When co-working began, it seemed more like just a concept than anything else. A portable office space seemed like a good idea for those few remote workers who were on the scene, as opposed to working in the traditional coffee shop. Now, co-working spaces have turned into a full blown industry, with remote workers relying on them to get their work done. We’re going to take a look at why remote workers have made co-working the way of the future.

The number of freelance workers has risen dramatically over the years, with this statistic only expected to grow higher. With independent workers steadily on the rise for many reasons (increased flexibility, less costs for employers and ability to travel to name a few), co-working spaces are becoming the new normal. This is due to the fact that many freelance workers see the many benefits of ditching the home office for a co-working setup and want to invest in renting a space.

Amaxra.com gives us some statistics on why freelance workers are starting to take over: 

“Research shows that 33 percent of today’s workforce comprises independent or freelance professionals, and by 2020, that number is expected to rise to 40 percent. There are a myriad of reasons why professionals—especially those in the technology space—are transitioning from full-time employees to consultants…”

While co-working may have initially seemed like just a trend to some (regardless of its many proven benefits), companies are now seeing their real benefits of extended workplaces. If an organization is allowing their employee to work from home, it’s become more expected that they will opt for a co-working space over more traditional options.

Cecilia Amador of Allwork tells us why co-working has become more than just a fad:

There are a multitude of reasons why co-working spaces are so popular. While some may enjoy working from their home offices, most will find that working from home will actually decrease their productivity in the long term. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including at home distractions, lack of motivation and a feeling of isolation.

Stacey Rudolph of Business2Community expands on more reasons why co-working spaces are growing in popularity:

“Coworking brings with it endless possibilities in the modern work environment. From happiness to increase productively and plenty of benefits in-between. Whether you choose a dedicated desk or a private office, coworking is capable of creating an environment that cultivates synergy and community chemistry that nurtures healthy business growth, increased wellbeing and worthy impact.”

Interested in renting a co-working space but need more information? Check out our co-working space here and claim your desk.

There’s a reason why co-working is such a rapidly growing trend, with 3 million coworkers globally in 2019. Co-working spaces have become one of the best ways in order for remote workers to stay motivated, rather than face the isolation of their home offices. We’re going to take a look at why co-working spaces actually maximize your productivity, allowing you to get more work done than if you were alone.

While none of your co-working coworkers may be part of your own organization, having them around still holds us accountable. When you are immersed in the presence of other highly motivated professionals, checking off one big project after another, it is certainly going to give you inspiration.

Medium.com talks about why co-working spaces make us feel more accountable:

When you’re in a co-working space, odds are you’re not purely co-existing with members of your own industry. Having increased access to different skill sets can increase your motivation, allowing you to think outside the box and get your own creative juices flowing.

Vikas Lakhani of Entrepreneur.com expands on why this increased access can increase our motivation:

“In a typical office set-up it is the entrepreneur and his/her team, with occasional conversations with the next door lessees / offices. But it’s different with a Coworking space as the diversity of members and the amount of interactions is much higher. Furthermore, certain Coworking spaces regulate the mix of members they have to preserve a certain amount of diversity. While some like Hacker Dojo might encourage mostly programmers at their spaces, others may insist on variety. This enables extensive knowledge sharing and networking.”

While some thrive off of the typical 9-5 work life, others find that nothing increases their motivation more than being able to set their own schedule. Co-working spaces allow you to choose to start your workday halfway through the day if you want to, while still retaining that work environment outside of your own home to work in.

Business2Community tells us why increased job control can contribute to  making us more productive:

“Most coworking spaces are accessible 24/7, thus people can decide whether they want to spend the entire day there when they have a looming deadline to beat or they simply want to show progress; alternatively, they can choose to take a break at noon, go to the gym, unwind and recharge their batteries. Plus, professionals can choose whether they want to work in a collaborative room with shared desks or in a quiet, closed-off space. They can even choose to take a day off or work from home whenever they need to or feel like doing so, without any repercussion.”

Now that you know that renting out a co-working space will increase your productivity, check out our co-working space here and claim your desk.

What will become of co-working spaces after the COVID-19 lockdown has lifted has been a big topic of conversation in the co-working community. And while it’s certainly understandable that some believe COVID-19 could stall this popularity, we believe that co-working spaces will be needed more than ever before in the long run. Let’s take a look at 3 reasons why COVID-19 will make co-working spaces even more important.

While working remotely has always been “the dream” for many in the workforce, they weren’t necessarily actively pursuing it. Since COVID-19 has come to light, the search for remote positions have increased dramatically – and experts believe that this will only continue after the lockdown has lifted, with organizations now realizing that they can indeed work from home.

