"McCoworking" is here!
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CoCoMSP
Apr 22, 2011, 11:41:41 AM4/22/11
to Coworking
Hey all you groovy coworking types.
Even here at CoCo though we're doubling down on the notion of hosting
a unique destination coworking space, I'm fascinated by the
possibility that somebody will eventually introduce what I
affectionately call "McCoworking." By that I mean a chain of coworking
spaces that are deployed across multiple locations and that employ
economies of scale (e.g., franchising model, common systems, etc.). If
the predictions of the
So I just got wind of an effort based in our home state that you might
want to check out: http://allideasmatter.com/cms/
It appears to be a franchise model, which is interesting. Guessing
that most of the franchisees will be in strip malls in the suburbs, as
that's the most uniform real estate, in the most uniform markets...
I'll let you know if I learn any more. I don't know the biz owner
personally, but might be able to get through to him via intermediaries.
Even here at CoCo though we're doubling down on the notion of hosting
a unique destination coworking space, I'm fascinated by the
possibility that somebody will eventually introduce what I
affectionately call "McCoworking." By that I mean a chain of coworking
spaces that are deployed across multiple locations and that employ
economies of scale (e.g., franchising model, common systems, etc.). If
the predictions of the
So I just got wind of an effort based in our home state that you might
want to check out: http://allideasmatter.com/cms/
It appears to be a franchise model, which is interesting. Guessing
that most of the franchisees will be in strip malls in the suburbs, as
that's the most uniform real estate, in the most uniform markets...
I'll let you know if I learn any more. I don't know the biz owner
personally, but might be able to get through to him via intermediaries.
rachel young
Apr 22, 2011, 2:00:55 PM4/22/11
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
nah, they look like just another executive office franchise chain to me. where is their community? where do they encourage collaboration? where do they celebrate their members? where do they encourage continuity and knowledge sharing?
many times we've seen people or companies start spaces and then look for the bodies to fill it and many of them have failed or became sterile stuffy spaces. the old adage of "if you build it they will come" doesn't work, but that's what this seems like.
r.
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Matt London
Apr 22, 2011, 2:03:13 PM4/22/11
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I don't know, Rachel -- the stock photo clearly shows a group of professional women applauding a gentleman who is shaking hands with his client. Looks like community to me.
;)
Matt
--
Matt
Matt
Mike Pihlman
Apr 22, 2011, 2:17:19 PM4/22/11
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
Gee, I must have it wrong. I bought a 1000 piece puzzle and all our members are contributing to building it...maybe we should just all wear suits...
Mike
"Visit http://ForCarol.com and help us help a Tracy High IB or Ag Sci student go to college. "Carol Phan Scholarship Fund"
Mike Pihlman
AltamontCowork / ForCarol.com
95 W. 11th Street, Suite 205
Tracy, CA 95376
Phone: 209-757-8862
Twitter: @AltamontCowork
Facebook: http://Facebook.com/AltamontCowork
Drive Safe! http://ForCarol.com
Alex Hillman
Apr 22, 2011, 2:22:59 PM4/22/11
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
I agree with Rachel that this doesn't really worry me and just looks like a larger scale of the sorts of mistakes we've seen repeated. Most people will sniff test this and walk away.
But for the sake of an interesting conversation:
Could something like this allow people like us - the people who DO care about community, collaboration, celebration, and the things that make coworking uniquely valuable - focus on just that, rather than have to ALSO answer the questions that we've all seen asked here over and over and over - Where do I find the money? Where do I find space? What scheduling software do I use?
So the question this raises is: Is there value in a system that lets us focus on the important stuff, only? And what does that system take away from the important stuff?
I'm not saying that this McCoworking thing is that system, but it does make me curious what elements of coworking "infrastructure" can (or should?) be commoditized without taking away from the valuable parts, or how possible the entire process is.
-Alex
Pat Ramsey
Apr 22, 2011, 2:44:43 PM4/22/11
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
Ding ding ding...
Alex is thinking the right thoughts. Or at least he's thinking thoughts similar to those we've had.
It's the question of how do you replicate your community model in various places? Physical pieces: building, location, parking, IT, etc. is easy to model over & over. The human aspect is what's difficult.
Cheers!
Pat
--
Pat Ramsey
Resident Geek - Web Design and WordPress Specialist, Cospace
@pat_ramsey
Cospace... Meet Here
Alex Hillman
Apr 22, 2011, 2:53:46 PM4/22/11
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
I think, though, that there's danger in setting expectations of the pure physical replication of the obvious infrastructural elements.
