Update from Local 64 (Vermont)
19 views
Skip to first unread message
lars hasselblad torres
Aug 9, 2012, 4:50:55 PM8/9/12
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
Hey everybody,
Happy waning days of summer - for many of you, I hope the electric bill hasn't been too high due to the heat going on. Here in Vermont, though we've had a few triple-digit pushing days, we've largely avoided the difficulties elsewhere.
I wanted to share a few ideas:
- First, how are coworking spaces connecting? With O2 up in Burlington we're looking to share access via a passport system, which is great. And I want to start connecting our coworkers' ideas with others. We're having a "pitch kitchen" in September (http://local64.com/events/pitchkitchen) and its looking like we'll try to connect with a portland incubator for feedback/connections/support. wonder whether others have tried this, or would like to try it out?
- We're expanding in September - this is good, and scary. Have others expanded this quickly - am I being foolhardy or is it worth it to go with momentum as long as you're not losing money in the effort?
- Key card access is becoming almost mandatory to manage access and expand a sense of ownership. What are the best systems out there if one needs to retrofit?
That's it from 44°15′N 72°34′W. hope all's well in coworking land!
lars
Alex Hillman
Aug 9, 2012, 5:00:10 PM8/9/12
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
Awesome! Congrats on the growth.
- First, how are coworking spaces connecting? With O2 up in Burlington we're looking to share access via a passport system, which is great. And I want to start connecting our coworkers' ideas with others. We're having a "pitch kitchen" in September (http://local64.com/events/pitchkitchen) and its looking like we'll try to connect with a portland incubator for feedback/connections/support. wonder whether others have tried this, or would like to try it out?
Coworking Seattle/Seattle Collaborative Space Alliance has a lot of good insight on this. You can search the forum for "coworkingseattle" for past conversations.
I think they'll tell you generally: keep it simple and casual, open and personal. THis tends to be "stickier" than "biz to biz".
- We're expanding in September - this is good, and scary. Have others expanded this quickly - am I being foolhardy or is it worth it to go with momentum as long as you're not losing money in the effort?
How long ago did you open? I've seen expansions within a year more than a few times.
If you can, work on a waiting list NOW. Don't wait until you open to sell memberships. Pre-sells are awesome for cash-flow & buy in.
Also: an expansion is a HUGE opportunity for community building, and making the existing community more resilient. Don't forget to include members as much as you can in the expansion. Anything from painting the walls to assembling furniture to picking out art - see how people might want to pitch in, and look for things they can do together.
That's it from 44°15′N 72°34′W. hope all's well in coworking land!
Thanks for the report. Happy Coworking Day!
-Alex
lars
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group.
To post to this group, send email to cowo...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to coworking+...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en.
Skid Vis
Aug 10, 2012, 12:14:42 PM8/10/12
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
Hey, Lars!
Congrats on the positive growth!
About Keycard system, I don't know about best, but the one we're using was low-cost and.. nifty. The Avea web-based card reader hooks into a php server (that you'll have to develop) and authenticates that way.
It's cool because since it's php-based I can have it announce sign-ins to twitter or, as in our case, to our homepage to let others know who's here.
Just my 2 cents.
Good luck!
-- Skid Vis
CoVis CoWorking - www.covisco.com
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages