Cowork Collection: Strongbox West

We are pleased to share our next feature with you from our growing compilation of our Cowork Collection. In our efforts to learn more about the variety of locations, missions, visions, costs and management styles of the cowork spaces around the world, we are reaching out and inviting cowork fans to share with us more on their own space. 

   

If you want to find “some of the coolest startups in Atlanta,” you will find them at Strongbox West, a shared workspace located in Atlanta West Midland area at 1736 Defoor Place.

This cowork space, owned by Amy Hoover and Rick Myers has a thriving membership of about 70 professionals. Working independently together in a stellar office setting of exposed brick walls and modern furnishings, people on fire with an entrepreneuerial passion are drawn to join and end up thriving to succeed. Hear the Strongbox West mantra:

Part office, part inspiration, part hub, we’re your jumping off point. This isn’t another office. Strongbox West is your place. You can work privately, you can work with others, you can drink free coffee, you can meet, and meet again. You can move your business forward.

Check out the membership directory to see who the the movers and shakers are proving they are moving their own businesses forward Strongbox West Membership Directory >

It is an honor to peek into the world of Strongbox West. They have a lot to offer their community and the world at large. There is a lot that other cowork spaces could learn from them! 

Power to the Strongbox West friends! 

The Midas Center Cowork Space strives to learn more about the emergence of the cowork culture.

The more we connect with other coworking professionals, the more fascinated we become over the endless styles, stories, benefits and people coworking throughout the world. We would like to share the stories with you as we discover more about how this emerging activity is changing the workplace. 

We hope to showcase one tidbit of cowork spaces throughout the globe and will be sharing them with you in our Cowork Collection. If you would like to see more of the Cowork Collection on cowork spaces, click here >

If you would like to be part of the Cowork Collection, share your story >

65 Reasons Why Coworking Rules

By now you may have become more familiar with the term coworking. Now you know what it is, here is a list to help you understand why coworking rules. 

Warning: you may find yourself leaving your dark dingy home office (if that is what you are calling that corner in your basement) and find the nearest cowork space near you. 

It is time for you to walk away from the cubical and past the coffee shop and find the coolest cowork space you can. There are many reasons why coworking rules. Here are the first 65 reasons: 

1. Cheap and Lean 

Daily passes at some places are as low as $15. Some offer complimentary conference room reservations. 

2. Variety of Options

Choose a location. Choose a day, or a month, a virtual pass. You name it, there is a cowork space option for you to choose from!

3. Green

Why should 20 people work from home with their lights on when we can share the energy during the workday?

4. Synergy

Just because you work for yourself, it doesn’t mean you have to work by yourself.

5. Employment in a Down Economy

Recruiting businesses that will bring jobs are challenging in a down economy. Providing shared space for a group of self-employed individuals can attract and retain job creators. 

6. Sharing  

Sharing the space and expenses are good. Sharing services is good too.

7. Clean

Getting away from the laundry and dirty dishes during the work day helps kick off the morning in the right way.

8. Organization and Balance

Keeping your work-related mail and paperwork away from your kid’s school work helps keep your entire life in balance.

9. Relationships

Developing relationships with like-minded professionals is good for business.

10. Ideas

Talking “shop” while taking a morning coffee break can inspire new ideas and help solve problems you might be facing.

11. Consistancy

Running your own business has a lot of ups and downs. It is helpful to have a place to go to that offers routine. 

12. Support

Sharing and listening to other like-minded professionals can help give added support during times of stress.

13. Coffee Bar

Many cowork spaces have coffee bars that provide coffee and bottled water. 

14. Non-Coffee Shop Conveniece

No need to wait in line at the local coffee shop for a cup of coffee while you work.

15. Non-Coffee Shop Focus

Get your work done in a work environment where there are no strollers bumping into you or other distractions that may interupt your focus.

16. Non-Coffee Shop Desk Bounty

Stretch out and spread your devices out on a desk, designed for working. 

17. Non-Coffee Shop Tip-Free Zone

No need to leave a tip every time you get a cup of joe from the coffee bar. 

18. Non-Coffee Shop Sans-Coffee Option

You won’t feel obligated to buy coffee all day at a cowork space.

19. Non-Coffee Shop Sack Lunch 

Brown bag it or order from a variety of local spots where you can dine in, carry out or choose delivery. 

