In this episode, Jamie is joined by Emanuele Sisti, founder of Innovation Campus, a coworking brand with locations in Spain and Italy. Emanuele shares his inspiring transition from engineering to entrepreneurship and his journey to create vibrant coworking spaces tailored for international communities. With an emphasis on connection, design, and adaptability, Innovation Campus thrives in competitive markets while fostering a global community.
In this episode, we cover:
How Emanuele’s engineering background shaped his approach to launching Innovation Campus.
The unique challenges and opportunities of serving expats in coworking spaces.
Balancing growth and consolidation while maintaining community-focused values.
The competitive coworking landscape in Spain and strategies for standing out.
Creative partnerships and expanding into new markets on a budget.
Emanuele’s story is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow their coworking space or gain inspiration for building a global community!
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
Are your community managers ready to help your coworking space accomplish goals with less friction in 2025? In this episode, we’re diving into the four key strategies to align, empower, and strengthen your team for success.
🎯 Here’s what we cover:
1️⃣ Setting Inspiring, Actionable Goals: Learn how to break big-picture objectives into meaningful, measurable steps your team can rally around.
2️⃣ Fostering Accountability Without Micromanaging: Discover the secret to building trust and encouraging ownership in your team’s day-to-day work.
3️⃣ Investing in Training & Development: Why ongoing education and mentorship are critical to boosting confidence and performance.
4️⃣ Encouraging Peer Engagement: Simple ways to foster connection and collaboration within your team to boost morale and productivity.
Whether you’re focused on increasing member retention, closing more tours, or creating a culture of accountability, these strategies will help your team hit their goals faster—and with less friction.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
Tamara Payne is a multi-passionate, human-centered entrepreneur and a master connector...it makes sense that she ended up in coworking!
Tamara owns Ensemble Coworking, along with a coaching business. This episode is full of gold nuggets on how she structures a team that allows her to work on the business, not in it, and how she has created a profitable business that is still community-first (check out her Google reviews!)
In this episode, Tamara shares:
The transition from a marketing business to launching a coworking space in Fort Worth and the challenges she faced.
Why a strong, community-focused culture is at the heart of Ensemble Coworking's success and how it impacts member retention.
The role of a visionary and integrator in a coworking business partnership and how to work through early-stage challenges.
How they leveraged organic marketing and word-of-mouth to grow their business and build a loyal community.
Insight into their diverse revenue streams, including meeting room rentals, virtual memberships, and dedicated desk options.
Tamara’s journey proves that, with the right mindset and a community-first approach, a coworking space can thrive.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Q1 2025 Planning Session - Join us!
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
Hope is not a strategy. One of the pitfalls of being an entrepreneur is that we tend to like to just keep moving. But actions taken at random will not get us closer to our goal as fast as focused actions taken against a plan.
In this episode, we introduce a "12 Week Year" planning framework and invite you to our Q1 2025 planning workshop.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
The Q1 2025 Planning Workshop for Coworking Space Owners
The Twelve Week Year book
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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
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:
Elisabeth LaPierre on LinkedIn
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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:
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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
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:
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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:
Venture X - Charlotte – The Refinery website
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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:
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
The Residence Coworking website
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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:
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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:
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
What does it take to leave a high-stakes career in investment banking and build a thriving coworking community in the suburbs? Mark Fornasiero, co-founder of ACE Coworking in Oakville, shares his unexpected journey from the trading floor to coworking.
Mark reveals how he and his wife, Nancy, went from dreaming about coworking spaces to opening two successful locations. They navigated the ups and downs of building in a suburban market, including surviving the challenges of COVID-19.
In this episode, we cover:
Whether you’re looking to expand your coworking business or just getting started, Mark’s insights will help you think strategically and make the right moves.
Tune in to hear Mark’s real-life experiences and get practical tips you can use in your own coworking journey!
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
On this episode, we're sharing some nuggets from our recent Community Manager University roundtable on 2024 Coworking Trends.
The group discussed the "hospitality" trend in coworking and shared a few simple ideas to integrate daily hospitality into your coworking space.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
While recurring memberships are the gold standard, the reality is that more and more users are seeking flexibility. In this episode, we explore how to adapt to this shift and capitalize on the opportunities it presents.
