Time and time again we hear discussions between flex space operators regarding the ROI of lead- and sales-generating aggregator platforms.

So when we put together the Hot Seats panel for the GWA‘s conference in Phoenix, we started with the total aggregate volume of US dollars the participating platforms (Alliance Virtual Offices, The Instant Group and Preferred Office Network) actually put into operators pockets this year to date.

That number? $140,988,491. In this video, you can hear the reaction of the audience when we shared this on stage. Next week we’ll also share a summary of the panel, including the whole slide deck (which includes 5 other never-been-shared-before data sets).

PS. Work at an aggregator? I’d love to include your data sets into an aggregated global report on the impact and activities of flex space aggregators. Reply to the email version, or reach out to me directly, to get involved.

When planning marketing activities and initiatives for your flexible workspace, incorporating influencer marketing might seem intimidating. Alliance Virtual Offices shared during our recent Hot Seats panel that they leverage influencer marketing campaigns to drive leads from new sources to their partners’ spaces.

In this video they share how by engaging influencers to promote their brand, Alliance drives revenue to operator partners without having them engage with influencers directly. I love seeing how demand-generating aggregators are exploring new and creative ways to reach new flex space customers.

Mike Sullivan from Alliance Virtual Offices shares why a pricing policy can help prevent losses from having inconsistent prices across different platforms and channels.

Mike outlines how you could avoid losses via pricing consistency, Minimum Advertised Price, one-time discounting strategies and regular price monitoring.

Mike Sullivan from Alliance Virtual Offices makes the case that coworking spaces can leverage the "billboard effect" to drive up desk, office and virtual office revenue.

The term was coined by Chris Anderson, Associate Professor at Cornell University, in 2009. A study found that hotels listed on online travel agents (such as Expedia) experience a boost in direct hotel bookings due to their presence on these aggregator websites. Two other studies found interesting results, with one in 2011 showing that 75% of consumers booked directly with hotels after visiting an online travel agent. The other showed that in 2017, only 31% of those who started by comparing hotel websites directly, then ended up booking via an aggregator.

So if customers only use aggregators for early-stage research and comparison, then it could be argued that being listed with aggregators, while having a strong brand and website, can lead to more direct sales.

In this piece Mike Sullivan from Alliance Virtual Offices shares some insights around what differentiates an ‘ok’ virtual office offering, from one that’s unforgettable (and profitable).

In summary, it comes down to what Philip Cohen at Workuity calls "a heart of hospitality", or what would usually make people great hires in the hotel industry. Add to that detail-orientated personalization, plus being proactive and responsive, and you’ve got a winning VO offering. Interesting as this does come from a team who work with over 1k operators on selling virtual office products and services.