Allwork expands on why workers may want to continue with more flexible work options:

“LinkedIn data found that users’ search for “telecommuting” rose by 260% over the past two months. Additionally, the number of job applications increased by 39% year-on-year in March and found that SMEs are showing the most enthusiasm in searching for employees. This is a stark contrast to the month prior, which saw job recruitment notices with less than 200 employees fall by 83%. Using flexible work options, company leaders are able to focus on changing their human resource management models to be more task-oriented rather than attendance-oriented.”

Co-working spaces are still an absolute necessity for several small businesses. Not only do they provide an affordable way for small businesses to collaborate in an office environment, but they provide a level of support that individuals are not able to get from home.

Dane Stangler of Forbes.com tells us why co-working spaces are so important for small businesses:

In light of COVID-19, cutting costs is going to be crucial to getting companies back on their feet – especially for those who have taken a pause altogether due to the global lockdown. Continuing to be able to work remotely while still having a place for your workers to physically get together could be a savior for small businesses. 

The Financial Express expands more on the benefits of co-working spaces for cutting costs:

“Coworking spaces are not only the most cost effective, but also offer flexibility in terms of time period of rental agreements. Coworking spaces can be rented on a monthly, day-to-day and even hourly basis, Limaye noted.”

While co-working spaces may not currently be active due to COVID-19, we are still accepting enquiries for co-working spaces for the future. Check out our co-working spaces here and claim your desk.

Do you have a job where it’s not essential for you to be at the office, but you find that you’re too distracted at home? You may think there’s no other solution than lugging your laptop to a noisy coffee shop, but you’re wrong! Co-working spaces are a great way in order to work away from the office, while still working in an office-type environment to keep you focused. And bonus – co-working spaces are a fantastic place to network as well. We’re going to talk about why co-working spaces are great for making connections with your fellow colleagues and even more reasons why you’ll want to try it.

When you work from home, you may feel isolated and like you’re the only person on the planet that doesn’t work at an office. Having a bunch of fellow workers just like you in one place gives you the sense of community that you’ve been lacking. As a result, you feel less lonely, the desire to make connections is higher, and you are more than likely to find fellow colleagues right under your nose.

Ann Smarty of Entrepreneur.com expands on this sense of isolation in “6 Benefits of Coworking With Strangers”:

“Working at home can have an isolating effect after a period of time. Coworking is an easy fix. Working amidst others can lend a sense of camaraderie, even when you’re creating alongside complete strangers.”

While making connections with others within your own industry is highly beneficial in terms of networking, sparking conversations with those who are in entirely different fields is valuable in itself.

SBBC shares their thoughts on inter-industry networking in “The 6 Benefits of Coworking Spaces”:

“Working alone places a barrier between you and people who could potentially help your business. Another one of the benefits of Coworking is that it puts you near people who might have vastly different skill sets or solutions to problems, allowing you to “pick their brains”. If you can find a coworking space that aligns with your field of work, it makes this benefit all the stronger.”

Do you feel more of a sense of purpose when you get up and get ready for the day, versus staying in your pjs, leaving your bed unmade, while trying to complete the same tasks? Doesn’t your day somehow becoming more meaningful when you show up for yourself? This is similar to working in a co-working space – you may be doing the same work, but you made an effort to get ready, change locations and commit yourself to the tasks at hand.

The Harvard Business Review expands on this in “Why People Thrive in Coworking Spaces”:

Now that you know why you should rent out a co-working space instead of doing your work in your pjs, check out our co-working space here and claim your desk.

Nearly everyone has thought that becoming an entrepreneur is a “nice idea” – but backtracked when they thought about the time and money that is inevitably required. However, you may not truly understand why putting the effort into becoming an entrepreneur would be worth it for you. The benefits of becoming an entrepreneur are endless, with the initial investment required (if any) being the most valuable money you’ll ever spend. Let’s take a look at a few reasons behind why you should become an entrepreneur in 2020 and see if we can change your mind.

If you are considering starting an online business, you have the potential to have complete location independence – meaning, you can truly work from anywhere in the world and not be tied down to a 50-kilometre radius. This gives you the freedom to travel, while your bank account continues to accumulate.

Kimanzi Constable of Entrepreneur.com expands on why this is the perfect opportunity for new experiences, that can ultimately contribute to your business:

There is truly no better feeling than being able to say you are the CEO of your own company – and while that title obviously comes with a ton of responsibility, it also comes with the most rewards.

