
Get to know the coworking spaces Tech.Lounge Brussels and Tech.Lounge Antwerp!
At Tech.Lounge we offer comfortable and well-equipped coworking spaces in Antwerp & Brussels.
More info? Discover coworking Tech.Lounge via marketing@bluepoint.be or call: +32 2 706 88 00.