There's also the creation of things that you don't actually need. Having a blank canvas allows you to create something other than what's expected. Allowing members to have a hand in solving some of those seemingly obvious infrastructural elements have known and proven benefits.
-Alex
--
Pat Ramsey
Apr 22, 2011, 3:05:02 PM4/22/11
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
True,
You're not going to mimic everything location to location. But I bet you can distill the physical parts to some very basic elemental needs. Building, Internet connectivity, restroom, some variety of interior space.
As you say, everything else comes with community need & involvement.
Haven't seen the term cargo cult. My first thought was it described avid fans of the old furniture chain. :-)
Cheers!
Pat
CoCoMSP
Apr 22, 2011, 7:14:05 PM4/22/11
to Coworking
Brilliant! Where else can you tune in for a conversation about
coworking and learn about cargo cults? Very illuminating.
That said, there will probably be a sizeable % of the population that
consists of corporate nomads who may not be looking for huggy-huggy
work situations. For them, an Anytime Fitness model of coworking will
suffice because they perceive themselves of having a space deficiency,
not a community deficiency. It's quite possible that communities will
spontaneously combust out of these situations, but that's not the
principle design intent. It will be more like a bonus extra. From what
I can tell, that's what has happened at my local Caribou Coffee, where
it's like a coffee klatsch whenever you walk in the place. Honestly,
people, get a coworking space!
I dunno. I get the kumbaya stuff. I thrive on it in my own space. But
I don't believe everyone is like me and seeks out the same things in
life. So it's entirely possible that there will be a ready market for
the services of All Ideas Matter. I've been wrong before and fully
expect to be wrong again!
Thanks for the convo, folks!
coworking and learn about cargo cults? Very illuminating.
That said, there will probably be a sizeable % of the population that
consists of corporate nomads who may not be looking for huggy-huggy
work situations. For them, an Anytime Fitness model of coworking will
suffice because they perceive themselves of having a space deficiency,
not a community deficiency. It's quite possible that communities will
spontaneously combust out of these situations, but that's not the
principle design intent. It will be more like a bonus extra. From what
I can tell, that's what has happened at my local Caribou Coffee, where
it's like a coffee klatsch whenever you walk in the place. Honestly,
people, get a coworking space!
I dunno. I get the kumbaya stuff. I thrive on it in my own space. But
I don't believe everyone is like me and seeks out the same things in
life. So it's entirely possible that there will be a ready market for
the services of All Ideas Matter. I've been wrong before and fully
expect to be wrong again!
Thanks for the convo, folks!
Alex Hillman
Apr 22, 2011, 7:24:10 PM4/22/11
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
That said, there will probably be a sizeable % of the population that consists of corporate nomads who may not be looking for huggy-huggy work situations. For them, an Anytime Fitness model of coworking will suffice because they perceive themselves of having a space deficiency, not a community deficiency.
Right. And that's the difference between coworking and something else. There's nothing WRONG with that something else, it just is it's own thing. And so is coworking. One of the many litmus tests I've uncovered (and Deskmag shared in a recent article about coworking lifecycles) is "But what happens if you take the desks away – what are you providing?"
When working models change, and space deficiency is no longer a problem, those spaces will fall away. Coworking spaces that do more than rent desks have an opportunity to create and provide value that outlasts the trends.
There's tons of market for both versions. Just like I can pay $25 for a hamburger with duck bacon and fois gras, or $0.99 for a cheeseburger at Micky D's.
So. You want fries with that?
-Alex
Dave
Apr 23, 2011, 11:12:45 AM4/23/11
to Coworking
Hello all,
I did-so enjoy this exchange. Most lively. Here's my two cents worth.
To me? The following are the points not covered. When something new
and exciting like 'coworking' comes on the scene, it is only human-
nature to defend it; to hold the banner high and proclaim just (what)
'coworking' is---and what it isn't. But here's the dilemma. The very
reason 'coworking' is so popular and successful as a 'model' is
because it is not rigid and fixed in its structure. It is instead
pliable, malleable, mutable in its design. To try and define it
precisely would be, as one of my professors once said, " . . . like
trying to cage the wild amoeba."
Think of it this way: Imagine the very first store. And let us suppose
it sold "Dry Goods."Then? imagine another new merchant, across town,
who chooses to sell only "Toys." Is his establishment NOT a store? As
we know, now, there are all kinds of stores: dept. stores, grocery
stores, auto parts, boutiques, box stores---even online stores. Are
they all not stores?
"Coworking"
There is a marvelous model in Silicon Valley called "Cubes and
Crayons" that offers "coworking" and day-care for toddlers. Who are we
to say that, it too, is not "coworking?"
