Many people start their small businesses from home. While running your business from your dining room table can be a great way to get started, there may come a time when you need to separate your home life and your work life.
That’s when a coworking space may come in handy!
Running a small business in a coworking space can be a cost-effective and flexible way to manage your operations and draw a line between home and work. Here are some steps to help you successfully run your small business from a coworking space:
- Choose the Right Coworking Space:
- Select a coworking space that aligns with your business needs, location, budget, and desired amenities. Consider factors like proximity to clients, partners, and transportation options.
- Plan Your Workspace:
- Assess your workspace requirements. Determine if you need a dedicated office, a shared desk, or a flexible hot-desking arrangement. Make sure the space accommodates your team’s size and needs.
- Secure Necessary Amenities:
- Confirm that the coworking space provides essential amenities such as high-speed internet, meeting rooms, printing/scanning facilities, and kitchen access. These amenities may be crucial for your day-to-day operations.
- Check Flexibility and Terms:
- Review the coworking space’s membership agreements and terms. Ensure they are flexible and align with your business’s growth plans and financial situation.
- Set Up Your Office:
- Arrange your workspace efficiently. Personalize it with your branding and essential equipment. Ensure it’s comfortable and conducive to productivity.
- Establish a Professional Presence:
- See if you can use the coworking space’s address and phone number for your business. Many coworking spaces offer virtual office services that include mail handling and call answering, which may be of use to you as you grow.
- Network and Collaborate:
- Leverage the coworking environment to network and collaborate with other members. You may find potential clients, partners, or collaborators within the coworking community. The coworking space may maintain a list of hosted businesses.
- Adhere to Coworking Rules:
- Respect the rules and guidelines of the coworking space. Keep noise levels appropriate, maintain cleanliness, and adhere to shared resources’ usage policies.
- Manage Your Time Effectively:
- Working from a coworking space can be sociable, so it’s essential to manage your time effectively to stay focused on your business tasks. Create a schedule and set boundaries for social interactions.
- Stay Secure and Protect Data:
- Ensure your business’s data and information are secure. Use encryption, strong passwords, and consider privacy screens for your devices when working in shared spaces.
- Customer Meetings and Presentations:
- Utilize the meeting rooms or shared spaces within the coworking facility for client meetings and presentations. You may be able to use their space to give a professional impression when meeting clients or partners.
- Stay Organized:
- Implement efficient organizational systems for paperwork, files, and digital documents. Keeping your workspace organized can help you stay productive.
- Budget Wisely:
- Monitor your expenses carefully. Coworking spaces often have predictable monthly costs, but you should still track your spending to ensure it aligns with your budget.
- Evaluate and Adjust:
- Regularly assess how well the coworking space meets your business needs. If your business grows or changes, be open to adjusting your workspace arrangement accordingly.
- Legal and Compliance Considerations:
- Ensure that your business complies with local regulations and licensing requirements, even when operating from a coworking space.
Running a small business from a coworking space can offer flexibility, cost savings, and networking opportunities. By choosing the right space, staying organized, and maintaining professionalism, you can create a productive and successful business environment in a shared workspace.
If you live near Lunenburg, NS, and would like to check out the coworking spaces at Bluenose Business Hub, give us a call or email!
