Hi Coworking colleagues,
I thought I'd share a few insights from how we're set up over here at Local 64, in case its helpful or instructive for any of you setting up new working spaces. If I had to describe our infrastructure, I'd say its light and rock solid. The carbon nanotube construction of space management. Here goes:
- We've developed four tiers of membership: "Settlers" are office owners by the month $275/mo; "Nomads" are shared space users by the month ($65/mo); "Visitors" buy 5 day passes per month ($35/mo); and "Day Trippers" purchase by the day ($15/day). So far, the "Nomad" seems very popular, and we've rented all our offices (only three, two of them doubled up)
- Membership (we're up to 21) is piped through Cobot.me; it has its limits, but is very effective for what it does, including member invoicing. Planning to get Wifi check-in enabled in the next few weeks to support better self-regulation at the space (know when its busy, less busy, etc)
- Payments are being handled through Paypal, Square, and cash/check. Square, while a bit on the pricey side, is incredibly smooth and easy to use, with automated nightly deposits
- We provide Wifi through a kick@$$ Netgate router recommended by Cobot; it offers infinite flexibility and customization with a very robust range - members can pick it up at locations up and down the block!
- In addition to providing MW95 access for all members, we're getting some great public programs on the calendar after hours, including weeknight and weekend workshops. I'd be interested in knowing what systems you use to create a robust community platform (help members maintain profiles, manage scheduling/calendaring, blog, email announce, etc).
- General communication and outreach is managed through Tumblr (our blog/web presence at
local64.com), Google groups (email announce, members only) and MailChimp (growing outreach list of about 200 interested community members). Its all a bit unwieldy but we don't have the resources to plow into developing an integrated system. I'd love to hear what others do from an integrated workflow.
- Access is managed in two ways: members with an office have their own keys, for 24/7 access; "nomads" have 9-5/M-F access through a buzzer to a first-floor door (we're in a second floor space). I'd love to find a great keycard access system that can integrate with a membership management system - if anyone has ideas, please share!
Well, that's about it - lots of small stuff but I wanted to share these deets. You can see some pics of the space at
http://local64.com
Very best,
lars
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