Two points that denote a successful concept:
1. When someone copies what you are doing---you have arrived. It
means others readily see the value in what you are
doing and want to duplicate your success for themselves. And as
we all know, imitation (is) the highest form of flattery.
2. When someone franchises what you are doing---hey, you *really*
have arrived. And in their version of the movie?
Gee, let'em wear suits if they want to.
I had only one complaint?
And here it is: I visited the link: http://allideasmatter.com/cms/ I
have to ask: So, why are they not authentic in their marketing and
messaging. Why bury the word "coworking" deep in their web-content
rather than: making it a integral part of their 'brand' or
'positioning statement' right from the get-go.
Like I said,"...if you're 'coworking' . . . hey, hold that banner
high!" Don't make your reader/customer search for it.
Thanks for reading,
Dave B.
: : : : : :
I did-so enjoy this exchange. Most lively. Here's my two cents worth.
To me? The following are the points not covered. When something new
and exciting like 'coworking' comes on the scene, it is only human-
nature to defend it; to hold the banner high and proclaim just (what)
'coworking' is---and what it isn't. But here's the dilemma. The very
reason 'coworking' is so popular and successful as a 'model' is
because it is not rigid and fixed in its structure. It is instead
pliable, malleable, mutable in its design. To try and define it
precisely would be, as one of my professors once said, " . . . like
trying to cage the wild amoeba."
Think of it this way: Imagine the very first store. And let us suppose
it sold "Dry Goods."Then? imagine another new merchant, across town,
who chooses to sell only "Toys." Is his establishment NOT a store? As
we know, now, there are all kinds of stores: dept. stores, grocery
stores, auto parts, boutiques, box stores---even online stores. Are
they all not stores?
"Coworking"
There is a marvelous model in Silicon Valley called "Cubes and
Crayons" that offers "coworking" and day-care for toddlers. Who are we
to say that, it too, is not "coworking?"
Two points that denote a successful concept:
1. When someone copies what you are doing---you have arrived. It
means others readily see the value in what you are
doing and want to duplicate your success for themselves. And as
we all know, imitation (is) the highest form of flattery.
2. When someone franchises what you are doing---hey, you *really*
have arrived. And in their version of the movie?
Gee, let'em wear suits if they want to.
I had only one complaint?
And here it is: I visited the link: http://allideasmatter.com/cms/ I
have to ask: So, why are they not authentic in their marketing and
messaging. Why bury the word "coworking" deep in their web-content
rather than: making it a integral part of their 'brand' or
'positioning statement' right from the get-go.
Like I said,"...if you're 'coworking' . . . hey, hold that banner
high!" Don't make your reader/customer search for it.
Thanks for reading,
Dave B.
: : : : : :
MarcusTrugilho
Apr 23, 2011, 1:13:50 PM4/23/11
to Coworking
Hello all,
This is a great discussion and I believe many of the things said are
true, since there is still no stone rules about what coworking is.
I would like to raise another point, though, that I didn't see
discussed here.
One of the aspects of coworking is the absence of boundaries and fixed
formats. This is one of the cool things about it. But, as we all are
and deal with human beings, familiarity is a safe haven for most of
us.
I agree that the uniqueness of each coworking space makes it a place
where people want to go back and where they feel confortable. But what
if you could take that familiarity with you? One of the good aspects
of franchising is that you know what to expect form that place
anywhere. Anyone who has traveled to a far place knows how relieving
it is to find a McDonald's when you don't know where (or what) to eat.
I believe the same thing could happen to coworking. If you travel to
another city or country and you can find a place to work that is
similar to the one you use back home I'm sure you would be much more
comfortable.
Also, there is the big cities life issue. Those who live in a huge
city, like I do, would agree that moving around in a rainy pre-holiday
day is almost impossible. What if you could, instead of driving for 2
hours in a traffic jam to get to your regular coworking space, go to a
very similar one just two blocks away? If you could have basically the
same services and hospitality you find in the other one, I believe you
would embrace it immediately (I would).
I guess that's what a franchised coworking space is about. Not
standardizing to the point where it becomes impersonal, but
replicating your working environment to multiple locations.
We, from Pto de Contato (www.ptodecontato.com.br) are trying to do
that here in Brazil. We have two places in the city of São Paulo and
we are testing this ideas. So far successfully.
I believe scale is good, but we cannot miss the point that the
structure is not all we provide in a coworking space. The human aspect
that many of you have pointed out is a key element as well.
Marcus T.
