How Coworking can up your Freelancer Game

Coworking spaces can help freelancers network with people working in different industries!

The freelance workforce is snowballing globally, with many turning in the conventional 9-5 for a more flexible lifestyle. The world of freelancing is undoubtedly dynamic, with many innovative entrepreneurs always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to up their freelancing game and gain new found inspiration. 

One such way to boost your business is to join a co-working space.

So, what is a co-working space?

Co-working office spaces are all the rage these days, with many freelancers and small start-ups opting to work in these shared office spaces. Each co-working space will have different things on offer, with some offering fully private office suites and others offering hot desk or shared office options. 

Whether you need a co-working space for a day when you're dealing with home renovations, once a week when you need a change of scenery or every day, there are loads of options around.  

Here are several ways in which co-working can up your freelance game.

1.  Networking opportunities galore

One of the main perks of co-working is networking opportunities. These spaces offer unparalleled opportunities to meet fellow entrepreneurs, enhancing the potential to network with like-minded professionals, discover new projects, and collaborate on exciting jobs.   

 Motivational speaker and entrepreneur Jim Rohn once said: "You're the average of the five people you spend most of your time with," and this rings especially true in the business world. When you surround yourself with inspiring individuals, you can grow personally and, in your career, which will naturally enhance the work you produce. 

Moreover, networking in a shared office space can also inspire newfound inspiration and allow you to embark on scintillating new projects.

 2. Saving you money 

Rentals often come with long-term commitments, and these aren't always viable when you're starting a business. Renting your own office space is super expensive, especially when you consider rental deposits, buying office furniture, paying for speedy WI-FI connection, and ensuring general maintenance of the building. Co-working spaces take away all the hassle of committing to a long-term rental and purchasing office equipment while giving you all the perks of a traditional office. 

3. Better office facilities

Co-working spaces are perfectly equipped to handle the day-to-day running of a business. They offer excellent internet connection, quiet rooms to work, functional office furniture, and neat and professional areas where you can have meetings. Many co-working spaces also have boardrooms or function venues for hire, and these can be great places to host business meetings and team-building sessions. You can also usually rent these spaces by the hour, which can offer some significant financial savings.

4. Minimal distractions 

One of the key advantages of co-working spaces is that there aren't the same distractions you might encounter at home. Since the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, many professionals have had to navigate the complexities of working from home (and the numerous distractions that come with it). Co-working spaces offer professionals a quiet place void of noisy kids, barking dogs, loud neighbors, and the general allure of pesky household chores while you have pressing work commitments. 

When you pair these places with tip-top freelance management software, like the Indy freelance management site, you can also enhance focus and workflow, ensuring that you make the most of every day. A great office space, paired with fantastic organization skills – and some brilliant online tools - can go a long way in upping your freelance game. Indy allows you to create an online calendar, track tasks and time, communicate with colleagues and clients, generate invoices, create templates, and more. 

The Takeaway 

Co-working spaces are a fantastic choice for freelancers, offering an abundance of networking opportunities and innovative ways to boost your brand.

Kristi Carignan has written on a variety of subjects including B2B, tech, marketing and more for the past 20 years. She has freelanced for dozens of international companies and organizations. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Literature from the University of British Columbia. Her hobbies include interior design, travel and fitness.

Sources 

https://ied.eu/project-updates/how-a-coworking-space-can-turn-your-startup-into-success/

https://cristinasantamarina.com/2013/09/10/benefits-of-coworking-spaces-for-freelancers-and-small-businesses/

https://drop-desk.com/what-is-coworking

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/233444