Bakari Mustafa of Hungry Innovators talks about why increased pressure and responsibility is worth the end result on Thriveglobal.com:

“Entrepreneurship allows you to become the CEO of your own company. You have to handle more responsibility and pressure, but there’s no manager hounding you every day, nobody to blame you for things you didn’t do, and nobody to take credit for your achievements! Being your own boss is a truly liberating work experience, and one of the best ways to grow in your professional life.”

Financial independence is by far one of the top reasons why one chooses to become an entrepreneur – and while more often than not, the financial freedom that comes along with entrepreneurship does not happen overnight, it can eventually pay off huge with hard work.

Mike Templeman of Business Insider talks about financial freedom as an entrepreneur in 20 Reasons to Become an Entrepreneur:

“However you define financial independence – retirement stockpile, unlimited cash potential or having the money to buy what you want – entrepreneurship can allow you to achieve it. Trust me, money doesn’t buy happiness, but it does make finding happiness much easier.”

Looking to take the first steps in your entrepreneur journey and need a place to work that’s not your couch? Co-working spaces not only allow you to focus in a way you wouldn’t be able to do at home, but they encourage you to network with other entrepreneurs. Check out our co-working space here and claim your desk.

The ability to network is an exceptionally valuable skill to have, especially when it comes to being an entrepreneur and building a start-up. However, it’s so much more than that. People who have the ability to network are also more likely to gain new opportunities, build great friendships and gain valuable knowledge. So, what do you need to know about networking in 2020 and how do you go about it? We’re going to give you some of our top tips, so you can get to networking ASAP.

While the prospect of attending networking events can seem scary (especially if you’re not a huge fan of being in a room full of people you don’t know), they can be invaluable to building connections. Networking events are truly the best way to meet others that are in the same industry as you. They are also a great way to make lasting contacts that could potentially help you out later.

One of the aspects of networking events that may put you off, is the idea of not knowing what to do when you first walk in the room, never mind what to say. Are you supposed to aimlessly walk around the room, waiting for someone to approach you or should you make the first move?

Colleen DeBaise of Entrepreneur.com shares her thoughts:

“Don’t wait around the edges of the room, waiting for someone to approach you. To get the conversation started, simply walk up to a person or a group, and say, “May I join you” or “What brings you to this event?” Don’t forget to listen intently to their replies. If you’re not a natural extrovert, you’re probably a very good listener – and listening can be an excellent way to get to know a person.”

While it’s clearly important to focus on the ultimate reasons behind why you’re attending a networking event, it’s important to not make the small talk all about business. Building genuine connections with your colleagues involves establishing a personal connection with them, beyond just industry talk.

Hannah Taylor of Ironistic expands on this on Forbes.com’s 10 Networking Tips To Help You Make A Great First Impression At An Event:

“Networking events are a bit like being set up on a blind date, and similar rules apply. Don’t take over the conversation and talk about yourself and your business. People want to feel that you are genuinely interested in them. Ask questions to get to know the other person and understand what they do. As you build a personal connection, potential business opportunities often present themselves.”

As much as you would like to make a lasting impression on everyone in the room, you don’t want to be moving from person to person, shoving your business card in their face. While you may feel like you’re covering more ground by doing this, you’re both not establishing genuine connections and becoming a turn off. Focusing on those few connections is much more likely to produce your desired result, rather than acting like you’re there for a speed dating service.

Marketing consultant Shel Horowitz talks more about quality over quantity when it comes to networking on Monster.com:

Now that you know how to build your business by establishing personal, quality connections, did you know you can do the same in a co-working space? Check out our co-working space here and claim your desk.

Looking for a way to make some side hustle money, or perhaps to start a whole new career? Now is the time to take action, with the abundance of job opportunities that can be started with just the click of a few buttons. We’re going to take you through our top 3 business ideas you can start from home today, so you can start making money in no time.

Do you grow your own food (or have the ability to locate someone who does) and have a passion for putting meal plans together? Consider meal kit sales and delivery. You can’t browse the internet without seeing an ad for a meal kit and there is still plenty of room on the market for new and interesting ideas when it comes to this business.

Susan Ward of The Balance Small Business expands on this in “The Best Small Business Opportunities for 2020”:

“Meal kit services are becoming increasingly popular with busy people who don’t have the time to shop and prepare healthy meals and wish to lower their environmental footprint by reducing food waste. The meal kit industry in the U.S. is expected to reach $11.6 billion in sales by 2022.”

Information products can range from e-books to online classes to music lessons and these can all be done from the comfort of your own home. The self-education business has truly never been more popular than it is now and opportunities are endless in terms of what you can teach. Therefore, whatever your industry is, you can find some information to sell.

