Everything Coworking

Aligning incentives is critical...unfortunately, our intuitiion sometimes leads us to bonus performance that should be intrinsically rewarded....and we end up sending a signal that table stakes behaviors are actuall going above and beyond the call of duty.

On this episode, we go through some unexpected findings on how to do bonuses right and walk through coworking-specific applications.  

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Harvard Business Review Article: Research: When Bonuses Backfire

Everything Coworking Featured Resources:

Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space

Coworking Startup School

Community Manager University

Follow Us on YouTube

In this episode of the Everything Coworking Podcast, I’m joined by Dorothy Rogers-Bullis and Dan Bullis, founders of Saratoga CoWorks. Known for their community-focused approach, Dorothy and Dan are experts in creating coworking spaces that blend functional design with personal touches. Together, they discuss their philosophy on coworking design, the power of local connections, and how they’ve used their own design backgrounds to cultivate an inviting environment at Saratoga CoWorks.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Dorothy and Dan’s background in business interiors led to their unique approach to coworking space design.

• Key design elements that set Saratoga CoWorks apart, including flexible layouts and personal touches.

• Strategies for balancing aesthetics and functionality to create a welcoming yet practical environment.

• Insights into how they build relationships with members, making coworking spaces feel like a true community.

• Practical tips on using design to cater to the evolving needs of coworking members.

Whether you're designing your own coworking space or looking for ways to enhance community-building, this episode with Dorothy and Dan offers valuable insights into building coworking environments that support both form and function.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Dorothy's LinkedIn profile

Daniel's LinkedIn profile

Elisabeth LaPierre on LinkedIn

Saratoga CoWorks website

drb Business Interiors

Everything Coworking Featured Resources:

Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space

Coworking Startup School

Community Manager University

Follow Us on YouTube

In this episode, Jamie chats with Amanda Lewan, CEO and co-founder of Bamboo, about her journey from a grassroots coworking concept in Detroit to leading three thriving locations across Michigan. Amanda shares invaluable lessons on building sustainable, hyperlocal coworking communities, and how community support, private offices, and strategic expansion can drive success.

We talked about:

• How Amanda built Bamboo from a small pop-up to three high-demand locations, starting with $5,000 and a passion for community

• Insights on navigating the coworking needs of different markets and why hyperlocal adaptability matters

• The importance of small private offices for stabilizing revenue and meeting community needs

• Bamboo’s approach to forming a launch committee to integrate authentically into new markets

• Leveraging community-driven initiatives and strategic property ownership to create a sustainable coworking model

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Amanda's LinkedIn profile

Bamboo website

Everything Coworking Featured Resources:

Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space

Coworking Startup School

Community Manager University

Follow Us on YouTube

In this solo episode, Jamie breaks down the critical elements of sales funnel automation and member onboarding, drawing from personal experiences outside the coworking world. Jamie explores the power of creating a frictionless sales funnel and dives deep into how a strategic onboarding process can drive member retention.

Here’s what she covers:

• The role of automation in streamlining your sales funnel to convert leads without missing a beat

• How to use text messaging and email automation effectively to engage potential members

• Why first impressions during the onboarding process are key to creating a lasting member relationship

• Simple strategies to gather feedback from new members and improve your space’s experience

• Practical tips for avoiding the common pitfalls of automation, from broken links to inappropriate messaging tone

Everything Coworking Featured Resources:

Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space

Coworking Startup School

Community Manager University

Follow Us on YouTube

In this episode, I’m excited to chat with Sarah Athanas, Co-Founder of Groundwork Coworking in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Sarah's story of starting and growing a coworking space in a smaller market is inspiring, full of persistence, creativity, and community building. She shares how her experience living in Argentina planted the seed for Groundwork and how she navigated the challenges of building a business from scratch in a city that needed it.

