Starting Your Business? Embrace Co-Working Spaces

So, you have decided to start your own business, but don’t want to get entangled in setting up the office and control your costs then co-working space is an ideal solution for you.

You may wonder what is a co-working space?

It is an arrangement where workers from different companies share an office space together and use common infrastructure.

If you are starting your own law firm, chartered accountancy (CA) firm or any other consulting firm, it’s advisable to have an office at a co-working space initially over the temptation of having your own exclusive office space.

Working in a co-working space as a founder of a firm can offer several benefits over having your own exclusive office.

Below are some advantages of using a co-working space:

Cost Efficiency

• Reduced Overhead: Co-working spaces typically offer flexible membership plans, which can be more cost-effective than leasing and maintaining your own office space. This is particularly advantageous for start-ups and small law firms with limited budgets.

• No Upfront Costs: You won't have to worry about upfront costs like security deposits, office furniture and utilities, as these are often included in co-working space fees.

Flexibility

• Scalability: Co-working spaces allow you to easily adjust the size of your workspace as your firm grows or contracts. You can rent additional space or reduce it based on your needs that is more challenging with a traditional office lease.

• Short-Term Commitments: Many co-working spaces offer month-to-month or shorter-term contracts, providing flexibility if your firm's future is uncertain or you want to test a location before committing long-term.

Networking Opportunities

• Community: Co-working spaces often host a diverse community of professionals, including lawyers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. This can facilitate networking and collaboration opportunities that may not be as readily available in an isolated office.

• Events & Workshops: Co-working spaces frequently host events, workshops and seminars that can help you stay updated on legal industry trends and connect with potential clients or partners.

Amenities & Services

• Access To Amenities: Many co-working spaces offer a range of amenities such as reception services, high-speed internet, meeting rooms, printing facilities, and kitchen areas. This can save you time and resources compared to setting up these services in your own office.

• Administrative Support: Some co-working spaces provide administrative services like mail handling, phone answering and concierge services. This can be extremely beneficial for a busy law firm.

Professional Image

• Impression: Co-working spaces are often associated with innovation and a modern, dynamic work environment. Having your firm located in such a space can project a forward-thinking image to clients and potential hires.

• Prime Locations: Co-working spaces are often located in central business districts, giving your firm a prestigious address without the high costs associated with leasing a traditional office in the same area.

Reduced Maintenance Hassles

• Maintenance & Cleaning: Co-working spaces typically handle cleaning and maintenance of the premises, eliminating the need for you to manage these aspects of office upkeep.

• IT Infrastructure: Co-working spaces often provide robust IT infrastructure, ensuring that your firm has access to reliable technology without the need to manage it yourself.

Co-Working Spaces Providers

Some of the co-working space providers in India are ABL Workspace, Awfis, BHIVE, Cowrks, Innov8, Insta Office, myHQ, Smartworks, Spring House, SpringBoard and WeWork.

However, it's important to note that there are some potential downsides to co-working spaces such as less control over your environment, potential noise and distractions, and the need to adapt to shared facilities and schedules.

As a founder of a firm, carefully weigh these factors to determine if a co-working space aligns with your specific business needs and objectives.

(Send feedback to editor@cornerofficejournal.com)