Week 27, 2023

Tobias Kremkau follows on a thread I started in last week’s newsletter on whether libraries shifting towards workspaces a good or bad thing for local coworking operators.

Having followed this trend since 2016, Tobias digs into how they can be an opportunity (more awareness of coworking principles) and rarely a threat (free space during the day vs paid memberships or day passes).

It’s an awesome post full of insights, check it out.

Bernie Mitchell reminds us that many (many many many) coworking space websites say the same things, instead of focussing on what makes your community and space unique to specific businesses or individuals.

Do you really need to tell people you offer free WiFi in 2023?

Mike Kriel shares how Launch Workplaces worked with a landlord to convert a suddenly-vacant floor into a coworking space, for just $8 per square foot. By assessing what was already in place, and what needed to be done (paint, carpet, tech, small appliances, etc), they turned a vacant 25k sqft floor into a ready-to-go shared workspace business.

Once again, as experienced operators, you’re primed for opportunities in helping landlords activate their suddenly empty floors. Excited to keep following your, Mike’s and Launch’s progress in activating more spaces as office supply skyrockets.

Zoe Keenan shares how more and more Australians are seeking out coworking spaces and communities to avoid working from home (which has become a chore) and to find community and connection as solo workers.

Note: Keep reminding remote workers in your neighborhoods that it isn’t just WFH or ‘the office, and that you’re there to provide something different (read: better).

April Dunford, one of the world’s go-to professionals around positioning for B2B cos, shares her answer to a frequent question they get: "How do you position a completely undifferentiated product that operates in a very crowded market?"

If we’re very honest, this could be asked by any coworking practitioner, and be a good question. As with any good question, the answer is usually also a question. In this case April asks "why are current customers choosing you?"

In short, if you’re winning deals in a crowded market, marketing’s job is to understand why and then amplify that.

Marta Moska from O4 Coworking gives a masterclass on calling out and celebrating their team after a hectic month.

These posts are great for team morale, promotion of your space, connecting of your community and humanizing your brand. Post yours, often.

Kayley DiCicco shares 4 valuable lessons picked up from being EXPANSIVE’s employee #1 and spending 10 years at the same operator. Not many folks have a decade of experience in flex, so I def took each lesson to heart.

In short they were to work hard, but stay humble; often the grass isn’t always greener; not to take things personally; and the power of planting seeds and cultivating relationships.

Thanks for sharing Kayley, and congrats on the milestone!

Cat Johnson shares 16 life-changing lessons about community learned from almost 4 years of leading The Lab (a virtual community for indie coworking space operators).

Having been part of The Lab from day one, and seen the expressions of generosity, courage, business savvy, resilience, humanness, vision, service, kindness, strength, humor, creativity and intelligence first-hand – I’d def recommend noting down some of these lessons for building a community within your spaces or around your businesses.

Hanbury Hall Coworking shares a post about their Deep Work Club, how it helps and what people focussed on last week.

This made me think, that with the surge in first-time coworkers, have you begun introducing your events like lunch-and-learns, pitch karaoke, and deep work sessions? Remote workers may not have heard of them, or had the opportunity to participate, before.