Singapore has highly-priced office spaces, so many small business owners would rather work out of co-working spaces than rent their buildings. Luckily for them, there are plenty of these spaces in the city-state where they can go to and collaborate with other business people just like themselves. Here are some factors you may want to consider when choosing a co-working space.
Location
Consider the location of the coworking space and how accessible it is from where you live or work at. This is because you will probably commute from one place to another from time to time, depending on your meeting schedules with clients and partners. Of course, it is advisable to choose a coworking space in Singapore that is near your home or workplace so you can easily visit it on days when you need to meet someone. Also, you may want to consider the location of your clients or partners so they can easily visit you.
Price
What is the basic price for renting a space? How much will add more amenities like printing services and storage space cost? Think about how much gear you already have; if you don’t need extra storage space, you’ll save on that!
Amenities
Consider the amenities that will come with your rental. A few things to note are whether there is a receptionist, access card to the building, and locker spaces for storage. Also, consider whether printers, scanners, and Wi-Fi services in the co-working space you have in mind. These may come in handy when you need them.
Facilities
What kind of facilities are available in the co-working space? For example, some spaces have kitchens with appliances so you can whip up your meals. Others have pool tables for when you need to take a break from work. Do consider these things if you want something less formal than an office. If you pick a co-working space that has a pool table or a fully-equipped kitchen, you can go there even if you don’t have a meeting to attend.
Technology
If you need a fast internet connection and the best printers in the market, then good technology is a good choice. But remember – cost trumps everything else, so choose wisely. Sometimes it is wiser to choose a cheaper space with good people over an expensive one with the equipment you probably won’t use often.
Community
No matter how great your business is, nobody wants to work somewhere where they are all alone. There are plenty of freelancers out there who start on their own but find it hard to make ends meet. It’s because they quickly realize that working alone can get very boring and frustrating. To avoid such a situation, consider the demographics of the people you want to work with. Consider whether any activities are organized in the space to bring everyone together and boost morale.
Business Philosophy
Before you sign the contract for your coworking space, consider whether their business philosophy is aligned with yours. You want to choose a coworking space in Singapore where people work on things you believe in. Otherwise, it may be difficult for you to work on the same floor as these people since you might not agree on what the business should do.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing a coworking space. Keep in mind that your office will be your second home, so it should reflect who you are and what you do. Of course, it is highly advisable to choose the best co-working space with state-of-the-art facilities, but if this option does not fit your budget, you can always go for a co-working space with great people over an expensive one.
