Working out of the coffee shop can be exciting at first. As you set up your laptop, buy some coffee, and get to work, you can just imagine people wondering what important business you’re engaged in. But work in a coffee shop a few times, and you’ll quickly see why a coworking space might be a better option.
Turn down the noise
Coffee grinders, loud conversations, cell phones ringing, the constant ding of the door opening and closing. Coffee shops can be noisy. It’s hard to focus with noise distractions. The problem is that coffee shops are designed to sell coffee and encourage conversation. Coworking spaces, on the other hand, are designed for getting work done. Since everyone is there to work, they tend to be quieter.
A matter of privacy
You never know who’s sitting behind you at a coffee shop. If your work is even slightly sensitive, you may not want strangers looking over your shoulder at your computer screen. Paper files are no better. Anyone could read them when you get up to grab a second donut. At a coworking space, you’re surrounded by professionals who respect each other’s privacy.
Speaking of professionalism. Meeting clients in a coffee shop can be fine if you’re looking for a relaxed vibe, but you may eventually need a less public venue. Especially if the client has a concern or needs to discuss sensitive business matters, a coffee shop might just be too public.
Meanwhile, most coworking spaces offer access to meeting rooms so you can portray professionalism while respecting client privacy.
Taking up space
Coffee shops are designed for small groups of people to sit together and share a drink, not for professionals trying to run a business. The tables can be small. And even if you do manage to snag one of the big tables, you’ll get dirty looks when a group comes in and has nowhere to sit.
On the other hand, a coworking space is designed with the professional in mind. You have plenty of room to spread out papers, projects and whatever else you’re working on without inconveniencing everyone else.
Do you have the power?
We’ve all done it. The awkward tilt to look under the coffee shop tables in search of an exposed power outlet. More often than not, they’re all taken, or else, the coffee shop has sneakily hidden them behind the counter where patrons can’t find them.
In a coworking space, there are always enough outlets to go around.
What about Coffee?
Of course, the best reason to work at a coffee shop is the coffee. What business owner doesn’t want caffeine served up on demand? But all of those lattes can add up. At College Park Executive Suites we always have free coffee (and tea) on the brew for tenants and their guests. Drink as much coffee as you want without cutting into your profits for the day.
Speaking of profits, coworking space is probably more affordable than you think. You can get a coworking space at College Park Executive Suites for as little as $50 per month. Call Jackie today and be out of the coffee shop tomorrow.