This is a great discussion and I believe many of the things said are
true, since there is still no stone rules about what coworking is.
I would like to raise another point, though, that I didn't see
discussed here.
One of the aspects of coworking is the absence of boundaries and fixed
formats. This is one of the cool things about it. But, as we all are
and deal with human beings, familiarity is a safe haven for most of
us.
I agree that the uniqueness of each coworking space makes it a place
where people want to go back and where they feel confortable. But what
if you could take that familiarity with you? One of the good aspects
of franchising is that you know what to expect form that place
anywhere. Anyone who has traveled to a far place knows how relieving
it is to find a McDonald's when you don't know where (or what) to eat.
I believe the same thing could happen to coworking. If you travel to
another city or country and you can find a place to work that is
similar to the one you use back home I'm sure you would be much more
comfortable.
Also, there is the big cities life issue. Those who live in a huge
city, like I do, would agree that moving around in a rainy pre-holiday
day is almost impossible. What if you could, instead of driving for 2
hours in a traffic jam to get to your regular coworking space, go to a
very similar one just two blocks away? If you could have basically the
same services and hospitality you find in the other one, I believe you
would embrace it immediately (I would).
I guess that's what a franchised coworking space is about. Not
standardizing to the point where it becomes impersonal, but
replicating your working environment to multiple locations.
We, from Pto de Contato (www.ptodecontato.com.br) are trying to do
that here in Brazil. We have two places in the city of São Paulo and
we are testing this ideas. So far successfully.
I believe scale is good, but we cannot miss the point that the
structure is not all we provide in a coworking space. The human aspect
that many of you have pointed out is a key element as well.
Marcus T.
Jonathan Yankovich
Apr 24, 2011, 8:55:47 AM4/24/11
to Coworking
If community is one of the hallmarks of what we call "coworking", then
it would make sense to ask why the folks from All Ideas Matter are not
active on this list. The coworking mailing list is one of the most
high profile communities for coworking on the Internet. I would
expect that if these folks arent already lurking, that they are
hopefully savvy enough to have Google Alerts for their brand, and will
be on the thread soon. So, welcome in advance, I say :)
Also note that searches on the coworking wiki for "allideasmatter" and
"all ideas matter" yield zero results.
Community? where?
Jonathan
it would make sense to ask why the folks from All Ideas Matter are not
active on this list. The coworking mailing list is one of the most
high profile communities for coworking on the Internet. I would
expect that if these folks arent already lurking, that they are
hopefully savvy enough to have Google Alerts for their brand, and will
be on the thread soon. So, welcome in advance, I say :)
Also note that searches on the coworking wiki for "allideasmatter" and
"all ideas matter" yield zero results.
Community? where?
Jonathan
Jeannine
Apr 24, 2011, 5:13:42 PM4/24/11
to Coworking
I dunno about the whole fail meme, from where I sit Regus seems like
it's doing pretty okay. EasyOffice is expanding, so I expect they are
doing all right. Seats2Meet is going great guns here in the
Netherlands as far as I can see. It's my hope that they do well and
that lots of people come up with new approaches. I recently came in
glancing contact with a guy who wants to do what looks to me like a
gated community of related professionals, who share an office by
renting days instead of years. It's interesing if he can find his
market and it's only good for me -- do I have to tell my story about
the shoe stores again?
If I were deploying across multiple locations I would focus on making
them hyper-local in character. But that is my own bias;
standardization is the past it seems to me, it's individuation that
has the future.
I am not opposed to the occasional mobile worker passing through. I
like their input and I like having their perspective, it's fun to have
a new kid around. But for me anyway, they are not my core business, I
am not in the right location for that.
Laters,
JEannine
it's doing pretty okay. EasyOffice is expanding, so I expect they are
doing all right. Seats2Meet is going great guns here in the
Netherlands as far as I can see. It's my hope that they do well and
that lots of people come up with new approaches. I recently came in
glancing contact with a guy who wants to do what looks to me like a
gated community of related professionals, who share an office by
renting days instead of years. It's interesing if he can find his
market and it's only good for me -- do I have to tell my story about
the shoe stores again?
If I were deploying across multiple locations I would focus on making
them hyper-local in character. But that is my own bias;
standardization is the past it seems to me, it's individuation that
has the future.
I am not opposed to the occasional mobile worker passing through. I
like their input and I like having their perspective, it's fun to have
a new kid around. But for me anyway, they are not my core business, I
am not in the right location for that.
Laters,
JEannine
Liu Yan
Jul 10, 2011, 8:37:46 PM7/10/11
to cowo...@googlegroups.com
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