Industry Specific Communities
97 views
Skip to first unread message
OC Houston
Mar 16, 2012, 4:11:51 PM3/16/12
to Coworking
Does anyone have an industry specific coworking space? Or, does that
defeat the purpose of the concept?
Toni
defeat the purpose of the concept?
Toni
Alex Hillman
Mar 18, 2012, 1:30:47 PM3/18/12
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
I wrote a post on why this isn't as strong of a concept as encouraging industry diversity:
--
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.
sk...@emergentresearch.com
Mar 18, 2012, 3:13:38 PM3/18/12
to Coworking
While it depends on your definition of industry, based on our
definition there are a lot of industry specific coworking facilities.
In SF area alone examples include The Hub (social entrepreneurs),
Writers Grotto (writers and media), Mission*Social (social
entrepreneurs), Biocurious (biosciences) and many others.
Also, many of the coworking spaces in the SF area are effectively tech
industry spaces. It's just the nature of the bay area. And
obviously, there are many vertical spaces elsewhere in the US and
world. The rapid growth of collaborative kitchens across the US is
another example.
We see these spaces as industry mini-clusters. Industrial clusters
are groups of similar or related firms in a defined geographic area
that share common markets, technologies and worker skill needs, and
which are often linked by buyer-seller relationships. Firms and
workers in industry clusters benefit from the advantages that a shared
base of sophisticated, industry specific knowledge brings.
Silicon Valley in technology, New York in financial services and
Detroit in automobiles are famous examples of large clusters. But
small industrial clusters are also common. We think many of the
vertically oriented coworking spaces exhibit many of the same benefits
as industrial clusters.
We've done a lot of work looking at coworking spaces that serve social
entrepreneurs (we're hoping to get a paper out on this soon). We've
found that social entrepreneurs in spaces catering to social firms
collaborate more and report higher levels of business networking than
social entrepreneurs that are members of other types of coworking
spaces. We think this is due to the cluster effect.
Having said that, we agree with Alex that diversity of skills,
backgrounds, views and opinions are important. Clusters achieve this
by having a mix of participants from across the industry supply and
demand chains. Large clusters also benefit from the diverse nature of
most broad industries.
Coworking facilities achieve this by having people from different
professions (designers, programmers, lawyers, etc.) and different
skill sets. This brings strong weak tie benefits (yet another paper
we're trying to finish).
But we also think vertical coworking spaces could, at least in some
cases, add additional value by bringing together people that are
diverse by profession/skill set, but serve the same broad industry.
Obviously, little work has been done on this topic. A lot more needs
to be done before drawing strong conclusions.
Steve
definition there are a lot of industry specific coworking facilities.
In SF area alone examples include The Hub (social entrepreneurs),
Writers Grotto (writers and media), Mission*Social (social
entrepreneurs), Biocurious (biosciences) and many others.
Also, many of the coworking spaces in the SF area are effectively tech
industry spaces. It's just the nature of the bay area. And
obviously, there are many vertical spaces elsewhere in the US and
world. The rapid growth of collaborative kitchens across the US is
another example.
We see these spaces as industry mini-clusters. Industrial clusters
are groups of similar or related firms in a defined geographic area
that share common markets, technologies and worker skill needs, and
which are often linked by buyer-seller relationships. Firms and
workers in industry clusters benefit from the advantages that a shared
base of sophisticated, industry specific knowledge brings.
Silicon Valley in technology, New York in financial services and
Detroit in automobiles are famous examples of large clusters. But
small industrial clusters are also common. We think many of the
vertically oriented coworking spaces exhibit many of the same benefits
as industrial clusters.
We've done a lot of work looking at coworking spaces that serve social
entrepreneurs (we're hoping to get a paper out on this soon). We've
found that social entrepreneurs in spaces catering to social firms
collaborate more and report higher levels of business networking than
social entrepreneurs that are members of other types of coworking
spaces. We think this is due to the cluster effect.
Having said that, we agree with Alex that diversity of skills,
backgrounds, views and opinions are important. Clusters achieve this
by having a mix of participants from across the industry supply and
demand chains. Large clusters also benefit from the diverse nature of
most broad industries.
Coworking facilities achieve this by having people from different
professions (designers, programmers, lawyers, etc.) and different
skill sets. This brings strong weak tie benefits (yet another paper
we're trying to finish).
But we also think vertical coworking spaces could, at least in some
cases, add additional value by bringing together people that are
diverse by profession/skill set, but serve the same broad industry.
Obviously, little work has been done on this topic. A lot more needs
to be done before drawing strong conclusions.
