Monday, November 16, 2009

The importance of mentoring in a coworking space

While many people may think that coworking is merely working on your own projects while sitting around other entrepreneurs and sharing a workspace, there are many additional benefits to coworking. In previous posts I have mused about the importance of sharing library resources, and even having a coffee break and hanging out with other entrepreneurs at the office.

Depending on the type of coworking space you have, you may or may not have mentorship activities built within. In the case of The Network Hub, entrepreneurs not only have a shared space and the resources to build their business (wireless, physical mailbox, etc.) They can also benefit from mentorship activities.

My own experience as a coworker at The Network Hub has been strongly enhanced by the fact that I have regular meetings with Minna Van, one of the co-owners of this coworking space. We meet about once a week, and we talk about our business. We discuss how things are going, in terms of how we use the time, particular challenges, and all the while, respecting the privacy and anonymity of our clients.

Having these mentoring meetings is definitely one of the best benefits of a launch pad like The Network Hub. While not every coworking space is modeled this way, even if the formal element of mentorship is not incorporated, it’s always good to have at least informal gatherings of entrepreneurs where they can share concerns, ideas, thoughts and challenges. It’s good to have a support group!

Dr. Raul Pacheco-Vega is a Vancouver-based researcher, educator and consultant in the environmental public policy field. He conducts research in water governance, urban sustainability, comparative environmental policy and economic geography. Dr. Pacheco-Vega’s consulting studio has a home at The Network Hub.

Posted via email from minna's posterous

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Shared caffeine? Coworking and community building around coffee breaks

Caffeine is a great resource for anybody who needs to wake up in the morning and do work. Personally, I like my coffee strong, black, without cream nor sugar. And more importantly, I like having my coffee surrounded by people. I find that great ideas start to float in my head whenever I am having a coffee break.

But I always wondered if this could be a central element around which coworkers could grow community. A few weeks ago, I asked the members of the Coworking Google Groups whether they thought that having a shared coffee maker would help build community around a coffee break. I got a few responses back, everyone agreeing that it was a good idea.

The thing that really struck me was this thought from Alex Hillman, the co-founder of Indy Hall and widely respected as one of the early builders of the coworking movement. Alex replied to my email saying, amongst other things:

I wouldn’t dismiss the coffee pot (or a water cool) as a social/community building tool so quickly. Having community “places” within the office, no matter how small, provide a reason for someone to get up from their desk and bump into/converse with someone.

For a few months now, at The Network Hub, we’ve begun to share our coffee breaks as we now have a brand new, sleek and stylish coffee maker (espresso/drip) at the office. I named it “Monique” in honor of a dear friend of mine and a fellow entrepreneur, Monique Trottier. Monique Trottier is a wonderful, brilliant entrepreneur, who also has a fantastic sense of style. Since Monique (the coffee maker) is also sleek and beautiful, I thought the name was appropriate. And yes, I think that sharing coffee breaks has in a way helped continue growing the relationship between the community of entrepreneurs at The Network Hub.

Dr. Raul Pacheco-Vega is a Vancouver-based researcher, educator and consultant in the environmental public policy field. He conducts research in water governance, urban sustainability, comparative environmental policy and economic geography. Dr. Pacheco-Vega’s consulting studio has a home at The Network Hub.

Posted via email from minna's posterous