20. Do Lunch

Invite a coworker to “do lunch” when you want. 

21. You Deserve a Break Today

Do you get hyperfocused on your work sometimes that you forget to stop to take a break? Invite or be invited by a fellow coworker to take a break sometime.

22. PJ-Free Zone

Have an excuse to get out of your PJs and go to the office.

23. Improved Smile

Not only will working in a shared workspace force you to brush your teeth, it will give you more reasons to smile throughout the day.

24. Parties

Social calendar looking dim? Get invited to more parties by your cowork colleagues. 

25. Networking

There is more of an opportunity to meet and greet other professionals when you share space with them.

26. Referrals

Increase your sales by asking your coworkers to exchange referrals from time to time.

27. Marketing

Join with your coworking colleagues and share marketing endeavors like printing or advertising. 

28. Vendor Resources

Need to order a specialty item and have no idea where to start? Get easy recommendations on vendors.

29. Share Umbrellas

Got an umbrella? Leave one. Need an umbrella? Take one. Spirit of sharing makes rainy days better.

30. Share Chores

Some cowork spaces share in the cleaning or the cost of cleaning services.

31. White Boards

Nothing spurs productivity and creativity like the fumes from a colorful array of dry erase markers and a white board.

32. Lights are On

Working from home can leave you working in the dark at times. It is nice to have a colleague around to adjust the lighting.

33. Community Development

Social media provides online community but coworking allows that real person connection and community we as humans all need for survival.

34. Out of the Ordinary

Allow yourself the opportunity to expand your horizons. Who knows what out-of-the-ordinary experience you may find! 

35. Innovation

A group of people can share their unique skills and take one idea, or a seed and not only grow it, but make it thrive.  

36. Educational

Learn from the fellow coworkers. 

37. Choose Privacy

Sometimes you need privacy to discuss business matters. Cowork spaces offer private areas for these occasions. Don’t confuse your need for occasional privacy for all day with-drawl.

38. Delivery Man Included

When you work from home, sometimes the only adult interaction is with the delivery man. A cowork space includes delivery men and women too!

39. Office Supplies

“Stapler. Did someone take my stapler?” Leave your stapler at home and use the shared office supplies. Many cowork spaces have a dedicated area that is stocked with staplers and staples, tape and more.

40. Free the Kitchen Table

Some people who work from home may experience the loss of their kitchen tables or counter tops leaving dinner time to floppy TV table trays. Free your kitchen table once and for all when you share a cowork space.

41. Mobile 

As more professionals travel and technology advances, we have more opportunities to be mobile. Work from home, at the office, at a cowork space or where ever you want, when ever you want. Cowork spaces allow you to come and go as needed, wirelessly.

42. WiFi so Fast You’ll Freak

Today’s cowork spaces offer best in class, business speed wifi connections. Take the headache out of sharing the internet with all of the music streamers at the coffee shop.

43. Corporate Identity

Get a professional address listed on your business card and web site. It adds credibility. 

44. Market Expansion

Want to grow your presence in other cities? Include additional locations to your business by joining cowork spaces. Have a meeting place to conduct client meetings.

45. Events

Host a networking event or workshop in a professional space. When you are part of a cowork space, you don’t have to rely on the local library or McDonalds to meet-n-greet.

46. Music

Break the silience of your home office when you join a cowork space. Or, perhaps you are tired of listening to the same ol same ol. There is more of an opportunity to learn about the latest and greatest artists when you join a cowork space of like minded professionals.

47. Headphones

Don’t like the music at the cowork space? Ask for a change or for headphones. 

48. Communal Area

Many cowork spaces have a shared lounge, lunch area or kitchenette. Much like the water cooler, this is where conversations can take place over some noshing or coffee prep. 

49. Birthday Bashes

Celebrate and be celebrated. Eat cake. Get down and boogey.

50. Holiday Cheer

Share the holiday experience and enjoy the commadre of fellow coworkers.

51. Global

Work anywhere in the world. There are directory- and network sites that make cowork office search simple. Check out some of the hot spots to work from web sites like: www.loosecubes.com, www.deskwanted.com and www.liquidspace.com. 

