This story is sponsored by WeWork, opening their Miami South Beach location July 1. Watch for a launch party announcement and a Tech.Co Celebrate Startup Event coming soon!
A Focus on Community Development
While many coworking spaces boast about their community of members, none can beat WeWork in terms of its commitment to creating that community. Last December, the provider of coworking spaces with roots in NYC but whose network now includes shared offices in cities like Washington, DC., London, and Tel Aviv, closed a $355 million funding round. Sure, while it’s become common knowledge that each WeWork space is designed and styled in its own unique, modern aesthetic (oftentimes reflecting its surrounding community), demand for and popularity of its spaces isn’t wholly based on WeWork’s physical offerings; rather, people are also attracted to WeWork’s focus on its community. From access to its online network of more than 20,000 WeWork members to its wide offering of community events, the company aims to be more than just a coworking space; it’s fully committed to creating a community where everyday interactions happen – whether that’s in the form of business transactions and partnerships between members, or actual friendships between individuals. I mean, have you heard of any other coworking space putting in the effort to create a three-day networking and music festival just for its members?
Its Stronghold in NYC
Community and collaboration is at the core of what makes WeWork so successful. Despite its many locations, the company has a community manager on-site at each location to make sure that WeWork members are able to get the support they need to make connections with other members. Whether it’s to a lawyer located on another floor or to a startup in another city that’s aimed at making tax filing easier, WeWork members are provided with the tools and resources to form those relationships. In New York, where WeWork currently has 15 locations (with another office soon to open in DUMBO), the company continues to rank highly among entrepreneurs and freelancers for its accessibility to an extensive network. Located in WeWork’s SoHo West office, social polling startup Pyne believes that being a member of WeWork has enabled them to meet with certain people much more easily. According to Pyne cofounder Tony Peccatiello: But even if a WeWork member isn’t located in New York, connections from one member to another can be easily coordinated through the company’s own online network. WeWork Commons, which was launched towards the end of 2014, serves as a kind of LinkedIn for WeWork members, allowing them to connect with other members regardless of physical location.
Collaboration and Partnership Within Its Network
For Melanie Charlton, the cofounder and COO/Creative Director of the digital creative agency, Brilliant Collaborations, the potential for connections through WeWork’s extensive network was a huge draw: Brilliant Collaborations is currently based in WeWork’s Wonder Bread location in Washington, D.C. Initially in a 6-person office in the space, the company soon teamed up with Overachiever Media, a content marketing and media production agency, and upgraded to a 12-person office (with a hammock). Over the last eight or so months, the two companies have been able to create a unique relationship where they not only share a space, but also a set of clients, experiences, and business lessons. And, according to Overachiever Media founder and CEO Jason Nellis, the relationship has led to a unique culture that he believes would not have happened if it were not for WeWork:
Connections are Driving Business for Members
What’s more, those connections at WeWork are helping entrepreneurs and freelancers gain clients at a faster rate than they typically would. Is there any bigger draw than the potential to help your business succeed?
Expansion Into Nascent Startup Economies: Miami
When we last got in touch with WeWork, they had just opened up their Chinatown location in D.C. (they’ve since opened up three locations total). At the time, they were in the process of opening up additional spaces in Boston, Chicago and Seattle – all cities where thriving startup economies have initiated an increased demand for coworking spaces. Now, the company is pushing for further expansions into other nascent startup ecosystems, including Portland and Miami. Miami is increasinlgy becoming a top region for startups, supporting a collective of tech companies bolstered by unique Latin American base. This July, WeWork is opening a location in Miami’s South Beach. Whether you’re a solopreneur or a startup, consider touring WeWork Lincoln Road and becoming a part of WeWork’s robust community.
