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Eloquence via Stephen Collins

Stephen highlights comments posted my Chris Messina on the on Coworking Google Group..

“Diversity is not something that can be “achievedâ€?, much like the rainmaker who makes rain once as a happenstance and then fails to invoke the weather again. Diversity is a process and a mindset.”

Corporate “sponsoredâ€? coworking, OUR way via Alex Hillman

I’m not against the idea, but I do agree with Chris that at this stage of the game, its not the place for direction of our energy. It’s hard to keep individuals focused when there are big business intentions steering them.

Democracy > Communism > Coworking via Ryan Price

One intrepid geek is couchsurfing across Europe right now in a project he calls On the Luck of Seven. This is one of his most recent videos, where a French activist takes us on the journey of how the coworking meme is part of the evolution of society.

Distracted? Turn Off Laptop and Phone! Monday Morning Work Etiquette via serge

After my first experience with CoWorking at Jelly in New York , I was also left pondering how you can share ideas and brainstorm with others in that type of setting if everyone is self-absorbed, doing their stuff, kinda alone together.

Congratulations to Liam Burke the winner of our survey prize. Our winner was picked at random by Damien Mulley (I felt guilty picking someone myself).

How did you find out about coworking?

79.07% of people surveyed found out about coworking through a blog or a website. While another 11.63% found out about coworking through a friend or work colleague.

I’m impressed with the 9.30% who found out about coworking via someone spamming emailing them. You know who you are!

How would you class your current work situation?

46.51% of the people surveyed said they were self employed, interestedly 18.60% also said they were self employed but currently working with a company.

18.60% of people were employed by a company, while another 16.28% of people employed by a company wanted to be self employed.

What would attract you most to coworking?

Interaction with like-minded individuals was top of the agenda with 46.51%. While sharing the cost of an office space and the ability to collaborate and pool resources both came in at 18.60%. This is an interesting tidbit as its shows the cost of a space does not directly out way the ability to collaborate with others.

The Structure of a dedicated working was low on the agenda with only 9.30% and the ability to network with others only received 4.65%.

What would be the most important factor when choosing a coworking location?

At 44.19%, it would seem that the physical location of the coworking space is quite important, while 20.93% of people considered a central location to be the key. This might highlight that people want to work close to home but not necessarily in a town or city center location. This might be why car parking wasn’t a big issue at 2.33%.

For the greener at heart, availability of public transport came in at 16.28%, while the Physical condition and look of the space came in at 16.28%. You have to dress to impress?

What would be the most important factor to you when choosing a coworking space?

Internet connectivity was top priority at 55.81%, while many people like their space with 18.60%. Extra Facilities such as kitchens, meeting rooms and receptions came in at 16.28%. Natural Light and ventilation was 6.98% and the space available to expand business only came in at 2.33%

What are the minimum facilities that you expect from a coworking facility?

This question was similar to the previous question but it was multiple choice.

Internet connectivity was again the top priority at 29.17%
26.39% – Desk, Chair & Power
13.89% – Phone & Fax
10.42% – Meeting Rooms
9.72% – Kitchen or Recreation area
6.94% – Car parking facilities
3.47% – Receptionist

What additional services might you avail of in a coworking space?

This was an interesting section of the survey for me, personally I think that value added services will make a coworking facility shine.

29.47% – Printing, Faxing and photocopying
20.00% – Virtual office, Virtual receptionist
16.84% – Financial & Accounting or Financial advisor
13.68% – Dedicated internet connectivity
11.58% – Business advisor or Business consultant
8.42% – Dedicated phone, fax or PSTN (ISDN)

So from the above it looks like if you could tie in printing, virtual services and a part time Financial advisor you could be onto a real winner.

How much would you be willing to pay for a coworking space?

This one seems to be fairly clear cut .. as low as possible! 66.67% opted for between €100 and €299 a month.. 33.33% opted for between €300 – €400 a month.

There may be some divide in the future in relation to cost versus quality in relation to a coworking space.

What would be acceptable terms in an agreement on a coworking space?

This was bound to be a tough question .. should you be tied down or free and easy .. who foots the bill.

54.76% -1 month deposit, Rolling Monthly agreement
23.81% – 1 month deposit, Rolling Quarterly agreement
11.90% – No deposit, Rolling Monthly
7.14% – No deposit, 6 month agreement,
2.38% – No depost, 12 month agreement

Would you avail of international coworking spaces?

Yes – 52.38%
Maybe – 40.48%
No – 7.14%

Let us know what you think of the above stats.

Also a big thanks to the guys over in Group Surveys for the use of their software .

As you all know, the coworking survey ended on the 29th June. The findings from the survey and the winners of the competition were never announced, more on that over here.

So getting back on track, because of the delay I feel compelled to bump up the prize money to €150 in cash with an extra €150 prize to go to the registered charity of the winner’s choice. So that’s a total of €300 being given away!

Results / findings from the survey will be announced on Friday.