52. Share the Calories

When you have extra pizza or cake and you don’t want to waste it, you can bring it in to share with your coworking friends. This also works well with candy and chocolate that you may have received as gifts and are tempting you.

53. Mr. Rogers Routine

At the beginning of every show, Mr. Rogers would begin with a song and slick exchange of his coat with a cardigan sweater. Routines like this are good and can happen when you cowork. 

54. Emerging Trend for the Workplace

Coworking is an emerging trend happening in rural and metropolitan places. Be one of the first to join a cowork space and earn a trendsetting cool badge before your friends.

55. Tags, Tweets and Circles

Tag and be tagged on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus. Social media mentions from coworkers are a great way to gain some credibility and exposure.

56. Cubicals are Costly

Did you know that your employer could save a lot of money by allowing you the freedom to work remotely at a cowork space? 

57. Cubicals are Ugly

Open spaces found in cowork spots are modern and inspire collaboration. “Mr. Cubical, Take down those walls.”

58. Cubicals are Carpeted

Speaking of ugly, some cubicals are carpeted too. Might as well put yourself in a padded room and straight jacket. 

59. Dress Code

Speaking of straight jackets, you don’t need no stinkin suit jacket and tight neck tie to work at a cowork space. All cowork spaces have different cultures and dress codes. Some places may discourage daisy dukes while others may welcome them. 

60. Personality

You will find your own personality improve while engaging in a cowork space. Not only will you mingle with others but you will also experience more visual stimulating atmosphere that can improve your personality.

61. Conversation Starters

No only will you have more people to start conversations up with during the work day, you will also have more topics of conversation to share after hours. It’s like “that one time, at band camp…” 

62. Move over 9 to 5, Hello 24/7! 

We all know that work demands more from us then during the hours of 9 - 5. Many cowork spaces have 24 hour access, seven days a week.

63. Gym Memberships

Although some cowork spaces do have group discounts to places like the gym and insurance plans, some just do not have that benefit - yet. Still though, if you’ve ever been a member of a gym, then you know the benefits of joining a gym. Coworking is like joining a gym, except for professional reasons.

64. Real World Crowd Sourcing

If you’ve experienced the benefits of sharing files and space digitally, then imagine the possibilities if all of the digital “stuff” was tangible and readily available to you? Coworking is like a tangibile, in real life crowdsource.

65. Success in Numbers

Independent professionals who are seeking a larger voice for greater influence or a critical mass for group discounts, get together with your coworkers and see what you can petition together.

This is just the dawn of the world of coworking and all its glory. Every person’s experience of coworking is different. If you have any additional reasons why you think coworking rules, please share in a comment below! 

Talking Turkey, Zombies, Brains and More

Dear Cowork Friends: 

It is hard to believe that it has been a year ago since we began the process of purchasing this space. In just 12 months, we have refurbished, repainted, renovated, repiped, rewired, refloored, rewalled, repurposed, refurnished, rebranded and more. There is a lot that still needs to be done but to avoid burn-out, it is important to REview the REcent accomplishments. 

We recognize and want to share some of the key accomplishments of our cowork community. 

For example: 

Luke Palder has two start-ups in the tech space and has recently relocated to our area from San Fransisco. Moving across the country while keeping all of the details in order of a thriving start-up is worthy of some recognition. Smart guy. Every time I talk to him, my brain grows.  

Melinda Satorius uses the cowork space in the evenings for sales training. Melinda has recently been awarded with a new car as a trophy for her high level of sales in Mary Kay cosmetics. She also was recognized for some community service she provided for the elderly: http://am1050.com/2011/manicures-at-millers/ all this while purchasing new land and building a house while living in a trailer with her husband and three young children!

Curt Feece wears many entrepreneurial hats like owning a computer consulting company, the Integration Group. He also took over the majority ownership of Hoosier Driving Academy this summer. Hoosier Driving Academy offers online courses and Sunday afternoon classes at our cowork space. He’s managed recent transitions like the change in ownership and move to downtown smoothly while also wearing several hats as a dad and husband to family who resides in Argos. 

Way to go Luke, Melinda and Curt! I wanted to publicly acknowledge each of you and tell you how much I appreciate you and the unique energy you bring to this space. When we first started to offer the cowork space, we were motivated by the revenue opportunity. Now, we have learned about more opportunity in sharing expenses of an office space. Value found in the community of professionals is motivating us the most. 

