[Cowo Manifesto] We are part of a larger community, both physical and online, and we speak to each other.

The greatest thing about coworking is that you’re never alone. This is the basis of  each and every Cowo space, as well as of the whole coworking ecosystem. And if you’re wondering what this “coworking ecosystem” is, all you have to do is to participate to our CowoCamps, o to join us in one of … Continua la lettura di [Cowo Manifesto] We are part of a larger community, both physical and online, and we speak to each other. →

L’articolo [Cowo Manifesto] We are part of a larger community, both physical and online, and we speak to each other. sembra essere il primo su Coworking Project by Cowo®.

Cowo è una community allargata - Cowo Manifesto Punto 4

The greatest thing about coworking is that you’re never alone.

This is the basis of  each and every Cowo space, as well as of the whole coworking ecosystem.

And if you’re wondering what this “coworking ecosystem” is, all you have to do is to participate to our CowoCamps, o to join us in one of the several coworking events – some of them are even organized by the public administration. You’ll soon find out that there is a great number of people – and a diverse one – together with an incredible amount of information and several ways of communicating things, actions, initiatives.
An ecosystem, as we said.

As it often happens in this kind of environment, people meet, exchange information, build relationships.

Since the beginning, in 2008, Cowo has always been very active in the relationship building area, positive ones, based on actual sustainability: this kind of approach ended up being a key aspect of our “everyday philosophy”: Cowo Manifesto, 10 key points that explain what coworking means to us.

Number 4 says:

We are part of a larger community, both physical and online, and we speak to each other.

This is not a secondary aspect: it implies an open and sharing attitude.

For instance, we try to share our growing knowledge on coworking as much as we can: we publish presentations on SlideShare (more than 60, in both English and Italian), videos on our YouTube channel (about 50), photos on Flickr (more than 1,000!).

About Cowo Manifesto: here’s the post dedicated to rule number 1 “Coworking is just a word. Only people give it meaning”, one on no.2 “We make work a better experience through space/knowledge sharing, every day” and one on rule no. 10, “Coworking is a labour of love”.

Reminder – Cowo Manifesto is available in several languages: Italian, French, Spanish, Dutch and Russian.

Here’s the English version:

COWO MANIFESTO

  1. Coworking is just a word. Only people give it meaning.
  2. We make work a better experience through space/knowledge sharing, every day
  3. Coworkers are not clients. They are professionals working with you.
  4. We are part of a larger community, both physical and online, and we speak to each other.
  5. In our model, relationships come first, profit comes second.
  6. Our professional skills are constantly enriched by our community.
  7. We don’t believe in competition. This makes us highly competitive.
  8. Coworking enjoys the best marketing strategy: happiness
  9. Coworking is always the beginning of something.
  10. “Coworking is a labour of love” (Tara Hunt)

 

L’articolo [Cowo Manifesto] We are part of a larger community, both physical and online, and we speak to each other. sembra essere il primo su Coworking Project by Cowo®.

Can Coworking Help Build A Healthy Business Ecosystem?

Being different from the common vision of an “office” or a “job” doesn’t mean that coworkers should abandon the 9 – 5ers all together. Sometimes the bridges built between coworking spaces and the larger community are the most important for a healthy business ecosystem, and coworkers should be willing to put the first stepping stones in place.

By Angel Kwiatkowski

coworking builds a healthy business ecosystem

Coworking spaces (and their members) often spend time building connections with other coworking spaces or groups of technically creative people, but it’s important to remember that a coworking facility is still part of the larger, conventional business community (which happens to be struggling right now).

Being different from the common vision of an “office” or a “job” doesn’t mean that coworkers should abandon the 9 – 5ers all together. Sometimes the bridges built between coworking spaces and the larger community are the most important for a healthy business ecosystem, and coworkers should be willing to put the first stepping stones in place.

Host Classes/Workshops/Seminars That Are Open To Non-Members

Whether it’s tips from an outside tax expert or a workshop about how to network effectively, chances are that small business owners or even cubicle-dwellers could benefit from the knowledge as well. Opening up some of your functions to outside individuals is also a great way to give people a peek into everything they’re missing, and an easy way to bring in a few extra dollars of revenue.

Support Other Local Businesses

A group of dedicated, well-connected coworkers is a powerful market segment for any new business. Take the time to introduce yourself to the owners and managers of storefronts that you frequent, and be sure to mention that you’re there because you cowork nearby and you like to support local business. Not only will they become aware about a new way of working, it might even spark a discount for coworkers or create an opportunity for collaboration.

Develop A Resource Reputation

A room full of healthy, motivated, independent professionals is a dream come true for a future business owner. Instead of thumbing through a Chamber of Commerce directory or (gasp!) venturing into the wilds of Elance or Freelancer.com, a coworking space provides the business ecosystem with a rich pool of pre-approved talent. All you have to do is find a way to let your community know that this talent exists and is ready to help.

What other ways does your coworking space contribute to the health of the larger business ecosystem?

Image Credit: Flickr – Intersection Consulting