Choosing to work from home is undoubtedly the most cost-effective option for new start-up’s, but for some, it can soon become isolating and prove challenging to stay motivated.
Photographs: iStock
Text: Laura Wintemute
If you are like I was when I first started my company Homestead, the thought of a private office was out of the question. I worked from home the first year, simply because I couldn’t afford an office. When I finally moved out of my guest room office and into a co-working space back in August last year, it was the best thing I could ever do for both myself and my company. The amount of inspiration, motivation and socialisation was just what my company needed to thrive and proved to be worth every penny.
March of this year to save on my company expenses, I considered terminating my lease at my current co-working space, but after weighing the pros and cons, I realised this was a pro and not something I should cut back on.
"In the end, what matters is gaining the support and space you need to grow yourself and your company. Having a great community around you every day allows you to tap into other people’s ways of thinking, learn new ideas, make friends and gain support during the highs and lows of your start-up journey." Laura Wintemute - Founder of International Headquarters & Homestead"
Networking opportunities and co-working with like-minded people
In my opinion, co-working spaces are way better than renting private offices as it offers opportunities for networking. Meeting new people from different backgrounds is always a great way to grow and gain more knowledge. When many goal-oriented and accomplished people share the same space at work, there are chances to meet great thinkers and established entrepreneur ideas.
Socialising with likeminded-people and creative minds is equally important to clear our vision and motivate us to reach our goals. This gives us the chance to be part of a community and interact with others while helping us better understand the importance of engaging with other people and exchanging ideas. There is a good possibility that the people with whom you are sharing the office space may become your clients or in the least provide you with references.
Learning new skills and growing our customer base
My co-working space supports regular community events and programmes, designed and developed to facilitate its members in a way that they get to learn new skills. Be it an event about business development, marketing, SoMe or gaining investors. Often free of charge, these events help other entrepreneurs grow their business, while at the same time, providing proof of concept and future clients for the company holding the event.
Inspiration / mentorship = more productivity At my co-working space, International Headquarters, we are professionals, freelancers, start-ups and entrepreneurs all meeting and collaborating to help each other in growing our businesses. We share a common platform, and many of us have the same goals, ambitions and challenges in entrepreneurial life. We are an inspiration for each other and mentor each other as we grow in our journey together. By working with each other, we stay focused, increase our talents, skills and productivity.
There are many ways we can save money as self-employed entrepreneurs, ensuring we have enough savings for a rainy day or a global pandemic. Still, in my personal experience, your co-working space is not one of them.
If you are thinking about venturing out of your guest room, we currently have some available desks in our Headquarters. If you are an entrepreneur working with internationals living in Denmark and are interested in joining our colourful collaboration, please reach out to info@inthq.org