We hope you will take advantage of the community aspect of the cowork space. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to grow the community of professionals. We are offering some special affiliate programs like our 50/50 Brains Deal. (See below.) We also have complimentary daily passes available at the office and from our Facebook page. Please pass it on. 

We will also be offering events like this week’s Thanksgiving Co-Family Feast on Friday night. We plan on bringing turkey, our small way of saying how thankful we are for this community. Do you have any suggestions for a social gathering for December? Just let us know!  

In addition to the affiliate programs and the social side of events, we would like to invite you to reserve our window display space starting in January. Let us know if you want dibs in the coming months!

As we reflect on this year, we are grateful for you and your businesses that have allowed us to cover the expenses, and more importantly for the moments we have shared in conversation about work, ideas, technology and more!  

Thank you Cowork Friends!

- Andrea and Phil Cook

* * * * * * * * * * *  

We’re SEEKING BRAINS, not because we’re zombies, quite the contrary.  

We want to grow the community of coworking professionals who can add to the synergy and success of our work days. Help us find BRAINS. Refer a friend for 50/50 - pays you $50 and your friend $50 when your friend purchases a monthly pass. 

Cowork Community Message Board

When I first launched a cowork space in rural Indiana, I did it for the extra revenue opportunity. It seemed like the perfect solution. In December of 2009, I purchased a downtown building in Plymouth, Indiana. With the help of my husband, we refurbished, renovated and restored the space to its original visual appearance with some updates like IKEA furnishings and white boards galore. 

I had originally hoped to get added revenue sources to help pay for the mortgage and utilities. Of course there is great value in the revenue streams cowork spurs. There is also an unexpected value that I have learned throughout the past few months: community. 

A community of entrepreneurship provides professionals a refuge, support, ideas, connections, opportunity for growth potential that mere monthly membership fees cannot pay for. It is my hope that I can grow this space with more likeminded professionals. The Midas Center Cowork Space is more than just cool IKEA desks and awesome coffee bar, it is community. Check it out. 

The Midas Center Cowork Space is a destination where entrepreneurs can share ideas and work on the ride of highs and lows.

The Midas Center Cowork Space located in downtown Plymouth, Indiana brings together likeminded professionals who want to succeed.

The Midas Center Cowork Space offers a community of support on the journey for successful outcomes.

Cowork Collection: Centre for Social Innovation

Our next Cowork Space we would like to share with you is from Toronto, Ontario. The Centre for Social Innovation has about 350 members and reaches out to change-agents. Their mission is to spark and support new ideas that are tackling the social, environmental, economic and cultural challenges we face today.

Toronto's Centre for Social Innovation is a nonprofit organization and has been growing since 2004. Not only do they have a strong online presence with a dynamic web site, facebook page and Twitter profile, they also have a thriving community of social entrepreneurs who are making an impact! Check out the Centre for Social Innovation online to learn more about the unique mission of this cowork space.  

Eli Malinsky, the Director of Programs and Partnerships shared some behind-the-scene photos of the signs they use for thier members as reminders on how to help manage the space. As coworking becomes more common for independent professionals, it is important to see how established cowork spaces like the Centre for Social Innovation manage the day-to-day responsibilities for a successful workspace. These signs, scattered throughout the Toronto space, are good reminders and suggestions for others interested in work place best practices.

Our favorite sign below is the one that reads, "Everyone wants a revolution but nobody wants to do the dishes." How about you? What are some unique messages you've seen in offices about the dishes or other rules that help keep your worplace functioning well? Leave a comment, or share details we can feature for a future post in the Cowork Collection > 

Centre for Social Innovation, Toronto, ON

The Midas Center Cowork Space strives to learn more about the emergence of the cowork culture. The more we connect with other coworking professionals, the more fascinated we become over the endless styles, stories, benefits and people coworking throughout the world. We would like to share the stories with you as we discover more about how this emerging activity is changing the workplace. 

We hope to showcase one tidbit of cowork spaces throughout the globe and will be sharing them with you in our Cowork Collection. If you would like to see more of the Cowork Collection on cowork spaces, click here >

If you would like to be part of the Cowork Collection, share your story >