Here’s what we dive into:

• How Sarah’s experience at an Argentine coworking space inspired her to bring the concept to New Bedford

• The unique journey of partnering with the city and using grant funding to get Groundwork off the ground

• What it’s like to grow a coworking business in a smaller market and how patience and persistence paid off

• Insights on expanding to a second location and the importance of finding the right partners

• The evolving role of nonprofits and the offshore wind industry as key members of Groundwork

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Sarah's LinkedIn profile

Groundwork website

Everything Coworking Featured Resources:

Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space

Coworking Startup School

Community Manager University

Follow Us on YouTube

In this episode, I chat with Evan Preslopsky, Senior Sales Manager at Venture X and Office Evolution, about his unique path from fitness to coworking sales. Evan shares how his background in fitness and construction sales has influenced his approach to building broker relationships and scaling sales across multiple coworking locations.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Evan’s journey from the fitness industry into coworking and sales

• How to cultivate strong broker relationships to close larger coworking deals

• The role fitness plays in maintaining discipline and focus in the sales process

• Key strategies for managing multiple coworking locations efficiently

• Tips on automating and tracking sales processes to support coworking growth

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Evan's LinkedIn profile

Venture X - Charlotte – The Refinery website

Everything Coworking Featured Resources:

Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space

Coworking Startup School

Community Manager University

Follow Us on YouTube

In this episode, I sit down with Kristin Hardwick, the Founder and CEO of CoHo, a thriving coworking space in Milford, New Hampshire. Kristin shares her journey from corporate life to photography, and eventually, the creation of CoHo—a coworking space that prioritizes community, connection, and the needs of small business owners and remote workers.

Tune in as Kristin breaks down her philosophy on creating a welcoming environment and the unique challenges of opening a coworking space right before the pandemic.

We talked about:

• How Kristin’s experience in photography and corporate life influenced her approach to building CoHo.

• The unexpected benefits of launching a coworking space in a smaller town.

• The importance of building personal connections with members to foster a thriving coworking community.

• How Kristin has adapted her space and operations to meet the post-pandemic demand for private offices.

• Marketing strategies that have worked for CoHo.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Kristin's LinkedIn profile

The Coworking House website

Everything Coworking Featured Resources:

Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space

Coworking Startup School

Community Manager University

Follow Us on YouTube

 

In this episode, I sit down with Karen Tait, founder of The Residence Coworking in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire. Karen shares her inspiring journey from a career in investment banking to creating a high-end coworking space that caters to the needs of suburban professionals. With a vision for blending luxury with functionality, Karen has turned The Residence into a thriving hub for the local business community, providing more than just desks—it's a space that fosters connections, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. We talked about:

• How Karen transitioned from investment banking to launching The Residence Coworking
• The unique challenges and opportunities of building a high-end coworking space in the suburbs
• Why community and customer experience are crucial for coworking success
• How The Residence caters to the needs of suburban professionals and remote workers
• Insights from scaling up The Residence during and after the pandemic

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Karen's LinkedIn profile

The Residence Coworking website

Everything Coworking Featured Resources:

Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space

Coworking Startup School

Community Manager University

Follow Us on YouTube

In this episode, I chat with Alison Rogers, the founder of Blush Cowork, a coworking space that combines professional workspace with onsite childcare services. Alison shares her journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship, addressing a gap for working parents. Her story highlights how Blush Cowork is reshaping the coworking landscape for families, especially for parents seeking a balance between professional life and parenting.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Alison’s background and what inspired her to create Blush Cowork.
• How coworking and childcare can coexist and support working parents.
• Challenges Alison faced in building a business that serves both professionals and parents.
• Effective strategies for creating flexible, sustainable childcare models.
• How Blush Cowork fosters entrepreneurship, with a special focus on supporting women.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Alison's LinkedIn profile

Blush Cowork website

Everything Coworking Featured Resources:

Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space

Coworking Startup School

Community Manager University

Follow Us on YouTube

Q4 is right around the corner and on this episode, I share three ideas for Q4 goals that you can set to add profit to your business.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Mailbox Moneymaker Challenge

Everything Coworking Featured Resources:

Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space

Coworking Startup School

Community Manager University

Follow Us on YouTube