How does a virtual office support an entrepreneur?
For the entrepreneurs out there who are looking into starting a business but are working on a tight budget, a virtual office is a smart and easy solution. It’s an affordable way for small businesses or startups to launch their company while providing a professional image to clients.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreShared 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.
Read MoreWhat’s so great about The Network Hub?
What’s so great about The Network Hub? This is the question I was asking myself as I headed out to attend my first Vancouver Entrepreneur Meetup there this fall.
Read MoreSharing Library Resources: Yet Another Benefit of Coworking
It hadn’t dawned on me how important it was to share library resources amongst entrepreneurs until a couple of days ago, when Amin (another entrepreneur whose company has offices here at The Network Hub) asked me if he could borrow a book of mine. And at that point (yes, recently, just a few days ago) it became clear to me that being able to access a collective pool of learning resources (including books/magazines/journals/articles) is yet another benefit of coworking.
Read MoreSharing space with other entrepreneurs leads to synergy
There’s more to shared office space than a business bargain. Not only does investing in a shared office space save you money it provides you with lots of intangible benefits. If you are going to compete in the competitive Vancouver market, you need to be at your best. An isolated entrepreneur loses his or her edge in communication skills. It’s impossible to sell your product or ideas if you never practice the language of business.
Read MoreThinking about guiding principles for coworking spaces
Coworking spaces vary in design, implementation models and philosophies/strategic views. Coworking spaces may share many attributes of entrepreneurial incubators, yet they may also have fundamental differences. A quick overview of philosophies and ground principles of coworking spaces in the US shows a few shared commonalities.
Read MoreWhat are the benefits of a virtual office for an entrepreneur?
Let’s face it, Vancouver office space is expensive. However it is difficult to convey the image of stability and professionalism when you are limited to meeting clients and customers at your kitchen table or in a series of coffee shops. So, what’s a smart and enterprising entrepreneur to do?
Read MoreAnswering services keep customers happier for mobile entrepreneurs
Telephone tag—that annoying thing that happens when you and your customers call and call and never connect. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your customers could leave a message with an actual person? Think of how annoyed you are when you need to leave a message and you end up listening to a recorded voice. Well your customers feel the same way.
Read MoreLeaving the kitchen table
“Real” office space can provide a boost to your image and marketing efforts. If you are meeting with clients, suppliers and colleagues in a room with a view to your laundry, you are not making the best impression you could. Clients expect to talk with you without hearing your children crying or smelling your pets. Image is especially important for solo entrepreneurs; you are your brand.
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