a new working environment

[sconedwoman]

Hello, everyone,

I have learned a lot from reading the discussions of this group.

I am a coffee shop owner of 4 years with more space than I can support
on the price of take-out coffee.
We have a nicely restored old space, coffee from an outstanding local
roaster, fresh baked goods, breakfast and soup, and protected wifi.

The room adjacent to the main room is about 19X18 feet, with a
smaller, conference-type room about 8X12 feet.
This is a wonderful place to work and have events, but it is time to
put it to a more intentional, revenue-producing purpose.

I would like to put in about 6 work tables, 48X30 inches with power
andtask lighting, and keep our large old lab table in the center. A
partition that separates but doesn't suffocate would separate the
spaces, and we can furnish printer/copier and fax machine. There is
a copy shop 4 blocks away. We would offer a membership package, a drop-
in option, and something bigger where desired.

I like the coworking idea, and especially like the ability of
potential coworkers to find us online. We get good reviews both from
the many freelancers who live nearby, and the sales and tech people
who find us while they are in-town.

Here's the challenge: The aspect of a great coffee shop in which to
work is completely different from a workspace that is rented by the
hour (coffee included). I think that most all the writers and job-
hunters (wonderful, faithful customers all) will choose to work and
meet in the now slightly cozier coffee shop. I feel the new
arrangement is a definite value (knowing that it is still offered
below the cost of renting, airconditioning, cleaning and staffing it),
yet encounter daily the "if it's free today, why must I pay tomorrow?"
question. We do not have the traffic flow of places a half-mile away;
we rely on an honest and open relationship with our neighbors. Does
anyone have thoughts on this transition?

[KC]

So what is ur value proposition and what is the cost?

Based on your post it sounds like your coworkers would get (a) a table
to work at, (b) the ability to reserve a meeting room (can't really
call that a conference room), (c) printing/faxing/copying, (d)
presumptively free basic coffee. What would you charge for this? Also,
whether or not the free coffee is thrown in might make a big
difference in the value...but it might also significant cut into your
regular revenue stream.

Good luck!

Kevin
SpringBoard Accelerator and Coworking Center (working title)
Abilene Christian University
kevin.c...@acu.eudu

[Eric Marden]

I would say your next step is to engage the community that works there
now and evangelize the coworking concept to them. While they may be
used to working there for the price of a couple of cups of coffee, the
real value in a coworking space is not the flat surface and wifi
connection, its the community. Build that, and you could really have
something here.



- Eric Marden
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
http://ericmarden.com

[WHERE MMM]

Really great advice; totally agree!!

 

Danielle

 

Where:Work Lounge for Creatives

SIlverlake/ LA, CA/ USA

Facebook WHERE: Meet, Mix, Mogul

Twitter @wheremmm

[sconedwoman]

Hypothetically, a basic membership would be $50.00 for 1 month, 6
hours and 6 coffees (or equivalent drinks).
drop in rate 10.00
an hour with coffee, 35.00 a day
major usage
undecided.
Meeting room 30.00 per
hour.
There will be food discounts and free time occasionally.
We plan music events and workshops and there will be favored inclusion
for these.
We will co-opt the space for Saturday breakfast.

You can see the space as is on oakstcoffee.com
It has a good vibe, a wonderful community of creative professionals,
and frankly
is a pleasant and stimulating place to work, according to customers.
The
meeting room is a place you'd be pleased to make a client presentation
or
gather a book group or prepare for a case or host a working lunch.
The lab table, 4X6 ft, is a place where great things happen on a
regular basis.
There is plenty of room for white boards.

On May 20, 11:36 am, KC <Kevin.Christ...@acu.edu> wrote:
> So what is ur value proposition and what is the cost?
>
> Based on your post it sounds like your coworkers would get (a) a table
> to work at, (b) the ability to reserve a meeting room (can't really
> call that a conference room), (c) printing/faxing/copying, (d)
> presumptively free basic coffee. What would you charge for this? Also,
> whether or not the free coffee is thrown in might make a big
> difference in the value...but it might also significant cut into your
> regular revenue stream.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Kevin
> SpringBoard Accelerator and Coworking Center (working title)
> Abilene Christian University

> kevin.christ...@acu.eudu

[sconedwoman]

Actually, it's a tough issue. In the current economic environment, I
am ready to bet that providing a slightly upscale service is the right
direction
for us. There is a cohort of people that peels away with big gas
price
increases, but the people who really need us, stay. Our customers are
careful with their money
and calories- they won't buy the absolute junk that might anchor the
bottom line.
So, I will try to charge an honest price and see what happens. You
are correct, our coffee is the really good stuff, and I might be
asking too little.

On May 20, 11:36 am, KC <Kevin.Christ...@acu.edu> wrote:

> So what is ur value proposition and what is the cost?
>
> Based on your post it sounds like your coworkers would get (a) a table
> to work at, (b) the ability to reserve a meeting room (can't really
> call that a conference room), (c) printing/faxing/copying, (d)
> presumptively free basic coffee. What would you charge for this? Also,
> whether or not the free coffee is thrown in might make a big
> difference in the value...but it might also significant cut into your
> regular revenue stream.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Kevin
> SpringBoard Accelerator and Coworking Center (working title)
> Abilene Christian University

> kevin.christ...@acu.eudu

[felicity at cubes]

I think you need to chat with your customers. Do they want a more
professional space? Would they use it. Do you just need more of your
core customers and to charge a bit more for coffee and maybe for wifi?

It sounds like you have a great relationship with your customers, so
talk
to them and see what you can do. Our local cafe raised prices about
6 months ago. They put up a great letter saying they needed to deal
with increased rent and energy costs and wanted to pay a decent wage
for
their employees. My favorite, a 12 oz hot chocolate, went from $1.60
to $2.10.
A pretty significant increase, but still better and cheaper than
Starbuck's or Peet's
and with better atmosphere and my money going to the local economy.
Maybe
that is your solution?

Good luck,
Felicity
Cubes&Crayons
Opening new coworking space in Potrero Hill part of San Francisco
6/1/09