Steve
OC Houston
Mar 18, 2012, 4:37:14 PM3/18/12
to Coworking
Great insight! I am a licensed real estate agent and had planned to
start my own firm targeting new agents specifically because training
is lacking in that area. Then, I realized that while I want to focus
on training and mentoring I don't necessarily need a brokerage for
that, and having one would actually limit my reach to only MY agents.
We've taken Alex's advice regarding building a community before
"cutting the ribbon" so we're starting with what we know. I know there
is a need for training for new real estate agents. But, that training
must include basic business principles which is common to most start-
ups, entrepreneurs and small business owners. I figure if we start
were we are we can grow from there. I just don't want to get "stuck"
in a place that will inhibit innovation and creativity.
So, we may be able to start by targeting real estate agents and/or
graphic artists (my husband's field) as long as we continue to focus
on diversifying the community.
Toni
On Mar 18, 2:13 pm, "sk...@emergentresearch.com"
start my own firm targeting new agents specifically because training
is lacking in that area. Then, I realized that while I want to focus
on training and mentoring I don't necessarily need a brokerage for
that, and having one would actually limit my reach to only MY agents.
We've taken Alex's advice regarding building a community before
"cutting the ribbon" so we're starting with what we know. I know there
is a need for training for new real estate agents. But, that training
must include basic business principles which is common to most start-
ups, entrepreneurs and small business owners. I figure if we start
were we are we can grow from there. I just don't want to get "stuck"
in a place that will inhibit innovation and creativity.
So, we may be able to start by targeting real estate agents and/or
graphic artists (my husband's field) as long as we continue to focus
on diversifying the community.
Toni
On Mar 18, 2:13 pm, "sk...@emergentresearch.com"
Alex Hillman
Mar 18, 2012, 4:47:11 PM3/18/12
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
Toni,
Awesome approach. IndyHall started just the same - it was easy for me to find people like me: designers, developers, web workers. But we kept our message broad: we're here to make Philadelphia a better place for anyone who can work from anywhere.
Things really picked up steam once people from different industries started showing up. Now it's easier for me to tell what industries are not there (yet) than the ones who are, and it's our members who tell us all the time how much they love that part of the experience.
-Alex
Jerome Chang
Mar 18, 2012, 4:49:56 PM3/18/12
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
Don't some of these brokers' offices already share offices in a sub-tenant kind of way? I designed a Keller Williams' office that consisted of micro-micro offices for agents who rent from the lead broker.
Jerome
______________
BLANKSPACES
"work FOR yourself, not BY yourself"
www.blankspaces.com
ph: 323.330.9505 | 5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) Los Angeles, CA 90036
OC Houston
Mar 18, 2012, 7:03:44 PM3/18/12
to Coworking
Jerome, KW is a "traditional" brokerage and they do provide desk space
for agents. With the growing popularity of 100% firms many new agents
think they can keep all of their commissions. They soon find out that
100% of zero is a really less than zero when you figure in the out-of-
pocket marketing, "start-up", and vehicle expenses. Most 100% firms
don't offer the training a new agent needs and most brokers won't say
that because they make their money by stacking licenses. If a broker
has 1500 agents paying $175 a year or 800 agents paying $175 PLUS $95
a month with no expectation of any real value then why do anything
more than hang licenses and collect fees? It's sad and it's hurting
our industry. I'm belong to a social networking group of agents and
some of the questions posted by even "experienced" agents should have
been answered by the agent's broker...in some cases years ago.
The way I envision the coworking community, a new agent can have a
membership AND receive group coaching for the same price as being a
regular coworking member. They don't have to change brokerages. When
they complete the program they will be in better position to have 100%
of something to keep.
Beyond this, as the community begins to grow the agents can
collaborate with other business minded people and use ideas from other
industries to build their own business models. The market is saturated
with cookie cutter agents. I've always had more success with out-of-
the-box business models than with chasing buyers and sellers. I
accredit this to my diverse background in various industries and my
husband's "third eye" as a graphics and marketing guru.
So, while the Keller Williams and Re/MAX firms exist there is a great
need for what I envision. Although most 100% firms provide conference
rooms and workstations there's no sense of community and the spirit of
competition is often thick. Very few agents utilize the space because
there's no other benefit to being there.
Toni
for agents. With the growing popularity of 100% firms many new agents
think they can keep all of their commissions. They soon find out that
100% of zero is a really less than zero when you figure in the out-of-
pocket marketing, "start-up", and vehicle expenses. Most 100% firms
don't offer the training a new agent needs and most brokers won't say
that because they make their money by stacking licenses. If a broker
has 1500 agents paying $175 a year or 800 agents paying $175 PLUS $95
a month with no expectation of any real value then why do anything
more than hang licenses and collect fees? It's sad and it's hurting
our industry. I'm belong to a social networking group of agents and
some of the questions posted by even "experienced" agents should have
been answered by the agent's broker...in some cases years ago.
