I think the one issue that many Freelancers-Indie Professionals-Solopreneurs has is the way others perceive us. A lot of us start off working from home, local coffee shops, libraries, and beyond. I think sometimes because we don’t run our business “out of an real office or store front” people think twice about hiring/buying from us and when they do they believe that we should be available 24/7 – “You just an individual doing something I need done aka not a real business”. I find myself wanting to scream from the highest point, “I, too am a business. Damn it!”
Question: Should it really matter where I work from as long as I get the work done?
I think not but it sure did feel great working out of my “own office” last week. So if you are new here or just haven’t been back to my blog in while, I am on the hunt for some place to call my “home office” that not at home. Working from home has been great but at some point you get bored with your surroundings and just want to feel like you are part of the real world again. That’s when Operation Cowork began. This past winter I started working out my local libraries because it was free and within walking distance, but now it Summer and the school kids will be getting out soon. It was time for me to venture out. I check out Loosecubes and found the Regent Business Center (RBC).
Photo Credit: Loosecubes (this is the actual office I work in)
It looked perfect. I was already familiar with the area being that I used to work over there. Let me first say this. After two days of being that in that area, I do not miss working in the city. The commute, oh the HORROR!
There are 3 RBCs and they are all in the city (what no Brooklyn love?). I worked out of the Third Ave and E 46St. location, Grand Central territory. Not only do you have to deal with the rush of people going to and from work but the tourists. Oh and I can forget mention the lunch crowd, everyone goes out at the same time.
The area didn’t change much, although some of my favorite eating spots are gone. Besides that I felt right at home (I still love you Brooklyn). Now on to the RBC. It is located in a real office building with security and everything. There was a minor hiccup once I arrive. The host was out of the office and they weren’t expecting me. The receptionist was very nice though and took care of me. I was surprise that I was lead to an empty office to work from, was only expecting an cubicle.
There a telephone if you need one, a large L-shape desk, two guest chairs, a file cabinet, and both a bulletin and white board. Hey, you can’t beat that. Keep in mind that this is not your typical Coworking location, you are still working with other businesses but they are in their own office space. I regret not touring the place in full, I just got settle in and started working.
I was able to go out and have lunch with no problem. There was a little trouble with the internet (I definitely need to get my own WiFi hotspot). It took me a while to figure out how to connect using my Mac, the second day I brought my netbook to see if would be the same with a PC. So I don’t know whose internet I was using, that was a big concern. I thought I was Ms. Big Stuff because I have never had my own office. I’ve had hung out/had meetings in other people offices, had my own chair in an office (internship) and an shared cubicle space. I even posted a picture to Instagram and Skype with a friend to show of my digs. I was super hyped.
Bottomline, I love the place. Had two very productive days. If I could work out of the office at the RBC everyday I would. I going to make it a mission to do so at least once a month. They need to bring a location to the Downtown Brooklyn area.
If you ever need to meet with clients, investors, etc. in person or just want to feel like to stomping with the big dogs, you should definitely check out one of three Regent Business Centers.
Cost of Coworking at Regent Business Center*: $9
Cost of running Operation CoWork (as of 6/8/12): $40.50
*Since the 2 days I work from the Regent Business Center were free the cost only includes transportation.
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