Miles Beckler of milesbeckler.com talks about putting your knowledge and skills to good use:

“Do you know how to travel hack your way into business class? Have you lost weight with intermittent fasting or the keto diet and know how to help others, too? Whatever that niche may be, as long as you have the skills and a strong desire to keep learning, then you can sell these solutions in the form of an information product. Informational products are one of the largest online business markets out there.”

It’s true that blogging is not an instant money maker – this is why you’ll hear that the idea of making money from blogging is a scam or that it doesn’t actually work. Think again! If you’re willing to put a certain amount of time and effort into creating a blog (and follow advertising guidelines), there’s no reason why you won’t be able to make money off of it.

Ryan Robinson of ryrob.com talks about the huge potential for financial success due to income from blogging:

Now that you have 3 business ideas that you can do from home, consider a co-working space instead. We guarantee it will help you be more productive than sitting on your couch would be – check out our co-working space here and claim your desk.

The call of entrepreneurship is strong for many people out there. Getting to be your own boss, set your hours, and create something of value are some of the top reasons people choose to start their own businesses. Chances are, you’re considering starting your own business, or maybe turning your side hustle into your full time gig. When you’re at the pivotal moment of deciding whether to go all in on your big idea – it’s always important to get some advice from people who have been there before you. Here are three pieces of invaluable advice from people who know what it’s like to start from scratch:

Ahmad Sufian Bayram is quoted by Startupswb.com and explains the importance of having a mission:

“If you’re not willing to invest in yourself, why should anybody be willing to invest anything in you?”

As Ahmad notes, working on your mindset is key when thinking to start your business. “People usually invest in people, not in ideas. So you have to keep learning,  keep growing, and keep working on your mindset. When it comes to mindset, you don’t just have the mindset, but you work on your mindset all the time.”

Having a mission, vision, and values may seem like something for a big organization, but it’s actually quite important for you to have an idea of why your new venture is important. Without passion, your excitement can dwindle over time and when you run into roadblocks you could be tempted to give up. Try to determine why your project needs to happen and why you’re the one to do it. If you’re only in it for the money, remember that it can be a while before you turn a steady profit and you need to keep focused during your building phase.

Abdo Riani at Forbes.com tells us why it’s important to scan your idea:

“If you want to build a profitable business this year, there is no room for easily avoidable mistakes starting with investing resources in a product you could easily know if people need and will pay for. Therefore, the first step is to test your idea before moving forward and committing significant resources.

The least you can do is ask ten potential buyers about their needs and expectations. The goal is to uncover the urgency of a need for a better solution. Products that make things just a little better will make your goal of building a profitable business this year a lot harder. By the end of this phase, you should refine your idea by identifying a problem worth solving.”

The old adage “Two heads are better than one” comes to mind. You may have come up with the perfect solution to a problem – but how do you get your new idea in front of people who need it? It’s wise to scan your idea or business plan for info gaps. Have you done any competitor analysis, or potential customer interviews? These are great ways to make sure you don’t have any hidden risks that could derail your efforts.

Ryan Gilmore at StartupNation.com tells us why it’s important to get started and set a deadline!

“The best time to start working on your business is now, and you don’t necessarily need to quit your current job just yet. Many experts advocate starting your business as a side hustle first, and then transitioning to it full time when you’re confident you can earn a living wage from it.

If you’re committed to jumping in head first, take an honest look at your personal finances (you might have to live off your savings for a while) and the amount of time you have to set up your new business. You’re going to need to ensure you have enough financial runway first.

Whichever path you take, we highly recommend setting a deadline. There’s no better way to overcome inaction than by giving yourself a hard timeline that you need to hit.”

They say the best time to start is yesterday and the second best time is today! When you’ve done your research and know that your project is ready to go – get started! Many people get hung up on waiting for the right time and miss the opportunities they have in the present. It can be tough to overcome the mental blocks: imposter syndrome, fear of failure, and the anxiety of not having a steady paycheck. Remember why you’re choosing to be an entrepreneur and go for it!

Now that you’re ready to start taking your big idea to the next level, check out our co-working space here and claim your desk.

Whether you work in a co-working space, an office building, or the coffee shop on the corner – you know how much of an effect great interior design can have. Recently, office spaces have been taking interior design to a whole new level, with refurbished historic buildings, creative modular builds, and designer furnishings. Take a look at some of the most incredible office spaces in 2020!

The Bark offices in Columbus, Ohio are at the top of our list of favorites: who doesn’t love having some dogs at work! In addition to the furry friends, this office space integrates lounge areas in the form of room dividers. They’re a great spot for fido to take a nap and they serve the important function of breaking up lines of sight so excitable pups can chill in peace.

