Co-Working Reaps Rewards

While it may be trendy, co-working is not just a trend—it’s here to stay. If you currently run your business out of a home office, you know the pros and cons of working independently. Co-working offers not only social and professional engagement, but as this niche market expands and spaces become more specialized, it also provides opportunities for sharing equipment, technology and other nice-to-haves that many small business owners otherwise couldn’t afford.


Is it for you? Ask yourself a few questions:

1. What’s your work style? If you function better in quiet and privacy, you may find the shared nature of co-working space distracting. If you’re a collaborator, co-working is likely right for you.
2. Can your business benefit from new ideas, networking opportunities and random new relationships? Those with co-working experience laud interaction and a feeling of community as top benefits.
3. How important are convenience and professionalism? Most co-working spaces are plug and play, and all offer a more appropriate client meeting environment than your living room.
4. Does your work day stretch from 5 p.m., to 6 p.m., to 7 p.m. and beyond? Co-working space can help you bring more balance, and separate your work and home lives.

Rolling out of bed and making a 60-second commute to the coffee maker and on to your home office is convenient, but it’s not always productive and could be limiting growth of your business. It might be time to consider your options. (Manta.com)

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