The way I envision the coworking community, a new agent can have a
membership AND receive group coaching for the same price as being a
regular coworking member. They don't have to change brokerages. When
they complete the program they will be in better position to have 100%
of something to keep.
Beyond this, as the community begins to grow the agents can
collaborate with other business minded people and use ideas from other
industries to build their own business models. The market is saturated
with cookie cutter agents. I've always had more success with out-of-
the-box business models than with chasing buyers and sellers. I
accredit this to my diverse background in various industries and my
husband's "third eye" as a graphics and marketing guru.
So, while the Keller Williams and Re/MAX firms exist there is a great
need for what I envision. Although most 100% firms provide conference
rooms and workstations there's no sense of community and the spirit of
competition is often thick. Very few agents utilize the space because
there's no other benefit to being there.
Toni
Alex Hillman
Mar 18, 2012, 7:25:09 PM3/18/12
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
After this response, I temper my previous answer of "we learn more from people less like us" to include the caveat "but everybody can benefit from coworking principals when applied with thought and intent".
You said so much in this reply that shows the thoughtfulness and intent behind your approach. I'm truly loving what you've described.
Excited to see this unfold, keep the posts like this flowing!
-Alex
OC Houston
Mar 18, 2012, 8:07:55 PM3/18/12
to Coworking
We're excited as well. But, we still know we need to be careful. We
have almost 500 new agents just in a 10 mile radius that we are
targeting. I can see how it can quickly become a "real estate"
community. However, in using your approach, Alex, we can promote the
true essence of coworking and draw in other professions and skill
sets. Hopefully, with the agents being "new" their professional
circles still include people "less like them" who will also find
coworking an exciting concept.
We are planning to start our "Work Date" tour in a couple of weeks.
We'll meet up once a week in a different spot probably for a 6 to 8
week rotation. Each of the three locations is in a different direction
from the space but close enough for those who grasp the vision to
"follow" us. I want to focus on developing the coworking group while
at the same time giving them taste of true collaboration. I'm still
working on that part, but it should be fine once we get in the flow of
things. :-)
Toni
On Mar 18, 6:25 pm, Alex Hillman <dangerouslyawes...@gmail.com> wrote:
> After this response, I temper my previous answer of "we learn more from
> people less like us" to include the caveat "but everybody can benefit from
> coworking principals when applied with thought and intent".
>
> You said so much in this reply that shows the thoughtfulness and intent
> behind your approach. I'm truly loving what you've described.
>
> Excited to see this unfold, keep the posts like this flowing!
>
> -Alex
>
> /ah
> indyhall.org
> coworking in philadelphia
>
have almost 500 new agents just in a 10 mile radius that we are
targeting. I can see how it can quickly become a "real estate"
community. However, in using your approach, Alex, we can promote the
true essence of coworking and draw in other professions and skill
sets. Hopefully, with the agents being "new" their professional
circles still include people "less like them" who will also find
coworking an exciting concept.
We are planning to start our "Work Date" tour in a couple of weeks.
We'll meet up once a week in a different spot probably for a 6 to 8
week rotation. Each of the three locations is in a different direction
from the space but close enough for those who grasp the vision to
"follow" us. I want to focus on developing the coworking group while
at the same time giving them taste of true collaboration. I'm still
working on that part, but it should be fine once we get in the flow of
things. :-)
Toni
On Mar 18, 6:25 pm, Alex Hillman <dangerouslyawes...@gmail.com> wrote:
> After this response, I temper my previous answer of "we learn more from
> people less like us" to include the caveat "but everybody can benefit from
> coworking principals when applied with thought and intent".
>
> You said so much in this reply that shows the thoughtfulness and intent
> behind your approach. I'm truly loving what you've described.
>
> Excited to see this unfold, keep the posts like this flowing!
>
> -Alex
>
> /ah
> indyhall.org
> coworking in philadelphia
>
OC Houston
Mar 21, 2012, 12:22:01 AM3/21/12
to Coworking
So, we're moving ahead with the first target group. I've planned a
"Minding Your Business Jelly" at a local library. I invited 474 newly
licensed real estate agents and encouraged them to bring a friend who
is NOT involved in real estate. Luckily, the first 6 weeks of my agent
training program are generic AND can be incorporated into a coworking
community planning session with attendees from any field. So, we'll
have something to work on.
I sent the invite about an hour ago and have 5 people signed up
already. I know of two other people who want to come...one an agent,
the other a marketing consultant. We'll see...
