What A Co-working Space Must Offer To Meet Customer Needs

Creating and managing your own co-working space is no easy feat. In fact, it takes a huge deal of effort, time, and industry knowledge to operate one. You’ll have to stay on top of trends at all times. That way, you can implement the right policies and make necessary adjustments as you run your business.

Naturally, your main objective is to meet market demands. You want to attract new clients and retain existing ones so you can keep growing. As such, you’ll need to identify and understand your target demographic by knowing their: 

• age
• characteristics
• gender
• Income and/or budget range
• location 
• profession and industry
• needs and interests
• working preferences
• … and others

Having access to all of this information will allow you to connect with your customer base - and market your business - far more effectively. 

Besides, you’re offering them more than just a rentable desk. You’re making them part of a larger community (more on this topic later), whatever their profession may be. 

Managing A Co-Working Space 

Here are some important factors to keep in mind as you manage a co working space:

Coworking advantages and disadvantages

First off, here are some common reasons why professionals love working in a shared space. 

Case in point, shared offices provide an environment that promotes focused work. Amenities and facilities are designed to encourage productivity and minimize distractions.

In addition, coworking is far more affordable than renting a traditional office. It also doesn’t come with long-term lease contracts, which makes it a more practical choice for startups. People also get to use the place for as long (or short) a time as they need since spaces are usually open 24/7. Available package options often range from Day Pass and Week Pass, to monthly Hot Desk or Dedicated Desk.

Finally, coworking members become part of a community where they can meet, mingle, learn, and network with like-minded individuals.

As far as disadvantages go, some people dislike the idea of sharing the same space with others. Privacy can be an issue in a coworking office space, especially for those who may have to join Zoom meetings. 

That said, customers who need to take work calls often should look for a space with dedicated phone booths or other private areas.

Why coworking is popular among professional communities

According to Statista, more than 1 million people now use coworking facilities in the U.S. alone.

As mentioned earlier, one of the perks of coworking membership is being part of a community. It gives remote-working professionals a sense of belonging, plus it unlocks doors to opportunities for them. 

This is highly beneficial for those aiming to grow their network because it could lead to future collaborations.

For instance, a freelance writer may end up sitting opposite someone looking to hire a writer for a new website. A first-time entrepreneur may meet a potential investor while attending a community event. 

The possibilities are definitely endless.

Another factor: a collaborative office space lets customers work without the pressures of a typical office. Professionals feel greater pride in what they do. 

A Harvard Business Review feature puts it this way: 

“Because there is little direct competition or internal politics, they don’t feel they have to put on a work persona to fit in. Working amidst people doing different kinds of work can also make one’s own work identity stronger.” 

As a coworking manager, this is the type of culture you should strive to build within your walls - and promote beyond them. 

Your target audience

The solutions you provide will attract professionals from different industries.

For example, digital nomads are among the most common customers of coworking spaces. They’re always on the go and are often on the lookout for flexible workspaces where they can complete their projects.

Startup owners and solopreneurs also represent a significant portion of your potential clients. It allows them to start building their business without spending excessively. They will not have to purchase office equipment (printers, scanners, etc) and rent costly real estate. Coworking even makes it easier for them to expand since they can easily transition to private office spaces as their business grows.

On top of that, entrepreneurs get access to conference rooms for their team meetings or client presentations. Event spaces also serve as ready venues for product launches, workshops, and other business gatherings. 

Of course, freelancers, gig workers, and fully or partially remote-working professionals frequent shared coworking space locations, too. In most cases, they need affordable open spaces where they can focus without the distractions that come with working from home or in a café. 

Comparing coworking with similar forms of businesses 

Yes, there are a lot of alternatives to coworking out there. 

The coffee shop, for example, is often an option for those in need of temporary workspaces. Its obvious edge over coworking is that customers do not have to pay to stay and use WiFi there. Plus they can enjoy their daily dose of caffeine, along with snacks and other offerings. 

The downside? Well, coffee shops aren’t usually built for long hours of work. Charging stations and ergonomic furniture may not be available. Internet connectivity may be spotty at times - with no obligation on the business to ensure constant reliability. Most obviously also do not have printers, copiers, and other common office equipment. 

Coworking facilities offer all those things and more. 

Internet shops, on the other hand, usually have stable WiFi connection. They also have office chairs and desks for their customers. However, seating availability can be a concern since they mostly operate on a first come, first served basis. 

With a coworking membership, you have a guaranteed seat. Signing up for a Hot Desk or a Dedicated Desk secures your spot, plus you can even use storage space and other amenities.

Conclusion

We here at The Farm SoHo ensure that our coworking facilities meet the needs of our customers. Not only do we provide quality customer service, we also make sure to expand and innovate. Over the years, we’ve improved our coworking areas, conference rooms, and event spaces to meet modern demands. 

No wonder our thriving community of digital nomads, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and innovators continue to grow in numbers!

If you’re looking for a central, amenity-rich and welcoming shared workspace, feel free to drop by our locations. Our friendly staff will be more than happy to give you a tour and answer any questions you may have.