We talk about:
The Rise of On-Demand Users: Understanding the increasing demand for flexible, on-demand coworking options and how to cater to this market segment.
Types of On-Demand Products: An overview of popular on-demand offerings, including day passes, meeting room bookings, day offices, and punch cards, and how they can fit into your business model.
Pricing Strategies: Tips on setting premium prices for on-demand services to ensure profitability while meeting user needs.
Mindset Shift: Encouraging operators to embrace on-demand users and view them as a valuable revenue stream rather than a disruption to traditional membership models.
Implementing On-Demand Services: Practical advice on how to integrate on-demand booking options into your website, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience for potential customers.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Is Your Coworking Space Ready for Enterprise Clients? (episode with Phil Kirschner)
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
A recent trip to the groomer got me thinking about balancing tech-enabled coworking purchases and onboarding with on-site customer service and hospitality.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Live Masterclass: on August 15th: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
To Staff or Not to Staff. That is the question we explore in this episode.
Here’s what we dive into:
Staffed vs. Unstaffed Spaces: Why might an operator choose to run a space without staff? What are the trade-offs?
Real-Life Experiences: Hear about operators that successfully operate unstaffed spades.
Coffee Culture: Learn creative ways to manage coffee service in unstaffed coworking environments—because let’s face it, coffee is the lifeblood of productivity!
Hybrid Models: Explore how some coworking spaces are blending staffed and unstaffed models to maximize flexibility and efficiency for their members.
Decision-Making Tips: Get practical advice on choosing the right model for your coworking space based on target audience, location, budget, and long-term goals.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
You love a little extra revenue...flex memberships are hard to sell, so you're happy to have a little more buzz in the space with the day passers...but day passers can be high maintenance, it can be challenging to make sure they have a great experience, and sometimes it feels like they are more work than they're worth.
Day passes create the ultimate flexibility for the commitment-phobic user. So if you offer them at an attractive price, you might get repeat day pass users who never upgrade to a recurring membership, helping you to sleep a little easier at night.
Who does not offer them?
Lucid Private Offices
Gather
Here are a few tips to encourage day passers to upgrade to recurring memberships:
Raise the price of your day pass. If the daily rate of your lowest recurring membership is not significantly less than your day pass, you won't get your day pass users to upgrade. There's both a monetary cost and a mental cost to committing to a recurring fee. You have to make it attractive enough to overcome that resistance.
Create a more compelling "fence" between your day pass and a recurring membership. If you don't want to encourage repeat day pass purchases, don't give them the benefits of membership.
Run periodic promotions to create urgency and scarcity. Humans generally operate on inertia. You have to give them a really compelling reason to change their behavior. Encourage the upgrade by offering new-members-only promotions with a compelling discount on a recurring membership for a short period. You could put a minimum membership commitment on the promo such as 3 months, to avoid having day passers upgrade for one month only.
And if the admin cost of offering day passes is just too high, don't do it.
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
What gets focus gets better.
If you want to improve your coworking business, define your KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), track them, pull levers to make them better, and grow your coworking business.
In this episode, I walk through 3 of my 5 favorite KPIs for coworking businesses.
If you missed the first two KPIs, scroll back to episode #351.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
What gets focus gets better.
If you want to improve your coworking business, define your KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), track them, pull levers to make them better, and grow your coworking business.
In this episode, I walk through 2 of my 5 favorite KPIs for coworking businesses.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
Maryann Baldwin opened a 2400 square foot coworking space in Lansing Iowa, population 1,000. This is her third year in business and this year she will turn a profit.
She owns the building and doesn’t staff full time.
Her “Whys” in no particular order include: economic development, connecting like-minded people, coaching new business owners, helping the local community keep their minds healthy through lifelong learning, and providing Internet and a great place to work for visitors.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
Sam Pickering is the head of the sustainability practice at Incendium Consulting which is part of the Instant Group.
Sam shares:
What their Sustainability Index tracks and how it helps operators make better decisions about their environmental impact and changes they can make to improve their score.
Incendium’s partnership with the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) to create a simplified/approachable coworking version of the Well Certification.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Everything Coworking Featured Resources:
Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space