Inc.com tells us why Bark’s offices are perfect for your best furry friend:

“Pet supply company Bark dubs its headquarters “the world’s most dog-friendly office,” and makes a good case for that title. About 50 canines roam the space each day. Desks are placed next to lounge seats made of wipeable fabric so dogs and humans can sit side-by-side, and an outdoor dog run offers a place to exercise.”

What could be better than entering this gorgeous space every morning? Full of rich leather, lots of natural light and beautiful greenery, you might think you’re in a boutique hotel instead of an office! With the option for private offices or open co-working spaces, it’s a treat for the eyes to be working in this space.

EastRoom in Toronto, ON is a high design space that almost doesn’t feel like an office!

“Operating out of an 1920s industrial warehouse building, East Room’s 60,000 square foot venue is neatly tucked away in Toronto’s East End. Through various programming initiatives, East Room connects work, leisure and culture to establish a dynamic community and environment. The space allows members to develop within a diverse, hand selected group rooted in various industries, providing a platform for the members-only network to collaborate, share ideas and grow alongside each other.”

Our fellow Ottawa office belongs to ecommerce giant Shopify. Their themed spaces bring a sense of wonder and excitement to the workplace! With tent-like quiet spaces and a large community kitchen, there’s a space for everything you could possible need to do at work!

Image credit DarkToolsProjects.com.

Creativebloq.com tells us about Shopify’s Ottawa headquarters which are spread over six themed floors

“When ecommerce software company Shopify moved to a new headquarters in Ottawa, Canada it worked with a leading architecture firm to create an incredible design office. Each of the six floors has a different theme, including Canadiana and streetscapes, and there are plenty of nooks in which to work or put your feet up. Alongside this library on the speakeasy-themed floor, other rooms range from phone booths to Scandinavian sauna-style arenas. Employees can book them using Google Calendar, and reservations show up on iPads outside the door.”

And we couldn’t leave out our very own La Collective here in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Check out our space here and claim your desk.

You’ve probably heard of co-working space by now – they’ve been around for a while and are getting a lot of attention! There are many benefits to signing up for a co-working office space: a professional space to meet clients, a separation from your home life (no more working on the couch!) and usually there’s some great coffee and snacks available! But you might not realize there are some lesser known benefits that you might be overlooking – and these can actually improve your business!

Networking is important, especially for a start-up or any new business. The personal connections you make are the solid foundation of early adopters and cheerleaders that will take you to the next level. What many people don’t realize is that networking is built in to co-working! In fact, most co-working spaces will have networking events that allow all the workers to get to know each other.

smallbusinessbc.ca explains how you can achieve “Networking Through Coworking”

Working alone places a barrier between you and people who could potentially help your business. Another one of the benefits of Coworking is that it puts you near people who might have vastly different skillsets or solutions to problems, allowing you to “pick their brains”. If you can find a coworking space that aligns with your field of work, it makes this benefit all the stronger.

Sure you could work at home, but do you have a 3D printer at home? One unexpected perk of using a co-working space is the seriously professional amenities and services available. You get a proper desk, an ergonomic chair, and business-grade equipment like printers and scanners. And yes: some co-working spaces even have specialty equipment like 3D printers, sound recording rooms, photography lighting and more. You’ll have a tough time fitting all of that into your apartment!

Asma Hafiz at coworkingmag.com tells us about the cost savings – and premium services – that come with co-working:

Coworking spaces give entrepreneurs and young startups an opportunity to work in a fully equipped office without having to worry about setting up their own private office. Establishing an office can be a tedious task which requires a lot of funds. One major benefit of coworking is that it is the best way to work in an office with minimum investment. By working in a coworking space you can operate your business without indulging in expenses that come with setting up an office.

The most incredible benefit by far is the simple magic of being in the right place at the right time. Like we said above, networking is built into the co-working experience and so is the spirit of collaboration. In a shared office space you’ll find eclectic professionals with a wide variety of expertise – and they’re right across the desk for you to ask a question! You’ll never know what innovative solutions you’ll come up with when you’re in the right place at the right time.

Peter Nugent at thedockingstation tells us about the unmatchable benefit of kismet and opportunity when working in a shared office:

Because coworking spaces operate on a come and go as you please basis, they attract people from a variety of professions. Different people mean different ideas, ways of thinking and skill sets. This, in turn, means that it can be the perfect place to seek out a collaborator where both individuals’ unique skills are used to create an end result. The old “two heads (or more) are better than one” adage.

Now that you know the hidden benefits of co-working spaces, check out our space here and claim your desk.