Founder & Chief Collaboration Officer at CoworkingConsulting.com
David Walker is one of the original pioneers of the global coworking movement and has been a leader in the industry for 15 years (since 2008). Two years before WeWork was founded, David co-founded and co-operated one of the first 50 coworking spaces in the world and grew it to three locations in 6.5 years in the City of Innovation, Austin Texas.
A decade ago, he cofounded the first full-service global coworking consultancy, OpenWork Agency, which in April 2023 spun off to create CoworkingConsulting.com. David and his partners have helped clients launch coworking businesses in places such as Nairobi, Singapore, Bahamas, Dubai, and numerous locations across the USA.
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A decade ago, he cofounded the first full-service global coworking consultancy, OpenWork Agency, which in April 2023 spun off to create CoworkingConsulting.com. David and his partners have helped clients launch coworking businesses in places such as Nairobi, Singapore, Bahamas, Dubai, and numerous locations across the USA.
Let's Connect on LinkedIn
Latest posts by David Walker (see all)
- Introducing Our Fractional Coworking Executive Service: Transform Underutilized Office Spaces into High-Occupancy, Revenue-Generating Assets - September 26, 2024
- Community Manager 3.0: Why Your Space May Need a Coworking Executive - December 14, 2023
- The Unseen Discriminatory Factors of a Mandated RTO Policy - November 8, 2023
A coworking space is not just a place to work; it’s a community of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals who are seeking collaboration, networking, and a sense of belonging. The task of building such a community requires strategic planning and implementation. Here are nine innovative strategies to cultivate a vibrant and engaging coworking community:
- Networking Events: Facilitate member interaction and collaboration by organizing regular networking events. These events can range from informal gatherings to structured industry-specific meetups or pitch nights.
- Member-led Workshops: Enable members to share their expertise through workshops and seminars. This approach provides the dual benefit of enriching the community with diverse knowledge and elevating the profile of members leading the workshops.
- Digital Collaboration Platforms: Establish an online platform, such as a private social media group or a Slack channel, for members to connect, share resources, and engage in discussions, enhancing the sense of community beyond the physical space.
- Regular Feedback Mechanisms: Encourage member feedback through diverse channels, such as surveys or one-on-one meetings. Not only will this make members feel valued, but it also provides critical insights for continuous space improvement.
- Collaborative Spaces: Foster a collaborative environment by designing spaces that encourage interaction, such as communal tables and brainstorming rooms.
- Celebrate Member Successes: Highlight member achievements within the community to foster a culture of support and celebration, enhancing the sense of belonging.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Organize volunteering events or charity drives to strengthen community bonds while contributing positively to the broader society.
- Member Directory: Create a comprehensive member directory that outlines their skills and services. This tool can foster collaboration and business opportunities within the community.
- Regular Newsletters: Stay connected with your community by distributing regular newsletters that highlight upcoming events, member achievements, industry updates, and opportunities.
Strategically cultivating a coworking community requires time and effort but can yield significant rewards. A strong, engaged community not only attracts and retains members but also enriches the overall coworking experience, contributing to a thriving, innovative business environment.