Coworking spaces are the newest innovation in work environments. If you’re used to working from either an office or at home, you might not be familiar with the concept yet. A Coworking space is basically a shared office space, available to and used by individuals who don’t typically work for the same organization. Walking into a Coworking space, you might see the owner of an interior design firm picking out swatches online, sitting next to a defense attorney working on her next case. It’s a unique environment designed to foster productivity and innovation. You might be wondering why these people decided to invest in a coworking space rather than just working at home, or setting up their laptop at a coffee shop. Here are a few of the main benefits of coworking spaces.

Networking

One of the perks of working out of a coworking space is the networking opportunity. Even the two people I mentioned before could benefit from exchanging information. Perhaps the lawyer has a client who is looking to have her bathroom remodeled. Maybe the designer needs representation in civil court later this year. You never know what opportunities can be unlocked by simply shaking someone’s hand. Coworking spaces provide a great place to meet professional and motivated people. The people you meet there could become your future clients, collaborators, or even employees.

Maximum Productivity

We’ve all been there before. You sit down at your kitchen table, open up your laptop and can’t get through three minutes of work without something distracting you. Your dog starts barking to go out, your kids want to show you something they’ve created with their legos, or someone knocks at your front door. Most of us love being home with the people, pets and things that we care about most, but this can prove to be a huge distraction when you’re trying to get work done. Even working at a library or café can be distracting, with all the hustle and bustle of customers running around. With coworking spaces, these distractions are removed. There is such a benefit to being surrounded by other motivated and productive people, as well as being equipped with resources such as fast wifi and printers that you need day in and out. Being in a space that is specifically designed to help you get work done can do wonders for your efficiency and even creativity.

Meetings

The hardest part of working from home can be figuring out where to meet with clients. No matter how nice your home is, inviting your clients over to meet with you there can seem somewhat unprofessional. Having a boardroom or conference room gives off the air of importance, and shows that you take your work seriously. As a small business owner, inviting your clients to a coworking space that you’ve invested in can show them that you are in it for the long haul, and are committed to your work in a tangible way.

For more information about how to start looking for a coworking space to make your own, check out our free Ebook “What to Look For in a Co-working Space”