Coworking: quarter results

    Coworking, despite its appeal, is a rather slurred idea. On the one hand - the eternal dream to create your life without regard to other people's opinions and desires. On the other, a reality in which everything costs money, and most of the things cannot be done alone.
    But so far, all opinions, both optimistic and critical, are based on solid theory and speculation. It makes sense to add a little practice, right? :)

    So, what works and what does not work in coworking: the result of the work of the Tower club for 3 months. What happens to coworking in other cities - I don’t know, so use this information with caution.

    Enthusiastic Expected Benefits
    1. Free schedule and access: works. Significantly simplifies life for everyone. The disadvantage is that when working in a team it can be difficult to combine schedules.
    2. Sharing technology: does not work. “General” equipment is not needed, everyone prefers to use his own and sharpened for himself (except for the kitchen: this does not apply to the kettle / refrigerator / microwave).
    3. Openness, information exchange: it works at 200%. Open in the discussion of their affairs and the desire to gather opinions often leads to unification.
    4. More than at home, focus on work: works great. The level of comfort is close to home, but at the same time everyone understands that this is a place to work.
    5. Pleasant creative atmosphere: confirmed. The atmosphere really is, somehow it is created by itself, and it is she who distinguishes coworking from working in an office, cafe, at home or elsewhere.
    6. Shared kitchen, relaxation room, conference, library: works. Functional separation of premises and “common ownership” of them are pleasant to all.
    7. General lawyer, accounting, managers, advertising and other related services: works. So far, we have only a general sales manager, analytics and advertising, but there is no doubt that this is popular and convenient.


    Criticized Cons
    1. Conflicts of relationship: confirmed. There are problems, and there are serious ones. Constant monitoring of contacts and timely resolution of conflicts is required.
    2. Dirt, disgusting and all that: not confirmed. To maintain order, we need only a trash bag at each table and vacuum once a week. The guys take off their shoes at the entrance (we have a soft carpet).
    3. Theft and “rat rat”: not confirmed. Perhaps this is facilitated by the general atmosphere of “we do not offend our own people” and unpredictable attendance. Additionally, you can use inbound filtering, because the atmosphere is important, and even one conflicting or unpleasant person can spoil it.
    4. Reluctance to spend money on travel, meals, accommodation, etc.: not noticed. Perhaps those who are uncomfortable simply do not come to us.
    5. Talking on the phone will interfere: not confirmed. Perhaps this is a multi-story structure of the room.
    6. Problems of privacy (discussion of cases, contracts, etc.): not noticed. Most likely, this is the influence of the atmosphere: the desire to shut down and “not to disclose” raises a logical question ”and what do you do then in coworking, the main advantage of which is a free exchange of information?”
    7. You will not bring customers: partially confirmed. Coworkers are not opposed, but clients themselves are against. Most likely, the matter is in the “club” format of the premises.
    8. Problems with payment for premises, furnishings, etc.: not confirmed. Perhaps the point is the transparency of our business processes (I do not hide what money is being spent and what amounts we need for development)
    9. Problems with legal registration of all this: were not confirmed. For the incredulous again: NO problems. Lease and sublease agreements resolve all issues.
    10. Problems with legal execution of orders: not confirmed. There are a couple of entrepreneurs in the Tower, several founders of the LLC and relations with the OJSC. If necessary, “get guarantees”, you can place an order in any convenient way.


    Conclusions
    My opinion: enthusiastic theorists were more penetrating than critical theorists. Coworking live and grow.


    If you forgot something - ask, I will answer.
    Sincerely, Alexey Glazkov.

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