Choosing a career path as an entrepreneur, small business owner, or freelancer comes with a unique set of challenges — it takes a certain amount of self-confidence and chutzpah to strike out on one’s own without the familiarity and security of a large organization and a set office infrastructure supporting you. But for those who are so inclined to take the leap, blazing your own trail also offers unmistakable benefits — such as freedom, flexibility, and enhanced ownership in your career trajectory — that make the journey all the more worth it.
Once you’ve determined the why of starting your own business, you may now be considering the how and the where. It goes beyond mere logistics — being an entrepreneur, small business owner, or freelancer may seem lonely or isolating at the outset. Without designated office space and a support staff, you may be wondering how all of the day-to-day tasks will get done and if you’ll miss the regular interaction with colleagues and mentors that are known to fuel collaboration and growth.
That’s where coworking spaces — and the myriad advantages they offer entrepreneurs, small business owners, and freelancers — come in. From a sense of structure to a spirit of community, the possibilities are not to be underestimated. By changing your perspective, you can also amp up your productivity and create positive business outcomes.
Creativity, Connection, Community
Networking as an entrepreneur takes some extra effort — it’s all too easy to spend your days toiling away in obscurity without making the meaningful professional connections that will contribute to your company’s future growth. After all, there’s only so much you can accomplish over Zoom.
Coworking spaces are designed specifically to foster a sense of community, bringing together professionals from an array of industries into a communal space to work, yes, but also to connect, collaborate, and ideate — something you can’t achieve when working on your own from home or from your local (noisy, distracting) coffee shop.
Being in the same space with other individuals creates that palpable spark of human connection that lends energy and vibrancy to one’s pursuits. Spending time with people from a diversity of backgrounds and areas of expertise can generate new ideas and projects. Not to mention the value of meeting professionals who could help you in a variety of ways — from accountants to legal professionals to tech specialists — taking your business to the next level.
Support When and Where You Need It
When working on your own, you may lack the support services that every business requires — from administrative and IT assistance to access to meeting spaces to the ability to set up shop in different locations — that make the difference between just-starting-out to crushing-my-goals.
When considering a coworking location, keep in mind what matters most to your daily routine: Do you need a private office or is a communal space where you do your best work? What tech and admin services do you require? And, is your company on the verge of expanding? By choosing a coworking space, you’ll already be set up in an environment where you can add desks or dedicated space for your growing team.
Saving Money to Make Money
The lower costs and flexibility associated with coworking spaces provide entrepreneurs, small business owners, and freelancers with the space and the support services to invest in their own development. Whether you’re just starting out or entering a new phase, the lower costs of coworking spaces allow you to access high-end facilities and premium amenities without breaking the bank.
As opposed to renting a traditional office, coworking spaces come equipped with the perks of a lease with the added benefit of all-inclusive pricing. It’s important to consider what features you need before choosing the right space for your business. Cost-efficiency could be a crucial benefit to small businesses locked into leases that are too expensive.
You Don’t Have to Go it Alone
Whether you work as a contractor, consultant, freelancer, or on your own, you can grow your business beyond your expectations with the right surroundings and support in place. Consider a flexible coworking location as your dedicated environment to make those dreams come true.
