7 Questions You Need To Ask Before Joining A Co-working Space

Many startups and small-business owners are flocking to co-working spaces these days after realizing how much they miss the feeling of being in an office space. These places allow you to interact with others and become a part of a community of like-minded people. Many startup co-working spaces in Ohio charge a daily, weekly, or monthly fee for workspace and offer amenities such as Wi-Fi, conference rooms, private phone booths, and the all-important coffee maker.

With the proliferation of hundreds of co-working spaces for startups in Ohio and beyond, it can be difficult to select the best one for your company. Before making any decisions, you should ask yourself a few key questions.

• What is the Pricing Structure?

People often get caught up in the excitement of starting a new business and end up paying more in areas where they could save money, such as rent for office space. It is critical to understand whether your current cash flow can support the purchase of a new space. The cost of these co-working spaces can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors such as location, facilities provided, operational hours, and so on. So, look for an arrangement that makes sense for your budget, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little.

• What services are provided?

When calculating the cost, it is critical to consider what amenities are included in your co-working membership and whether these amenities allow you to save money in other areas. Most startup co-working spaces in Ohio provide basic amenities such as unlimited printing and photocopying, free access to unlimited Wifi, discounted or free parking, meeting rooms, and so on. Remember not to fall into the trap of looking for a space with ostentatious perks. Rather, look for places that provide amenities that will help you save money and time.

• Does it meet my ergonomic requirements?

Try out the ergonomics of the co-working space you want to join, or inquire about customizing your desk to your specific needs. A bad chair or desk can turn an otherwise wonderful space into a nightmare.

Fortunately, most service providers are considerate when it comes to seating. Some offer the possibility of switching between regular desks, standing desks, and even a bicycle desk.

• What Networking Opportunities are Available

To motivate their members and cultivate a sense of community, many co-working spaces host social events as well as specialized development workshops. Every month, many startup co-working spaces host free networking events for their members. These venues host outstanding speakers and presenters who speak on a variety of topics related to business ownership, marketing, growth, and so on. In a nutshell, these spaces provide their members with numerous networking opportunities.

• What is the travel time?

One of the most important factors to consider and ask oneself before choosing a co-working space is the amount of time it takes to commute. Most co-working spaces are located in urban areas, which may sound great for those who live nearby, but if you live in some suburbs, you may have to commute for a longer distance, which will waste your time, energy, and money. Make certain that the space you select does not require much time to reach, as the time saved from commuting will result in a more efficient work day.

• What are the Working Hour?

Almost all co-working spaces have different working hours; some have set office hours, while others are open 24/7 and allow members to set their own hours. Before you join any of these spaces, find out what their operating hours are, whether the timings are compatible with your working hours, and so on.

• What is the status of the current members?

Before you join any startup co-working space,  you should probably ask yourself this question. Don’t forget to look around or inquire about who else uses the space, as this will have a significant impact on the atmosphere and culture. Take a look at the current occupants and see if any of them can help you advance your business or career. Co-working spaces are usually tailored to a specific industry, such as start-ups, professionals, freelancers, non-profits, or creatives. Individuals can use these spaces to connect with one another, share knowledge, and demonstrate their expertise.