Toni
"Minding Your Business Jelly" at a local library. I invited 474 newly
licensed real estate agents and encouraged them to bring a friend who
is NOT involved in real estate. Luckily, the first 6 weeks of my agent
training program are generic AND can be incorporated into a coworking
community planning session with attendees from any field. So, we'll
have something to work on.
I sent the invite about an hour ago and have 5 people signed up
already. I know of two other people who want to come...one an agent,
the other a marketing consultant. We'll see...
Toni
Wendy S.
Mar 22, 2012, 10:00:55 AM3/22/12
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
Toni,
Congratulations! I'm a commercial broker in Chicago, working as a "100%" firm as you shared (new term for me).
Kudos on the idea to develop training/education for real estate professionals that is NOT generic but more "how to run a business". You are absolutely on to something!
In Illinois, education is so focused on the residential side since the vast majority of agents gravitate to that area. Illinois has moved to a Managing Broker designation in the past 3 years, which attempts to address how to manage an office. It is seriously lacking in any "meat". If not for past management and business experience, my firm would have tanked back in '08.
Based on our past experience in running business centers, we established a 2-prong business approach: provide tenant rep in Metro Chicago and help clients throughout North America start, develop or improve the performance of shared work environments. This diversification has been instrumental to our success.
Your diversification of your environment to include training is a trend we noticed at the GCUC conference in Austin - wishing you 50 attendees!
Wendy Spreenberg
OC Houston
Mar 22, 2012, 10:44:23 AM3/22/12
to Coworking
Thank you Wendy! I am glad I was not moved by my initial assumption to
delete anyone I could identify as commercial agent from my invite
list. I figured everyone has something to offer and learn. We're
excited at the opportunities a coworking space will present for the
members as well as for our own business goals. I've learned so much in
this group. We've even discovered ways to execute some of the plans
we've had since 2008. LOL! No time like the present. :-)
Oh, we were also trying to become SCORE volunteers but I sensed an
automatic exclusionary tone in the voice of the Chapter Chair. Even at
40 something I guess I'm too young. haha! But, we can still offer a
similar curriculum without being directly related. We have an
excellent small business development center officed in one of the
community colleges that will be a great "partnership" for what we are
doing.
Toni
delete anyone I could identify as commercial agent from my invite
list. I figured everyone has something to offer and learn. We're
excited at the opportunities a coworking space will present for the
members as well as for our own business goals. I've learned so much in
this group. We've even discovered ways to execute some of the plans
we've had since 2008. LOL! No time like the present. :-)
Oh, we were also trying to become SCORE volunteers but I sensed an
automatic exclusionary tone in the voice of the Chapter Chair. Even at
40 something I guess I'm too young. haha! But, we can still offer a
similar curriculum without being directly related. We have an
excellent small business development center officed in one of the
community colleges that will be a great "partnership" for what we are
doing.
Toni
Toni Hogan
Aug 13, 2012, 2:58:57 PM8/13/12
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
Revisiting this thread... (Tried to make this short...FAILED) After trying to build our community the "regular" way, {I know there's really no one regular way} it looks like we're back to our original plan. I may be speaking prematurely but I think a real estate focused community will begin to grow organically. :-)
Now that we're done with getting the space ready to receive members and guest, we've been able to refocus our energies on what pays the bills. I stopped practicing residential real estate at the beginning of this year and went back to my calling as a Real Estate Virtual Administrator. Instead of trying to pull one new agent-client at a time I cast out a net.
My first client is with a firm that has over 1,500 agents. I prepared a presentation, called the broker and went to see him the next day. I walked out of there as one of his new agents, although I not practicing, and access to all of the firm's agents. In addition, I have a verbal commitment from him to help me grow my REVA business. He called two agents while I was in the office, gave my number to two or three more, and sent an email to everyone Sunday night.
Exciting right? But, wait!!! They (I mean we) have about nine offices throughout Houston but they are not really setup as workspaces and have limited space for meeting clients. The broker sent out an email to all 1,500 agents about a training last week, but the conference room only holds 6 people. SOOO, I told him my facility could accommodate up to 30 people (major understatement) and sent him the link to The Office Connexion website.
His reply, "Now Toni, I am proud of you. I'll do my best to help you make your business take off. I'll come see you there and look it over. We may do meetings there and give you more exposure. We can talk later." Today, he said we need to plan for him to come see my "little office" soon. I didn't mention to him that our little office is actually 13K square feet. {giggle} Seriously, he's really an awesome person and I see why his firm has grown while others are dropping agents like flies.
On another note, we signed our first private office member last Friday. yippee! We've also launched a Small Business Chamber of Commerce and are expecting quite a few business owners at our networking event this Friday. Exciting things happening...finally!
TH
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages